We have had a super week here at SVS. The summer holidays already seem a long time ago and it is great that we are into our routines of both learning in the classrooms/labs and in our creative and sporting activities. 

I have had the pleasure of meeting with lots of different students, both individually and in groups, this week including the prefects, our new international students, the new sports captains, the Fourth and Fifth Form scholars at the Kingdon Society, various ad hoc conversations as students walk between lessons and also a notable number of prospective families on tours.

It was a particular pleasure to meet with members of the SVS Foundation Council and OS Committee last night. There is clearly a great bond between the School and its alumni and friends with great potential for future work together moving forward. The affection for the School came through very strongly in conversations and once again showed me how special an establishment we have here.

If I were to pick one highlight of the week, it was the Guard of Honour Parade from the CCF on Wednesday afternoon where I gladly accepted their welcome to the School. There were hundreds of us standing on an immaculate Prefects’ Lawn looking very smart indeed, showing once more how tradition and being united are key aspects of our community.

Later this afternoon, I will be leading the first Headmaster’s Assembly of the year with the Sixth Form in Chapel and the remainder of the year groups watching remotely. As well as a number of congratulations and celebrations, and an update on our results in Rugby, Hockey and Shooting, I am most pleased that former parent and governor, Abi Dawson will be talking about Sepsis Research FEAT (one of our charities for the year). We will also be hearing from one of the Heads of School for this term, Tyler Weekes.

There are various fixtures this weekend and I look forward to seeing some excellent teamwork as well as meeting parents and families on the touchlines.

Mr Thomas, Headmaster