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Today is a gift – that’s why they call it the present

Nostalgia. It ain’t what it used to be. 

Ok, that’s a terrible joke but I was reminded of it yesterday when I was touring Old Androvian Tom Gregory who returned to his former school to give the address in Chapel. Although he has been back several times recently with sports teams in his capacity as Deputy Head of Vinehall, it was the first time in around 30 years that he had stepped in to some of our rooms. Certain things were different – the chapel seemed smaller, the library used to be above the Play Room, the pool has expanded – yet other things were the same – the smell of the wood, the sound of the metal spiral staircase, the various bits of lost property. It was endearing to see the memories flooding back and nostalgia like this is a powerful tool. It reminds us of why it is so important to create an environment for children in which they can be themselves and develop academically and socially without growing up too quickly. On this point, I think Ian McEwan articulates it best:  

 

‘For children, childhood is timeless. It is always the present. Everything is in the present tense. Of course, they have memories. Of course, time shifts a little for them and Christmas comes round in the end. But they don’t feel it. Today is what they feel, and when they say, ‘When I grow up,’ there is always an edge of disbelief—how could they ever be other than what they are?”

 

I believe this sentiment to be very important to St Andrew’s and we must all continue to ensure it remains in place, despite all the modern-day social pressures. This is about seizing opportunities and that is exactly what Tom spoke about in his sermon. He recalled the belief a teacher had in him at St Andrew’s that gave him the encouragement to continue out of his comfort zone. Androvians must seize opportunities when they arise, avoid excuse-making and accept help when it is offered.

This last point fitted in nicely with our theme of the week, which is ‘Kindness’ and today, of course, is Kindness Day. This morning Mr Anderson delivered an excellent assembly on what being kind really means: the little things, the random acts and the consistencies in our behaviours that combine to ensure we are a kind community. It was an uplifting talk.

I thought I should leave you with a lovely poem by the great Spike Milligan!

Smiling is infectious,
you catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at me today,
I started smiling too.

I passed around the corner
and someone saw my grin.
When he smiled I realised
I’d passed it on to him.

I thought about that smile,
then I realised its worth.
A single smile, just like mine
could travel round the earth.

So, if you feel a smile begin,
don’t leave it undetected.
Let’s start an epidemic quick,
and get the world infected!