Friday 11 September 2015

Head Master's Weekly Notes - 11th September 2015

I have just had time to draw breath after a host of events and fixtures this week at Sexey’s – from Girls’ Hockey and rugby fixtures (the Rugby World Cup kicks off next Friday) against Clifton College and Milton Abbey, the Silver DoE expedition to the Quantocks, Mandarin Club, whole school assembly, clubs and societies, the launch of this year's whole school production - Return to the Forbidden Planet and the appointment of the new Y11 Senior Prefect team. Congratulations go to Max Doughty (Head Boy), Katherine Mayes (Head Girl), Lewis Day (Deputy Head Boy) and Ellie Parnell (Deputy Head Girl) on their appointments. I wish them and the 6th form Senior Team the very best in their endeavours this year as they work together with staff and students in moving the school further forward.

Has it only been a week since we have been back? There have also been some other questions we have asked and explored this week. During a moving whole school assembly on the refugee crisis, Mr Kelley, the Chaplain, asked why? That single disturbing photo last week published on social media, has changed public and political opinion and possibly that of Europe too on the humanitarian crisis we are experiencing. Before that photo, there were calls to stop the migration, to limit the numbers entering EU countries, award penalties and sanctions, there were even calls by the media to have the army involved at Calais! However, last week, that harrowing image of the lifeless toddler being carried from a beach, having drowned during his family’s attempt to reach Europe, dramatically altered the conversation about Syria’s refugee crisis and has literally changed the course of history. There has been an emotional reckoning, a desire to see something done to help the persecuted and the desperate. I have been impressed at our students response to this crisis and they have been forthcoming with ideas on how we can help; the School's Charity Commission will look into ways we can offer our support - tolerance, respect and kindness are values that are certainly in abundance at Sexey's.

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