‘Take the positives and be optimistic’

I’m a life-long Maidonian and I wanted to take the chance at the end of the year to share my appreciation for the whole community of Maidenhead.

As many have said before, what a year! Having seen at first hand the efforts and professionalism of my colleagues at Claires Court school, I wish to express my gratitude not only to all of our staff, but indeed to everyone who works in the education sector as teachers, support and admin staff, nurses and other colleagues, to maintain and protect young people’s education and welfare in extraordinary circumstances and challenging times.

They’ve shown great adaptability and creativity to continue to give the best for our pupils and families to have a sense of normality and keep things going.

The whole community has shown such resilience and support to help when things were difficult.

Incredibly inspiring.

And, as we heard from one of our Year 10 girls in a pre-Christmas assembly, when reflecting how difficult the year had been she immediately asserted to the headteacher to look at the positives.

She said she felt so lucky to have been able to come into school every day since September, she felt she was ahead in her courses because of how much both she and her teachers had done during lockdown, and everyone she knew was healthy and well.

She went on to say how even when her friends at Claires Court had to isolate, they still logged into their lessons in real time and did not miss out. I know this is not the case for all of us, but this little conversation serves as an important reminder to take the positives and be optimistic.

My brother has joined me in wishing all in the community a safe and healthy Christmas and, of course, a better new year as mass vaccination becomes a reality.

In particular, we hope that all our teaching colleagues and other frontline healthcare professionals as much of a restful break as possible.

HUGH AND JAMES WILDING

Principals at Claires Court