Gemma Smith, Headteacher at Orsett Church of England Primary School, reflects on the events of the last week and shares a special prayer that she feels we can all seek comfort from.
On a Friday as I sit and write the newsletter it gives me time to reflect on my past week. This week has been a real mix and a more challenging one to look back on. At the beginning of the week, I spent time reflecting with staff and children on world events as many of us will have done, advising staff and working directly with our older children to ease anxieties, questions and concerns that they have regarding the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. There was real concern among them and a desperate plea to understand something that even as adults we may not fully comprehend. What I also saw was a real sense of compassion for all those involved and a want to help.
By the end of the week, I had become Little Red Riding Hood, celebrating World Book Day with the children and amazed by the generosity of our local community who have donated well over 150 books from a wish list the school had compiled. As we unpacked over 90 packages and spread them out across the hall to look at them, I was struck by the generosity but also if I’m honest a little guilt. How quickly I had moved on from the thoughts and events at the beginning of the week. Considering what many children are experiencing should I have delighted in our donations?
It’s left me feeling very humbled. How lucky we are in our schools and the Vine to be in the positions we are. It’s so easy for us to get wrapped up in the small things that aren’t going well, to want more, but this weekend I will certainly be thankful for everything I have – a wonderful support network, warmth, shelter and the generosity of those around me.
I have a book of prayers that I often use with the children entitled ‘Prayers for a Fragile World’ which seemed an apt place to look this week. Everyone knows I love to sing too so this prayer written by Francis of Assisi, which is now also a famous hymn, really struck a chord with me this week.