Page 97 - Herioter 2021

‘THIS is our in your classroom, take a moment to look at
the faces around you – these people will do
time… THIS is the same for you. We’ve had ups and downs
as a year group but, as cheesy as it sounds,
your time’ we’ve faced them together and that’s what
counts at the end of the day. When recently
asked about memories of Heriot’s, I had no
Esther Arthurson’s June Day address is idea where to start – but, after reflecting on
published in full below. this question for some time, I’ve realised
that it starts with you, all of you here on the
Thank you, Chairman. I’d like to echo your grass today. So, thank you, S6. Thank you for
welcome to everyone here today – to pupils everything, but mostly for the memories.
on the lawns and in classrooms, to teachers, There’s a scene at the end of the film
and particularly to those who would have Footloose when the protagonist quotes
liked to be here but were unable to attend from Ecclesiastes, and since I’m going off to
due to restrictions and are watching online. study theology, it seems only right that I do
It’s such a privilege to be able to speak to you from the rest of my life with not the faintest clue the same. ‘There is a time for everything, a
all. June Day, 2021. We made it! how I got here. Perhaps this feeling of uncertainty season for every activity under the heavens:
Firstly, a disclaimer: there is no way I would has been amplified by the unpredictable nature a time to be born and a time to die; a time to
have survived this year without my fellow of these last twelve months – you do not need me weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn
captains, Rory, Ben and Sofia. Thank you so to tell you that this past school year has been an and a time to dance; a time to be silent
much for everything you’ve done; I’ve loved adventure, to say the least. and a time to speak...’ And, as this very wise
getting to know you, and although making I’d love to thank our incredible teachers for all rom-com character went on to say, THIS is
new friends in your final year of school seems they have done to make this year as normal and our time. In the wake of this last year, I think
unlikely, for me, you three have proven it to easy as possible for us pupils, always going the it’s particularly potent to say that teachers,
be possible – you are the definition of Dream extra mile or ten to make sure not just that we’re parents, pupils, and my fellow S6s, preparing
Team. learning but that we’re happy. Teachers play a to go out and take this unsuspecting world by
When I was young, I was a firm believer huge role in making Heriot’s the place it is, and I storm, THIS is your time.
in the age-old mantra of ‘when I grow up’. think I speak for all my fellow pupils, particularly And, as we’re gathered here to celebrate
Between the ages of five and ten this phrase the leavers, when I say thank you so much for all George Heriot and all he’s given us, I
prefixed many a different ending, from pirate that you’ve given us over the years; thank you think it’s safe to say he would be proud of
to alligator trainer, but those first four words for bearing with us - I’m thinking particularly of the way we’ve handled these last twelve
always remained the same. Looking back the unending patience of the P.E. department months together, pupils and teachers alike.
over my fourteen years at Heriot’s, I’m not who tried on many occasions to teach me how to I also think he would approve the following
sure when the idea of growing up ceased catch a ball – a skill I am yet to master; thank you, message: after a year of restrictions and
to be appealing and became something all our teachers here at Heriot’s, for believing in limitations, our mission this summer is to have
intimidating and imminent instead. Suddenly each and every one of us, and most of all, thank a good time, all the time. But, just as George
those four words, once so simple, are filled you for caring when you are only paid to teach. Heriot used what he had to make a difference
with grey areas I never knew existed, and that The other paramount ingredient of Heriot’s is, which is still benefitting us, all these years
terrifies me; here I am today, standing in front naturally, the pupils. It’s the students who have later, so we should use what we’ve been given
of you all, approximately one month away shaped my time here, and if you’re watching this by him to make a difference ourselves as we
go forward into the real world. Thank you.

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