My thanks to our new Heads of School, Sophie Billing (Head Prefect), Lauren Marwick and Isabelle Hobbs (Deputy Head Prefects) for leading the way and ensuring the new generation of pupils and staff feel welcomed at Claires Court. All our Senior Prefects play a vital part in the running of the school, assisting and supporting. Head of Year, Mrs Sahota and Head of Pastoral, Mrs Ruddick, have reported they have already made an excellent start this term and it has been wonderful working with them.

Today, Friday 14 September, in conjunction with the National Trust at Cliveden, we created a unique educational experience for our Year 7 pupils. The two banks of the river at Cliveden were once connected by a small chain ferry, which last operated in 1956. Today, with the support of the Maidenhead Sea Cadets, the ferry was temporarily reopened by the Claires Court Outdoor Education Department, carrying our pupils across the River Thames.  Other activities during the day included soldier history tales in the WWI war cemetery, creative art in the Long Garden, ‘visiteering’ with the Trust’s gardeners and team building together, up and around the water garden and maze. We hope the boys and girls have enjoyed meeting up, learning more about each other, making friends and winning points for their Houses.

The full after school activity programme begins on Monday and Year 8s are off to Lulworth Cove for our inaugural geography and adventure experience. We wish them a wonderful week.

On Tuesday of next week we are inviting in our Year 7 & 8 parents to a Cyber Talk by Paul Hay, our school expert in Internet Safety, who will be talking about the dangers of using the internet and keeping children safe online.

Speech Day next Thursday as always promises to be a special occasion, details are in the bulletin. Have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to seeing those of you who will be attending Speech Day and Prize Giving next week.