Abingdon News No.53

2 April 2020 When the Lent term commenced on 7 January 2020, none of us had any idea that we might complete the term in such extraordinary circumstances. Despite the gathering clouds of the coronavirus crisis, the term was marked by the commitment and endeavour of pupils and staff alike, as expressed in many of the events which are captured in this edition of Abingdon News. As ever, there was a great deal of laughter and happiness accompanying the hard work that underpins success and progress both in academic life and the Other Half. It is impossible to look out over the now empty school and not feel sad at the lack of boys making their way around our grounds, enjoying one another’s company or intent on getting to their next lesson or activity. That physical presence has, though, been replaced by a tangible online buzz as staff and pupils have responded enthusiastically and vigorously to the challenges of online working. It’s been great to stay in touch with the boys and see them proving to be so adaptable and creative in their new circumstances. Although we face some time in our new online form, I am confident that the boys will continue to flourish and develop. I know too that our sense of community will emerge from these challenges reinforced and enhanced, and that the experience will make us stronger and more united. We are all looking forward to welcoming the boys back to their school soon but our thoughts are also very much with those now on the frontline of this crisis, which include many Old Abingdonians, current and former parents, partners, relatives, friends and governors of the School. We all owe them our thanks. Michael Windsor, Headmaster Abingdon News The Entomology Club has successfully reared three Dryococelus australis , commonly known as the Lord Howe Island stick insect or tree lobster. The stick insect lives on the Lord Howe Island group and was thought to be extinct by 1920, only to be rediscovered in 2001. Tree Lobsters join Entomology Club We were delighted to be able to give the Haematology and Oncology Unit at the Cancer Centre at the Churchill Hospital a supply of science goggles to help protect staff working on the wards. We cannot thank NHS staff enough for all that they are doing. “ I would like to say a huge thank you for all your efforts and help with getting eye-protection goggles to our nurses and front line workers at the Haematology and Oncology Unit at the Cancer Centre at the Churchill Hospital. We are ever so grateful! Attached please find a photo of our Matron Rachel Miller looking very happy.... unfortunately with no other team members due to social distancing. Many, many, thanks again to the whole Abingdon School Community. ” Dalia Khan, Registrar in Haematology Goggles for the NHS Message from the Headmaster

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