GOVERNORS
Spring Term Report RICHARD THOMAS CHAIR OF GOVERNORS
As we approach the end of the Spring Term, I am reflecting on changes since the New Year. Many of the issues we had prior to Christmas still exist, the comments at that time still hold true; to restate in principle, it is the return of the rites of passage as we move into an era of greater freedom.
We must, however, not lose sight of the lessons we learnt during the early days of the pandemic. There is a course of development through any highly stressed occurrence. In the first instance, there is alarm, followed by resistance or pulling together in adversity. This is inevitably followed by exhaustion. As human beings we are not designed to have our stress switch in the ‘on’ position on a permanent basis. On and off at controllable intervals is the best way we operate. After two years, even the most resilient of us are at the exhaustion level. It is important for us all to bear this in mind in the current times. It is equally important that, while we ourselves are in a stressed position, our compatriots and colleagues are equally so. It is therefore vital that we have consideration for each other through this period. In reaching our goals, consideration to others and recognition that they are all doing the best they can will certainly provide the best results. One theme that came through during lockdown was one of community and of empathy for others. As a school, we were reliant on the coming together of all our partners, whether they be stakeholders, pupils past and present, staff or others, in order to get us through the period and to provide the learning that we continued to offer. As a school we came through that period very successfully and engendered a community spirit that was a wonder to behold. As we move into a period of ‘normality’, it is important more than ever to remember those achievements and how we arrived at them. Covid has worn the population down, and now is the time to double our efforts in terms of empathy and support.
74
Our School and Methodist values help us in these matters. Our behaviour and lifestyle, the pace of change, communication, reward and recognition, support to the staff voice; all contribute to the wellbeing of all in Truro School and the delivery of the School Strategy. There are exciting times ahead; the school is buoyant, the offering is as wide as it has ever been, and the pupil level is exceptionally high. Truro School has weathered the medical storm through coming together and working together. I firmly believe this to be the way forward at all times. Late last year, as a school, we had the opportunity of remembering the life of Guy Dodd. It was a truly memorable occasion and one I was humbled but delighted to be part of. The respect in which he is held, and the achievements of his tenure, were celebrated by many. It was an occasion enjoyed by alumni and the Dodd family alike. We now have a modest oak tree towards the bottom of ‘the Snake’ in memoriam. Seek it out the next time you pass and enjoy the memory.
It does look as though we will have exams again this year. I am aware of the efforts made in ensuring this will be managed as well as it can possibly be. I wish pupils just rewards for the hard work they will be putting in between now and the summer.
