When we welcomed back our boys earlier this week, it had been nearly three months since we had last seen them. Longer than a summer break or indeed any term. As each year group sat in their assembly, I noticed how different many of them looked: many have become taller, some are sporting home-made haircuts, whilst others have impressive manes.

As we congregated for the first time, we discussed how the focus for the rest of the term would be wellbeing, and the first step would be reframing lockdown and appreciating what we have. The boys have practised intellectual agility and spiritual resilience, and thanks to their engagement in remote education, we are confident that we can very quickly address any gaps.

The next step will be to foster what we have missed the most in weeks of home-bound, relative isolation: connection. Our connections with others in our community are at the heart of happiness. Over the coming weeks, we will appreciate it and nourish it. To do so, we will focus on what binds connections most strongly; kindness.

Kindness is an act that we can practise with ease – and know that it is always possible. It immediately generates wellbeing, positivity and a disposition for further kindness. It ripples within a community and brings it together. Kindness is also a necessary prerequisite for an ambitious learning community, as it makes one feel safe. We feel more inclined to take risks and step outside our comfort zone because we know that people are cheering us on.

We agreed to go beyond our usual social circles: we will be kind with a greeting, a smile and eye contact with someone to whom we do not usually speak. We will be curious about others, ask them questions, and really listen, even if it is someone we have not spoken to before. We will be on the lookout and involve others in our games, even if we do not usually play with them. We will be givers.

The corridors and playground have been beaming all week. Have a wonderful weekend.

 

Mr Matteo E Rossetti

Head of Preparatory School