REFLECTIONS FROM THE FOUNDRY
Out of adversity comes opportunity
I think it is fair to say that our world has changed significantly in the last few weeks – I have a feeling that nothing will quite be the same again. Naturally we may feel anxious about this; we may have moments where we feel trapped and restricted; equally we may feel sadness at not being able to see friends and relatives. However, for those of us lucky enough not to be on the front line against the virus, I believe that there is an opportunity for us to seek out a silver lining among these stormy clouds.
As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Out of adversity comes opportunity”. When freed from conventional routines and requirement the mind knows no boundaries – let creativity and curiosity prevail! Remember, Isaac Newton revolutionised the scientific world while in isolation during the plague!
Despite constraints on physical contact, we still have an opportunity to further develop our human attributes of creativity, imagination, resilience, adaptability, empathy, kindness, gratitude. Let’s seize this chance to really get to know ourselves; to get to know our families and appreciate all the things that we have to be grateful for. This will ultimately enhance our self-fulfilment and happiness.
I continue to miss seeing you all on a daily basis. However, the wonderful things that you are all doing and your positive can-do approach fills me with an immense sense of pride in you and in our community. I see that you are indeed embracing opportunities – to adapt to new ways of learning; to find innovative ways to stay fit and healthy; to develop new skills; to be creative and imaginative; to reach out to those in need; to show gratitude to those on the front line. Thank you all for sharing your inspiring stories – you are motivating me to do likewise and fill me with hope for the future.
Take care of yourselves and those you love. I look forward to seeing you all soon. In the meantime, keep in touch!
Nicola Rogers, Assistant Head (Pupil Development), Teacher of French & Spanish