There’s a superhero in all of us
Have you ever wondered how superheroes go to the loo? This was a contemplation of mine on Wednesday when I realised how impractical those suits are. They may look good with the cape, tights and enhanced muscles but all that faffing… I could never be a superhero!
And yet, of course, it is not what is on the outside that counts. It is what is underneath plus our actions that define us and this is where we can learn from the superheroes we see on screen for they exemplify some important life lessons.
The X-Men teach us to be proud of who we are. The Hulk turns his flaws into a positive. Spiderman learns how to accept responsibility while Superman encourages expression and says that a problem shared is a problem halved. Iron Man is a risk taker and puts himself beyond his comfort zone even if it results in failure while Batman balances up his nocturnal crime-fighting with philanthropic deeds and donations during the day.
Collectively we learn that even superheroes have weaknesses, that it is important to express one’s emotions and that humility is the hallmark of great power. And all these things are not only deeply human but also attainable for every single one of us. After all, we are all striving to make the world a better place aren’t we?
Cape or no cape, the real superheroes are those who go out of their way to look after, protect and provide for others. Whether it be doctors, nurses, armed forces, emergency services, teachers, nursery workers, counsellors and of course, all parents – everyone who gives time, encouragement and love to others, for me, is a superhero.
So we can all be a superhero but there may be days when we are not feeling superheroic. And this can happen. It can be natural to go into our shells and fear the worst and this is an aspect of mental health that Alicia Drummond spoke about on Wednesday evening in her brilliant talk ‘How to Protect Your Child’s Mental Health.’ If you missed it you can still watch the recording here. It will be available to watch until Thursday 6 May at 12pm. And if you do get caught in a ‘thinking trap’, just remember:
‘You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.’ [A A Milne]
Once again it was lovely to see the fields awash with competitive sports action this week. The cricketers experienced more success in their matches and particular congratulations should go to Oliver Kirtley (U13A), Adam Ibrahim and Aaron Bashir (both U12A) who all scored undefeated half-centuries as their respective teams won convincingly. Well done!
You’ll see elsewhere in this publication details about the Picnic Summer Ball on Saturday 3 July. Over half of the tables have been booked already so if you are intending to come then please act quickly.
May I also draw attention to the Prize Giving earlier on the same day – Saturday 3 July. It did not happen last year for obvious reasons but, at this stage, we are planning to stage Prize Giving on site for all pupils and parents in Years 5 to 8 as we normally would, only this year it will be in a marquee on the fields. The event begins at 11am and drinks with a buffet lunch will be served directly afterwards. Further information including details of the Valedictory Service for Year 8 pupils and parents will follow in a separate letter but, in the meantime, please make a note in your diaries!
It is an exeat bank holiday weekend after three very full and busy weeks (in fact four for the quarantining pupils and staff who looked after them). So please relax and recharge and see you on Tuesday.