Willington News

Inclusion is our strength! 

Following on from last week's assembly on diversity, this week we delved into inclusion and its vital role within our school. It's akin to a jigsaw puzzle: it requires a myriad of different shapes and patterns, and every single piece is essential for completion. Similarly, our school embraces every individual to form a complete community.

This theme took on a tangible dimension as we explored real-life examples of inclusion. With the Paralympics having recently concluded in Paris, we pondered the childhood experiences of these athletes, imagining the impact had they not been embraced in their school sports. Our reflections will soon be enriched by a firsthand account; we are honoured to have a visit on Monday from Dimitri Coutya, a Great British, two-time gold medallist Paralympian from the Paris 2024 Games. Dimitri, who discovered his passion for wheelchair fencing as a young pupil in the very school I was once part of, is bound to inspire us all with his journey. We eagerly anticipate welcoming him into our Willington community, confident that his story will inspire and resonate with everyone.

In conjunction with the Olympic theme, we are thrilled to announce that in a few weeks, we will have the privilege of hosting another Olympian at our school. Victoria Ohuruogu will lead a whole-school fitness session aimed exclusively at the children – much to the relief of us adults who might not be as enthusiastic about being coached to "eat less and run a bit faster" by an Olympian!

These forthcoming visits offer our children incredible opportunities to be inspired by individuals who have climbed to the heights of their sporting careers through unyielding dedication, resilience, and an exemplary work ethic. Such traits are universally valuable, reinforcing our belief in the rewards of hard work across various facets of life. Remember, captivating and inspiring our children doesn't require Olympic laurels; therefore, my invitation to you to step forward with your valuable contributions still stands!

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation this week amidst the challenges posed by Compton Road and its traffic disruptions. I anticipate a return to normalcy shortly, with traffic flowing smoothly once again. Can I also extend my thanks to all pre-prep staff who have conducted webinars recently, which no doubt offered valuable insights to many.

Though summer seems poised for a close, I hope you can still make the most of the coming weekend. KB