Friday 13th ! Positive Thinking Day!!
In the full school assembly on Monday, I had the opportunity to talk to the students about the value and importance of positive thinking in light of the fact that it is recognised with a National Day today. The concept of positivity has always played an important role in my life, and I have always found the benefits of this approach to life to be substantial; whether at school, university, in the workplace or at home, the journey of life is never smooth but the ability to take an optimistic and positive viewpoint can have a real impact on our emotional well-being.
It is easy to be cynical and take a negative viewpoint (not least due to the actions of the majority of political leaders whatever their allegiance) but by seeking out the positive aspects of our lives, we can alleviate stress and anxiety whilst reframing the negative thoughts that will inevitably cross through our mind. As our students set their goals for the year in their mentoring sessions, it provides a wonderful opportunity for them to focus on what can be and how they might achieve it with our help, support, guidance, and advice. A positive approach that is aspirational can only help to lead them to their future successes.
It was also Read A Book Day last week and in assembly, I reiterated the value, significance, and importance of reading for academic improvement. I fear that for many young students this is becoming a lost art in a world where social media and bitesize stories dominate. The love of reading and the knowledge that it brings can be transformative; I know that this was true in my case. I will continue to message the students on this throughout the year and your support in encouraging them to read at home is hugely appreciated. I have always had a rather eclectic taste when it comes to books and as I have said to the students, I care less about what you read but far more that you are reading. This summer my greatest pleasure along with travel and time with friends and family has been the ability to lose myself in a range of different books; from Michael Lewis to David Grann and Sir Anthony Seldon to Ernest Hemingway, a scatter gun approach can make it even more enjoyable.
How wonderful it has been to see work start on some of the front-facing windows over the last week or so. Whilst this might not seem significant in the larger scheme of things, first impressions matter and already, the glistening paint and work done shows Saint Felix School in a brighter light. There are though many windows across the whole school site (over one thousand), and this is just part of a longer-term project to gradually improve and beautify the whole site. With the new grass pitches and planned work to restore the Rose Garden to its former glory coupled with further tree planting donated by the Woodland Trust and Cloisters looking resplendent, the environment for learning will only continue to improve for all of our students and staff.
It is worth reminding you all that our Open Morning takes place on Saturday 5th October; this is a school day and therefore all students are expected to attend. Exact details in terms of timings will be sent out shortly.
Next week, I look forward to writing to you about some of the many highlights that have emerged within our new co-curricular programme. Have a lovely weekend.
Yours sincerely,
Matthew Oakman
Head
