This week I have been getting to grips with different perspectives; I didn’t intend that to be the theme of my week, but that’s how it evolved.
On Monday, the Senior School assembly focused on volunteering and the good one person can make to others. Mr Dean led the assembly with a striking visual representation of the many pints of blood he has donated over the years (not real blood – just water with food dye!). He spoke about how minimal the effort of donating was on his part, his perspective was that he got a 30-minute rest with a biscuit at the end and suffered no great loss, while the recipient of his blood would view it as literally life-saving.
My next consideration was in French as a hybrid lesson took place with Mme Fortes in the classroom and Mrs Brimblecombe joining via Teams. It was wonderful to see Mrs Brimblecombe, if only digitally, and to see pupils benefiting from the team teaching of their teacher and a native French speaking specialist! The lesson was on different types of holidays and which ones pupils preferred. I believe beach-style ones were winning over the cultural option of visiting lots of museums; each to their own, we all have different views on which we prefer and why. What there was agreement on was how good it was to see Mrs Brimblecombe, who is recovering well.
Next stop was Food Tech where I learned about Jollof rice with Year Eight. Darren explained to me that different countries have different ingredients and cooking methods and lots of different perspectives on which is the best! He was busy making a Jollof inspired by his mother’s recipe, which was largely Ghanian in origin but had been adapted over time. Other pupils were working on versions of Jollof rice with a basis in Senegalese cooking and some had opted for a Lentil Daal (my absolute favourite!), again with interesting variations particularly in the use of spices and the colour of the lentils.
We all have different views and perspectives on things in life, and it is important to understand the different perspectives others may have. We may not agree, but understanding another’s perspective may help us to accept why they think or behave as they do.
In the spirit of acquainting myself with some different perspectives I have some homework for parents; early next week I’ll be sending out a survey to gather parent views on various aspects of Hollygirt. The survey can be completed in as little as ten minutes with a few clicks giving various aspects of the school a score out of Ten. If you have more time and more to share, there are some optional comment boxes too. Please do keep an eye for it landing in your in-boxes early next week.
Finally, a reminder of some upcoming dates:
25th June – The Hollygirt Summer Art, Food and Craft show complete with the Hollygirt Cafe, Prep and Senior school exhibitions and a number of pupil led workshops. (4pm to 6.15pm)
28th June – The Prep School Garden Party, a fun morning for all with fundraising stalls and raffle prizes to be won. There is still time to donate raffle prizes, please let Mrs Scott or Mrs Wand know if you can donate or know an individual or local business who can.
30th June – Whole School Sports day, we do hope you can join us. If you are able to help serve refreshments for a period on this day, please contact Headspa@Hollygirt.co.uk. Your support is very much appreciated.
7th July – Whole School trip to Drayton Manor
It’s been lovely to have the sunshine back this week, I hope there is more to enjoy this weekend.
Ever Onwards and Upwards,
Ms Purdy
Head