Advent has begun; the Christmas tree in the Foyer and Dining Rooms are up, and the school community is now turning its attention to those less fortunate than ourselves. The Sixth Form are out in full force tomorrow (Saturday) assisting the local Lions Clubs International branch with their packing and distribution of Hampers, whilst each of our own form groups is putting together their personal Hamper for distribution through St Luke’s Church and the Salvation Army.  We will also be accepting any outer clothing garments and footwear at Mrs Tarr’s front desk here at Senior Boys, again for onward distribution locally during our last week of term. 

Parents and friends are cordially invited to enjoy for either of the two Carol Services we are holding at St Luke’s Church, Norfolk Road, SL6 7AT on Tuesday 17 December, Years 7-9 at 9.30am and Years 10-13 at 10.45am. 

Our Christmas lunch is next Friday, 13 December, which is also a day on which all are encouraged to wear a Christmas Jumper (£1 please) to support Save the Children’s mission to help children all around the world to help them grow up healthy and safe, and get an education, so they can grow up to be who they want to be. Thank you. 

Thank you as well from all here in the Claires Court office for the kind wishes and cards we have received this week. I am reminded of the value of saying ‘thank you’ by the incredible strength shown by Liz and Richard Houghton, whose son Will was killed in a cycling accident whilst a student at Portsmouth University. Will was a remarkable young man, our Headboy back in 2014. Liz Houghton’s story of loss and recovery was featured yesterday in the Daily Mail, an article that captures the grief of loss and the salvation that organ donation brings to the beneficiaries who survive. As Liz makes clear in the article, Will had a strong sense of social justice. He wanted to help the disadvantaged and was sharply aware of how fortunate his own life was. At the very heart of the Will Houghton foundation his parents set up is the wish to keep his shining spirit alive and inspire a new generation of young people to be their very best. If you want to consider supporting the foundation, read more here.