About this time of year, I usually write about our Year 8 Leavers.  Of course, this summer I have only seen them on a screen – until this afternoon, when four completed their Leavers’ Project Clarendon Way charity walk near the front door.  The majority had a how to day: the skills learnt were, in order through the day, (i) gut a fish, (ii) be an inventor, (iii) change a wheel on a car, (iv) sell a product, (v) play poker, and, (vi) cook.  They also enjoyed a lecture by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.  Since their exams, the boys have participated in a range of virtual activities and games (thank you, Sharky and George), as well as worked on their projects.  There is still plenty to come: on two days next week, they will produce a film, with everyone, those in school and those who live too far away to come in, having a part.

I remember watching Raiders of the Lost Ark with someone who, along with one-third of the population (including Indiana Jones), suffered from ophidiophobia. During the Well of Souls scene he writhed and wriggled more than the snakes, which were not CGI imitations but sourced by Spielberg mostly from pet shops near Elstree Studios.  I like snakes, more or less, but have the same need to hide behind my hands when watching Governor Rick Perry, in an excruciating moment in a 2011 US presidential debate, unable to name the third government agency he would abolish.  I cannot even bring myself to include a link.

I write on Friday afternoon at pick-up time. A few boys are playing on the Quad outside. Earlier, I taught Year 8 about the rise and fall of institutions and ideas. At the moment, even deep within our bubbles, there is, from time to time, the appearance of normality.

On Friday 3 January, I spent much of the day concluding final edits of this term’s printed Calendar; the same day, the BBC ran a story about cases of a ‘mysterious’ virus.  I never considered the possibility that this term would not conclude as normal.  All of a sudden, though, the expectations of everyday life have disappeared.  Naturally, there is worry and fear; we understand that harsh reality may affect us directly – or, perhaps, it already is.  Aside from viral danger, the world is in economic turmoil.  Some, in their anxiety, have responded poorly, by panic-buying, for example. 

Last Saturday evening, starting about 2200, I visited every pub and club in central Winchester.  I do not mean several – I mean all.  I was dressed in a striking yellow top.  No doubt some of you saw me but pretended not to notice.  I returned home, rather weary, in the early hours.