On Monday morning going around school and also on my Thursday morning bus duty this week, I was struck how resourceful, sensible and unflappable our students are at adapting and responding to any situation with grace and style. On Monday, we swapped stories of Saturday’s snow fun as girls arrived full of enthusiasm. I was regaled with tales of various ingenious devices used for improvised sledding, snowball wars to rival Star Wars (apparently!) and pets’ confused reactions to the white coating. While the depth of snow may have been exaggerated or coveted by others listening, it was lovely to see the girls’ zest for life, sense of fun and desire to make the most of, and enjoy, the crisp cooler, winter weath-er.
Far from hearing constant moaning or sullen reluctance at the cold, the girls I met coming into school shared the positives, “it’s getting lighter”, “sunny mornings”, “maybe more snow…?” I saw well prepared, wrapped up students with an amazing colourful array of hats, scarves, gloves and hand warmers. Yes it can be cold around site but it is also good to feel the season.
Sharing the positives is something I believe is really important for all of us to retain our sense of perspective and avoid being pushed off track by life’s disappointments, worries and chal-lenges. Sometimes, things are hard: exams, mocks and other work can be tiring and a cause of concern, but these feelings are usual and shared by all of us - staff and students at times. So, giving or receiving a positive comment, taking the time to say something nice to a friend or member of the family, offering to help do something for somebody else are all easy ways of supporting each other and reminding us of the fun and opportunity, friendship and care that makes DCHS such a vibrant and positive place to be. So although, last Monday was reported and described as ‘Blue Monday’ the alleged most depressing day of the year, I’m glad to say the Challoner’s spirit, sense of fun and adventure defied the description. Now, any chance of more snow? Fingers crossed…
Giles Monks
Deputy Head
