The Courier

Dear Parents

It has been a busy week in school, with lots going on for the children to enjoy their learning. We had a really interesting visit from the Freshwater Theatre company on Wednesday, where the children in Year 2 learned about the Great Fire of London from a really engaging and energetic presenter. They got to act out the events before and after and I am sure they learned a great deal.

Another real highlight was the LAMDA showcase on Tuesday evening for the Upper School. The hall was full to the rafters with a very healthy audience, and the children spoke and performed superbly well. The preparation for this event all takes place during drama lessons under the expert eye of our new performing arts maestro, Lizzie Bowdige. It is always great to celebrate those children with genuine talent in this area, but also there were a number of children for whom getting on the stage in this way was a real challenge. It was inspiring to see them meeting their demons head on and performing with such verve and confidence. A great evening all round and a real reinforcement of the growth mindset message that we talk about.

It was interesting earlier in the week to have a two-day visit from the new head of the Princethorpe Foundation, Ed Hester. As you know, Ed's role has changed this term with the appointment of Grove du Toit, who takes over as Head at Princethorpe College. The visit was a fact finding one and it was very pleasing to hear Mr Hester’s feedback to senior leaders afterwards. It is a school where learning is calm and purposeful, there is a friendly and happy atmosphere in the corridors, and everyone looks after each other, the children and the staff included. This is very much how I personally feel about the school and it is always good to hear such positive feedback that reinforces this, particularly from such a respected figure in the Foundation.

There is a short article in tonight's Courier about the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch that's happening this weekend. I would encourage as many of you as possible to take part. Not only is it a good way to support the work of the RSPB, it builds an understanding and empathy for wildlife and nature in young children, which I feel is more important than ever.

Whatever you do have planned this weekend, I hope you have a restful time with your families.

With best wishes.

Joe Thackway
Headmaster