In our first assembly of the year, I spoke about a wise man I recently met on the remote island of Socotra who reminded me of the importance of patience, purpose, and the power of storytelling.
This wise man is dedicating his life to protecting something extraordinary—the Dragon Blood Tree. These remarkable trees grow nowhere else on Earth. Some of the ones standing today are over 800 years old, yet their future is uncertain.
Why? Because there are very few young trees. They grow slowly—sometimes taking decades to become strong enough to survive—and in those early years, they’re vulnerable. Goats, which sustain the island’s people, eat the tender saplings before they can mature. So this wise man has taken action. In his own back garden, he’s started a nursery, planting saplings that he knows will outlive him, his children, and his grandchildren. His work isn’t for personal gain; it’s for the generations to come.
To succeed he understands that alongside planting his trees, he must tell his story and that of his island. Socotra is a place few people visit, and its language, Soqotri, is one of the last purely oral languages in the world. This man shares his story with every visitor because he knows that knowledge and wisdom must be passed on. Stories connect us, inspire us, and make us care.
In a world often obsessed with speed, convenience and instant gratification, this man’s patient, deliberate approach is a powerful lesson. Growth—whether of trees or of people—requires investment, resilience and a long-term view.
I encouraged our pupils to consider that, as they begin this term, and indeed this new year, they think of their school years as their very own “tree nursery.” This is where they grow strong—mentally, physically, and intellectually. It’s not about short-term wins; it’s about building the foundations for the future. Investing in their learning, their community, their passions. Taking the time to read, to listen, to create stories of their own.
Humanity thrives on storytelling. It’s how we share wisdom, preserve memory, and build empathy. So, as we navigate the year ahead, I encourage us all to seek out stories that inspire us—whether in books, films, or conversations—and take the time to craft our own. Education is not a short-term project; and it is so very important to find joy in the process.
Like the dragon blood saplings, growth takes time—but both the journey and the final results can be extraordinary.
