Principal's news

I recently was sent this poem from a friend and I am inspired to share it, as I think it encapsulates a positive perspective that may assist parents at this difficult time:

‘Do not ask your children to strive’

By William Martin

Do not ask your children

to strive for extraordinary lives

Such striving may seem admirable, 

but it is the way of foolishness.

Help them instead to find the wonder

and the marvel of ordinary life. 

Show them the joy of tasting

tomatoes, apples and pears

Show them how to cry

when pets and people die.

Show them the infinite pleasure

in the touch of a hand.

And make the ordinary come alive for them.

The extraordinary will take care of itself.

As a society, we are working through great challenges at present, with many anxiety inducing elements. As individuals, we are all grappling with myriad challenges. Whilst I count myself incredibly fortunate to be employed, housed and connected, with access to health care if required, COVID-19 has thrown up many personal and professional challenges. I have had to call on all of my resources in the face of criticism, well-intentioned advice, exhaustion, decision fatigue, loss and grief and a host of other difficulties, that have come with being a leader, having a family and being human at this time. Something that I am sure you can all relate to.  As the lockdowns continue and with it, the diminution of many of the activities that usually fill my life with joy, I have been focusing on the 'ordinary' as a way to get through each day. 

It is a glorious first day of Spring today, which I think reminds us all to make the best of what is in front of us.

Last week, Shelford celebrated all things books and I thank the IRC, Junior School, English Faculty staff and all teachers generally, for engendering a passion for reading in our students. A love of reading is lifelong gift and one that I am grateful for every single day. I LOVE to read and in these tough times, one of the upsides for me has been the extra time each weekend that I can devote to losing myself in a book. I have enjoyed reading for pleasure – from literary prize winners and the latest 'it' books to more trashy crime thriller page turners … a book for all seasons.

I urge families to make reading a central focus in your homes. The advantages for all people in reading are well documented – research cites that reading prevents age-related cognitive decline, can lower blood pressure and heart rate, alleviate stress and depressive symptoms and can help you get a good night’s sleep.

For young people, reading increases their brain’s capacity, as it helps hone focus and concentration, improve memory and develop critical and creative thinking. Reading introduces students to the complex world, it opens their mind to other countries, ideas, values and perceptions. This enhances imagination and creativity and strengthens writing skills. By reading, we absorb rich vocabulary and expand our knowledge and understanding of people, places, history and ideas.

In a family, reading can lead to great shared pleasure – snuggling up together to read a funny story with a young child, is a great way to bond. Reading a chapter book out loud as a family, can promote communication about all sorts of issues. It may help a young person develop empathy as they step inside a character’s mind and live and breath that person’s experience. As Atticus Finch tells Scout in To kill a mockingbird, 'You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.' Reading enables you to do just that.

This weekend, I can’t travel or meet new people but I can lose myself in another person’s life and explore new places and ideas. What a wonderful thing. I hope you all get a chance to read for pleasure too and thank you for supporting your daughters’ reading journey.

Katrina Brennan

Principal