From the Headmaster's Desk

If electricity can be seen as organised lightning, then perspective must be important.

On Monday, some governors and I toured the school on the final Learning Walk of the academic year. This was a great opportunity to see the range of wonderful teaching and learning that goes on at Lyonsdown. However, Thursday was equally enlightening, as I became a member of Year 5 for the day. I took part in a murder trial, studied worded Maths problems, managed not to wreck Tim Minchin’s music and drew a self-portrait in the style of Julian Opie. Year 5 even asked if I wanted to play at lunch – I can still jump over a hula hoop, but was entirely lost when it came to an adventure game (it clearly all made sense to the girls!)

The Summer Term is a hive of activity: along with lessons and trips, we all want to make the most of the final few weeks of the school year. Year 6 and the rest of the School are deep into their preparations for the production, much work is being done behind the scenes to prepare for a new and improved school disco and end of year celebration. On that note, I am delighted to be able to announce our celebration guest speaker as Beth Tweddle MBE. Ms. Tweddle is a triple Olympian and World Champion gymnast who represented Great Britain for twelve years, winning a huge array of medals. Not only will Ms Tweddle be speaking at the celebration and giving out awards, she will also be staying to chat to parents and children in the garden afterwards.

But before that, the Summer Fete is only a week away – thank you for your donations and support. Wonderful events such as the Fete, Quiz and Movie Night could not run without you and the FLS Team.

As you know, the Lyonsdown Learning Habit for this half-term is reflection, and the anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire is something that I am sure we have all been thinking of. As I watched coverage of the commemorative events, I was touched by the focus that Grenfell United have placed on celebrating “a spirit of unity and collaboration” whilst remembering the tragedy. My heartfelt thanks for your generous donations on Friday, as the School community wore green for Grenfell.

Towards the end of the week, we welcomed the next generation of Lyonsdown pupils. As I walked from speaking to Year 6, to being sold flowers by a three-year-old, my perspective was shifted entirely. In less than a decade, the flower seller that stood before me will leave Lyonsdown and, in that time, we need to fill every minute of the school day with sixty busy seconds.

All the best for a relaxing weekend.

C. Hammond