Every year for the last decade, teachers and management staff from our school have attended what has become known after its location as the Lucca Conference. This is an opportunity for Board Members, Principals and teachers from our family of schools around the world to meet together and be reminded of the guiding principles of our establishments. More recently the ideas laid down by our founder, Leon MacLaren, are being reviewed for a 21st century context. At the forefront of any reformulation is the essential direction to find unity in diversity. This has been expressed in a draft statement on the shared purpose and practices of our schools as follows:- The education provided by the family of schools is founded on philosophy. A core theme is the belief that behind the differences apparent in each child, there is a conscious, intelligent and loving spirit which we all share in common.
One of the simple directions given to our teachers and support staff is to greet the child in front of them freshly each day almost as if the first time. The purpose of this practice is to be free of any restrictive ideas and meet the child consciously and openly. By acknowledging the essential nature of the child, rather than ideas from previous interactions, the child is left free to grow and develop their full potential.
The simple practice of the Pause as part of the daily routine of school life, provides a further reminder to the children and the teacher of this freedom. During this exercise, the teachers and students find a natural peace and stillness which is beyond the usual movement and agitation. By focusing firmly in the present, the children can discover and utilise their individual talents and unlimited potential. Our school motto Rejoice in the Present recognises the contentment that arises from practices of self-awareness like the Pause.
I wish you a wonderful break over the King’s Birthday weekend, free of dwelling in the past or concern for the future, and simply enjoying the here and now.
Peter Crompton
