Headmaster’s Notes: A hive of activity as rehearsals and practices are taking place

Our Music Department is a hive of activity at this moment in time, as rehearsals and practices take place in preparation for one of the most exciting periods in the school year. Choristers, musicians, dancers and actors, supported so inspirationally by their incredibly talented teachers, are working tirelessly to ensure that that the forthcoming performances, concerts and Christmas services are truly memorable for all. Witnessing the pupils perform so courageously and confidently on the stage or elsewhere is one of the most uplifting experiences for any Headmaster and I am sure that your hearts will be warmed by all that is coming up in the calendar.

I enjoyed a fantastic hockey training session with the Year 5 girls this week and it was so encouraging to see, despite the ups and downs of results this week, growing confidence and skills in this area from utterly committed sports staff bringing their teams on with such positive coaching and encouragement, despite the bitterly cold winds sweeping across the Itchen Valley. I know the Games Department is working hard on finalising the sports calendar for the Lent Term in our collective desire to put more fixtures on the map with our local competitors.

For most year groups it has been a busy fortnight of Parents’ evenings, where I hope that you have found such gatherings helpful and encouraging.  Whilst these meetings can be fairly lengthy at times, the staff enjoy the invaluable opportunity to show examples of your son or daughter’s progress and give those all-important pointers as to where your child can develop still further.

What this week has shown is that whatever the sport, assembly, trip or activity, our children certainly are multi-talented! Wishing you a very happy weekend.

Mr Peter Thacker

Headmaster