Dear Parents and Guardians
Today we held our annual Remembrance Day service in which we acknowledged those who have died in conflict. While the focus of these events has always been on those who lost their lives in the two World Wars, last year we added a plaque of remembrance for all those who have lost their lives in conflict both globally and in our own country. This was done to make the service more relevant to our boys as we try to get them to reflect on the futility of war and the awful loss of life that accompanies conflict.
The service itself is full of significant moments, starting with the planting of 256 crosses to remember those ODs who lost their lives in the two World Wars. The service includes the reading of Binyon’s poem of remembrance, copied below.
“They shall grow not old as
we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them nor
the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
we will remember them.”
(Laurence Binyon)
A lone trumpeter played the Last Post, a traditional farewell for those who have passed that is often played at the end of a day and then the Reveille, again a trumpet piece that, this time, signifies the start of a new dawn. Wreaths and signs of remembrance were laid at the three plaques. I hope this day allows our community to pause for a moment as we reflect on the horror of wars, made even more relevant by recent conflict in our world.
These past few weeks and months have indeed been filled with conflict and much debate has been had in communities and in our school. I have asked boys and staff to respect differing points of view and opinion and to be careful about making judgements and labelling people as a result of the actions of others. I read a blog recently by Julie Lythcott-Haims which I shared with the staff and share with you below. She was writing in a time of personal strife as she was battling with events in the world and the unkind and thoughtless commentary that accompanied many of the discussions.
“Much is wrong, yes, but you are in charge of yourself, and also, you are a warm glowing light in this storm.
So, do your work. And also, bring your joy. Celebrate good things. Keep your spirit high.
Remember that kindness and gratitude are your superpowers, so pour them into every cup you see. It’s not everything, but in moments like this when your amygdala is on fire with fight or flight, offering kindness and gratitude is a surprisingly satisfying alternative.
Humans around you need you to be exquisitely, beautifully human right now.
Go, human. Be.”
(Julie Lythcott-Haims)
Our boys need to be exposed to world issues and current affairs. They need to have debates and discussions around these issues. They need to ensure they are well-informed and have taken information from a variety of sources covering as many sides of the issue as possible. And then they need to decide for themselves where they stand.
I abhor conflict and the loss of human life. I hope and pray for a world where peace prevails, where dialogue and debate exists that respects another’s point of view without resorting to anger or violence.
As our former President said once:
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
(Nelson Mandela)
I wish our Hindu families a very happy Diwali for this Sunday.
Wishing our Grade 12s and Grade 10s currently writing their year-end exams well and the other Grades as they prepare for theirs. Peace and joy to you all as we approach the end of the year.
Kind regards
Antony Reeler
Principal
|