Another year passes and we turn the page of this book of school life to a fresh new chapter. 2023. A new start offering the opportunity to make a difference to our lives and our community. The importance of recognising our desire to make such changes in our lives has been the subject of our Junior School morning assemblies since the start of term. We have reflected on how, as each year goes by, we grow, we learn about this game of life and hopefully we gain greater clarity over what our aims are. The impact that such an attitude can have on our own outlooks, as well as those around us, is steeped in our school’s shared values. How many of us are ready? Will we have the courage to grasp every opportunity to put down those aspects of our lives which no longer serve us well, those behaviours which weigh us down and recognise that learning new lessons happens throughout our day – indeed, our lives – not just in the classroom?

Time marches on – there is simply nothing we can do to slow that down – and the recognition that each new day offers us a new perspective, a fresh opportunity to embrace its gifts, is one which we have been reflecting on as a school. For some students, they feel that they can be kinder to those around them. For others, they wish to open their mind to the more challenging lessons – be they academic or personal – which school life offers. 

Underpinning the many and varied resolutions which we have shared, is a desire that this year will be a peaceful one. That we are more caring in the things we say and do, to help make our school and this world a better place. Alongside this, we have reflected on the meaning of potential. The capacity to develop into something in the future is demonstrated to us by Mother Nature through every changing season. From a tiny seed, a splendid sunflower grows tall and proud. The planting of a bulb which lies dormant for months results in the glorious bloom of a colourful tulip in the spring. From a tiny flame, a roaring fire is sparked. Each starts from small beginnings, with the potential to become something spectacular, given the right conditions. Nourishing such possibilities pays dividends. 

Most recently, our assemblies have considered where each student’s life began. How, as babies, they had the potential to grow and develop. We have given thanks for the part that food, shelter, kindness and support plays in encouraging us all to develop the gifts we have. We have recognised the ambition and aspirations we hold for ourselves, our futures and our shared community. And we have recognised that our very differences are what make us special and contribute to the rich and varied tapestry of our school.

And as we embrace this milestone in our calendars, we do so with quiet confidence, a shared sense of purpose and a deeply held view that joy and vitality at the heart of all our endeavours will lift us with optimism. We are buoyed up by doing things that we love more often. We embrace the fact that sometimes we need to get uncomfortable, to get comfortable. We encourage and support each other to be bold in our aims, to view life’s possibilities with an open mind and to help one another to grow our talents and gifts with a brave and ambitious outlook. And we believe that good things are on their way.

Happy New Year!

Nisha Kaura, Head of The Abbey Junior School