Mr Richards' Words Autumn 13

What a wonderful winter term. We returned to a refreshed and sparkling set of buildings and we end the term with all areas glittering with Christmas spirit. The reenergising has been maintained by a staffroom of fantastic practitioners who have fed off the excitement and enjoyment of the boys across all ages. This relationship and productivity then begins to self-perpetuate. The boys have remained hard at work in class this week but have also found time to rehearse and play in the Guitar Concert, perform an amazing Pre-Prep Nativity this morning and complete the extremely competitive and muddy Prep House Rugby matches. Our General Election was passionately campaigned. Well done to all the candidates. Thank you as well to the PTA who organised an excellent Christmas Fayre this afternoon. I was also delighted by the email Ms Stay has produced for our benefit reminding us about Safe and kind internet use.

The turn of the year often makes us think of changes and reflect upon the previous year. Two of our colleagues have given amazing service to the school and hundreds of boys who have benefitted from their outstanding teaching. I would like to express my gratitude and thanks on everyone's behalf and feel that it is highly appropriate that my ghost writers this week should come from Mrs Holder and Mrs Lang.

Mrs Holder writes, ‘So way back in August 1999 I turned up on the front doorstep (bumping into Mr Leuzinger and Mr Goddard at the same time!) for an interview with Karen Rogg or Miss Boyd as she was back then!

Little did I know that this was to be the beginning of a 20+ year long journey at Ridgeway, now known as Junior Boys.

I have met many boys, parents and staff along the way, many of whom have become life-long friends outside of school. I have felt my age when some of my past pupils have returned as ‘gappys!’

I am very lucky to have worked alongside so many lovely people; Jeff Watkins, Justin Spanswick, Bethan Morris, Christine Ward and Linda Stay to name but a few, in fact Justin and I met the first year I joined during Holiday Club!

I will miss many people when I move onto pastures new in January. I am ready for the next chapter in my life, although I’m not sure the ‘Princess Holder’ stories will go down too well at Senior school!

May I take this opportunity to thank everyone, from my colleagues, to you all as parents but most especially the boys past and present who have helped make my time at Claires Court so much fun and made me the teacher I am today.’

Mrs Lang writes, ‘Where have the last 43 years of being a teacher gone? It only feels like two weeks since my 21 year old self started on the educational journey in Glasgow, culminating in having the opportunity to be involved for the last 23 years with Junior Boys, not just teaching but having a wonderful learning experience too. There have been so many different opportunities to teach numerous diverse subjects (some more enjoyable than others!) and hopefully kindling a tiny spark which could be the start of a lifelong passion.

Over the years there have been hundreds of boys, all alike in so many ways, but each one encouraged at Junior Boys to be unique. Educational theories continue to come and go but the constant thread of my time at Junior Boys is of being part of a very large, supportive family, which I hope will stand our boys in good stead throughout their lives.’

Family, support, friendship, unique, fun and encouragement - I think we would all toast these values over the festive season and we wish them luck in their new adventures.