30 School News
School News The first outdoor Whole School
ssembly
On Monday 13 September, pupils from the Junior School and Senior School gathered together for the first outdoor Alleyn’s whole school assembly. The event signalled the beginning of a new tradition, the reuniting of the school after 18 months of Covid and a celebration of the school’s identity and values as one connected community. Head Jane Lunnon began her speech with a quotation from Gwendolyn Brooks, the first African-American poet to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1950, from the poem titled Paul Robeson: ‘We are each other’s harvest; we are each
other’s business; we are each other’s magnitude and bond.’ Head of Junior School Mr Severino added, ‘how immensely proud we are to be part of this bigger family and all that such a community brings… its inspiring, energising and reassuring collective spirit’. After further speeches from the Captain, Vice Captains and the Chaplain; a prayer read by Year 5 Mila and a performance by the saxophone quartet, everyone joined in for a rousing rendition of William Blake’s traditional school hymn ‘Jerusalem’.
Alleyn’s celebrates Black History Month 2021 Student leadership has long been a strong feature of Alleyn’s and it is no surprise that our pupils took an active role during Black History Month (BHM) in October. In addition to organising a series of events to mark Black history, our Minority Students Union (MSU) – a student-led group dedicated to combating racism – gave an inspiring
address to the student body to explain both why BHM is so important and why it is vital to embrace diversity all year round; it also highlighted the value of being proud of one’s own identity and the need to create environments in which that pride can be celebrated and respected. Discussions have also been taking place about Black
Curriculum recommendations in all departments and the MSU is working closely with the English Department to review texts for inclusion within our future curriculum. The MSU has also extended its membership to the Lower School and appointed a new Lower School Ambassador.
