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Sharing the positives

I am well aware of the curse of the commentator and that’s why, as I type, I haven’t washed my hair (a Korean idea to bring good luck), I am throwing salt over my left shoulder (British) and also eating a dozen grapes (Spanish). I am doing these because I hope it will be reassuring to know that we have just one member of our community who is currently positive with Covid (about which you have already been informed). There are Androvians who are isolating due to family members testing positive or are choosing to shield for various reasons and we will never be complacent with our procedures but I feel it worthwhile to share the positives as we near the end of this long term. We look forward to welcoming back our Nursery staff and children next week and I cannot wait to see their smiley faces!

I was reminded on Wednesday that the long-standing early headmaster of St Andrew’s, E L Browne, gave up smoking at the age of eight. Indeed, one hundred years ago, cigarettes were branded with endorsements from doctors. Crazy! Clearly neither they nor ELB had benefited from a Year 3 Androvian education unlike the current Juniors who can explain the importance of a healthy diet, the difference between carbohydrates and proteins and the value of teeth cleaning and exercise. Despite lacking a parental audience for their form assemblies on Wednesday, the Year 3s demonstrated their impressive scientific knowledge as well as their art work, imagination and singing. They all spoke with clear diction and energy and it was lovely to see. Evidently they have all been working extremely hard this term.

There will be more perspiration on Wednesday when the pupils and staff tackle the Christmas Fun Run. This additional event is an idea put forward by Phoebe Wearne in Year 8 who wants to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity in support of Mrs Hart and children who have tumours. Phoebe was in hospital herself last year and she was saddened to see, first-hand, children who had brain tumours and the concern and worry from their parents.

We hope that the St Andrew’s community will get behind the event both by wearing something Christmassy in which to run and also by donating money. Given the restrictions, garnering sponsorship will be tricky this year so we have opted to request £3 from every participant as a flat entry fee but will happily accept bigger donations.  

As we approach the final week of the term, I would like to give some holiday homework to parents. It is evident that some children struggle to hold their cutlery in the correct fashion and also are not quite sure how to cut their food properly. While we give help where we can, especially with the much younger ones who are closely monitored, any help from home with table manners and etiquette would be much appreciated. With plenty of meals together at Christmas, it seems the ideal time.

And so, one more week to go. With Christmas trees, lights and decorations beginning to appear, I am just starting to feel that sense of festivity though pupils and colleagues are still working extremely hard to finish the term as positively as it began. This has been an extraordinary term in many ways but the energy reserves are there and we need one final push so that everyone can enjoy this coming week. The Masterclass performance of A Christmas Carol , shot by video this year, will be available this week, and the clips I have seen are truly impressive. The story’s message that, behind the flickering lights, presents and food, Christmas is a time for forgiveness, compassion and friendship is a storyline worth promoting and that is what we shall be doing over the coming days.

Activities as normal tomorrow. Happy weekend everyone!