ASSEMBLY

On Monday and Tuesday, with the support and encouragement of Miss Sluter, Tennis Scholars Arabella L (12W), Ava McM (11N) and Emily N (12H) gave a presentation in which they encouraged us to appreciate the freedoms that we may sometimes take for granted.

Presented together with some engaging photographs of their trip to Bahrain for the Tennis World Championships, here are their speeches in full:

Arabella L
“In this country we have the freedom to make choices, whether that is to believe in a particular religion, support the prime minister or choose who we are going to marry. We are privileged for the freedom to have an opinion without being controlled or attacked by the government or other citizens.

But this is not the case for everyone in the world and especially not for women.

When we travelled to Bahrain for the Tennis World Championships, we had the opportunity to be immersed in a new culture. Compared to other Gulf countries, women have a lot more rights in Bahrain due to Bahrain making great progress over the last 30 years, most notably when women got the vote in 2002. However, women are still thought of as second-class citizens.

On top of workplace inequalities and unequal social expectations, currently women under 21 need a male guardian’s approval for marriage, there are no laws against domestic violence against women and there is high expectation for women to cover up and dress modestly while out in public.

While we were there, this was tricky for us to get used to as it was unfamiliar to us. It made us realise that we take our everyday rights and opportunities for granted.

In surrounding nations, such as Afghanistan, women and girls are still unable to go to school or play sports and in Saudi Arabia women only recently got the right to drive in 2018.”

Ava McM
“As a team we would like to say that going to Bahrain was an incredible experience and we as a team will forever be grateful for that opportunity. It was interesting to learn about the differences in rights for women in Bahrain in comparison to how they are here.

We wanted to make sure that we respected the culture of Bahrain therefore we didn’t leave the hotel without covering our shoulders and legs, the only place we were allowed to wear tank tops or shorts was at the tennis club but as soon as we wanted to cross the road to get food for instance, we had to be driven or taken by a man and we had to cover up.

The trip to Bahrain made us as a team realise that not all women are able to access the same rights and we feel as though we should appreciate our freedoms that we are given in this country.

We also felt as a team that it was important to respect their laws and cultural expectations.”

Emily N
“Here are a few pictures of our time in Bahrain.

When we look at our own opportunities, we were lucky enough to travel to the other side of the world to compete for our country and school, something crazy and unimaginable for far too many girls.

Please join together for a prayer:

God of love, life and hope,
We thank you for the amazing diversity of your creation.
We thank you that this diversity is expressed in human life;
people all made in your image, yet living, loving and believing in different ways.
Help us God, in our diversity, to retain our own perspectives, beliefs and strengths;
and in our individuality to join with those who are different that we may, together, make this world a
better place.

Amen.”

ACT OF WORSHIP

After singing O Lord my God, Rachel F (9H) and Emily L (8W) read from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2:22-40 which Reverend Kate said teaches us important lessons about respect: respect for rules, belief and each other; it also teaches us something about the deep value of trusting in God’s timing.

Respect for rules
Reverend Kate reminded us that Mary and Joseph were devout Jews who followed the Law of Moses which required that a firstborn son be presented in the Temple and the mother undergo a ritual cleansing. Even though Mary had given birth to the Son of God, she and Joseph still followed these rules faithfully and obediently.

Reverend Kate said that here at school we have rules - about uniform, homework deadlines, behaviour etc. – and we also have expectations: of kindness, honesty, integrity and accountability. Sometimes, these requirements may feel unnecessary or frustrating, but like Mary and Joseph, Reverend Kate said that many of us have respect for these rules because they help our community to stay safe and to flourish.

Respect for belief
In the Temple we meet Simeon and Anna, two figures of deep faith. Simeon had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the one chosen by God to rescue and restore humanity. So, he waited patiently and faithfully and when he saw Jesus, knew immediately that God's promise had been fulfilled. Anna, a prophetess, spent her life in the Temple, worshipping and praying.

Reverend Kate said that these two individuals show deep respect for belief. Despite waiting a lifetime, they did not lose faith but, instead, held on to God’s promises.

Reverend Kate said that respect for belief means listening, learning, and supporting one another, which can be difficult in a world which encourages us to doubt, rush and seek immediate answers. Here at school, we respect one another's beliefs and we value everyone’s faith and spiritual journey.

Respect for each other
When Simeon and Anna encountered Jesus, their first reaction was blessing, so they spoke words of encouragement over Mary and Joseph and instead of keeping their joy to themselves, they shared it, building up those around them.

Reverend Kate said that respect for ‘the other’ means lifting each other up. It means helping a friend who is struggling, speaking words of support rather than gossip, and being patient with one another. Here at school, students and staff work together for the same aim and so respect is essential for mutual flourishing: we succeed when we support one another, just as Simeon and Anna did.

Trusting in God's timing
Reverend Kate said that Simeon’s story reminds us that God's timing is always perfect. Simeon waited many years to see the Messiah, but in the right moment, God fulfilled the promise.

Here at school, we all experience moments of waiting—waiting for exam results, for friendships to deepen, for challenges to pass. Sometimes we might wonder, "why isn’t this happening now?" However, Reverend Kate said that just as God had a plan for Simeon, God has a plan for us; God’s timing may not be our timing, but it is always right.

So, as we go about school for the remainder of this term, Reverend Kate invited us to carry these lessons with us:

Respect the rules, not just because this is expected but because the rules shape a thriving community.
Respect belief, honouring our own faith and the faith of others.
…..and respect each other, choosing kindness, honesty, integrity and accountability.

And finally, Reverend Kate said: trust God's perfect timing, knowing that God’s plans for us are greater than we can imagine and that God is guiding our steps.

In the days ahead, may we be like Mary, Joseph, Simeon and Anna and hold respect at the forefront of our minds and in our hearts.

Reverend Kate prayed:

God of love,
We thank you for the example of Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna. Help us to respect the rules that guide us and the beliefs that strengthen us; help us to respect each other and build our community.

Teach us patience in times of waiting. When we feel uncertain or restless, remind us that your timing is always perfect.

As we go from this place, may we speak with kindness and honesty and act with integrity and accountability so that this school may be a place where everyone feels respected.

Amen