Good morning everyone.

We have almost reached that time of year once again when our site will begin to feel a little quieter - with Upper 5 beginning study leave today and Upper 6 soon to follow. For some of you in Upper 5 and for all of you in Upper 6 this will be one of your final assemblies in this building.

Take a moment to absorb the space—the beautiful designs in these historic windows and the unique acoustics as sound travels around us. You have sat here for many minutes and hours over the years, listening to countless assemblies and music making, and it is perhaps only now that you will notice how this place has been an important presence in your school life. Reflect for a moment on how the quiet moments here have impacted on you.

Maya Angelou captured an essential truth when she said: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

This is what truly matters in our daily interactions—not so much specific words or actions, but whether you made others feel listened to or ignored, included or excluded, uplifted or diminished.

Think of those teachers who transformed your experience here, many sitting amongst you here today. You will not remember every lesson, but you will perhaps carry with you how they made you believe in your potential and sparked your curiosity.

We see this same principle played out with well-known figures from the global stage. Sir David Attenborough's impact comes less from the specific facts his documentaries share about wildlife, and more from how his iconic voice and his

passion connects us to our planet. In the last 3 years President Zelensky's unwavering commitment to stand with, and for, his country and his people, demonstrates true courage and what authentic leadership really is, even when facing overwhelming odds.

As you venture beyond these walls, you'll interact with countless new people. While your words and actions may blur in their memories, the emotional imprint you leave will endure.

During these coming weeks of exam pressure, remember that kindness creates ripples. A genuine smile or word of encouragement might provide exactly the confidence someone needs as they head into that exam they have been so worried about.

Extend this same compassion to yourself. Exam season inevitably brings pressure and self-doubt, but you are more than your grades. Give yourself permission to rest, acknowledge that you have worked hard, and remember that these challenges are preparing you for even greater success ahead. Self-kindness means allowing yourself to breathe, avoiding comparison, and recognising your best effort. You can't be there for your friends if you're running on empty yourself.

To emphasise this message, I share Maya Angelou's poem "Continue":

My wish for you

Is that you continue

Continue to be who and how you are

To astonish a mean world

With your acts of kindness

Continue to allow humour to lighten the burden

Of your tender heart.

Continue to let gratitude be the pillow

Upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer.

And let faith be the bridge you build

To overcome evil and welcome good.

These beautiful words remind us that kindness transforms both individuals and communities. Persistence in kindness, even amid negativity, creates lasting impact.

Be the one who pays attention to what others say, to open the door, to offer a compliment. As you prepare for your next chapter remember this: how you treat people is what lives on. Real success is about your accomplishments, but not without the positive impact you can have on others along the way.

We should each aim to leave this, and any other community we become part of, better than we found it. When people reflect on their time with you, may they remember not just what you said or did, but how you (in your words and actions) made them feel seen and valued.

Thank you for listening and thank you for the distinct impact that each of you have had on us here at Norwich School.

My very best wishes to you all.