Page 7 -

Message from the Head of Secondary

Ms. Leah Witton
BA Hons (Sussex), PGCE (Nottingham)

I am thrilled to welcome you to another inspiring addition of the Colombo International
School magazine.
This year, our committee has chosen to centre the publication around the theme of
‘orenda’, the Iroquois name for a certain spiritual energy inherent in people and their
environment, and I am sure you will agree that there is plenty of this energy immersed
within these pages when you admire the wonderful work our students have produced for
inclusion here.
As individuals and as a collective, we have once again had to rely on our orenda to keep us
strong and motivated throughout the preceding twelve months which sadly have been
characterised by further challenges. However, when I look around school and see our young
people still determined to work hard; to take part in extra-curricular activities and to
contribute to wider society in a constructive and meaningful way, I feel so blessed to be
part of a community with so much positive energy in the face of adversity.
There is great hope for the future in our students’ orenda and I hope that, as you read
through this beautiful publication, you too will feel inspired by everything they have
achieved.
I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to the committee: both staff and
students have worked tirelessly to ensure that, as usual, this is a fantastic testament to the
extensive talents and achievements of our community.
Enjoy the read!