Henry Winkler visits KGS

Published on isbi School News dated Thursday 21st of March 2013

On Monday 11th March, actor, writer and director Henry Winkler OBE paid a visit to KGS to talk about his work and his struggles with dyslexia. We were delighted to welcome the whole Year 6 of St Lawrence's Primary School, East Molesey, some 90 pupils, to join the KGS Year 7 pupils for the talk, which was part of the 'My Way!' Campaign.

Mr Winkler was accompanied by Nicky Cox MBE, editor of award-winning children's newspaper 'First News', who organised the 'My Way!' tour in association with Achievement for All. Ms Cox talked about being a journalist on 'First News' and gave the audience her top ten tips for being a reporter.

Mr Winkler's visit was an inspirational occasion. As well as the talk, he signed copies of his books and talked to children and staff, giving selflessly of his time. Below is an account by one of the KGS pupils who was present:

'Eyyy!' KGS is now Fonzified

'SCHOOL IS COOL!' Yesterday, Henry Winkler, aka 'the Fonz', came to KGS. He delivered some important and moving messages, promoted his brilliant books and also some trademark catchphrases. Overall, it was a brilliant experience.

Some of the messages he delivered were very important, most of them about learning at different rates. Also, always preserving your dreams or 'if you will it, it is not a dream', especially since he was dyslexic himself and is now an actor and a writer. He was also a very genuinely nice and funny man and made you feel positive about yourself. He started and finished the assembly by saying 'every child has greatness inside of them, bring it out!'

On top of that he said that everyone learns at different rates and to also stay positive 'and to never put a full stop at the end of a negative sentence'. Thank you to My Way!, Ms Cox, First News and KGS, and eyyy, thank you to the Fonz.

Euan Tasker-Macleod, 1C