Good morning, Prep School family,
I hope you are all well and had a super weekend in the sunshine! Wasn’t it just glorious? The sun was shining, the air was warm and the bird singing was plentiful. The blossom is coming out on the trees and bushes and the first flowers are pushing through the soil. I love this time of year; it reminds me of my grandma. Spring was her favourite season. The sign of new life is plentiful and it is a time of renewed energy and positivity. My grandma loved nothing better than sitting in her garden, looking at and listening to the world around her. We spent many an afternoon sat in her garden drinking tea, idling as the hours passed just enjoying the sun on our faces. She would tell me about the blooming flowers, the types of clouds in the sky and the different birds we would see and hear. I really treasure these special days we spent together.
Mr Bennett and I had to go to Norfolk on Sunday to do a few jobs, it was a flying visit but I made sure that I managed to get a trip to the beach to be able to go for a walk. By the time we got to the beach, it was mid-afternoon. It was deserted and the tide was out. The empty sand stretched on for miles and the shimmer from the sea was spectacular. Arthur and I walked for a long time. We had some lovely conversations but we also had some moments of silence. I think, at times, we were both overwhelmed by the vastness and stillness of the beach. The sun was still strong, it was warm and tranquil. We looked for beach life and patted the odd dog that came our way. It was so peaceful and revitalising.
On the way home, I was thinking about what to write in this week’s Bulletin and then this quote was sent to me by a friend. I thought it fitted perfectly with the time I had just spent on the beach. Take from it what you will, for me, it is a timely reminder that it’s good to stop and listen. It is only through actively listening that you really begin to hear.
“Say, Pooh, why aren’t you busy?” I said.
“Because it’s a nice day,” said Pooh.
“Yes, but —”
“Why ruin it?” he said.
“But you could be doing something Important,” I said.
“I am, ” said Pooh.
“Oh? Doing what?”
“Listening,” he said.
“Listening to what?”
“To the birds. And that squirrel over there.”
“What are they saying?” I asked.
“That it’s a nice day,” said Pooh.
“But you know that already,” I said.
“Yes, but it’s always good to hear that somebody else thinks so, too,” he replied.
Quote of the week: “Do not lose hope, please believe that there are a thousand beautiful things waiting for you. Sunshine comes to all who feel rain.” – R M Drake
Well-being tasks for this week: These tasks for are for a Mindful March. Let’s pause, breathe and notice, so we can respond more mindfully.
Tuesday 22 March – Give sincere compliments to people you talk to today
Wednesday 23 March – Be gentle with someone who you feel inclined to criticise
Thursday 24 March – Tell a loved one about the strengths that you see in them
Friday 25 March – Thank three people you feel grateful to and tell them why
Saturday 26 March – Make uninterrupted time for your loved ones
Sunday 27 March – Call a friend to catch up and really listen to them
Monday 28 March– Give positive comments to as many people as possible today
Jokes of the week:
How do you stop an astronaut’s baby from crying?
You rocket!
What kind of tree fits in your hand?
A palm tree!
Why can’t you trust an atom?
They make up everything.
Why was the baby strawberry crying?
Because her parents were in a jam.
How does a scientist freshen her breath?
With experi-mints!
Sleeps til Santa: 277 days
5 things that I am grateful for or looking forward to this week:
Can you try this simple exercise in gratitude and positivity?
- I am looking forward to Year 5 Arts Recital concerts this week
- I am looking forward to School in Action at HPW
- I am looking forward to our school photo
- I am grateful for my day by the sea at the weekend
- I am grateful for the beautiful sunrises
Have a lovely week and stay safe,
Take care,
Mrs Bennett
