Dear Parents and Friends,
Today I dedicate this space to the Queen. Whatever you think of the monarchy – and please don’t let’s get into a debate about that just now – I am such an admirer of her dedication to public service. Having reflected on her life so far for assembly yesterday I realised that I have, in fact, been there for all her jubilees. (If only I had bought the mugs at the time.) And, through it all she has retained and repeated the same dedication: ‘‘When I was 21, I pledged my life to the service of our people and I asked for God’s help to make good that vow. Although that vow was made in my salad days, when I was green in judgment, I do not regret nor retract one word of it.’ She has guided 14 British Prime Ministers and, counting the countries who were a part of the Commonwealth, over 170 leaders of countries have been privy to her – impressive indeed.
She reaffirmed her vow on February 6 2012, at the beginning of her Diamond Jubilee year when she declared: ‘In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship and good neighbourliness.’
Yesterday, in our school assembly to celebrate the achievements of the half term, I saw that same sense of friendship and neighbourliness. You may or may not be aware of the Head’s commendations where pupils are nominated by school staff for achievements ranging from generosity of spirit, kindness, team spirit, role models for the community, service to others or excellence in representing the school. As I read one name out yesterday, her best friend squealed in excitement for her and the whole hall of students giggled and then clapped in celebration. That, right there, is the spirit of our school community. The friendship, the joy and the wholehearted enthusiasm in celebration, not of oneself, but of others is at the heart of our school. It is uplifting, life enhancing and a tremendous tonic to the weary at the end of a long half term. It is indeed heartening to see that same dedication to the service of others not just in the life of the Queen but in our young people too.
With warmest wishes
Marina Gardiner Legge
Headmistress
