Dear OFS Community,
Over the past couple of weeks, we have been looking at ‘identity’ and what makes us unique. This is also a good time to think about our tribes and how we are connected in so many ways to each other. Across Orley Farm, everyone can find their place in some of the following groups and ‘tribes’:
I keep meaning to complete a DNA test that was gifted to me - I love watching programmes like ‘Who do you think you are?’, as celebrities go on a journey into their past. It’s interesting that we start life blissfully in the present with little regard for our family tree but as we get older, photos and family heirlooms pique our interest.
I shared the following clip with Middle and Upper School as I find it highly moving and insightful – and I would invite all of our parents to find a quiet moment to hear Ellaha’s story, there is a beautiful and truly moving ending that I only hope reaches everyone:
I closed assembly with a look back at some of the conflicts that have been resolved in my lifetime; The falling of the Berlin Wall as East met West, the end of Apartheid as Black met White and The Good Friday Agreement where Catholics met Protestants. I remember hearing adults telling me that these conflicts couldn’t be resolved, the sides were too entrenched in their ways and views.
Former President Harry S. Truman famously had a sign on his desk that read,
It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."
I hope to find in my DNA search that I have a rich and varied genetic story that connects me across as many borders as possible – I'll let you know when it’s in!
Meadow School
Outdoor education is the ultimate combination of learning and adventure! Our meadow is a classroom without walls where our pupils get to soak up the sun, a little UV goes a long way in these short days, whilst learning about our immediate world! I dropped in for a few sessions and reflected on some of the perks:
- Nature's Classroom: Outdoor education lets our pupils learn in the great outdoors—feeling the breeze, seeing real plants and animals, and maybe even getting a little muddy!
- Hands-On Learning: No old school textbooks here! Our pupils are hands-on, measuring a tree's height or studying ecosystems by exploring them firsthand. Today, Mr Baker joined us to help us identify the different trees in our meadow.
- Health Boost: Fresh air and sunshine aren't just good for plants—we need them too! We’re finding that outdoor education boosts our mood, helps us focus better, and keeps us fit while moving around a 5-acre classroom!
- Teamwork & Leadership: We’re often doing activities with friends across the year group and we’re discovering our inner leader when faced with outdoor challenges – I noticed that Mr Hirani was struggling to remove his wellies...we made a pretty unique solution!
- Life Skills Galore: From problem-solving to resilience, our meadow school is teaching life skills that so many young people find hard to develop – the interactions and collaborations are amazing to watch.
- Appreciation for Nature: We’re developing a deeper love and respect for nature. It's hard not to when you're surrounded by its beauty and wonder and knowing that foxes, badgers and even muntjac deer use our meadow...not to mention my cats!
I can tell when our pupils have spent time in the meadow – there’s something in their eyes and outlook for the rest of the day; we’re incredibly lucky to have this space!
Fireworks
Whilst Storm Ciarán forced us to cancel the Fireworks I was delighted that the OFA managed to reschedule the event into the past week. Coming together in the cold long nights of November to enjoy a little sparkle and a lot of light is the perfect remedy to Seasonal Affective Disorder - I suspect that the mulled wine might have helped too! However, the highlight for me was putting it to music and I know that Mr Evans took us on a musical journey that included our very own Haec Cogitate! A huge thank you to everyone involved!
Dear Mr Calvey, Seeing your post on Instagram, inspired me to send you a few pics via email. It was such a lovely night, and I definitely had the best spot! My hands were freezing, but I am glad I captured these moments. I’ve attached them to this email. Enjoy.