Page 46 - St Andrews Prep Androvian 2019-20

44 | SPEECH DAY
A VERY DIFFERENT
SPEECH DAY
How strange it was that the Headmaster and just three additional members of staff were the only ones on the school site for Speech Day - the day when we celebrate the outstanding achievements of our pupils from the academic year. But around
the globe, our pupils, parents, families and friends were gathered around their computers,TVs, tablets and phones to watch the live screening of the virtual event. We were all together!
It was an interesting, thought provoking and heart-warming morning. In addition to the announcements of our major prize winners, there were reflections from our Head Boys and Head Girls and end-of-year addresses from the Headmaster and Chairman of Governors who touched on the extraordinary times in which we find ourselves and the first-rate response by our staff and pupils (supported by their parents) as we took our learning programme online.
There were musical offerings from the Senior Chamber Choir andYear 8s, Readings of The Road Less Travelled and A Mother’s Love, a collection of photos from the year and some surprise messages of advice, support and encouragement from some celebrity guests spanning sport, media, the arts and business. Here are just a few quotes from the morning:
There’s so much Androvian achievement to celebrate... To everyone leaving today, thank you for what you have done to make St Andrew’s a happy and lively place and I hope you take away fond memories from your time here.
Philip Broadley, Chairman of Governors
“I have a final message for our pupils. Throughout this year, St Andrew’s has continued to be successful and that is down to your attitude and the way you have reacted. Remember, understanding the efforts and sacrifices that people make to ensure your education is as good as it can be is invaluable. It will make you a better person; someone who will give service to others ‘without charge’; and someone who will look on life’s road, with its twists and turns, positively; and be someone who is able to make decisions without regret.”
Gareth Jones, Headmaster