“Closing your eyes won't make the awfulness go away. It may be that nothing will. But dwelling on it, dreading the evil, playing out the misery in your head - doesn't this feed the monster? You can't close your eyes to life, but you can choose where your gaze lingers.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich

The theme for me this week has definitely been about overcoming adversity.  No one can fail to have been moved and appalled by what happened in Boston on Monday, and I suspect that we are all hoping that the London Marathon goes off without a hitch.  Good luck to anyone who is running or who has family or friends participating.

Our senior pupils are pondering the impending exams.  Mr Illingworth and myself took the opportunity to talk to the S4 this week regarding this - the does (come early, have your candidate number with you, check your seat number, wear Dress Code) and the don’ts (don’t bring your mobile ‘phone into the Hall, don’t distract others). I also reassured them that they were in the best shape possible for the exams – they have been revising in class, should have been revising at home, and, having done their Prelims, they know what to expect in the exam.  Their gaze should be lingering on the certificate that they will get at the end of this process, rather than at the obstacles in their way.

We had an excellent turn out for the S2 Parents’ Consultation Evening on Wednesday.  I particularly enjoyed my role as “meeter and greeter” with Mr Simpson and we encouraged parents to sign up to email alerts on the website (welcome if this is your first Friday update from me).  We also asked parents to take part in an online survey and if you haven’t managed to already, please have a go at it this weekend.

The Street Market at the weekend was delightful.  Like many of you, I suspect, I spent far too much money on all the produce, but it seemed churlish not to when the sun had come out.  The Jazz Band were fabulous and got many a toe tapping; pupils were to be seen selling cakes and doing market research; and one of the China Teams raised £1500 through a jumble sale.  Congratulations to all involved and long may it continue.

There is a PSP meeting on Wednesday at 6.15pm and S4 Study Leave begins on Thursday.  There is the May Day Holiday coming up on the 6th May and the school will closed to all but those who have an exam on that day.

Have a good weekend.