#HelloYellow
The native North American Indians trained their boys with the greatest possible care and legend has it that one of the most important ordeals was that of ‘The Vigil’.
A father would take his son deep into the forest to a region that would be unfamiliar to the boy. Towards sunset, they would share a meal and then, as darkness fell, the father would say “good night”, turn his back and depart, leaving his son alone in the forest. The boy would have to spend the whole night in solitude, sometimes wearing a blindfold to add to the darkness, with weird animal sounds and fears of cultural ghosts and evil spirits echoing in his mind.
Eventually, in the morning, the light would arrive and with it would come the discovery that the boy had not been alone after all. Standing close by, and there all along, was his father who had shared his vigil and been there throughout the hours of darkness. This was very much a test of character but one which demonstrated to the boy that he is never alone, even when he thinks he is.
It is World Mental Health day tomorrow and this has been widely recognised today by members of our community who are all enhancing their attire with something yellow. #HelloYellow Day is organised by the charity Young Minds whose aim is to raise awareness among young people about the importance of mental health and there has been a particular focus on the feeling of loneliness.
With Lockdown proven to have had an effect on many young minds, it is important our pupils understand that there are people to talk to, people who are willing to listen. We all face challenges at times and our ability to persevere can be tested but our resilience is always strengthened when we know we are not alone. With Sarah Piper, our Head of Wellbeing, training staff in order to broaden our wonderful ‘listening service’, I feel confident that we are supporting Androvians and helping them to understand they are never alone.
On a wander around the school this week I was fascinated by an experiment a class of Year 8 pupils was conducting. In small groups they were engrossed in comparing a variety of liquids and upon enquiry I discovered they were attempting to establish the best remedy for indigestion. I am not sure if this was a planned lesson or whether Mr Barter had been out to dinner the night before but it was engaging stuff!
The sports department have been working incredibly hard this term to keep the children focused and engaged despite the loss of inter-school fixtures. Wednesday’s House Athletics Super 8s was yet another contest that was fun and challenging for all levels. Through a series of relays including agility courses, sprints, endurance races and even backwards running, the children competed for their Houses as others cheered. It was super to see and well done to Rovers (Year 7) and Sea Kings (Year 8), the winners.
Sadly, we missed out on the top prize in the Independent School Magazine’s ‘School of the Year’ Awards for the category ‘Best International Boarding Student Experience’. A little disappointing, but to be the only prep school to reach the final was reward enough for all the hard work the boarding and admissions staff have put in to ensuring our brave pupils from other parts of the world settle and thrive in our school. Colstocks really is now a wonderful environment with a homely and welcoming feel, both in material comfort as well as ethos.
Technology was on our side last night as we made our first foray into the world of virtual parents’ evenings. Using the software ‘SchoolCloud’ Year 5 parents were able to book slots with different staff and jump from one to the other while a timer counted down to ensure the conversation was concise and efficient. It was like speed dating (I imagine), only about school work and you have to supply your own wine and cheese straw! Year 6 parents have this to look forward to next week.
Technology will be to the fore tomorrow morning too as we hold our first Virtual Open Morning. If you know someone who might like to attend, it is not too late to register. They just need to access this link: https://www.standrewsprep.co.uk/admissions/open-morning/
Activities are on as normal tomorrow. Have a good weekend everyone!