Headmasters Blog – Week 4 | Autumn Term
Dear Parents,
I had, what I thought was, a very nice office at my previous school. It had a desk, chairs, a coffee table, pictures, a bookcase and lots of my personal items. I had no problem with it and it was very functional but I don’t think I ever had a parent or visitor compliment me on the room. At The Beacon, however, I have already had a plethora of praise for what is my new office. The soft furnishings, easy lighting and the feeling that you are in someone’s front room rather than a Headteacher’s office has a positive and calming effect on visitors. But, I think it’s missing something…
When I first visited The Beacon in June 2021, my eye was drawn to the Harry Potter ‘Sorting Hat’ in the window of the Head’s Office. I instantly thought, “that’s a good talking point” and something that’s relevant and relatable to boys of prep school age. Will Phelps, completely understandably, took it with him to his new school so I thought of buying a replacement over the summer. And then, almost as if was meant to be, a promotional email dropped into my inbox and I thought, that, would be different…but perfect.
I ordered it a few weeks ago and got it delivered to my home. In Assembly last week I challenged the boys to guess what it was. I gave them three clues:
Many boys came up to me throughout the week but only two, Mr Langley and Hugo Stevens (5Y and pictured below) got it absolutely right – a (2065 piece, 60cm tall, fully operational with Fresnel lens) Lego Lighthouse. Not just the connotation with the word beacon but our Houses – Cromer, Eddystone, Portland and Trinity – are all named after UK lighthouses and there is an image of a Lighthouse in the glass on our front door. It seemed completely appropriate. It appeared to be a tough yet enjoyable build but unfortunately I didn’t get to find out. Once delivered at home, Patrick (16) and Joseph (14) eagerly set about the construction; more and more was completed every day I returned home. At one point I started where they had left off but was promptly told to leave it alone as it was “very technical and needed careful attention”. I did remind said teenagers that one never truly grows out of Lego but my offer of help was dismissed.
I unveiled the finished piece in Tuesday’s Assembly and we even turned all the lights off in the Spinney Theatre to wonder at the rotating light. Now it sits, proudly, as a beacon at ‘The Beacon’ and completes my office. Whilst I stated at the start of this term that I was not going to change anything at our School, I feel it’s the right time to re-name our superb newsletter. From now on, as you can see above, the weekly newsletter of The Beacon School will be known as ‘The Beacon Lighthouse’. A fitting name for a publication that showcases and shines a light on everything great about our School.
Finally, my immense appreciation and respect to five of our colleagues – Michelle Pickard, Jenny Grubb, Claire Sharp, Kirsty Mancinelli and Sue Coleman – who are taking part in the London Bridges Wellness Walk this Sunday, to raise money for Diabetes UK, a charity very personal to them as individuals and as a group. I am sure you will join me in wishing them all the best for the endeavour and, if you can, supporting them using the link below. Good luck Team Beacon – walk well and raise lots of money for such a worthy cause – we are very proud of you.
Have a good weekend
Nick Baker