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In the face of the pandemic, ingenuity and resolve have been the hallmarks of the College at every turn this term. Our carol services may not have been possible in the usual pattern, but as you can readily see and hear here, their numinous beauty has been the crowning end to a term of triumphs over adversity.
The inexorable chill of winter winds may be upon us, but these opening weeks of the academic year have been absolutely exuberant. In their very presence the students have brought energy and warmth, even joie de vivre. Whether it is in the return to face-to-face lessons and trial examinations, the hundreds passionately engaging in the Covid Cup (see the sports report for an explanation), Lancing’s very own Trump-Biden debates, multiple performances of drama and music (do enjoy the link to the Advent Concert), or even queues for meals (!), there has been an embracing of new routines and expectations even as everyone must be constantly reminded not to embrace one another.
Forced social distance has also brought its own virtues, for our wider Lancing community has never felt closer. The extensive use of online conferencing software has enabled parent meetings, careers events, PSHE seminars, and our two wonderful Head Master’s Lectures to reach audiences across the UK and around the globe. We also broadcast the testimony of our first generation of Foundationers, beneficiaries of our rolling project to generate 100% bursaries. On the third anniversary of the campaign, our online Giving Week to raise both awareness and funds was a triumph. I am hugely grateful to all those who gave their support: thank you.
In this newsletter we have also included a brief film to update you on the Chapel Campaign. As we get closer to the completion of the west porch, we look back at the last few weeks of work being carried out at the front of the Chapel, and you will be able to hear from various members of the teams involved in this amazing project.
Next week you will be receiving your printed copy of The Quad. We are currently in the process of collating some feedback about the magazine in order to provide the best content for all our readers. A short survey will be sent out to all parents at the beginning of next term; it should not take long to fill in and we would really appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to complete it.
Advent is a season of looking forward, towards Christmas, towards the festive after a darkening season as nights get longer and days get colder. The beginning of winter always feels like a constricting and containing time and this year’s lockdown and worries about the pandemic have the inevitable effect of making it more so. Advent brings light – in the candles lit in churches; the illumination of Christmas trees; the sparkle of decorations. Hopefulness and celebration are both particular and important parts of the conclusion of this term, as is the anticipation of the holiday and time with families. Across recent weeks, individually and together, the Lancing community has managed the moments of difficulty and of darkness with a care and warmth which makes me phenomenally proud – but let us also note and celebrate the light shining in the darkness at this time of the year. As the poet Ursula Fanthorpe puts it, this is a moment to enjoy a walk ‘haphazard by starlight straight.’
With my every best wish for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,
Dominic Oliver
Head Master