House events have been ramped up this term and it is heartening to see the growth in friendly competition. The House Point accumulator disc that is awarded every week is beginning to receive a very excited roar! House Rugby, on Tuesday and Wednesday, saw some cosmic sized collisions and supersonic speed, amazing agility and so much passion. Well done to all in Year 3 to 6 who provided two afternoons of excellent sportsmanship. For the record, the combined league totals meant that Fawley came top and won the disc.  

Sport, unsurprisingly with Mr Butterfield’s form, also featured heavily in 6Y’s Form Assembly this morning. There were many well explained messages for us to consider. They certainly are fine ambassadors.

For those who prefer a more cerebral and sedate challenge the General Knowledge Quiz stimulated us all on Thursday. Boys in every year racked their brains or searched the internet in desperation to answer as many correct responses. Then a number of brave contestants took on the fastest finger buzzer round in front of the assembled masses. Well done to Mr Griffiths who, as a neutral Quiz Master, kept us all riveted and biting our fingernails as the scores grew and grew. Congratulations again to Fawley who stormed away from the pack.

Mr Goddard is adding the final gloss to the House Art Competition. He has been so impressed by the quality and imagination that he has sent off copies to the Marvel offices for some professional critique. The winners will be announced and displayed at the beginning of next term.

Key Stage One pupils, after a hectic week of rehearsals, enjoyed a trip to the panto and used the performance to add some last minute polish to produce a stunning Nativity titled ‘Gentle Beasts’ at All Saints Church. We are very grateful to continue our long standing relationship with them and all donations will be wisely used to support their good causes. Congratulations to my colleagues who calmly brought the Claires Court adaptation to fruition. Much work goes on behind the scenes to pull it together and quite rightly the stars are always the actors. Boys you were magnificent. It is important to say thank you to you, as parents, plus the PTA for providing the costumes.  The PTA work so hard in organising events including the fantastic Christmas Fayre and we are so grateful for their support in providing extras that we can give to the boys. It was heart warming to see how seriously the boys took the opportunity to buy a ‘secret present’ for parents. I do hope you like them!

One often hears the throwaway comment, ‘They do not learn anything during these more deconstructed periods in the year!’ Please believe me that learning and progression is not limited to the classroom. Self-esteem, relationships, performance skills, teamwork, challenge and respect are all coursing through the boys during these periods. It is also really helpful in their all round development to be given these chances and also for adults in school to recognise, occasionally unknown, talents to help construct or strengthen bonds that can then be used to guide their teaching.

Community at Junior Boys is a vital strand so finally a big thank you to everyone young or old, new or well established for joining with us so freely and in such great spirit over the last week. Your presence and partnership means so much to us and your sons. We look forward to Tuesday and the Carol Services and finally staggering over the line at noon on Wednesday!

Photos of the week are here in the gallery. My header photo was taken by one of our parents early this morning. What a superb shot!

Have a wonderful Christmas.

Dean Richards