What a year we have had: learning at school, learning in bubbles and learning at home! And I simply wish to say thank you to our entire Columba community – staff, students and families - for how well you have coped with it all. Every single person has tried his or her very best at school this year, made progress and risen to the challenges and demands of what has been a very disrupted year. Well done and thank you.

I shared a favourite quote of mine at the Middle and Junior School prize-givings: Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain.

I like it because it reminds me that I won’t always have sunshine and things going my way but that I can make the most of what I do have. I can be feeling bad but I can take action that makes me feel alive!

This quote reminds me not to allow things to deter me from pursuing my personal best, not to come up with excuses. Not to wait for the bad things in life to go away but to have a positive attitude and take challenges on and enjoy the journey!

This year as a school we taken the challenges on, made the most of opportunities and exhibited a positive attitude.

So to all the students: there may have been a lot of rain this year, both literal and metaphorical, but you have danced well. Keep on doing it. I look forward to seeing you again next year and wish all those moving on, all the very best!

Enjoy your holidays and have a wonderful Christmas and new year.