If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together
Ratan Tata
At the heart of Elmhurst is a strong sense of community. So much so that, this academic year, we have added ‘Community’ as the civic virtue that brings together all of our other character values. The Elmhurst Community is something we talk about often, but what does it really mean? Community isn’t just one thing – it comes in many forms. When we begin to recognise the many communities we’re a part of, both inside and outside school, we start to see how powerful coming together can be.
Some communities are based on shared interests. These are the groups we naturally form when we come together around something we love—whether it’s a football team, the cast of the school play, Elmhurst Voices or our chess club. These shared passions bring people together from different year groups, uniting them with common goals and experiences. The power of such a community is always evident to me in Drama lessons and rehearsals as I see older children supporting and encouraging younger children, developing the passion for performance and being a part of the team that was instilled in them by previous year groups.
Shared goals, such as working towards a production, also form the foundation of strong communities. Our assemblies this week have focussed on ‘what makes a strong community?’ and this made me consider the power of community spirit in motivating people. Think of any school project, a team preparing for a big match, or a group of students campaigning as part of Eco-Council. Our Year 6 Harmony Ambassador can’t encourage constructive and supportive play on the decking at lunch time alone- he needs a team of peers to encourage harmony in the playground. Working together towards a common purpose gives everyone a role to play and a sense of achievement when that goal is reached.
Then, there are communities built on support. These are often the most powerful. In school, it could be as simple as helping a classmate with homework, listening to a friend who’s having a tough day, giving to the Croydon Refugee Centre as part of our Fill the Minibus initiative or singing at our local care home. When we support each other, we show that we’re not alone and that there’s strength in knowing that others are standing with you.
And of course, there’s the community that comes from a shared place, like Elmhurst. Being in the same classrooms, climbing the same stairs and learning side by side connects us. We’re part of something bigger than ourselves. A network of students, teachers, and staff all contributing to a vibrant and supportive environment, striving to be our brilliant best.
Elmhurst is a space where everyone belongs. And when we feel like we belong, we’re more confident, more motivated, and more likely to help others feel the same. The individual can run ahead but, when things get tough, it’s the group behind them that will ensure that they keep moving forward.
In the end, I think community is about connection. It’s about realising that we’re stronger together than we are alone. So whether you’re cheering someone on, sharing a passion, working toward a goal, or just being a kind presence in someone’s day, you’re helping to build the kind of community we all want to be part of. And in doing so, together we can achieve so much more.
Mr Brook
