Termly Reflection 

The past few weeks have certainly put Sister Penny to the test! With at least 3 boys on crutches, one girl with an arm in a cast, and metres and metres of bandages evident on limping children during the school day, one might be forgiven for thinking that we were hosting a First Aid convention. But no. These have (largely) been sustained during tea-time soccer matches, although horses and a bicycle track are among the guilty parties, too, if rumours are to be believed. *

While some of us are used to seeing modern professional soccer players in the throes of death for the slightest reason, our (soccer-playing) children sneer at such behaviour. And this is what makes our school so special. For it creates and allows for children to be just that… children. Clifton children can face adversity or fear, assessing their own risks. They work together, and they give it (whatever ‘it’ may be) their absolute all. There is something extra special about Clifton children in the fourth term, we find. For it becomes clear that a sense of purpose in making every moment count develops, something that might please Rudyard Kipling (“If” is worth a read). The children celebrate themselves and each other… something so very good for the soul.

And celebrate they should. This has been a wonderful term of success and action, with our very generous benefactors ensuring continued upgrading and development of our facilities (the resurfacing of the Indoor Centre and the Art room, the opening of our bicycle track, work on our drainage systems across the school, and so very much more.) The school looks absolutely gorgeous. There have also been a lot of ‘lasts’. The last walk to Cliff’s Dam, the last cricket match, the last basketball match, the last squash match, the last Championship Gala, the last Christmas Café, the last horse-riding event, the last Christmas dinner for boarders, the last night run, the last special time with teachers and friends…

But there will be many firsts following this, which is exciting. As the last pupil leaves the school, there will be a sigh. Not of relief, but of satisfaction, and knowing that everything has been done to ensure that we have championed childhood this year.

*The author may have used rather a lot of poetic license in trying to prove his point