Good morning, Prep School family,
Welcome to Tuesday! I hope you had a good Bank Holiday and enjoyed an extra day of family time! The Bennett household was filled with coffees, sunshine (except Monday!), family meals around bonfires, lots of walking and meeting friends. I hope you managed to relax and switch off from the pressures of work and school for a day or so. It does you mind and soul the world of good.
To say have never really been a Star Wars fan is a big exaggeration. To say I have no interest in Star Wars whatsoever is probably more of an accurate description! I cannot think of anything worse that sitting and watching (long) films that begin with the words “In a galaxy far, far way”, have strange creatures in and that are all back to front in their release dates. It is my worst nightmare. After my dad took me to the cinema to watch the original three films as a child, I vowed to myself, I would never, ever watch anymore. Having said that, later in life I have come to appreciate Han Solo!
I can hear many of you gasping with horror as you read this, many of you are hitting the delete button and vowing never to read the Bennett’s Bulletin again! You film fanatics will be appalled with my lack of taste or appreciation for the ground breaking cinematography in the 80’s and the children that have tried to explain The Mandalorian to me will be devastated that it still means nothing to me!
A controversial start this week. . . please bear with me. . .
So I have tried to do some research into why I should try to like Star Wars and why so many people around the world view these films as legendary and I have come across some fantastic articles. They have really made me think and maybe ever slightly reconsider my viewpoint. . .a little bit. But there was one article that I came across that I loved and I though was so applicable to us all so I thought I would share it with you today.
The article is entitled ‘9 Important Life Lessons Hidden in Star Wars That You Need to Know’.
1. Commit to the life you want to live – and live it
“Do or do not… there is no try.” – Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back
We can spend our entire lives debating this and that, frozen in fear, fighting uncertainty. However, in life, nothing is certain. We can either waste precious time in limbo or make a decision and stick with it!
2. Surround yourself with people who are supportive and believe in you.
“I find your lack of faith disturbing.” – Darth Vader in A New Hope
There is absolutely no reason to waste your time and energy on people who bring you down. Rather, fill your life with the believers and doers, people who inspire you and bring positive energy to your life. Otherwise, you may resort to the dark side…
3. Don’t lie to yourself. We usually already know what the right thing to do is.
“Already know you, that which you need.” – Yoda
Listen to your heart, The Force, and your conscience. Listen to that Yoda voice you hear as you fall asleep or the nagging thoughts that simply won’t go away. Though the road ahead seems perilous, the solution is within. . .
4. Don’t let impossible odds hold you back.
C-3PO: “Sir, the possibility of successfully navigating an asteroid field is approximately 3,720 to 1.”
“Never tell me the odds.” – Han Solo in The Empire Strikes Back
Even if an asteroid field is hurling towards you and your odds of success are 3,720 to 1, don’t let this daunting ratio prevent you from following your heart.
5. Often success stems from overcoming failures.
“Strike me down and I will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.” – Obi- Wan Kenobi in A New Hope
Success cannot flourish without hard work. It is found only through trial and error, profound dedication, and the ability to see setbacks as stepping stones towards later victory.
6. Don’t let fear guide your life.
“Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” – Yoda in The Phantom Menace
Fear cripples us from doing what needs to be done. It prevents us from becoming the people we’re meant to be. It isolates us from others and makes us scared of those we do not understand. Historically speaking, fear has fuelled many wars, persecutions and riots. Clearly, Yoda was onto something.
7. Humour goes a long way.
(as garbage compactor closes in) “One thing’s for sure, we’re all gonna be a lot thinner.” – Han Solo in A New Hope
When things get tough, it’s natural to panic and maybe freak out a little. However, freaking out isn’t the most productive or efficient way to solve a problem. Humour lightens the mood and allows everyone time to regroup and reassess the situation. It also keeps spirits high, enabling people to do what needs to be done.
8. Our thoughts and actions impact our future.
“Always remember, your focus determines your reality.” – Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace.
What we spend our days thinking about, and actively pursuing, directly affects our future (for better or worse). Considering this, we should invest our time and energy into the things and people we’re passionate about, and the dreams we have, rather than focusing on the negative or filling our lives with empty distractions.
9. Sometimes we just need to let it go.
“Let go of your hate.” – Luke Skywalker in Return of the Jedi
There is no room for hate, fear, and regret in our lives. Often, we just need to let it go so that we may finally be free. . .
These are wise words I share with you, young Jedi Knights. . . take them on board and you will (hopefully) never venture to The Dark Side. . .and if you are already on the Dark Side, this advice may help you see the light!
Days of the year themes for the coming week:
Tuesday 4th May – Star Wars Day, Candied Orange Peel Day, Poem on Your Pillow Day, Asthma Day, Firefighters Day and Teacher Appreciation Day (and goodness knows how much I appreciate all of your teachers and teaching assistants and all of the hard work, energy, dedication and love they put into your academic and pastoral care each and every day. They are a bunch of truly amazing individuals who I cannot thank enough and without whom, Highclare Prep School would not be the same!)
Wednesday 5th May – World Maths Day, International Midwives Day, Nail Day and School Nurse Day
Thursday 6th May – No Diet Day, No Homework Day (not in the UK!) and Beverages Day
Friday 7th May – Tuba Day, Roast Leg of Lamb Day, Public Gardens Day and one for the adults, Cosmopolitan Day – Happy Friday!
Saturday 8th May – Windmill Day, No Socks Day, Train Day, World Donkey Day, Belly Dance Day and Iris Day
Sunday 9th May – Lost Sock Memorial Day!
Monday 10th May – Golf Day, Stay Up All Night Night and Ocean Day
Quote of the week: “Create the life you cannot wait to wake up to.” – Josie Spinardi
Jokes of the Week:
What kind of shoes do ninjas wear?
Sneakers!
What do you call a flower that runs on electricity?
A power plant!
Why couldn’t the pony sing in the choir?
Because she was a little horse!
Facts of the Week:
Love carrots? Don’t eat too many or you will turn orange. (Disclosure, you have to eat A LOT to turn orange so we will not be accepting this as an excuse not to eat them in school!)
Cows can walk up stairs but not down them.
The surface of Mars is covered in rust, making the planet appear red.
Meaningful May calendar task (This month’s theme is all about reflecting on what gives our life meaning. Being a part of something bigger than ourselves and focusing on things that we value is key to our wellbeing. So let’s take time to reflect on what we care about this month and keep these things at the front of our minds as our societies begin to open up again.):
Tuesday 4th May:
Take a step towards an important goal, no matter how small Wednesday 5th May:
Send a friend a photo of a time you enjoyed together
Thursday 6th May:
Look out for people doing good things today
Friday 7th May:
Let someone know how much you mean to them and why Saturday 8th May:
Set yourself a kindness mission to help others today Sunday 9th May:
Self-reflect –what values are important to you and why?
Monday 10th May:
Notice the beauty in nature, even if you are stuck indoors
Sleeps til Santa: 235 days
Five things I am looking forward to this week (thanks to Mrs Hinch for the inspiration): Can you try this each day? Remember, it focuses your mind on the positive and reminds us to show gratitude for things, no matter how small!
This week I am looking forward to: seeing everyone back in school, Story Club, a Friday night meet up with my friend, Miss Upham’s yoga and reading my book in bed.
Have a fabulous week,
May the Fourth be with you,
Lots of love
Mrs Bennett
