‘A simple act of kindness can make a tremendous impact on a person’s life’
The past 18 months have prevented us coming together to celebrate the successes of our pupils but this year, the parents of prize winners were able to join us in a socially distanced Speech Day, highlighting the achievements of the pupils throughout a difficult year for all.
Mrs K Neaves, Senior Deputy Head of Prep School, looked back on the past 18 months and the resilience and strength our pupils have shown throughout this time.
She told the story of the people living in the town called Gander, in Newfoundland, who showed kindness and hospitality towards the nearly 7000 passengers of the planes diverted on September 11.
The theme of kindness came from the Pupil Forum wanting to create an even friendlier playground to support those who were still healing from their experiences during lockdown. Mrs Neaves thanked them for their fundraising efforts which raised £1800 during this term.
‘Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about…. Be Kind…. Always.
Mrs Neaves spoke of the kindness of the School community in helping everyone returning from lockdown, ‘ready to face the challenges’.
The Prep School choir of 15, Prep Six pupils, left the audience feeling emotional with their strong performance of ‘Opportunity’ while Mia Lesniak and Kari-Ella Bailey sang ‘Count on me’ and ‘Someone you loved’, respectively, while playing the piano. It was a truly moving experience to see the pupils performing live.
Mia received our ‘Spirit of Magdalene House’ award which is presented to the pupil who encompasses our School ethos of taking every opportunity that is presented to them to help them discover who they are and become independent, life-long learners.
Kari- Ella was presented with the Music award for all her contributions to and participation in the Music and Musical theatre departments.
Our Endeavour award was presented to ‘All pupils within the Prep School’ for their true resilience, resourcefulness, reflectiveness and reciprocity through one of the toughest years they have faced.
The Head Girl, Georgia Ward, and Head Boy, Oliver Gee, shared their experiences at the School and spoke of the opportunities they had been given and their achievements throughout their time in the School. The greatest being both of them having the confidence to address an audience.
Mrs Neaves announced the new officials for the next academic year, with Dilan Kant as Head Boy and Phoebe Trew as Head Girl.
The House cup was won by Clarkson who had a convincing win.
The closing words given were from Princess Diana, as Speech Day was held on what would have been her 60th birthday.
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that someone may do the same for you.”