Last Saturday, we were able to celebrate the global diversity within our community at Felsted's annual Internationalism Dinner.  This was very much a pupil led event, with a wide range of our sixth form students talking to the audience about their experiences, with the focus on the theme of Hope.  It was also a pleasure to welcome as guest speaker our new Director of Global Education, Dr Robin Hancock.  Robin brings a very wide range of experience to this role, and spoke passionately to the pupils about the benefits of a truly Global Education.  She also asked all those present to give their understanding of what Global Education means, as she is trying to establish the best definition for Felsted, so that we can develop and share our understanding of what this is.  If anyone would like to contribute to this discussion, I am sure that Robin would be delighted to hear from you (reh@felsted.org).

For me, growing understanding of different cultures can only enrich our experience and help to prepare us for the world beyond Felsted.  I often say that it is easy to be inward looking in a small village (although a growing village) like Felsted, but it is so important that we look outwards whenever the opportunity is there.  Sitting alongside people of different nationalities in the classroom is one of these opportunities, and we should all seek to find out as much as we can.  Opportunities for travel (such as Round Square exchanges) provide further openings to the wider world.  In an age when most of the students will go on to work with people from around the world, and may even work in places around the world as well, this is a skill that can and should be developed.

Of course, this week global news has been at the forefront of much of our thinking.  First, we have been confronted with the dreadful earthquake affecting Turkey and Syria.  As the news continues to pour in, hope has begun to fade of finding more survivors in the wreckage, and those sent to search the rubble are reduced to the grim task of retrieving bodies.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, and as a small gesture, our own clothes day tomorrow will now be raising funds for the Disasters and Emergency Committee appeal as well as our own school charities.  Should anyone wish to contribute to this appeal, the website is https://www.dec.org.uk/

Also, as the conflict in Ukraine comes up to a year since breaking out, the UK (and other European countries) has been visited by President Zelensky.  Zelensky delivered a passionate address to the UK Government, with further support being promised in the coming weeks.  It is hard to imagine the hardship faced by many in Ukraine, and almost impossible to imagine the change that many families have undergone in the last 12 months.  

The scale of these two disasters, one natural and one man made, is hard to comprehend, but we wish all those affected some kind of resolution, and the strength courage to build back in the months and years ahead.

We also share our deepest condolences with the whole Epsom College community following this week’s tragic news.

I will finish by wishing all of our Felsted families a restful and peaceful half term break,

Chris Townsend
Head, Felsted School