The school won many of the categories at the recent ISA London West Regional round and got places across all of the year groups. In the Key Stage 3 and 4 Sketchbook category Lucy G8 was awarded 1st Place, Cleo was awarded a 1st place in the Fashion Category for her ball gown and Highly Commended went to Sophie Bartlett KS 4 Drawing and Sophie Leopold KS 4 Photograph.   

Mental Health occupies my thoughts this week due to it being World Mental Health Day on Wednesday 10 October and the Prime Minister announcements of the Government's plans to publish a “State of the Nation” report. The government has promised new measures, which are a part of a wider mental health strategy, amid concerns about record levels of mental ill-health among a generation dealing with the fallout from social media. Much has been done over the years at Claires Court to ensure we are aware and understand the effects and early signs, and symptoms, of mental illness. Our lead expert and School Counsellor, Rachael Williams, has delivered talks to staff and parents on how to help build mental resilience in our pupils from an early age and help them cope with everyday challenges at home and at school.  We forget that mental health is just as important as physical health and sometimes take it for granted. It needs practice too, to build mental and emotional strength, and it's never too early to start!  It is uplifting to hear that at last the government are taking action and have acknowledged the difficulties facing our children.   

The Library team are always on the lookout for even more ways to get girls reading books and this week they have run various activities as part of the celebrations for Libraries Week. We have a new Book Point award winner, Ophelia P in Y8B has achieved her Accelerated Reader Gold Star Book Point Award. An amazing achievement so early in the term.

We had a great number of parents and their daughters attend our Open Afternoon on Thursday, a rare opportunity to see the Senior Girls in action and a chance for pupils to speak about their impressions of the school with the guests, Senior Staff and the Head Girl team. Thank you also to our enthusiastic tour guides for the afternoon.

The PTA had an another extremely successful second hand uniform sale this week and many thanks to Ann Jesseman and her team for all their hard work. I look forward to seeing you at our Junior Boys School tomorrow for the ‘Fireworks & Halloween Spectacular’ and fingers crossed for fine weather.