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Last week I wrote about our school community coming together and how important community and belonging is for creating an environment for learning. You as parents are a key part of our community, and we appreciate your support in working with us to educate your children. The Friends of St Peter’s 2-8 (FOSP) do a wonderful job putting on events for the children and parents and raising funds for charity and the school to enhance the experience of your children, but perhaps most of all they contribute to the warm welcome that is extended to all families who are part of our St Peter's school community. FOSP relies on volunteers, and if you would like to help by giving as much or as little of your time, please contact Sarah Dolan-Bent or Victoria Woolf, who are Co-Chairs. On the next page you’ll see a roundup of the range of fabulous events and activities which FOSP ran last year. As always, I want to thank everyone who volunteered with FOSP last year and am delighted to report that the Yorkshire Childrens Charity will receive a donation of £5 000 and the same will be used to purchase resources that your children will directly benefit from.
As I write this, I am in Wales at the Association of Independent Prep Schools (IAPS) Heads Conference. It’s a hugely valuable few days listening to policy makers and experts in education and meeting with Heads from our sector discussing the issues and opportunities facing Independent Prep schools. The conference opened with a panel discussion on VAT chaired by Julie Robinson, CEO of the Independent Schools Council. Lord David Hacking spoke about his opposition to the introduction of VAT on school fees following a debate in the House of Lords on 5th September. A discussion and debate followed, which included Alex Chalk who was Conservative MP for Cheltenham
and Ed Dorrell Director at Public First who spoke in favour of the policy.
Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality are at the forefront of discussions about the future of education and have been a key theme of the conference. Ian Symmonds, an education thought leader who helps schools across the globe with strategy, shared his models for navigating, adapting and thriving in the future in the context of the new reality of AI that is increasingly becoming the norm in the wider world.
I’m looking forward to getting back to school to share the learning from the conference with the staff at school.
On Monday we were all very excited to welcome Sam Dickinson, OP and mixed team triathlon bronze medalist to school. Sam talked to the children, and they had the opportunity to ask questions and see his stunning bronze medal. The House captains Emilia, George and Ollie did a great job hosting Sam for his visit. During assembly on Monday, I asked the children to think about the lessons we might learn from Olympians which were, even if you do an individual event, you need a big team. The moment you win is amazing, but these are few and far between. We need to enjoy the journey. Olympians look after their physical and mental health. You will fail many times. Learn from each failure and stay positive. Success comes from working hard, even when you don’t feel like it. Celebrate your wins but celebrate others too.
We hope you have an enjoyable weekend.
No: 3
Friday 20 September 2024
