“In winter’s tedious nights sit by the fire
Shakespeare, Richard II, Act 5, Scene 1
With good old folks and let them tell thee tales.”
What a finish, what a finale to the term! Christmas in a school community is always a very special time and this year as we were able to celebrate fully and mask free there was, certainly for me, a feeling that this celebration was just that little bit more special. Last week we enjoyed concerts, plays, international day and two talent shows. Only at the BSP do we have enough talent to fill two whole talent shows! This newsletter should give you a flavour of all that was enjoyed – please do watch the recording of the Christmas concerts – they are the perfect accompaniment to any festive meal.
Now we have a moment to pause, many families will enjoy time together, relatives will be visited, stories will be told. It is a magical time of year and I hope that one and all enjoy this holiday. Amongst all that excitement it would be good to think that there is a little time to be quiet, to read, to walk, to enjoy time indoors and time outdoors and for those who need to, a chance to revise.
As we look forward to the coming year and all that there is to anticipate I think we can afford to do so with a sense of optimism, whilst there are problems in this world, our young people have the capacity to change their world.
In our last Senior School assembly of the year, I quoted Maya Angelou, and perhaps it is right that I allow this great poet to have the final word this year. We should enjoy our holiday and move to a new year with optimism:
“Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.”
With every good wish for the holidays.
Nicholas Hammond
Headmaster
