As we launch into the excitement and challenge of a new school year I am always amazed by the vitality and enthusiasm of our youngsters. New uniforms and new friends for many and with a sense of uncertainty for some – all underpinned by a sense of hope.

As we launch our new website I wanted to set up an opportunity to share some of my thoughts and our experiences on a hopefully weekly basis. With that in mind our first assemblies reflected inevitably on this summers sporting phenomenon of the Olympics and latterly the Para Olympics. This four-yearly spectacle can bring out the jingoistic worst in us all but this year we certainly had cause for national celebrations with unprecedented medal success for the teams. The most obvious way that these events can inspire is seen as people have a sudden urge to swim, cycle or purchase lycra sports suits but I hope for much more than that.

All our top performers, including the likes of Chris Hoy, Rebecca Adlington and Ben Ainslie have shown extraordinary dedication and determination to succeed – they would not have made it on ability alone. As well as hard work they have also had great support from a diverse team of people, from the specialist attention of the physio to the psychologist or technician, to the emotional strength of their families and friends. Never forget the loneliness of the young swimmer training in the local pool at 5.30am – they still have to get there, eat breakfast, get to school, and complete their homework, ready to train again in the evening. They need unquestioning support to do that – they cannot do that alone. A lesson for us all I think about working together, supporting one another and achieving our potential.

Many Abbey Gate pupils are Cathedral Choristers and they have a demanding regime too but listening to their wonderful music at St Deiniol’s Choral Evensong on Sunday evening again was evidence that a combination of hard work, commitment and talent produces fantastic results. Well done to Mr Smith and the Choir – I look forward to Music and Readings from around the World at Ruthin later this week.

So the challenge to all of us is to make the most of our talents, work hard and remember how important other people are in helping us to succeed. London 2012 will not be a target for most of us but we can all be inspired by the concept. We do wish former Head Boy Oly Stanley luck however in his triathlon preparations for the next Olympics. Oly is a student now at Loughborough University and you can find out about this Old Saightonian who is ‘going for gold,’ on www.olystanley.com. – he visited last year and gave us a framed memento of his triathlon success which now hangs on the landing in Saighton Grange.

Good luck to all for the trials and tribulations for the year ahead and if any pupils are doing exciting and extraordinary activities, like Ed Reid’s (L6th) Great North Swim on Windermere last weekend – let me know as I like to hear about these achievements too!