New prep headmistress settles in at Farlington

At the end of my first Farlington month, I realise that I am still smiling! And not without good reason. I can truly say - hand on heart – that I have been most warmly welcomed by everybody: pupils, staff and parents, too. Even the rabbits have befriended me!
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Oct 2014, 11:27 BST
Mrs Frances Mwale SUS-141020-102644001Mrs Frances Mwale SUS-141020-102644001
Mrs Frances Mwale SUS-141020-102644001

I suppose that it’s always hard starting somewhere new – wanting to make the best impression at all times, not giving too much of yourself away in one go (lest that be off-putting) and not putting your proverbial foot in it. However, when I have spoken out of turn, I have been gently corrected. When I have been lost in the dark corridors of the Mansion House, a sympathetic senior girl has guided me to safety and when I have misinterpreted something (nut does means nuts and not the National Union of Teachers!), my colleagues have not asked if I am really from this planet after all.

Inevitably, as in any community, there have been some sad times for individuals, whether through bereavement or illness or when facing daunting challenges: when one part of the body is hurting, we all hurt. The empathy shown within the Farlington Family has been strongly evident during tough times.

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Perhaps the most trying part of the past four weeks has been waiting for my very large and fabulous bookcase to arrive. I cannot describe how wonderful it felt when, on September 30th, I was finally able to unpack! I feel a metaphor coming on – that now I can truly begin to feel like a part of the ‘Farlington Furniture’ and no longer a visitor in its midst.

Picture contributed by Farlington School.