Head's Blog: Advent

Dear Parents,

We have begun the period of advent. The word ‘Advent’ is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming,” which is a translation of the Greek word parousia. The season of Advent lasts for four Sundays leading up to Christmas. At this time, the new Christian year begins with the twelve-day celebration of Christmastide, which lasts from Christmas Eve until Epiphany on January 6. I love this time of year at Handcross Park as we prepare for the whole school carol service: the singing around the tree; the kindness of the parents with all the decorating of the school; the wonderful nativity performances in the last week of term; the Christmas lunch; the boarders’ Christmas performance to the Homestream House retirement home – the list is endless. It is a special time: a coming together of our community.

This year, we have also focussed on those less fortunate than ourselves, and I have seen that sentiment spread across the country – more so than ever before. I think that we are all very aware that we are living in difficult times and if we can do something for someone else then we should. Our daily twitter feed centres on acts of kindness that we (pupils, staff, parents) can engage with during advent and hopefully beyond. I know that we are supporting three very important charities and I would like to thank everyone for their generosity so far, these are all being delivered to their final destinations on Monday.

Another week to go – tired children but happy children. I am sure that we will make it in one piece with holidays just on the horizon.

Richard Brown

Headmaster