I have no doubt that the words ‘Go Beyond’ will now be a part of your child’s experience at Oxford High School GDST. Whether it is a line in a song, a parsed phrase in The Sunflower Magazine’s Dictionary or even the name of an Ugly Sister in our Staff Panto (Go Beyonda).
Those words are interpreted a number of different ways. Some see it as an exhortation and some as a directive to work harder or do more, which it definitely isn’t. Instead, it’s about the multiplicity of opportunities that Oxford High School offers, way beyond the published curricula and activities, co-curricular or otherwise. Take, for example, Shira and Harsika who at a week’s notice travelled down to London to represent OHS at the GDST’s 150th Anniversary Celebration. Alternatively, in the Lecture with Simon Beaufoy, he talked of his career in terms of being sacked, getting an Oscar and being sacked again – so very refreshing to hear of risk and failure from someone so successful, in a world dominated by achievements. The extraordinary event that was ‘Sister Act’ with standing ovations all round. Thank you for all the emails expressing your admiration and amazement at the spectacle it provided. It was also great welcoming parents for parents’ meetings and recognising student success at our Year 12 Celebration event, where we toasted the tenacity and courage of those who had sat GCSE examinations last year.
But it’s not just about the large events. I was mesmerised by the quiet and clinically sharp observer that is Mary Jean Chan, who came to read her poetry and talk of inspiration and observation to our English students. As well as the enthusiasm of the Atlantic Escapade rowers who are rowing across the Atlantic in a tiny boat to raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). The variety and breadth of the opportunities on offer, which are outlined in this newsletter, indeed ‘Go Beyond.’
But there is another ‘Go Beyond’ as well, which isn’t so high profile, but is even more important. There is the simple act of empathy and kindness. I see doors being opened for other students all the time, pencil cases being picked up, sweets being given, a pat, a hug, a ‘hold this for a moment’… All these are instances where our students, staff, parents and whole community, go beyond for each other. This for me was summed up by the gift that Richard E. Grant received from his neighbour, which you can see on Twitter after the death of his wife, Joan Washington. For those of you who aren’t able to watch, the video outlines the gift of a lap quilt or blanket that he has just received from his next door neighbour with quotations and sayings from his wife, pockets for keepsakes, as well as lines and books from their 38 years together.
A wish to you all this holiday, to enjoy the joy and warmth of thoughtful kindness, whether you are celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, or your own personal celebrations.
Ad Lucem
Marina Gardiner Legge