“We must become bigger than we have been: more courageous, greater in spirit, larger in outlook”
Haile Selassie
Whilst not unique in the animal kingdom in forming communities, human beings are particularly disposed to forming discreet groups. Mostly this spirit is a positive thing, but when threatened, any community can close in on itself, become defensive and indeed hostile to the outside world. Over the last few years there has been good reason for communities to turn in on themselves, ostensibly for protection and as a reaction to perceived threats. The recent tragic events in Manchester will sadly lead to a greater level of mistrust between and within communities and our society will be the poorer for it. At the BSP we value our community spirit, largely because it brings together rather than excluding.
Following on from the tragedy that played out overnight on Monday we have been talking to our pupils about the sad events and have been stressing the importance of communities such as ours. I firmly believe that this School, as a community, has much to offer the wider world. Proudly diverse we have all world views and many nations represented, our children grow up with horizons that are broad and a cultural understanding that is incredibly sophisticated. Our young people will be the leaders of the future and I have every confidence that they will seek to build communities as strong as this one wherever they go.
Today’s newsletter gives a flavour of last week’s Ardèche and Thoiry trips and the exciting events of this short week. I hope that you enjoy seeing all that has been going on – it has been a hectic, productive ten days! May I take this opportunity to wish you a restful half term and I look forward to seeing everyone when we return on Tuesday 6th June. To those who face the challenge of public exams in the latter part of this week and on the 5th June, may they go as well as you have planned.
Nicholas Hammond
Headmaster