As I shared in assembly this week, optimism is a place I choose to live in, most of the time. On the occasions when I wake up feeling low, which are rare but by no means unheard of, I conceptualise my mood in the form of a giant, brass light switch. On one side reads pessimist and on the other it says optimist. I flick that switch to the cheerful side and always have a better day. There are times when it is a wrench to heave it over, times when it seems glued to the pessimist side, but it is always worth the effort. Thinking positive thoughts invariably increases the likelihood of positive things happening.

Our netball team clearly showed such positivity this week, winning their fixture against Raynes Park High School with a mighty 15-8 final score. We are proud of them for being such role models!

There was an optimistic atmosphere in the art room all week too – where our talented Y11 students have been working on their GCSE practical pieces. The results of their hard work were tremendous to see – vibrant, thought-provoking and unique. The room was buzzing with colour!

A date for your diary…

We are holding a virtual Wellbeing session soon for all parents on ‘Helping your children cope with the stress of revision and exams’. Hosted on Zoom, and open to all families, this valuable session will be presented by highly experienced wellbeing expert and life coach, Nigel Lowson (who also happens to be a Governor at Chatsworth Schools). Details of timings will follow in an email next week. As a parent of four children myself, including a son currently in Y11, I am very much looking forward to Nigel’s session!

Special message

Our thoughts go out to all who may be affected by the terrible situation in Ukraine. May you and your families be safe this weekend. We are thinking of you.

A J Hammond