SPRINGFIELD CONVENT SCHOOL

History matters

I have been reading Springfield, The first one hundred and twenty-five years. It is a story of principles and one of purpose. It is also a story that tells of visionary, committed and compassionate women.

Springfield has endured and continued to prosper through many world events. There were the Anglo-Boer wars, two World Wars, significant economic, social and political crises and even the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-1919. In reflecting on our current response to a pandemic, I wonder how the Sisters and pupils acted a century ago. I imagine that the time dictated a shift of focus from lessons and examinations to one of self-care and the care of others.

While connecting us to the past, an appreciation of history connects us with humanity, in the

present, and helps us to understand trends about ourselves.

On this day in 1840, the Penny Black postage stamp became valid for use in Great Britain. Its use was a milestone in the history of communications. Daily wading through my inbox demonstrates how this aspect of our lives has changed and leaves me pondering the concept of human progress. In so far as science, technology and efficiency is concerned, there is no doubt that humanity has advanced to a higher state. Perhaps we've lost the art of connecting through letter-writing but lockdown has seen the girls of Springfield evolving into the technological domain of video production to continue fostering their caring sisterhood.

Springfield is bigger than the sum of her parts. She was here long before any of us and, regardless of the trials that we may encounter, it is part of God's plan that she will adapt and evolve, and continue to stand strong long after we are all gone.

PENNY MULLAN

Head of School