Coincidentally, given that I've just ordered a book called 'The Anxious Generation' (subtext: How the great rewiring of children is causing an epidemic of mental illness), Mr. Pearson's assembly on Monday morning focused on the question of 'Finding Joy'. Separating the notions of 'happiness' and 'joy', Mr. Pearson explained that the former is defined by infrequent moments of elation, often in response to outside stimuli, but that the latter is produced by a state of mind, an everyday attitude of gratitude, cheerfulness and kindness. Ultimately, 'joy' comes down to a decision: A decision to adopt this approach. We don't control much in life, he said, but we can certainly decide how we respond to it. Very much in line with my late grandmother's adage: 'Joy is not having what we want, but wanting what we have', I must say I agreed with him. 

Whilst attitude is fundamental to achieving joy, Mr. Pearson was careful to remind us of all the other things that can help as well. Pursuing a hobby, reading a book, taking a walk, engaging in sport are amongst them, but I would also add that owning a dog and having a good sense of humour are essential too - these properties being, in any case, mutually dependent, as all dog owners know. 

Art & Design Exhibition

It's no small coincidence that such a talk should happen at the point in the academic year when we see the culmination of all those things that bring us joy. Yesterday, we were privy to the tremendous creativity of our year 11 and 13 students in the Art and DT exhibition. With real pleasure, I finally got to see what our talented Pimlico artists have been working on (so secretly, it has seemed to me) for months. It was mind-blowing! As well, I look forward to the summer concert when, once again, I am sure to be proud of our Pimlico musicians and I'm equally excited to see what our young thespians have to show for all their Shrek rehearsals.

Girls Sports Dinner

Last Friday's sports dinner was another such culminating moment. I was, in fact, so impressed by the effort, resilience and determination that our girls have shown in their different sports and, indeed, by how healthy and sporty they all seem, that I've downloaded the couch to 5k app and am determined to have (yet) another go myself, despite the creaking knees! Thanks girls, for being such an inspiration. 

So, as we head into whatever the weekend holds, whether it's Regatta, revision or, in my case, reports, it would be good to hold onto the quintessential ingredients of achieving joy: 

Be grateful, cheerful and kind; be creative; be outside. 

And for those of you who are wondering…. yes, I do also read light-hearted books!

Key dates: 

Wednesday 16th June, 18.30: Summer concert 

Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th June, 19:00: Lower School Production of Shrek

Thursday 3rd July, 17.30: House BBQs 

Friday 4th July, 08.30: Sports Day. 

All girls to attend please and we call on much needed reinforcement from years 11 and 13. 

Thank you! School finishes at lunch time on Friday 4th July.