Dear OFS Community,
On Monday, we started the week with an insightful look at the coming Jewish festivals of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Ms Golinsky described her coming fortnight as she prepares for these special days along with the significance and meaning.
On one hand there is time for reflection on the things that we have got wrong along with how to put these things right; and on the other, there is time to celebrate new beginnings and what it is to look forward with hope.
I know that all of our school values are equally important and significant but two sit well together if they are embraced with openness.
We explored this a little further, being honest with ourselves and with others is not always straightforward. I suspect honesty can sometimes be linked with what we have to own up to, prompted through the risk of being caught! I have always admired anyone who starts with being honest with themselves as they have a commodity that can be in short supply in these times!
However, hand in hand with honesty is forgiveness and the ability to truly let go of things that have happened to us, deliberate or otherwise. I always find that children and adults who possess inherent honesty, coupled with open forgiveness appear to lead a liberated life – shame and dishonesty are remarkable burdens, that can get heavier over time!
As a child, I remember breaking a small figurine whilst throwing a ball around the living room with my brother – my first reaction was regret and the wish for a time machine, followed by a speedy desire to repair the porcelain using the wonders of superglue. At supper that night, my brother found a way to bring this up and my sense of horror only grew as I realised that the statue was now glued to the dresser! Years later my mother told me that she hated the object and whilst I had served my time with an early night, she was thankful for the accident – if only I had owned up!
Hockey Season
Unfortunately, the weather conditions this week led to cancelled fixtures for our girls, however, with an extended inter-school training session booked for this Saturday, we’re starting to get the hours in on the Astro. I dropped into drills on Thursday afternoon, and the girls are showing the competitive spirit that we need!
Yr5 French Workshop
Learning a new language is all about confidence and risk taking; the willingness to make mistakes has to outweigh the desire to get things right, and this is not easy! However, this visiting performance group has a rare gift, they use the power of laughter to overcome fear. I could hear screams and gales of laughter from St. George’s Hall and before they realised it, pupils were all participating in French...here are a few reflections from the morning...
The workshop was amazing! They taught us French as well as giving us a laugh at the same time!" (Alaksh)
I think it was funny and very entertaining. I also thought that they had a lot of talent." (Sebastian)
It was hilarious and mind-blowing. Definitely a must watch. It was worth it, as it was extremely funny" (Yusuf)
It was very funny and entertaining! The man was very talented, and it was full of humour!" (Meya)
I really enjoyed the whole show in total, but the best part was when the man did all of the cool tricks!" (Simran)
I laughed so loud that Australia probably heard me!" (Avyani)
It was very funny and humorous with a talented man. I learnt a new word. (Anya)
They were really good at juggling and were very funny. They were humorous with good moves!" (Vihaan)
It was hilarious as they sprayed water on us! Also, they did dancing with us and the teachers. (Eshaan)
It was hilarious and mind-blowing. Definitely a must watch. It was worth it, as it was extremely funny" (Yusuf)
U13 OFS Tournament
Last weekend our senior players welcomed teams from Beechwood Park, Berkhamsted, Durston House, JLS and St. Martin’s. It was a really useful opportunity to play a lot of football with three matches in quick succession. Whilst results did not go our way, I was impressed with the resilience that the boys showed, coupled with good sportsmanship.
Headmaster's Commendation
Congratulations to Anya for creating a beautiful storyboard describing the Labours of Theseus – amazing little vignettes capturing moments from the story!
Congratulations to Meera for creating a beautiful storyboard describing the Labours of Theseus – very impressive portraits capturing the characters!
Congratulations to Sia who was awarded over 100 House Points last term – her favourite was from Mr Mitchell in Maths!