Roots and Rhythms - Ebbing and Flowing

I started writing this in November 2012.  Unfinished, it has languished in my drafts folder, but I think it deserves to see the light of day!

Driving on the neat road into the College, surrounded by eucalyptus plantations, the buzz of cicadas filling the air; I'm struck by the realisation that this is not a journey of sadness, but one of deep comfort.

The familiar sight of the Headmasters Volvo heading towards me, and a cheery wave from another mother as she passes, bring a flash of insight - Robert has stepped onto the next stage of his life, but this is by no means the end of belonging to the school family.

The school will continue in it's busy yet familiar rhythm.  Uplands remains untouched and unchanged as the flow of students passes in and then out of its gates.  They change.  The parents change.  The school, however, remains a reassuringly strong and immovable presence at the heart of the community.

What a wonderful feeling of relief and comfort this is.  The swirling elements of change that dictate the world around us, engendering a disturbing insecurity and fear of "what next?" have no place here.

No matter what happens, the rolling grounds, filled with indigenous plants, trees and bushes playing host to water mongoose, duiker, monkeys and a huge variety of birds, amongst others, will continue to grow and develop in their own natural rhythm, encouraged and supported by forward thinking school management and parents.

The sturdy buildings will be added to, and finally perhaps even the Chapel, its temporary duty as a science lab done, will revert to it's designated function.  The well used joke among the school fraternity - our chapel teaching the theory of evolution - still wrings chuckles and wry smiles.

15th April 2013

In a world where instant, trending, disposable, new and different appear to drive the herd, it is comforting and heartwarming to know that some things will remain constant and familiar.

Of course, within the walls, change will occur.  But the things that matter, the ethics, morals, standards, warmth, welcome and acceptance, the drive to educate and to learn, the will to nurture not only leaders, but a youth that is eager to go out there and make a difference to the world around them, will remain.

Firmly anchored to the rock that is Uplands Schools, and the many other schools and institutions out there, our children are safely secured and capable. The world is filled with aged and impressive schools, colleges and cathedrals, their commanding presence felt by all who pass by.  Fret not - the chattering classes, media and social twitterati notwithstanding, our kids have everything they need to grow and develop through the exciting new phases of their lives.  

And best of all, the roots that secure and anchor them will always be there, changing yet unchanged.