Principal's Blog
2021 Term 2
Squeals of Joy
Earlier this term I was enjoying listening to a group of Tinies playing chasey through the school, a joyful soundscape that prompted the following reflection: I am blessed to have this expression of exuberant joy as part of my day.
Over the next few days, I began to notice the sound of both Middlies and Biggies joining in these games. A different orchestral arrangement, yet the same tune: joyful exuberance.
On a particular day, the squeals were filled with so much excitement that I stopped what I was doing and just listened. I noticed I was now wearing the smallest of smiles. I tuned into the sounds: squeals, giggles, shouts of glee and the stomping of little feet. The volume diminished and then disappeared, before rising again. Laps were being run. I went to watch, and in a few seconds Khai, Patrick, Suetia and Finn raced past. Our culture has an expression that references the squealing of piglets; I'll admit that this did come to mind. It was not clear who was chasing whom, or what the exact nature of the game was; one thing was clear however: it was great fun! Returning to my desk and thoughts, I reflected that there are not many jobs where one is regularly interrupted by such happy vitality.
A few weeks later we were in lockdown, and Shun, Haru and Finn were at school, involved in a game of similar energetic mayhem. Listening to their joyful sounds, my reflection now had a hint of sadness. While these exuberant piglet squeals would bring happy, human relief to my day, this would not be the case for so many people in this country and around the world. Many of us have had too few of these moments in the last year.
Running a school does have its challenges – but on the flip side – there are also few jobs that give so much back.
May your days be filled with the soundscape of happy squealing children at play.
Timothy Berryman (Principal)