Our annual Daffodil Service was once again held at St Thomas of Canterbury Church, where our Lower School girls delivered beautiful performances and readings ahead of the Easter break.
Always a lovely way to end the term with friends and family and a heartwarming speech delivered by the Head of Lower School, Miss Carmody:
'May I take this opportunity to say thank you to St Thomas’ and Father Andy, Noel, Kay, and Dave for your help in giving us this wonderful opportunity to gather together and bring to a close what has been a spectacular term for us here at the Lower School.
'Well done to our readers and choirs for courage and confidence shown this morning, to our Infants for their fabulous Easter bonnets and to all our pupils and staff for the hard work and effort you have put into this academic year so far.
'Easter is around the corner and we are given the chance to pause and consider new life and new beginnings.
'In the natural world, at this time of year, we have the perfect opportunity to contemplate the energising appearance of new life all around us. Trees are dressing up in all shades of green, flowers are blossoming, bees are buzzing, birds are nesting and lambs are gambolling. And isn’t it wonderful that the days are thankfully longer once more.
'Surrounded with this abundance of newness, we can sometimes forget all that has come before. The mighty oak that began life as a tiny seed; the daffodil flowering faithfully every year from the strength of a single bulb; the baby lamb beginning life in the same uncertain way as a generation of sheep before; birds enduring the hazards of migration; bees emerging from their hives after a pretty long slumber party; and the warm sunshine and light replacing the cold dark winter … the heartbeat of life endures and continues.
'Whilst spring encourages us to look forward with fresh hope and purpose, taking the time to look back and think about the resilience and perseverance needed to reach this point is perhaps even more inspirational than the actual show of spring blossom itself. It is good to be reassured that no winter lasts forever.
'Today, these beautiful daffodils, like golden royal trumpeters, proudly herald the start of new life. But their resilience and strength to survive even the harshest of winters reminds us that difficulties can be overcome given time. And so, we are reminded to:
'Turn and face the sun with optimism, stand steadfast, determined and resilient in the face of challenge, and know that hope, faith and joy remain the mainstay of human life.
'I wish you all a wonderful Easter break and look forward to seeing you all once again in the summer!'
