Mr Spanswick's Words Autumn 4

I have been so impressed with the way the school has responded to what has been such a busy week. Thank you to those of you who were able to support our Harvest festival on Wednesday whether it be with donations of food, organisation of costumes for your son, or with your presence for the performance. Indeed, it was the best attended Harvest Bulletin festival we have ever had, and those who could join us were treated to a real spectacle - the poems, the songs, the readings…...and of course, Mr Gillespie dressed up as a Scarecrow! I was also taken aback by the talent of our three musicians who played Vivaldi as parents arrived and left the festival - Hou Ning Zhu, Teo Rybak and Junwen Liew should take a huge bow for their efforts. It was a lovely event, please do take a look at some of our pictures in the gallery.

I have been visited in my office by a large number of boys displaying their excellent work, and I have shared some snaps of these on this bulletin. I have also started to receive pictures and puzzles to adorn my walls….some of the puzzles are a little tough and are taking me awhile to figure out! We enjoyed a very successful Open Day yesterday, and our Year 6 boys were yet again praised enormously for their ‘show arounds’, with so many new parents commenting on their wonderful manners, their knowledge of the school, and the pride with which they talked about Claires Court. Well done boys.

A few pupil mentions from me this week - Oliver Raison and Rupert Hogg put in the best tackles I can remember seeing this term when playing against the Beacon on Tuesday, with Sam Hill and Moksha Suriarachchi scoring two of the best tries I have seen. Similarly, in the internal fixtures from the Under 11 sides on Wednesday, Max Babcock, Rory Saffman and Prabhan Kang really impressed me. You will see a picture of Joseph Brittain, one of England’s Bulletin top tennis players and a member of our Year 6 cohort - he has been donating money throughout his tournament season for matches won against tough opposition, and now has over £80 to give to the Link Foundation. Such a kind and generous gesture from one of our top pupils. Well done Joseph.

The topic of parking remains a prominent one for me, and we have just opened a new overflow car park section by the cricket nets. The reason for this is that the Under 10 rugby area was getting damaged with the constant use it was getting from cars, and this current solution means that we do not lose pitch space. Please could I request that you come to school prepared to brave a bit of grass at pick up time…..apologies, I am just trying to fit everyone in!!

Bulletin A busy weekend is also on the cards, with some chess and rugby tournaments taking place. Best of luck to all of those involved. As I write this, the Under 10 teams are preparing for a very challenging trip to Berkhampstead school this afternoon, one of our toughest opponents, for 5 matches. I also wish them every success.

My final word goes to congratulate Mrs Hankin, Head of our EYFS, who is pregnant with her first child and expecting to give birth early next year. Wonderful news!!

I hope you enjoy the weekend and thank you for your continued support of the school.

Justin Spanswick