Looking forward to looking forward

When it rains, look for rainbows. When it’s dark, look for stars.

Optimism might seem like a dirty word these days. It’s hard not to sound hollow when speaking about the future when the challenges of today are not going to diminish any time soon.

Even so, we all have a need to focus on the things we already have and the inevitable – yes, inevitable – new dawn. One local Head recently said to me: I think I can see the light at the end of a very long tunnel. There’s optimism for you.

Children are generally highly positive and have good reason to be. Our Rokeby boys are upbeat and full of potential. When I was young (younger, obviously), people didn’t speak of releasing potential. In fact, I don’t think we realised we actually had potential. You were what you were.

There were upsides to that of course. I reckon no one wants to live under the constant strife of a non-stop performance mentality. However, we now know that there is so much more going on inside us all and we have every reason to believe that the boys are full of possibilities, regardless of their everyday achievements here and now.

The Dalai Lama urges us to choose optimism because ‘it is so much better’. I think we have a duty to choose it for the boys. Not the hollow, vacuous optimism of some politicians whose aim is to divert our eyes from the truth. Rather, the sincere faith in a better future based upon the fact that our own children have so much to offer and to live for if only we help them forge the way ahead.

On another note, I am delighted to let you know that Ms. Kerry Bratt, presently Senior Teacher (Operations and Top Years) and Head of Drama, will be joining the Senior Leadership Team as Assistant Head (Learner Operations).

J. R. Peck