Hello everyone,
Firstly - well done. You need some praise. It's been a very difficult 43 (and counting) day hiatus from school. You are doing great - and you need to hear how proud we are of you. It's not easy to motivate yourself during these times and the uncertainty will be making lots of you feel unhappy and worried. Me too! But you are doing brilliantly, communicating with me and your teachers really well. You are: working hard, supporting your families, remembering to smile, looking to the future, being creative, exercising, TikToking, and just coping. Young people are infinitely more robust than they are often given credit for. You are, collectively, shaking off the unfair 'snowflake generation' tag and doing yourself and us proud. Remember, at Salesian you are loved by your teachers before you are taught by them. We teach you and treat you as if you are our own. We want you to have the best future and there is a whole community on your team. I know it feels lonely at the moment - and it's cheesy to remind you - but please remember it.
That said, some of you (a minority) will be drowning in work and not being honest with yourself and those around you about how much your struggling. With that in mind, there's a few things I want to do to help.
First, here is a link to this week's assembly from our very own Mrs Baumgart. I think you'll agree, it's a very polished on-screen performance (I think she could definitely look forward to a career in broadcasting if she ever falls out of love with teaching!). There are some really helpful reminders about how to live your best life during lockdown - and it will be lovely for you to see such a familiar face.
Stress-Busting Flow Chart!
See the end of the blog for a helpful flow-chart to support you in managing workload. It might be tongue-in-cheek, but I genuinely think it should help. You need to write a list of all the work you need to do each week...and then get on top of it. At some point (possibly in the next month) we will be back in school. Not long after that, you will be assessed to see whether you will be able to progress in to year 13.
UCAS
Mrs Elmer has updated the UCAS blog - with a focus on your personal statement. You can and must view it here:
This should be a massive inspiration to you rather than just 'another thing to do.' University/apprenticeship/ the world of work are exciting places to be. You should start this ball rolling as you mean to continue it - with energy and enthusiasm and openness to these phenomenal opportunities. Many look back on university as the happiest and most 'fun' days of their lives. You will be there before you know it - and you want to be in a position to make the absolute most of the opportunity.
Salesian 7 Challenge
I'd love to see any of your efforts towards the Salesian 7 Challenge. I know I set a pretty high standard with my outstanding kick ups (and modesty). I'm so sure you could do better though...so prove it!
The latest from Chateaux Matthews
We reached what feels like a big milestone with the twins this week; they have moved from the baskets to the forward-facing option in the pram. Suffice to say, we have learned that they are both (like their mum and dad) very, very nosey. They have been wheeling around Southwest-London looking at anything that moves and being fascinated by all the sounds of the park and the river. Here are some pics of their local adventures. We have been trying to stick to a healthier bed-time routine with them and encouraging them to sleep through the night - with mixed success. Part of the routine is reading though - you will see a picture below. You might even remember an assembly from earlier in the year where I read you a children's story. I read the story of Mr Nobody - one of the best books you will ever read. Mr Nobody is rescued by Mr Happy - who just won't accept seeing someone 'who sort of was, but wasn't' so sad. Below, you will see me reading 'The Fearless Octopus' to Alice. I did say in the assembly that children's books have some profound wisdom. In 'The Fearless Octopus' an Octopus is very afraid of a dark shape circling above...thinking it's a shark. Eventually (spoiler alert), the octopus plucks up the courage to approach the dark shape. It turns out to be a boat with friendly sailors - who wave hello at the octopus. What a wonderful metaphor for you to apply to the workload and all the other worries which might be piling up for you. Be honest with yourself - look at the thing you are afraid of, approach it...and you can make peace with it!
Pineapple Time...
Any and every one who has posted to the Salesian 7 Challenge gets an automatic pineapple for their incredible commitment to the school community. There is one special pineapple for Lara C-M who has painted a beautiful canvas with every child's name on it - that's right...170 students plus 2 twins! It will take pride of place in the office when we return.
As ever, very good health and happiness to you and your families. Don't be strangers.
Mr M
Saint John Bosco...
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