​​

Hello, My name is Via Fick, Head of Bryden Country School.. I have always wanted to make a difference in the lives of those around me and I am privileged to be in this position where I can use my creative energy and life experiences to lead and inspire the next generation.

I hope that Primary school is a time that children can build some of their best memories. I hope that during Primary school, children can feel seen, heard and understood. I hope that during Primary school children develop a love for learning and that they get to try a lot of different things. I believe Primary school is where dream seeds are sown. "When I grow I up I want to be ...." "When I grow up I want to try ..."

Sometimes dreams come true, sometimes we grow out of dreams, sometimes we swap our dreams for something we had not yet considered.  But what is most important is that we dream and believe in ourselves.

When I was in Primary school I started running 800m and it was the encouragement of my Headmaster who inspired me to keep setting goals for myself and I went on to represent Zimbabwe for 800m and 4x 400m. I know that my athletics journey instilled a discipline and tenacity in me that is part of who I am today. Because I also went to a small primary school, with only 1 class per grade, just like Bryden, I had the opportunity to do public speaking, get lead roles in school plays, sing in the choir and even make the hockey team. All these experiences were positive and added layers to my character - not because I was the best at all of them, but because I had the chance to try at them. This is what resonates with me about Bryden,  It is small enough for every child to find their place to shine and competitive enough to bring out the extra sparkle for those who are specially gifted in sports, academics or in culture.

​

Children are the hope for a bright future and as far as is in my power I would like Bryden children to remember the good old days of childhood.

I end with a poem titled:

​

HOPE - 

Epitomised daily in the waking of children,

jubilant and expectant,

their energy levels restored,

ready for another day's adventure

beneath open sky ...

barefooted , laughing and free.

They are endlessly creative, easily content with either cake and tea or bread and water- the spread is not the focus- having something to share together is.

They are every-hopeful of good.

The reminders of the inborn flame we each possess, 

yet reason and analysis quench its light, before it even glows.

HOPE for me is spelled "C-H -I -L-D-R-E-N.

​

Let's defend a space where the innocence of childhood is preserved, where we play outside with each other, not indoors on devices. Let's defend a childhood where we teach the value of waiting patiently and not getting everything on demand. Let's build a childhood where we are kind and collaborative and we nurture lifelong friendships. Let's run and play, let's learn and love and above all else, let's dream.

​

Warmest regards

Via 

​

​​​​

​

​