I am immensely proud that in the years I have been headteacher of MPS that the school community has always felt united and very much like a family. In school, we talk about being a school family –a group of people connected by support and care with a sense of belonging and mutual responsibility.
I have been particularly worried about the impact of recent events on our school community and our sense of being connected and belonging. I know for example, that the display of English flags have generated very mixed emotions across the country with some people feeling intimidated and upset by them. Then the news of the attack at the synagogue in Manchester yesterday has filled me with complete sadness. I want to stand up and say that everyone in our school community is valued.
During their assembly this morning, Kestrel Class children reminded us that Dr. Barnardo achieved all he did due to his commitment to ensure that ‘no child should live in darkness and fear’. This seems as relevant today as for Victorian Britain. They finished their assembly by saying in unison, “Let’s be like light: shining, guiding, helping others see the way.” What a very poignant and meaningful call to action from our young people.
