“WOW – we have finally made it to the end of the school year! Thank you for your support, perseverance and patience throughout these last three months. Back in March, when schools closed, we were confident that we would be returning to normality before the end of term… How wrong we were.
“Many of the joys of the Summer Term have been missed, including some of the events unique to King’s Ely such as the Martin Doyle, the Hoop Trundle and the Sword and Dagger. Other events, such as the Year 11 Prom, the Leavers’ Ball, concerts and plays, formal dinners, cricket and tennis matches, Sports Day, House Swimming and Prizegiving have also not happened this year.
“Ending term and saying goodbye this morning through a screen are not the ways anyone would want to finish. However, we have been incredibly impressed with the stoicism of pupils. They are very much looking to the future, rather than dwelling on the past. Gratitude is perhaps the best antidote to disappointments. I am particularly grateful for the manner in which parents have supported us throughout, for the teachers’ ‘can-do’ attitude, and the way in which pupils have ‘just got on with it’.
“I wish you all the very best for the summer break. For those returning, we look forward to welcoming you back in September. For those leaving, may I echo the words of the Irish blessing which the Chaplain prayed in the Cathedral Service.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.