A CAPTAIN’S WELCOME

D . NICOLL

Something that I have learnt in my first few weeks as School Captain is that communication is vital. The ability to directly address the wonderful cohorts of Reading School students, is something unique and only made possible by this student-run magazine. I am very thankful for the brilliant work put into its production. Although I have tried to get to know as many students as possible since joining in September last year, I imagine there are still many of you who do not know me too well. In my role, I will attempt to represent the entirety of the student body, so a resource such as the student magazine is beneficial in allowing my fellow members of the Captaincy Team and I, to communicate the excellent work and ideas of our team.

One of the corner stones of our School’s ethos is Community, something I have felt very strongly about in my experience at Reading School. A real ambition of the student leadership team and I this year, is to build upon this aspect, both in and around the school. Due to the current circumstances we find ourselves in, there is risk that our community

spirit may diminish. However, the tenacity of you boys is outstanding, and some of the bright and unique ideas produced in this lockdown period are wonderful. One issue we may come across this year, is the challenge of hosting live events put on by the School, for example the historic House Music competition, which is a showcase of our diverse abilities in the performing arts. To eliminate this event from the school calendar would be devastating, and the work of our prefects, such as Aditya Krishna and Rohan Chikkam, may entail alternative online solutions, which would still allow us to showcase our students’ skills.

Furthermore, we look to expand our work within the wider community of Reading, strengthening the bonds we hold with the NHS during this crisis, but also by having a greater involvement with the many great charities within Reading. We should be grateful for our societal positions, and should aim to maximise the help and charity we may provide to our community; the collective effort of the boys can result in great change. Our ideas involve the continuation and improvement of last year’s House Charity events, food bank collections, donations and efforts to provide care for the elderly population of Reading. Although this may have been a tough year for us all, there must always remain a place for generosity in our hearts.

I am looking forward to the year ahead and am excited for what it may hold. I am surrounded by the excellent individuals of Reading School and am always amazed by the work and achievements of my peers. Finally, I would like to display my gratitude of being chosen for this position, and display my thanks to all who have helped the Prefect Team thus far, and all who will be involved in our future endeavours.