In a chair in the Chaplain's room there sits a cuddly elephant. He is a silent part of countless conversations. Sometimes part of a game, when he is thrown round an uproarious circle of friends. Or he is held close and soaks up teenage tears. Sometimes he is held tight, and legs or trunk are twisted by nervous hands. Sometimes he is simply a gentle barrier against whatever may be troubling, or a comforting reminder of childlike days and truth. No one asks to take him home; it is understood that his place is at the school, that others will need him.
The Rev Anthony Buckley, the former School Chaplain, says that ‘Ellie is a symbol of the honest laughter, friendship and reassurance that is so much part of Alleyn's. He was purchased from an Alleyn's family's charity table-top sale, and will disintegrate before long. So he is an ephemeral elephant, no doubt to be replaced one day, but he is part of a long line of comforting and joyful objects that have been part of Alleyn's and no doubt will continue to be so.’
Junior School Open Day
The next Alleyn's Junior School Open Event is from 1.30pm to 3pm on Wednesday 22 May 2024. There will be a Head's Talk at 1.40pm after which you will be offered a tour of the school with a pupil. There is no need to book a place at this Open Event - everyone is welcome.
Last updated on 20 05 24 at 09:12
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