... to reflect on our successes of the year and, for some, say goodbyes.

The end of the academic year always seems to sneak up on me; and I am never completely ready to say goodbye to pupils or staff who might be leaving us, or to the Year 6's moving in to Year 7 or, in fact, to any of the classes moving up to their next class! 

So much has happened this year of which I hope to share and celebrate with you next week during Prize Giving. I know the girls have all been working hard on their performances which I am really looking forward to.

During our penultimate week, we have enjoyed our Lower Junior Swimming Gala - it always fills me with pride when I see just how talented our youngest members of the school are. On Wednesday, we hosted Burchett's Green's Sports Day - another fantastic event showcasing the special relationship we have with them. On Thursday Miss Hudson, Miss Barrett and Mrs Roberts presented our Annual Sports Assembly, in which many sports were recognised and awards were presented. Our Swimming Gala and Sports Day Effort, Courage and Loyalty awards were handed out in assembly today. 

In our assembly this week, we handed Una from the Link Foundation her cheque for £5088.08, £2729.94 of which was raised by Junior Girls. The girls' efforts really did pay off and their funds will be used to help many young people who are in need. Thank you to Una for coming in today.

We now set our sights on planning for the new year ahead and build on the achievements (and mistakes) we have made this year. Since September Mr Giles, Mrs Heywood and myself have stepped up following Paul Bevis leaving and I believe the transition has gone very smoothly with our divisions going from strength to strength. 

Thank you for your never-ending support of not just your daughters but Claires Court as a community. We are very lucky to have such supportive and encouraging parents such as you, and it really does make a difference.

All that is left for me to do is sign off as Miss Barlow for the last time and prepare you (and the girls!) for my new name - Mrs Kirby!

I hope you all have a wonderful Summer Holidays, spent with family and friends and, preferably, with some down-time too!

Miss Barlow

Merit Certificates:  Amalie (Reception), Maia (Year 1), Beatrice & Layla (Year 2), Anaiyah (Year 3), Charlene, Ellie & Isla (Year 4), Whole of Year 5 and Zara & Cagla (Year 6). PE: Clodagh, Isabella, Josie & Emily

Bunny Awards:  Aria (Reception) for trying really hard to be her Best Self, and Kyra (Year 6 ) for helping a friend in need.

Rising Star Award Certificates: Layla, Beatrice, Chloe, Gabriella, Marni, Anna & Natalija

Mathlete of the Week: Sophia Stevens

Mathletics Class of the Week: Year 6

Also awarded in assembly: Merits awards from the Swimming Gala & Sports Day