Mr Spanswick's Words Autumn 2

What a first week back! The words ‘busy’ and ‘hectic’ do not come close to describing the activities and lessons that have been going on. Our boys in Reception are finding their feet and we are seeing some very happy (and tired) faces at the end of the day. Year 1 have certainly hit the ground running and I have been visited by a number of boys showing me their outstanding writing and drawing, some of which you will see in the photo gallery.

I have broken with tradition today and for the first time awarded both Rabbits to whole year groups. A number of staff have commented on Year 2’s enthusiasm, hunger to learn, and their politeness…...so much so, I felt they deserved our top accolade. Similarly, Year 4 were awarded the Rabbit for their amazing performance on Thursday afternoon both on and off the rugby field. During their first ever sports matches representing the school, they were impeccably behaved throughout, showed sportsmanship, demonstrated wonderful manners and reacted very maturely when team sheets were given out. Their first match was against a very large and strong St George’s School from Weybridge, a real baptism of fire! However, outstanding defence was the order of the day….and we won all 5 fixtures! Well done to Year 4, the Rabbit is yours this week!

Junior Boys Bulletin Not to be outdone, Year 3 and Year 5 have also enjoyed a superb week at school. Year 3 have the tough job of adjusting to life in Key Stage 2, and they have done so with aplomb! Never before have we seen lunch queues shrink so quickly, they must be very hungry come 12.30! They have organised themselves very efficiently and both Mr Barber and Mrs Carter are delighted with their efforts. Year 5 have especially excelled in Maths, and 6 boys were awarded with the White Belt for multiplication after only the first week in school - an excellent achievement.

And so to Year 6. Our oldest year at Claires Court Junior Boys have started the academic term as we expected them to - as one of our most talented, most helpful, and kindest groups of boys we can remember moving to the top year. I am looking forward to watching them develop in their ambassadorial roles with us either as House Captains and Vice Captains, as Sports Leaders, as tour guides on Open Days, or simply as excellent role models for the younger boys to look up to.

Indeed, as I look forward to the year ahead, I remind Junior Boys Bulletin myself how lucky we are to work in such a caring community. My assembly this morning based around the word ‘Dignity’ which was accompanied by the song (I do love Deacon Blue!) - it was staggering how quickly the boys, even our younger ones, grasped the concept of respect and honour. I have challenged them all to put this into practice. I know they will not disappoint.

And to close with some lovely news. Congratulations to Mr Nick Butterfield, our Head of Sport, and his wife Caroline who are expecting the birth of their second child at some point in early November.

I look forward to seeing many of you at our Tour fundraiser this evening. Have a lovely weekend.

Justin Spanswick