Good morning, Prep School family,
I hope you are well and that you all had a super weekend. Our weekend was full of all things puppy! We spent time with Betty – taking her out and about and getting her used to new sounds, smells and places. She came to our local Remembrance Day parade and even had her first trip to Costa! Other than this, we saw family, had a shed sort out and I brought all the ingredients needed for my Christmas cake making next weekend.
This week, I thought I would share with you a poem that the Year 6 children shared with the Prep School last week during their class Act of Remembrance service that they delivered perfectly to us all. It was a poem that I hadn’t heard before but one that I really liked. I found it thought-provoking, emotive, relatable and sensitive. As Year 6 performed the poem, the hall was silent and everyone; child, parents and staff, listened intently, lost in their own moments of reflection. Such a poignant few moments made able through the power of words.
Why wear a poppy?
“Please wear a poppy”, the lady said
and held one forth but I shook my head.
Then I stopped and watched to see how she’d fare
her face was old and lined with care.
But beneath the scars the years had made
There remained a smile that refused to fade.
A boy came whistling down the street
bouncing along on carefree feet
his smile was full of joy and fun
“Lady” he said, “May I have one”?
As she pinned it on I heard him say
“Why do we wear a poppy today”?
The lady smiled in her wistful way
and answered “This is Remembrance Day,
the poppy there is a symbol for
the gallant men who died in war
and because they did, you and I are free
that’s why we wear a poppy you see”
“I had a boy about your size
with golden hair and big blue eyes
he loved to play and jump and shout
free as a bird he would race about.
As years went on he learned, and grew
and became a man, as you will too.
He was fine and strong with a boyish smile
but he seemed with us such a little while.
When war broke out he went away,
I still remember his face that day,
when he smiled at me and said ‘Goodbye,
I’ll be back soon so please don’t cry’.
But the war went on and he had to stay
all I could do was wait and pray.
His letters told of the awful fight
I can see it still in my dreams at night.
With tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire
and mines and bullets, the bombs and fire.
‘Till at last the war was won
And that’s why we wear a poppy son”.
The small boy turned as if to go
then said “Thanks lady, I’m glad I know.
That sure did sound like an awful fight
but your son, did he come home alright?”
A tear rolled down each faded cheek
She shook her head but didn’t speak
I slunk away, head bowed in shame
and if you were me you’d have done the same
for our thanks in giving is often delayed
though our freedom was bought and thousands paid
And so when you see a poppy worn
let us reflect on the burden borne
by those who gave their very all
when asked to answer their country’s call
that we at home in peace may live.
Well-being tasks for this week: These are all based on New November! A range of task and activities to encourage you to try something new. These challenges are meant to help you create a habit of taking small, positive actions each day.
Tuesday 12 November– find out something new about someone you care about
Wednesday 13 November – Do something playful outdoors – walk, run, explore, relax
Thursday 14 November – Find a new way to support a cause that you care about
Friday 15 November – Build on a new idea by thinking “Yes and what if. . .”
Saturday 16 November – Look at life through someone else’s eyes and see their perspective
Sunday 17 November – Try a new way to practice self-care and be kind to yourself
Monday 18 November – Connect with someone from a different generation
Conversation starters:
What is your favourite word?
If you got to be Mrs Bennett for the day, what rules would you have in school?
5 things that I am grateful for or looking forward to this week:
Can you try this simple exercise in gratitude and positivity?
- I am looking forward to meeting up with professional colleagues and discussing everything educational!
- I am looking forward to getting home to Betty every night!
- I am looking forward to making my Christmas cake at the weekend with Arthur.
- I am grateful for the opportunity my dad has to go on holiday to India this week – something he has wanted to do for many, many years.
- I am grateful for the plumber who fixed our leaking radiator!
Sleeps til Santa: 42 days – Christmas cups are in the coffee shops, people have started to put their decorations up (not me, you will be surprised to hear, I’m a strictly December decorator) and Christmas music is playing on the radio, the nights are drawing in and the weather is getting colder. . .it’s beginning to feel festive!
Have a wonderful week full of adventures and fun,
With love,
Mrs Bennett
