Courage
We reflected on Wednesday in assembly on VE Day and on the courage shown by so many who lived through the Second World War: the courage to survive incredible pain, deprivation and hardship – such as in the concentration or POW camps, if they were fortunate enough to survive. Or the courage to risk their lives for others, not only in combat, but perhaps as one of the thousands who resisted the enemy or sheltered Jews in occupied countries. Or even the courage to go on, having lost one or more loved ones in the conflict.
We went on to consider our school’s value of ‘Courage’, which sits alongside Respect, Trust, Curiosity and Community, and which is expanded through further descriptors: determination, resilience, perseverance, commitment, enthusiasm, self-belief, challenge.
As our examination classes depart for study leave, some will not necessarily be feeling courageous. Yet, if they have worked consistently hard, they really have nothing to fear over the next few weeks. All they and we can ask of them is that they do their best. So, we wish them self-belief, stamina and good fortune over the weeks ahead and are especially grateful to our leavers for all that they have contributed to our school community. When I asked our Senior Prefects earlier this week what improvements they would make and what they had valued most about their education at LGS, they immediately said in the latter case that they most appreciated the strong sense of friendly and kind community. They also acknowledged the courage they sometimes needed in a mutually competitive environment where they nevertheless supported each other in their endeavours.
Although it is hard for us to imagine life without peace in our land, I hope that our pupils will understand and be grateful for the freedom to enjoy so many opportunities. I hope they will have the courage to grasp those opportunities, to step out of their comfort zone – in their lessons, in their co-curricular activity and in life. I hope they will be courageous learners who walk boldly in the direction of their dreams.
Best wishes,
John Watson
Headmaster and Principal