Whilst it has been just a first half of term, it all feels far tougher than that, and I take great pleasure in reporting just how well the vast majority of our community have returned to full-time school since September - well done and thank you, School! 

As we come to the end of this first half, I also thank all of you, our parents and guardians, who have enjoyed visiting school too. As with last night's Year 11 Parent-Teacher evening, it's quite clear that whilst we can bring people together via Zoom, that really doesn't replace the full body language and sense of support that arises from in-person meetings.

Obviously every member of my staff deserves fulsome praise for their work with the boys this term so far, though I would like to congratulate in particular our newest members, because they have so quickly tuned in to the personal approach we so value here at Claires Court, those being

• French - Nalina Pitt
• Librarian - Sarah Dunstan
• Outdoor Ed - Suzie Skehill 
• Maths - Susan Honiball
• PE & games - Russell Bolton
• Pod - Charlotte Young  (TLA)
• Rowing - Kabir Bhalla (GAP)
• RS - Zaynah Nessa 
• Science - Justin Meyers (Physics)

And finally, in case you missed the news the first time around, we share our best wishes to the new babies born to our wonderful colleagues and new mums and dads Diana Wadsworth (Roberta) and André Boulton (Abigail). Lovely though it is to record the arrival of two daughters into the world, we are always on the lookout for new boys too! Whilst Mrs Wadsworth's maternity leave is for all of this academic year, Mr Boulton is back on 1 November, as will the rest of us be we hope!

Have a great half-term break.