Leadership Likes: Ms Davies

When the Autumn Term draws to a close, I always think there is a little magic in the air. Nativity plays, concerts, talent shows, the school Winter Fair, Carol Services and, of course, this year, more than a little sprinkling of snow! There is certainly something very magical about snowfall although I cannot deny that it was a bit of a shock after five years living in a hot and humid climate!

I spent last Christmas in Hong Kong and it was definitely a different one for me. This was the first time I had been away from the UK at Christmas in my life. The strict travel and quarantine restrictions that the territory had in place in response to the pandemic meant that leaving Hong Kong would have meant a three week stay in another country and then a three week stay in a quarantine hotel, six weeks in total! Therefore, there was no choice but to stay in Hong Kong for Christmas!

Christmas Eve evening was spent outside with friends on the waterfront of Victoria Harbour, none of my usual Christmas traditions in sight. Christmas Day itself involved a ferry journey and a sampan to an outlying island called Cheung Chau where twelve of us celebrated Christmas Day on a rooftop with the turkey being cooked on a barbecue! I remember thinking at the time that, although I missed my family, I knew it would be an experience I would never forget.

Christmas 2021 made me reflect on the fact that sometimes things happen and you have no choice but to go with them. The bit that can be a slight surprise is actually they are going to help form some of the best memories. As we toasted Christmas Day on that rooftop, all far away from our families, there was still a lot of joy and laughter all around. When I reflect on events such as this or others I could mention, I realise that sometimes things that you would not necessarily choose or situations that you find yourself in, can in fact be positive life-changing experiences. Last Christmas I learnt about the power of resilience and the importance of friendship. So as I put up my tree this year, I put on a little decoration of the iconic Hong Kong star ferry; it will always be there in my heart even though I am looking forward to a traditional Christmas this year. And as you prepare for the festive season, however that looks for your family, I do wish you a happy and peaceful holiday spending time with those who matter most.

Ms Davies

Head