WELCOME // FROM THE HEADMASTER
A WARM WELCOME FROM THE HEADMASTER
I am a nervous flyer . In confessing to this , I should also point out that I only developed this foible in recent years . At a younger age , I enjoyed the feeling of turbulence and looked forward to the crew announcing the need to fasten your seatbelt . I relished the chance to walk the aisles whilst the plane was affected by mild dips and bumps , and loved looking out of the window as we came into land at our destination . Then , really quite suddenly , all of this changed . I now suffer and sit rigidly , with sweaty palms and an unwillingness to communicate with anyone whenever anything goes even marginally awry on a flight . Nowadays , both take-off and landing are fraught and even the middle ‘ smooth ’ section of the flight is anything but in my experience .
In some ways , the underlying emotions and sense of foreboding over the past year have been of a similar nature ! What with the constant uncertainty , changing restrictions and often frustrating last-minute decisions , it ’ s been challenging for all in our community . At this point it ’ s hard to predict quite what will happen next , but the feeling of turbulence and choppy air ahead feels quite apt .
Despite this , the resilience and determination of all in our community has shone through on countless occasions and , just as the sun ( or moon ) breaks through after the murkiest of take-offs , so our students and staff have radiated positivity and enthusiasm over some of the most difficult months of our lives .
To continue the flight analogy , I , for one , would be even more of a gibbering wreck if a pilot was forced to turn off the autopilot and , for want of a better word , ‘ innovate ’, but that is exactly what we ’ ve all had to do over the past year . The Green Room is a superb example of this type of creativity , as are the fabulous examples of artwork , much of which was created partly at home and partly in school – blended learning at its best . Of course , we ’ ve made extensive use of online technology to keep parts of our community alive – the Careers and Business Network , our Shape the Future Campaign and , of course , our virtual co-curricular existence all bear witness to this !
Other highlights that I hope you pick out from this year ’ s Pocklingtonian , include the return of sport after weeks of virtual and remote delivery , the advent of girls ’ cricket at Pocklington School , the amazing efforts of staff and students alike during a second , and even more challenging closure of the Foundation , the resilience and ceaseless energy of our boarders and , of course , the vibrant , creative and nurturing community that surrounds us every day at Pocklington School .
Enjoy the reading !
Toby Seth Headmaster
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LOCKDOWN
Despite this , the resilience and determination of all in our community has shone through on countless occasions and , just as the sun ( or moon ) breaks through after the murkiest of take-offs , so our students and staff have radiated positivity and enthusiasm over some of the most difficult months of our lives .
LEARNING !
Keep a lookout for the Lockdown Learning icon throughout this edition of The Pocklingtonian , highlighting projects , creativity and curriculum activities during Covid-19 Lockdowns .
2 THE POCKLINGTONIAN