Autumn Term
15 MARCH 2021 Issue 1 : 4th September 2020
Dear Parents, It barely seems possible that, having been back into the swing of things for a fortnight, this time next week we will be breaking up for the Easter holiday. We started the week treated to an absolutely incredible assembly, led by Ruby, our Senior Prefect (Pastoral). She spoke movingly and with conviction on the vital work of the Eco Council, and also offered us some useful and practical advice that we could all incorporate into our daily lives to aid in preserving the environment. I am considering offering Ruby the permanent job of delivering Monday morning assemblies because she knocked the spots off any of my offerings. My thanks to Georgia for playing the piano so beautifully while Saskia, Senior Prefect (Academic) led the reflection. Last Friday, I also received an email from a pupil who wished it to be announced on Monday that we remove the straps from any disposable face masks before throwing them away, because they represent a danger of entanglement to bird life. I feel the future is in safe hands. On Tuesday, I was walking round school at lunchtime only to discover Mr Stephens engaged in blowing something up, with members of Year 8 watching on - at a safe distance. This was a hangover from last week's Science Week as there was a need to blow things up in a covid -safe manner, requiring year group bubbles. Mr Stephens is also taking girls on a D of E expedition tomorrow - much-delayed, but finally given the all clear. After the explosion, I went into the lab to call in on the ducklings.
It is wonderful to hear the sounds of whistles, shouts and whoops from my study now that sporting activities are back in full swing, and the netball courts were absolutely chock-ablock at 5.15pm on Wednesday as I made my way home to log onto the Sixth Form parents' evening; my thanks to all who took part in this very positive occasion. I also spent a wonderful hour or so in boarding this week, taking the register, chatting to the girls and watching them leave to go to Into the Woods drama rehearsals, netball, and hockey. The Music Department was proud to present their Spring Soiree, via Teams, on Monday evening. We may only be here for three weeks before breaking up again, but it is truly like we have never been away. Dr Claire McShane