Happy New Year! Although I am of the strong opinion that one can utilise this greeting up until the end of January, this week I am referring to Saturday’s Spring Festival, which is the focal point of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
We are soon to be in the year of the rat, the first of all zodiac animals. I have always admired the story of how the rat tricked the ox into giving him a ride to the Jade Emperor’s party, so he could cross the finish line first. Quickness of thought from an animal that represents the beginning of a new day has a certain irony, although I believe we do our best work before lunch, However, this kind of cunning also comes from a creature that is known for being content with living a quiet and peaceful life.
I am a “You” (Rooster). Roosters are, apparently, shrewd, honest, communicative, motivated and punctual. It is great fun to read any kind of personal predictor, but such lists give us the chance to be both reflective and aspirational. I would certainly say I was lucky during our Chinese New Year feast on Wednesday; receiving two fortune cookies. Even better, both pieces of philosophical advice were apt:
- All events are blessings, given to use and learn from.
- Choose a job you love and you will never need to work – Confucius.
Every day, teachers learn from their pupils and we certainly love what we do; Lyonsdown children all love school too, but a week that brings a Year 5 Barbican Trip, Music Café, Maths Problem Solving Workshop and the Young Shakespeare Company is probably loved a little bit more. However, the core academic work of a school is never far away and Year 6 are to be commended for persevering with their examinations. On that note, we have begun to look to next year, with this week’s Year 1 boys’ 7+ information evening and next week’s Year 5 information evening. I am delighted that so many senior schools will be in attendance and that Mrs Stanton-Tonner is also able to join us. We look forward to seeing Year 5 parents there.
All the best for a relaxing weekend.
Mr Hammond
News Year’s resolution – still 6/10. Must persevere.