The inspiration for this week’s assembly came from seeing a group of our Felsted children litter picking during breaktime. I stopped to chat and asked who had told them to do this. They were eager to tell me that they had organised regular litter picking and had volunteered. Just then another pupil came bounding over and said, ‘There you are … I have just finished my headcount and couldn't find you.’ I was so impressed. Not only had they volunteered their time but there were measures in place to keep them fully accounted for, and all pupil led. 

The fact that they are quickly and sensibly carrying out this act of service with no thought of reward is something that fills me with such happiness. I feel honoured to be the Head of a school where this happens; where acts of service are becoming normalised. 

Last week, I challenged our Felsted Prep students to think about what aspects of our character we could improve upon and develop next. I wanted to keep building on this and I came across a story that demonstrated an act of selflessness that seems so simple but yet surprising. I shared this with our pupils to see if we could deepen our understanding of kindness in action.

'As Gandhi stepped aboard a train one day, one of his shoes slipped off and landed on the track.

He was unable to retrieve it as the train started rolling. To the amazement of his companions, Gandhi calmly took off his other shoe and threw it back along the track to land close to the first shoe.

Asked by a fellow passenger why he did that, Gandhi replied, 'the poor man who finds the shoe lying on the track will now have a pair he can use.'

For some children, this was the first time they had heard of Gandhi and it was a privilege to share this gentle story with our pupils. I was able to explain that he had formed habits of kindness by being kind over and over again. 

Habits are formed when we repeat actions and thoughts again … and again … and again. Whilst assemblies are a great way to provide time to reflect, it is only when we turn these thoughts into actions that we know we have had an impact. 

Picking up a piece of litter is an act of service and this action demonstrates the care that our children have for their school surroundings. Rest assured that we did discuss that our next step is to help people not drop the litter in the first place and I am sure we can work together to build the habits that continue to make a difference.

With warm wishes for the weekend ahead,

Miranda Norris
Head, Felsted Prep