Last term, Year 4 wrote a joint letter to several world leaders asking them how they might tackle the pressing issue of climate change following COP26. In their letter, Year 4 passionately spoke about their contributions to making a positive impact and highlighted what they thought countries worldwide could do to accelerate and promote progressive green change. It was energising to receive several responses from various embassies and Downing Street. One of the most important things that these letters have highlighted to each girl in the Junior School is how everyone’s voice matters, and that each small contribution plays a contributing role to the bigger picture.

In response to their efforts, Year 4 were delighted to welcome and host the Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang, on behalf President Xi Jinping. Year 4 found it staggering that the President of the People’s Republic of China would invest so heavily in their gentle plea. Zheng Zeguang hand-delivered, presented, and read out a personal letter from President Xi Jinping. In his letter, President Xi Jinping spoke of the importance of recognising our global community, noting that ‘everyone living on Earth is part of a big family’, and he further commended the girls’ efforts, emphasising the importance of the opinions and actions of the younger generation. President Xi Jinping went on to speak of the value of nature, commenting that ‘clean waters and green mountains are just as valuable as gold and silver’, and spoke about the green spaces outside of China’s large expanding cities.

At the end of the assembly, Year 4 sung the powerful song SOS from the Kids, a reminder to all adults in the room that there is still much to be done, finishing by warmly thanking the Embassy representatives.

Miss Adams, Year 4 Class Teacher and Miss Wigdahl, Junior School Teaching Assistant