“If we do not lay out ourselves in the service of mankind whom should we serve?”
– Abigail Adams
This week would have been the 100th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. A few days ago, the King reflected on his mother’s legacy and touched on what we can learn from her example, most notably the importance of service in her life. As one born to be monarch, it is difficult to imagine what it feels like to have little choice but dedicate oneself to a life of duty to the State and its citizens; there is no election, the term of office is a long one and you can’t really express an opinion in the way that a politician can. The late Queen was clear that service was at the core of what she was called to do. Her son commented that she “remained constant, steadfast and wholly devoted to the people she served”. He also noted that “much about the times we now live in, I suspect, may have troubled her deeply, but I take heart from her belief that goodness will always prevail and that a brighter dawn is never far from the horizon,” a sentiment that is most welcome in this period of global turmoil. As a 14-year-old, the then Princess made her first radio broadcast in which she noted (with exceptional maturity) that we can all act in a manner “to make the world of tomorrow a better and happier place”.
We started the new school term this week. Monday was cool and crisp, but it didn’t take long for the weather to pick up and before we knew it, we were enjoying bright sunshine, and this good weather perhaps has led to an optimistic outlook as we set out – a bright dawn indeed. For some in our community, it will be their final term at the school before they move on to new schools; for Year 13, they are starting to look forward to life beyond exams and to their next step. For many in the school, this new term will provide opportunities to develop skills and demonstrate competencies. Alongside classroom learning we will also be challenging our young people to push themselves to achieve and to experience, and to develop themselves through providing support for others. Service is a virtue that we value here at the BSP, and we hope that all pupils from the very youngest to the oldest will engage in activities that reflect this. There is of course no one way of engaging with service. For some it may be something as simple as taking the time to be kind to a new arrival, for others it will be taking part in a sponsored run next month (as we defend our long-held team titles in the forthcoming Saint-Germain 10K race). Whatever the result, we will, through our participation, help others as this year we will be running for the charity STAND who do excellent work supplying prosthetics. Others still will be putting their musical talents to the service of the community during the coming Jazz Night.
At this time of year we focus on individual achievements such as gaining the best end of year report, achieving the best result at sports day or public exam result. I am also sure that our pupils will not let this pursuit of individual excellence prevent or divert them from acting in a manner that will enhance the world of tomorrow. At a time when a park is opening in London in memory of the late Queen, I can’t help but think that she would also welcome her memory being commemorated by people acting in the service of others.
