They were the first official British Army team to complete the world’s toughest ocean row – the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge 2019/2020. On Thursday 25th June at 5pm, Lt Col Richard Hall will take us through their epic journey and the 37 gruelling days spent on the water. A challenge which raised over £40,000 for ABF The Soldiers' Charity. To book for the webinar, please visit the box office or click here.
Delighted to welcome back students in Years 10 and 12 today to join the children of key workers. The Parade Square a hub of activity once more with staff and students greeting each other after so many months apart.
His music career has spanned over 20 years and brought him international fame, but was music the path his parents wanted him to follow? Singer/songwriter Frank Turner, has performed at Leeds and Reading Festivals for the past ten years as well as packed out arenas across the world. On Thursday evening he is taking to the stage at Gordon’s for an Insight Talk Webinar – ‘Black Sheep: following a career path that everyone warned you against’. For free tickets click here.
Now a trained to respond rapidly to crises around the globe within hours and assist with disaster response, evacuations and small focussed intervention operations, Gordonian Major Stephanie Manning-Degobertiere began her military life as part of Gordon’s CCF, completing the Ten Tors Challenge as the only female member of the team after Mr Fox's “…excellent training and guidance”. She says of him “He showed me anything is possible if you put your mind to it”. On Thursday, Major Manning-Degobertiere, who was deployed to China to help with the repatriation of British Nationals from Wuhan, will be giving a Careers Insight Webinar. Find out about the route she took for her role; what qualifications she needed and advice for anybody wishing to join the Army. Click here to book your free place.
She has entertained students and staff by her oboe playing in concerts and Inter-House Music competitions. Now Sixth Form oboist Emily Menezes, who plays with the Surrey County Youth Wind Orchestra has been selected to play for the English Schools’ Orchestra. The orchestra comprises of young musicians who are of Grade 8 and above and only one or two oboists in the country are selected to play for this national youth orchestra. Emily, who has been playing the instrument for eight years and achieved distinction in Grade 8 a few years ago said she was very much looking to working with such talented people. She added: “Although I don’t intend to study music at university, I definitely want to continue playing in orchestras as that it where I am happiest - making amazing music with kind and like-minded people.”
The School Chaplain, the Reverend Sarah Norbron writes:
'My husband and I were watching the Virtual RHS Chelsea Flower Show on Tuesday evening and I have to admit I loved seeing some of the gardens from previous years and seeing garden tours from some of the presenters. It’s good that they are addressing the need for making the most of urban gardens and I can imagine that for many, a balcony or a patio has been very welcome in the glorious weather during lockdown. Our garden is not the best, especially the lawn, which could be better described as ‘a moss’. However, regular visits into the garden have meant that we have been able to study and watch the growth of the plants more closely. I can’t believe how quickly an Acer has come into leaf and my ‘Blessings’ rose has gone from bud to full flower in two days. Amazing.
When Jesus taught his followers, he often used plant analogies. There were figs and mustard seeds, wheat and weeds, but the favourite of mine is the vine. Jesus says of himself that “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” He goes on to talk about the pruning that is necessary for the vine to be fruitful. And sometimes this pruning is not always that comfortable. In my experience when things are not so easy, when life is uncomfortable, I know I need to root myself in Jesus’s love and it is this that carries me through.
For many of us it is half term. My prayer for our students is that they will grow and eventually bloom through this lockdown experience, even though they might feel like they are being pruned a bit. They are working so hard and so are their parents, and they thoroughly deserve their week off. Enjoy!
Thank a Teacher Day and what better testament to our teaching staff than an email from a parent this week about the Home Schooling: ‘…the staff's dedication to the pupils, their learning, their welfare and the parents' concerns and welfare has been exemplary’. Describing her children’s House Parents as ‘cheerful, enthusiastic and incredibly supportive’, the parent opines: ‘This has been a very difficult and stressful time for everyone, affecting lots of us in varied and different ways. However one thing we have not had to worry about has been the boys' schooling and your support in that regard. This has been a huge relief to us as parents, and we count ourselves extremely fortunate to be part of the Gordon's family.’
General Sir Peter Wall will be giving Thursday’s Insight Talk on ‘How is the global pandemic shaping UK prospects in the current superpower confrontation?’ Sir Peter, Chairman of the Gordon Foundation Trustees, served with the Royal Engineers, retiring after a 40 year career as Chief of the British Army. The talk is open to all and Sir Peter will also be available for questions. Please book to listen via Zoom on 21st May at 5pm through www.gordons.school/boxoffice or click here.
Unable to go ahead with their planned trip to Sudan in March for an exchange visit with the Khartoum International Community School (KICS), our students, together with staff and parents, have nonetheless run and cycled there (and back!). Since the Gordon’s Strava Club was launched four weeks ago, the 105 members have cycled 1,3046 kilometres and run 5,345 kilometres! Here’s hoping they can soon meet again in person and rekindled friendships made in the past.
Appearing in his first Lockdown Live, Head of Gravesend House, Gary Knight, will be bringing his own brand of 'Swing' to Gordon's School, with some classic songs from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble and Sammy Davis Jr mixed with a few modern surprises. Watch live tonight from 7.00pm via the Gordon's School Facebook page (@GordonsSch) or the Gravesend House Instagram page (gravesend_gordons).
Friday Reflection from the School Chaplain, the Reverend Sarah Norbron:
I think that many of us are getting used to having to use Zoom or other meeting platforms at the moment, although I admit to not being a great host. I usually get confused about something, the screen or who I can see, and one of the participants, usually an 11-year-old, puts me right. I love to see everyone on the screen, but one of the things I find difficult is spotting the person who is speaking. I know that they are highlighted, but I just don’t seem to be quick enough. I scan the screen and by the time I have located them, someone else is talking.
I have always been moved by the way that Jesus could spot someone in need in a crowd. On one occasion he was being pushed and shoved from all sides, but it was when his strength left him momentarily that he noticed a woman. She had been bleeding for years and no one could do anything for her, but the moment she touched Jesus, she was healed. But Jesus didn’t leave it there. He spoke with her tenderly and gave her the attention that she had been denied for twelve years. The woman’s faith had a significant impact on her life. And that can be the same for each one of us if we turn to Jesus in faith.
I am touched by the individual attention that so many are able to receive during these difficult times through carers, volunteers and neighbours, but I am aware that there must still be many who are lonely. I pray that each and every one of us will know how to spot these people in a crowd and to give them the bit of special attention they would so appreciate. May God bless you all.
Motivational messages and bright pictures are now adorning the inside of London ambulances to cheer up COVID-19 patients thanks to student Elysee Spacie. The keen baker, who drew and laminated sheets of colourful images, is also producing cakes and brownies and biscuits for ICU staff at St Peter’s Hospital each week to give them a treat while working. Each delicious offering from the young student, who makes between 60 and 70 each week, comes complete with a message of hope for those on the frontline.
.jpg)
