From the Principal’s Desk – 30 July 2021
Dear Parents
What a wonderful week it has been having some of our students back on campus! It has been a week filled with the simple pleasures of eager, curious eyes, happy chatter, spontaneous laughter and active teaching. Despite the third wave, Helderberg International has not skipped a beat and our students are on track with their learning for the year. How very blessed we are! And how very blessed we are as teachers to serve our community. Having said that, we think of those in our community who have lost loved ones due to the pandemic. You are in hearts and thoughts.
Margaret Mead (1901 – 1978), the anthropologist, was once asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to talk about fishhooks or clay pots or grinding stones.
Instead, Mead said that the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur that had been broken but had healed. She explained that if an animal breaks its leg, it dies. It cannot run from danger, cannot get to a river to drink, nor can it hunt. It becomes prey. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal.
A broken femur that has healed is evidence that someone has taken the time to stay with the one who is injured, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety, and has tended the person through recovery. According to Mead, helping someone else through difficulty – serving others – is where civilization starts.
It gives me great pleasure to witness, every school day, myriad small acts of service within our civilized community. From the courteous year 4 boy who insists that I pass through the door first, to the jovial caretaker who elicits a smile from everyone he passes, we all contribute to the well-being of the HIS family. Sadly, a member of the family will be leaving us after more than 17 years of dedication and tireless service. Minkie, we thank you for your contribution to our school over so many years and wish you every happiness as you begin this new chapter of your life. We also say goodbye this week to Teacher Danni who has made an impact in such a short time with her cheerful spirit and willingness to help as she jets off to the USA to complete her studies. We have no doubt that she will make a great teacher. Go well, Danni – there are some very lucky children waiting to become your students!
Today happens to be International Friendship Day. Proclaimed by the UN in 2011, the idea is behind this celebration is that friendship between people, cultures and countries has the power to inspire peace and build bridges between communities – an idea that aligns perfectly with the IES vision. There is no better time to celebrate those close to us, and show gratitude and support for our peers, friends, family and staff. Wishing you all a happy Friday and a blessed weekend.
Ms Sanchez Black
Principal
