Of course it is not just new experiences for our parents, but also for our new staff, who have entered the Claires Court faculty with much gusto and enthusiasm, and as it may take some time for us all to get to know each other, please find their photos and staff profiles below.

Joining the Religious Studies department to teach throughout the school is Mrs Zaynah Nessa, who having completed her Masters in Education programme at UCL last year, joins us in her first full time role at school.  

Mr Justin Meyers takes over from Mr Ansell teaching Physics at Senior Boys, looking forward to sharing his passion for Physics and Engineering, initially nourished at Royal Holloway College, University of London.

Already seen at weekend Rugby Practice is former England RFU community and well known adult rugby coach, Russell Bolton, who after three years at Magdalen College school as their Rugby professional, joins us to extend his teaching experience and qualifications and contribute fully across all sports in our PE department.

Diana Wadsworth (Head of French) is now on maternity leave, with Nalina Pitt stepping in to cover her role for the year. Mrs Pitt, a Kent University graduate fluent in French, German and Italian, is now an experienced educator at senior school level and like a number of our staff has enjoyed significant commercial experience working in banking for 10 years prior to family life taking over. 

We also welcome Mrs Susan Honiball into the Maths department. Another new colleague with significant commercial experience in banking and health care, having initially qualified in Maths and Geography from Wits University in Jo’burg.

And finally, we applaud Dr Sarah Dunstan as our new school librarian, reopening that physical space after its Covid ‘furlough’; Sarah’s significant experience in public libraries followed on from post doctoral medical research at Washington University, St Louise after initially qualifying in Cardiff.

In concluding this week’s Head’s notes, I do ask you to save the date for our major first whole school community event on Saturday 9 October, from 5pm - 8pm, the major showpiece being our music and fireworks (silent) at 7.15pm. Tickets will be on sale from next week, and it will truly celebrate our school’s return to full operation!