After 33 years in glorious South Africa, I have returned (with my family) to Somerset, England.  I am working though (with the wonders of Zoom) in both countries … but with that, I am also straddling various school time tables.

In England – it is summer, and though only June, already there are many pupils who are coming to an end of their time at current schools.  I attended a prep school sports day last week.  There was such excitement amongst both parent and children.  The children know where they are going to school next and there is a sense of beginning to move on into new chapters.  For some, the new school is an exciting prospect – for others there is less surety.  But what I would like to say:

Keep focused on the school that you are currently at.  Think about the legacy that you want to leave behind and give of your very best to the very very end!  There is a lot of chatter about being ready to move on.  You will be moving on … but please still invest in the school that you are currently at!  Appreciate your teachers, the teaching and your friends. 

Know that you will manage the change ahead well.  You have had change before, you have made new friends before, you have settled into a new school before.  You can manage this.  I like to use the expression,”I wonder ….”.  In allowing your mind to be gently curious as to the unknown, so you allow yourself to be open to good possibilities. 

And for parents, please give your children the space to talk abut their uncertainties and excitements.  Emotions change all the time – there are the ups and the downs.  In giving your child the space to reflect and talk without piling into potential drama, you will be amazed as to how your child can well sort through things.  

Trust the process and remain present.  It is a matter of taking each day as it comes.  And the summer holidays do give such a great opportunity for maturing and growth.  

May the rest of this tern be a wonderful one and one that carries great memories into the future.