What does age mean?
From the Headmaster’s Desk: 3 February 2023
Mr Hammond
Headmaster
You can’t keep a good man, woman, dog or other mammal down.
This week, a thirty-year-old dog living in Portugal has not only broken the record of the world's oldest dog, but is also the oldest dog that has ever lived. Impressive stuff in an unusually competition. I wonder if they can be taught any new tricks?
Someone who I have often written about, legendary quarterback and record seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady, has now said he is retiring "for good" after 23 seasons in the NFL. Brady, 45 years young, first announced his retirement on this day last year but reversed his decision six weeks later, claiming he had "unfinished business." He won six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. The 2022-23 season was somewhat disappointing for Brady and his team-mates, but to come back and risk one’s reputation with very little to gain in the sporting sense takes real backbone.
You may not have a dog and you may not follow the NFL, but these are two stories that might have snuck into your consciousness this week. They prove that, with the correct positive mindset, anything is achievable. Mother Harrison and the team at St Mark’s church in St John’s Wood probably optimise this outlook more than most and, during a Candlemas service outside the damaged building on Sunday, she said the fire of last week would not kill the community. We are steadfast with them and continue to make further plans to fundraise for the repairs – please watch this space.
A great deal has happened in school this week; inspired by their voracious reading habits, I find myself embroiled in a reading race with a number of pupils. I am 100 pages into Herman Melville’s classic Moby-Dick. It tops my desk, like the metaphorical Leviathan, but one most continue to stretch the brain (no matter what your age) and I am enjoying the immersive experience on my daily commute. Reading is something that benefits our wellbeing and, with Wellbeing Week taking place from Monday, is something at the forefront of my mind.
Children: please do remember to Dress to Express on Friday 10th February and bring £2 to support Place2Be and St Mark’s church – both are noble causes.
All the best for a relaxing weekend, Mr Hammond
To see how busy a place our wonderful School is and for a more detailed look into all things Abercorn, follow us on social media; Twitter, Instagram and Facebook offer a wide range of updates. My personal thoughts on educational life can be found @hammondteacher.
