It has been wonderful to welcome everyone back to Derby High this week and to see our Primary
School full of life again. There is always something special about the beginning of a new academic
year: familiar faces returning, new children and families joining us, friendships being renewed and
lots of excitement about everything that lies ahead.
For my first Primary assembly of the year, I talked to the children about a word that I think is
particularly important in school: yet.
I told them about a slightly humbling experience I had at the gym last week. Despite having trained
regularly for four years, I found myself standing in front of a 16-inch box which I was supposed to
jump onto with both feet – and I simply couldn’t do it. I hadn’t even tried and failed; something in
my head just wouldn’t let me jump.
Unfortunately for me, Mr Chapman was there and was very quick to remind me of something I have
said to Derby High pupils many times: there is a big difference between “I can’t do this” and “I can’t
do this yet.” There are few things more annoying than having your own advice quoted back at you!

To read all of this week’s Primary High Notes, please click here.