Blog
New Places, New Eyes
I’ve neglected the blog over the last couple of weeks and was determined to catch up for the last week of term, yet this final blog of the year has proven to be so very difficult to write.
After all, where does one even begin to describe the year that it has turned out to be?
How does one detail the feeling of sheer pride when thinking about the way in which our community has responded to home learning and the challenges of school closure?
How does one start to explain the sense of both relief and nervous anticipation upon hearing that schools will return in September - but with clear differences that will mean we have a “new normal” rather than a return to complete familiarity?
None of these things can be disputed – and, indeed, the events, griefs and hardships of recent months will grace the pages of future school history books, of that there is little doubt.
There is the merest hint now, however, that we have an opportunity to look forward; to allow ourselves a sense of expectation for the weeks ahead. As society’s restrictions are gradually lifting one by one, and we can look forward to days out, family reunions and more distant travel (even haircuts!), we can also imagine how school might be in September.
Yes, there will be social distancing, different rules and updated risk assessments – and no, sadly, we will not seen the back of one-way systems and antibacterial sanitiser!
However, we will welcome our newest students into Year 7 and Year 12. We will be absolutely delighted to see all our students’ familiar faces regularly again. We will enjoy the new-look Sixth Form Centre, and be intrigued at where the Arts Centre might be hiding its new classroom. Unless we are ultra-observant, the new emergency lighting will probably go unnoticed, but our new benches will be more obvious…. Our brand new Sports Hall isn’t quite ready, but it won’t be long before our curiosity will be assuaged.*
And there it is! A feeling that can easily be described: excitement. Excitement in the face of new beginnings. Excitement at the sense of being together again. Excitement about the fresh start.
Have a wonderful summer break and, whatever September brings, let’s enjoy it for what it is.
