News from Mr Grady
Hello Everyone,
I was reading this week about an event that is to take place in Maryland, USA (or at least, Maryland is the epicentre of the event) the “Cicada-Palooza.”
There is so much to unpick in this news story, and indeed in the etymology of the very word “Palooza.” But, put simply, trillions (yes, TRILLIONS) of cicadas – a sort of grasshopper insect between about 1 and 3 inches long will be emerging from their underground dwellings in what is called their “emergence” in order to attract a mate, lay eggs and essentially ensure the next generation of cicadas are ready to go.
These particular North American Cicadas, or Magicicada as their species is known spend around 17 years living underground, before the emergence as part of the final bit of their life cycle. I think that’s what caught my attention. 17 years underground. The ones that will be emerging at the end of May will have started life around 2004. This was before I was married, before I ever worked at Rugby High School, before I even started at Drama school. (Incidentally, it’s also before our previous head teacher Ms Marten started as Head Teacher at Rugby High School – RHS has had 3 head teachers in the lifespan of this insect!) It makes them older than the vast majority of the students currently attending this school. This is quite incredible. While all sorts of things have been going on in our lives above ground, the cicadas have been quietly getting on with their cicada-business without our knowledge, and are set to emerge into a very different world than the one in which they started.
As we continue to move onwards and out of the past 18 months of challenges we have all faced in different ways, it will be something to remember that however hard the circumstances, however challenging the times, that all things pass, and we continue to move onwards. As we begin our own emergence from our recent challenges, blinking in the light of day, things will have changed, and things will feel different, but there will also be the chance to reflect and create and take new opportunities, it will be a time to renew our curiosity and our joy in our education – I’m fairly sure that’s why I found the story about the cicadas so interesting. I’d heard the word before, I’d even heard their chirrupy song when travelling, but I was totally unaware of the details of their existence, and so upon reading the article, it prompted me to carry on learning about the creatures.
My curiosity was piqued, which led me to carry on reading and learning. And in addition, I had the joy of discovering a new word: Palooza. Something outstanding of its kind, or extravagant.
What a simply joyful word to describe an event or indeed a thing or person. I shall try to include it in a sentence at least once this week. Certainly after 17 years underground, the cicadas deserve a simply tremendous palooza, and I think, once its safe to do so we’re all due one too.
With very best wishes, stay well and safe everyone,
Mr Grady
A Reminder to Year 13 Parents:
Good quality school uniform (with the new logo) wanted.
Changing Paths
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