May 25th 2021: “Edie”

Well this month’s blog finds us all shivering and damp in total contrast to the same time last year. 

I do have some exciting news in the arrival of “Edie” who will be our well-being puppy (and later, dog!”)  I decided to call her Edie (after St Edmund!) if the puppy was a boy but we have the female version in our sweet little Edie. She is currently only 10 weeks old and lives with me but when she has completed her therapy training ( yes, even dogs do exams at St Edmund’s!) she will be part of the community.

In a time of increased anxiety after all that lockdown has thrown at us, Edie will be available for puppy care (year 7 and 8), walks and visits to the library, the sixth form and the pastoral team. Our young people who wish to join the puppy club will be able to develop their nurturing skills and benefit from the joy of this little bundle of fur! Students who need a little support with their emotional and mental health, can choose to spend some time with Edie to increase a sense of well-being. It is certainly helping me! I haven’t stopped smiling since she has arrived.

So our year 11 and 13 students left last week. We had lots of laughter and a few tears and I felt so privileged to be able to share their last Mass and their last assembly with them. The year 7 pictures of our year 11 leavers and the “most likely to…” certificates had us all in stitches! They have all inspired me so much with their resilience to all that has happened. They were aspirational, worked hard, made no excuses and really made me so proud to work at St Edmund’s. I can’t wait to see what they all do next. 

A glimmer of sunshine has just fallen upon the peace garden and I think we are all praying for the return of last year’s sunshine for our half-term break. If not, it will be more wet and soggy mornings with Edie in the garden for me! Happy half term everyone

Maggie x