Our newly created Trust has a vision that, for me today, could not be more relevant, poignant and important.
“Stronger together” is something that has left me pretty reflective over the last 72 hours.
Someone I’ve had the privilege of educating and watching proudly as they matured and developed into a quite phenomenal young man, took their own life on Monday.
It has been an absolute hammer blow, resulting in a devastating series of messages to receive from so many ex students who wanted to reach out and, quite frankly, have been left distraught.
So many questions, so many emotional messages of remembrance and a quite humbling togetherness of a community stretched far and wide now through their individual lives and direction of travel.
People matter, lives matter.
Being part of so many emotional exchanges has served to remind me we have to do better. We need to ask the questions to anyone and everyone.
Is everyone ok? How do we know? Can we make sure people know we care?
I have been reflective. Communities are important regardless of age and deemed valuable when people reach out and show caring and empathy are at the heart of what people value the most.
The young person in question was everything I want of the students at the Academy today. Without question, he was special. The best.
Building relationships with children and families can become life changing, life long and long lasting. My relationship with this young man and his family was exactly that. A quite phenomenal role model. Kind, caring and an outstanding person.
Regardless of when someone finishes their journey with us here at the Academy, they maintain that connection for life.
And to the community I serve today, please pick up the phone, drop in on that person you haven’t spoken to in a while, and do your bit to maybe save and/or improve a life.
Together we’re stronger.
Rest In Peace. Never forgotten.
