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Dear Parents
This morning in assembly, we explored a key life skill that plays an important role in both learning and wellbeing: resilience – the ability to bounce back from challenges and keep going even when things feel tough.
We began with a simple but effective demonstration using giant elastic bands. I asked the girls whether they could permanently change their shape by stretching or twisting them. Of course, the elastic bands bounced back, just as some materials are designed to do. We then reflected on how people, just like elastic bands, have a remarkable ability to recover, adapt and bounce back after setbacks.
We spoke about resilience not just as bouncing back, but also as bouncing forward – growing stronger through challenges and learning from difficult experiences. The Channing Character, Resilience Robin, helps the girls explore what it means to be resilient in their day-to-day lives.
To make the concept more relatable, I shared a personal story about my goddaughter when she was trying to learn how to skip. She found it incredibly frustrating, especially watching her sister master it with ease. After taking a short break to reset, she chose to try again – and with encouragement and determination, she succeeded. Not perfectly, but proudly. Her perseverance and willingness to keep going, even after falling, showed just how resilient she was becoming.
We also explored real-life examples of well-known figures who have shown great resilience:
- Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill ~ Her journey to Olympic gold wasn’t smooth. She faced injuries, setbacks and intense pressure. But she kept training and showed unwavering resilience, eventually becoming a London 2012 champion.
- Ed Sheeran ~ As a child, Ed was teased for his red hair, glasses and stammer. He often felt like he didn’t fit in. But he focused on what he loved, writing songs and performing, and didn’t give up. Today, he’s one of the world’s most successful musicians known for encouraging others to be proud of who they are.
- Nadiya Hussain ~ When she first began baking, Nadiya often felt nervous and doubted herself. But she kept practising, learning and persevering. Her resilience paid off: she went on to win The Great British Bake Off and is now a bestselling author and presenter.
Each of these individuals achieved success not because everything came easily to them, but because they showed resilience, remained determined and kept going.
We encourage the girls to try, to persevere, and to embrace challenges as a valuable part of the learning journey. This mindset is deeply rooted in our school motto: Conabor – I will try. Resilience is key; it’s not about getting it right the first time, but about making an effort, having a go and continuing even when things feel difficult. We want the girls to understand that mistakes are not setbacks, but stepping stones to success.
To end the assembly, I introduced the girls to the Japanese art of Kintsugi, which we explored by watching the beginning of the video (click on link). Kintsugi is the practice of repairing broken pottery with gold. Rather than hiding the cracks, they are embraced as part of the item’s story and beauty. In the same way, I encouraged the girls to be proud of their own setbacks, mistakes and bounce-backs; all the parts of their story that make them who they are.
We finished with some wise words from Tigger in Winnie the Pooh: “Life is not about how fast you run or how high you climb, but how well you bounce.”
There are many ways you can help nurture your daughter’s resilience at home. Here are a few practical suggestions to get you started:
- Praise effort, not just outcomes. Focus on the process: “You worked really hard on that” or “I noticed you didn’t give up.”
- Share your own bounce-back moments. Children benefit from hearing that adults face challenges too – and learn from them.
- Talk through setbacks together. Ask questions like: “What did you learn?” or “What might you try next time?”
- Model calm and optimism. Show your daughter how to pause, breathe and problem-solve when things don’t go to plan.
- Encourage rest and self-care. Sometimes, taking a moment to reset is exactly what resilience needs to grow.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and for working in partnership with us to help your daughter flourish both in and beyond the classroom.
As we approach the end of term, we will be saying a fond farewell to Mr Entwisle, Deputy Head, who will be returning to his passion for teaching, with a new role as a Year 6 Form Teacher at another school. We are incredibly grateful for all that he has brought to the Junior School over the past two years – from teaching Maths in Year 4, overseeing the girls’ pastoral care to organising a wide range of events. He will be missed and we wish him every success for the future.
I am delighted to announce that Mrs Brant, currently our Head of EY and KS1, has been appointed as the new Deputy Head from the Summer Term. I’m sure you will join me in congratulating her on this thoroughly well-deserved appointment. To ensure continuity and stability for the girls, Mrs Brant will continue as the Reception B Form Teacher until the end of the academic year. We have also appointed a new Head of EY and KS1, who will be joining us in September. I look forward to sharing further details about this appointment, along with the updated staff list, next term.
Wishing our Muslim families a joyful and blessed Eid al-Fitr, Chag Pesach Sameach to our Jewish families and our Christian families a wonderful and happy Easter. May these special celebrations bring love and happiness to all.
With warm wishes
Miss Dina Hamalis
Head of the Junior School
