The Courier

Dear Parents and Friends of the School

The first week back after the half term has gone smoothly here at school despite more torrential downpours and flooded roads. I don’t think I can remember such a sustained period of heavy rain and persistent high-water levels as we have had in the last two months. Negotiating the school gate has been tricky over the week, and thanks to Mr Knowles for his efforts to keep it clear on Thursday morning.  
 
I do feel sorry for the Games teachers on weeks like these, when planning outside lessons is made so hard. The football tournament today was cancelled unfortunately, although the girls’ netball fixture on Wednesday did go ahead. As I write, I am hopeful that Friday’s sustainability workshops have survived, but the rain continues to come down outside my office, so who knows.  
 
Barnaby has not been far from all of our hearts and minds during the last week, as you can imagine. Yesterday you will have received communications from the school regarding arrangements for Barnaby’s funeral on 6 March. Apologies if there was a lot of detail in there, and I know it may leave you with difficult decisions to make about what is right, not to mention what is actually possible, for you on the day.  
 
I am very aware many of you have very important work commitments that aren’t easy, or even possible, to rearrange. I hope that the options we have provided will allow you to think this though and we support all families and the conclusions that they come to on this. The school has continued to receive messages of support over the last week, which we really appreciate, and I know that the goodwill of us all will mean an enormous amount to Barnaby’s family at a desperate time for them. 
 
Please do let us have your responses to the form we attached to the letter by Wednesday 28 February. Families whose children are attending as normal do not need to reply. 
 
I hope you enjoy a restful weekend with your families. 

Joe Thackway
Headmaster