On a personal note, it is my last term as Head of the Junior Boys school...things are being done for the ‘last time’ and I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that for the first time in 22 years, I am not going to be working directly with the boys. It could be a long term! However, speaking with Dean Richards, my successor, I know that he is so excited about joining the Claires Court family and he is more than ready for the challenges of looking after the boys. You will be able to meet with him as we move through the term at specific events and I will keep you updated on when these will be.

Mr Butterfield and Mrs Carter enjoyed a great ski trip with many of our Year 5 and 6 pupils, and the pictures that I have seen so far reflect very happy teachers and pupils…and masses of snow! We were also fairly injury free at CCJB which always helps! Mr Denton, Mr Grose and Mr Pennington enjoyed coaching many of our Key Stage 2 boys at the school’s cricket camps, and they were joined by professional cricketers for masterclasses. We are hoping to see some of that coaching come to fruition out on the squares this season.

So what else is going on this term? Not much really, except for all of the cricket fixtures, 107 to be exact not including the tournaments that will be played and the cricket tours for our U10 and U11 sides. There will also be Bushcraft expeditions and Outward Bounds camps for our Key Stage 2 boys, along with an Outdoor programme for Reception to Year 2 pupils.  I must not forget all of our visiting experts which include the very popular Vikings...and what about the trips? Year 1 went to Chessington today, our older boys are visiting Highclere Castle to name just two of so many. There will be the small matter of the Drama and Music departments putting on one of the most ambitious and extraordinary sets of productions ever and also the Trinity College Speech and Drama exams. Talking of tests, our boys will be having a few assessments of their own in May which helps us to build their academic profile and support their learning. Mr Goddard is very excited about this year’s Art Exhibition which will take place on Sports Day, one of my favourite days of the year. I am already in training for the parent/teacher race…! I haven’t even mentioned the class project work that will take place, Pupil Problem Solving week, the Fete, our Swimming Gala, the Chess tournaments and Regional Championships in Bristol, The Rabbit Winners, Year 6 Caribbean Cricket day…yes, Year 6 have their last term with us and have their leavers assembly!

I believe it is going to be a busy term. Busy, but so much fun and a term where our school community comes together to celebrate the wonderful achievements of your sons. I look forward to seeing you all throughout the term whether it be in the playground, on the boundary of a cricket match, at Parents’ Evening, or at one of our many events.

If you can, please take the chance to

read through the many notices in this particular bulletin, and hopefully the information can help you in organising the summer term for your family.  Thank you for all your support.

Justin Spanswick