Headmaster’s Blog 30.04.21

I was struck this week when reading the obituary of the US astronaut, Michael Collins, that he embodied an important message for us all about the nature of selfless service and dedication to the team. With Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin he flew 238,000 miles to the moon in 1969 but his duty was to pilot Columbia as it kept orbit at a distance of 60 miles over the moon whilst he waited for the lunar lander to return.  His was a lonely vigil of vital importance whilst the other two became icons of the modern age with their televised moonwalk.  Collins’ seniority and experience meant he was selected for the least glamorous but most important job of all – getting them home safely.

Service is an important aspect of life at Wetherby Senior.  I have been delighted to read applications and recommendations from boys in Year 12 who aspire to be prefects at the School.  The standard has been fantastic and a reminder of how much those boys – and boys generally – have been contributing to the broader community without expectation of recognition or reward.  Boys have been tutoring younger boys in various curriculum subjects and acting as peer mentors to provide friendly advice and support for younger boys.  Boys are on the youth board of the Votes for Schools current affairs programme, and are Financial Times ambassadors and are increasingly looking to lead clubs and societies.

Another aspect of service involves giving back to the community at large.  There are a number of charity initiatives for boys to support this term. Next Friday, 7^th May, is a Mufti Day – where boys can wear home clothes in Trib colours – more details are outlined below. The proceeds will go to the School’s two main charities, chosen through the School council, Steel Warriors and United World Schools (UWS). Wetherby Senior is also supporting the West London Mission’s 5k ‘Run for Heroes’. This will run (no pun intended!) throughout the month of May and again I have asked the boys to join many of the staff in taking part to raise money for a very worthy cause.  West London Mission, based in Marylebone, care for some of the most vulnerable and needy in the neighbourhood. As you know, community is a core value at the School so it is a great opportunity to demonstrate that in practice.

Wishing you all the best for the bank holiday weekend.