The Peterite 2012-2013

Commemoration 2013

Commemoration Address Friday 5th July 2013 One lunch-time, during our family holiday in Italy last summer, we had a very interesting conversation. The topic was theological: a little serious for 30 degrees in the shade perhaps. But, there we were, the five of us, gathered round bowls of pasta and salad, discussing God. What does God look like? Does God sleep? Does God have friends? What is God’s name?

“God’s name is God”, says Ivo, with the characteristic certainty of a six year old boy. There is a moment of silence as we all consider the reflexive neatness of this comment. “No, it isn’t,” declares Tabitha, his older sister: “He’s got a real name”. All eyes turn to Tabitha’s end of the table. Even little Dora is interested. “Ok.” I say.

“What is God’s real name?” Another pause; and then a coy smile creeps across her face. Ascertaining that she is in possession of ‘special knowledge’, Tabitha savours the moment.

“It’s Peter”, she says, with simple confidence. A mystified silence follows. “Oh... How do you know that God’s name is Peter?”. Another pause; another enigmatic smile; then the mystery is revealed: “When we’re in church, at the end of the prayers, we all say ‘Thanks, Peter God’.” First name Peter; second name God. I shared that story with colleagues at the start of this academic year, reflecting that mistakes and misunderstandings, whether joyful or painful, are always fuel for learning. And schools, above all places, should allow youngsters time to make intellectual mistakes and space for growth. The spirit of enquiry feeds on failure. It’s a matter of mindset.

Over the past few years the teaching profession has been afflicted by a steady flow of high-minded but fundamentally

The Peterite 2012-2013

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