My objective in this assembly was to recognise and applaud the excellent and courteous attitude of our students (something already commented on by our new Principal Mr Yorath) as well as inspiring them to reflect on the past year and resolve to make things even better.
Enlisting the help of some Year 7 students – my thanks to Gaja, Ralina, Henry & Weronika – provided the perfect opportunity for them to practise what we were preaching and step up to make a difference. Stories from around the world about how determination can make a difference to communities large and small helped us see just how WE can change things for the better.
As I write this, our Year 11 students are sitting their mock exams and, in just over a week, they will receive their results. This will be the moment of truth for many. The realisation of the significance of holiday revision will dawn and the impact that that work has had will be evident. Has it made a difference? Have they made a difference? I wish them well.
Our school provides a wealth of opportunities for students to get involved and make a difference. At present we are working on the second MIT initiative – you can find more detail here MIT Challenge 2 . This is an opportunity for our students to learn about making a difference through a local community initiative and gain new and extended skills of gathering and analysing data – all under the guidance of one of the most highly esteemed organisations in the world – MIT.
We are looking forward to two visits from Juilliard in February, one from our designated Juilliard artist Steve Dunn, and another from a Juilliard alumnus - John Marcus. More fabulous opportunities for our students to be inspired.
I am looking forward to a term full of opportunities and to watching our students grasp those opportunities. Let’s make a difference.
Happy New Year
Alison Fox
Head of Secondary