The words of Heather Small’s song ‘Proud’ are so relevant to our children.

I look into the window of my mind
Reflections of the fears I know I've left behind
I step out of the ordinary
I can feel my soul ascending
I am on my way
Can't stop me now
And you can do the same

These words could have been written with our crop of 2013 leavers in mind. With real confidence they now make the next steps in their education having left behind the old ‘fears’ they used to have. And it is also a message to the children who will remain at Calder House for another year.

I am on my way
Can't stop me now
And you can do the same

And then the chorus:

What have you done today to make you feel proud?
It's never too late to try
What have you done today to make you feel proud?

This is a question that none of our children ever need to ask themselves as they work so very hard in all lessons at school. I have to keep reminding myself that we ask so much from these children and they always deliver. Whether it is in the ESB exams (Best ever results!), school assemblies, Sports Days, school productions or in every single lesson they attend your children always give of their best.

Another verse:

You could be so many people
If you make that break for freedom
What have you done today to make you feel proud?

This is the most important message that we send our children out with. We have high, high aspirations for our children. When they start believing in themselves then the job is nearly done. I am so proud of each and every one of them. You have just heard about the very first 4 children at school. Ben Breeden has a PhD and is now teaching in Birmingham, Laurie Hodge is doing a double degree in Mechanics and Engineering, Polly Kent is a nurse at the Bath children’s hospital and Kyle Stallard is now an international ice hockey player in Canada. These were the first 4 and they are the standard bearers for the rest of our children.

I am proud of the behaviour of our children on school trips. We really show the other schools present how they should behave. The recent trip to Llancaiachfawr Manor house was an excellent example where all three guides complimented me on not only their behaviour but the relevant questions they asked.

I am proud of the way they look after other children who come to visit us at Calder House perhaps remembering how they felt on their assessment days. The feedback from the children who visit is always what a fantastic day they had and this is down to the way our children look them after.

But I am also proud, as should all the children sat here be, of all of you, the parents/grandparents/uncles/aunties/brothers/sisters. You are always happy to support whatever we do here, you are the ones who read every night with the children, you are the ones who help with homework and you are the ones who will do anything and everything to help make sure that your children get the best possible chance at success. I and all the children are proud of you.

And finally I am proud of my teaching staff. I am proud of the hours and hours these people put in to help prepare the work for the children. The preparation for all of those fun topic days often takes weeks of preparation. I am proud of the fact that the OFSTED Inspector identified the outstanding teaching going on at Calder House School. I am proud of the way you all put the children’s concerns first and in the way you strive to give of your best at all times. Teachers, therapists, assistants and secretaries I am proud of each and every one of you.

And finally back to the children I am proud of the way you all respect each other, your empathy with each other and the way in which you will support each and every child who will win a prize. As we have seen this afternoon you support each other so well at all times.

Parents - thank you for coming to support your child here this afternoon it is appreciated. 

Click here to see some more pictures of the day.