Thoughts on my First Year at the BSN by Patrick Heuff

This year has flown by, and I cannot believe I am already at the point of reflecting back on how it has gone. There have been some real highlights and it almost feels unfair to pick just a few of those. I especially enjoyed the musical and drama performances, the sporting achievements, accompanying the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award winners to receive their certificates from the Duchess of Wessex at the Ambassador’s Residence, and of course the Summer Fair (although I did not enjoy the “Sponge the Teacher” stall!).

Joining a new school as both the Headteacher and a parent is always a bit of an “unknown”. I knew very quickly I had made the right choice; SSV is an excellent school.

Joining a new school as both the Headteacher and a parent is always a bit of an “unknown”. I knew very quickly I had made the right choice; SSV is an excellent school (the academic outcomes speak for themselves) with fabulous students, teachers and families and I am really excited about the potential we have to continue to develop the school to remain at the cutting edge of British international education.

As a family, we have loved moving to the Netherlands and joining the BSN community, which we have found to be incredibly welcoming. The freedom that children can have living in a safe and friendly country with fantastic facilities and beaches makes this a unique place to live and work. I probably have enjoyed the Dutch snacks (especially bitterballen and boerenkaas) a bit too much, and need to get back on my bike to help with the excess calories! ■