2 minute read
From the Head
ALEX PETTER (2016) HAS SHOWN REMARKABLE CHARACTER AND RESOLVE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY, LEADING TO SUCCESS AT THE 2020 BRITISH UNIVERSITY & COLLEGE SPORT (BUCS) AWARDS. READ MORE ON PAGE 16.
“ARE YOU SILVER-LINING ME SIR?” a Sixth Former asked in the chat function during one of my lockdown Zoom assemblies that he was watching whilst munching breakfast at home. For Old Perseans this sentence will contain multiple surprises. Those who were drilled in English grammar will reach for the Oxford English Dictionary to confi rm their suspicions that the verb ‘to silverline’ does not offi cially exist. Virtually any alumnus before 2020 will struggle with the concept of a Head’s assembly delivered via video conference rather than Hall lectern, although they will recognise that Zoom features such as mute the speaker whilst messaging friends could improve the pupils assembly experience. Virtual assemblies are just one example of how The Perse has had to reinvent itself, and whilst there has been much sadness in recent months there has also been a huge amount of progressive thinking and educational innovation.
The winter of 2020–2021 had some dark moments. We lost some great supporters of the school, including distinguished physicist, theologian and former Chair of Governors Dr John Polkinghorne, and much loved former teacher and sports coach Tommy Dann who we will remember at the OP Sports Day scheduled for Sunday 27 June 2021.
For weeks this winter, I looked out from my offi ce window on an empty Perse devoid of the classroom chatter and school buzz that pupils bring. It felt an incomplete and barren place. Lockdowns and social isolation have taken their toll on pupil and staff well-being, whilst we have all been denied much loved school events, fi xtures and trips. In addition fi rst Black Lives Matter and then Everyone’s Invited have highlighted how we have got things wrong, and the work that still needs to be done to improve relationships and ensure that all members of the community are treated with kindness, respect and consideration at all times.
But for all the dark clouds there have also been many silver linings. For to work with young people is to experience one big silver lining. Their constructive energy and willingness to see the best in others; their fresh minds devoid of cynicism, and their determination to build a better future all shine light into the darkest of situations.
This edition of OP News is full of such positivity including the excellent work of our IE & D working group (now numbering 100) whose commitment to anti-sexism, anti-racism, and equality is inspirational; the work of OPs raising money for good causes and supporting the voluntary sector; the amazing pastoral care delivered by a trio of OP teachers working at their alma mater, and Isabel Painter’s powerful research into how prison design could help with prisoner rehabilitation. I count myself very fortunate to work with young people. Their positivity, energy and optimism are infectious. They will build a better future, and they don’t need me to ‘silver-line’ them in an online assembly for they ‘silver-line’ each other.
With best wishes,
