Newsletters

News from Mr Grady

Hello Everyone,

I’d like to start this week’s newsletter with something I said in the newsletter at the end of last term: “If the last term has taught us anything, it is that with quiet determination, with care, kindness and respect we can achieve anything.”

I’m sure it is the height of self-aggrandisement to quote oneself, but I think, given our current situation, the sentiment here is one we can continue uphold.

I am sorry, that once again I’m writing to you all in a more remote fashion, but I hope that the newsletter will continue to be a moment of calm and pause for thought in the week, with occasional whimsy.  I will continue, in this weekly note, to talk about how we can continue to be outstanding members of the RHS community, and how we can, in all the many different ways we can think of, set heights in our heart.  I will avoid commenting on the news or speculation, or guidance for schools, and families, and will continue to address such things in more formal communication with staff parents and students.  The one thing I should say is that Head Teachers and schools heard about the announcement regarding closures at exactly the same time as the rest of the nation, and this is the case with most guidance or “news.”  We do not get advance notice, nor any time to plan a response, so your continued patience as a community to allow us to hear, plan and respond to each announcement or new piece of guidance as it is offered is very much appreciated.

Today, more than anything, I want to talk about routines – I note that in my newsletter back in March 2020 I talked about what I could commit to and what I couldn’t, and taking the time to ensure that I had a sensible routine in place, and I think, more than anything, that is the thing that will help everyone move forward in the coming weeks.

I wrote to students today, saying that it’s vital to stick to a good daily routine – getting up on time, getting dressed for a day’s work and ensuring you plan your time effectively, and I think this is true for all of us in the face of the new restrictions we face.  I’m sure there are things we all did in the last full lockdown, that in hindsight we might have done differently, and here we are with the chance to perhaps apply some of that learning! 

I, for one, will be putting on work clothes whether I am in school or out – as the mindset of a work shirt and more formal clothing helps me to stay focussed throughout the day.  I am going to be stricter about when the computer, email and phone get switched off, so that I can move from “work mode” to “life mode.”  I am going to try, if at all possible not to constantly compare what I’m doing to what everyone else is doing – we all have to find our own way through this, and what works for one person may not work for someone else. 

For some of us, a return to a lockdown may have come as a relief, for others it may be the thing you were most dreading.  The key thing is to be honest about how you’re feeling with yourself, and with those around you.  I will certainly make a commitment to do this.

RHS is here for its community as it always has been and as it has certainly been since March last year, and it will continue to be here to listen, to support, to safeguard and educate our whole community.

Stay well and safe everyone,
With very best wishes,

Mr Grady