It’s been a glorious week at Oxford High. We started with the news that Cecily in Year 12 playing for the U17 British Team had reached the final of the Euros on Saturday. Although the final score was 4-0 we are just so proud that she played every minute of every game. The whole hearted engagement of so many of our students with their activities both in and out of school is just magic. Monday also brought an assembly by our year 8 pupils, Holly, Megan and Julia who talked to the school of the activities of Amnesty International the of the importance of engaging our voices and efficacy to support the rights of others. Our Duke of Edinburgh expeditions at the weekend were successful for every single pupil which is a testament to their resilience and collaborative support for one another. A fabulous concert by the lower school on Wednesday evening as well as a celebratory Achievement Assembly where accomplishments as diverse as commendations for National Essay competitions, to showjumping to maths achievements were all celebrated by our community.
That sense of joy in one another’s achievements pervades the school. Year 13’s muck up day was tremendous with extremely funny memes on the walls, engaging in the most inclusive theme we’ve ever had of ‘childhood’ where our students were exhorted to bring in teddy bears and have a picnic outside. Our Year 11 students on their final day in school uniform demonstrated the most extraordinary creativity as they cut, sliced and decorated their clothes with a whole range of slogans including, of course, ‘Go Beyond’ and ‘Ad Lucem’.
Three years ago our students weren’t able to engage in these wonderful rites of passage. They left for their study leave clapped by the community outside the building and I know, from my discussions with so many of our pupils that they felt cheated having planned over the years their own time to come. It is heartwarming to enjoy the celebrations and know that, just as it should be, the rites of passage so important to generations of Oxford High pupils are back and are in full force.
It is only day 2 of the campaigning so I do not need to mention it here only to wish you all a restful and invigorating half term with your families. I wish you lots of reading and connection with one another and look forward to seeing everyone back in school on Monday 3rd June.
Ad Lucem
Mrs Gardiner Legge