Written by Katherine, Head Girl
One of the wonderful things about being Head Girl at a time like this is that I have the opportunity to be a part of the opening up of the school. During lockdown and the months when we were allowed to be back at school, but not able to come together, one of the main things that we missed out on were the whole school activities. We had to scale back events such as sports day, house choir and the teacher quiz. These moments all highlighted the incredible adaptability and resilience of OHS students. However, there’s nothing quite like the atmosphere in the Main Hall when the entire student body is stomping its feet in excitement, showing their support for their favourite act in the staff talent show. I missed that.
A few years ago we took all this for granted. We weren’t restricted to bubbles and zones, such as the marquée (gone but never forgotten (RIP 2020-2022)). We had endless opportunities to come together as a school, in house events, charity fundraisers, and even in whole school assemblies twice a week. When Covid-19 was at its worst, the school fought to maintain what traditions it could. This meant that I got to have a Muck Up Day after my exams. I, obviously, took full advantage of this opportunity to cover my uniform with paint and feathers and to stick rhinestones spelling out ‘Ad Lucem’ on my butt, something that Mrs Gardiner Legge complimented me on, much to my embarrassment at the time. This shows how the school has always gone out of its way to nurture our individuality and creativity, even when our tastes are somewhat questionable in my case.
Now these events are starting up again. Trips have restarted – I, for one, am looking forward immensely to the Politics, Economics and Psychology trip to Washington D.C. and New York – and house activities, such as House Sports, are back. We must use these opportunities to the fullest. For example, the Classics trip I took in Year 10 to Sicily was not just about learning- though we did- it also gave me the chance to explore friendships, travel without parents and learn how to stream iconic sporting events (the semi-final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup) without large roaming costs.
One of the problems I have seen over the last few years is just how much time can merge together if events do not punctuate it. Life at OHS is full of events, so take advantage of them and throw yourself in, whether it is by singing in House Choir or participating in a concert or giving form decorating your all. These events create memories and build community. They are the fun on which we should strive to build our lives.