Perspective
From the Headmaster’s Desk: 9th June 2023
Mr Hammond
Headmaster
With the tragic events in France, I write this week’s missive with a heavy heart. I am sure you will join me in wishing the community in Annecy the very best over the coming days and hoping those in hospital make a swift recovery.
You will have read my letter regarding the School’s approach to this incident. As with all matters, we believe that open and honest communication and working closely with families are the keys to success. There was some general guidance in my letter about how to talk to children about upsetting events, but if we can be of any further support (in this or any pastoral matter) please let us know.
The safety of children is paramount and we feel privileged that you entrust the education of your children to Abercorn and its staff every single day. With the greatest respect to those affected, it would be wrong to let tragedy prevent the celebration of why schools exist – the children and their happiness. After all, if children are happy the rest should fall into place. Academics are important, as is reporting progress in the classroom to families. But without play, fun, happiness and laughter, schools would be empty of spirit and vigour. We must cherish childhood, no matter what the age of the pupil, and the Summer Term is (perhaps) the best time to be a school child in the UK.
Only today, Reception visited the National Portrait Gallery. Next week, we have our latest Forest School outings, the start of our Lower School end-of-year concerts and the Senior School rendition of Matilda. Remember that all of these lovely events are in addition to “business as usual” – children also like rigour and structure, from the school timetable to well-ordered classrooms and well-behaved peers.
To keep the end of term events that the children so dearly love in the forefront of your minds, the following list of dates will be a standing item for the rest of term. Please also keep an eye out for event-specific communication for any residential trips (Years 3 and above) and the following:
· Matilda (our Year 5 and 6 Play), Tuesday 13th June;
· Year 5-9 Prize Giving, Friday 23rd June;
· Senior Sports Day, Monday 3rd July;
· Sports Dinner, Tuesday 4th July;
· Lower School Sports afternoon, Wednesday 5th July;
· The last of term, Thursday 6th July.
All the best for a relaxing (and rather hot) 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.
