I have just returned to my desk following the run-through for the choir for the Carol Service on Prefects’ Lawn; it is a lovely afternoon with a clear sky – let’s hope it is the same on Sunday. It will not be quite the same event ‘as normal’ but it is a very good example of us thinking differently and doing our best to maintain some of the special traditions at this time of year.

Although we are only welcoming selected guests, we will be able to share a recording with the community that I hope you will all enjoy and feel the Christmas cheer. Likewise, plans for Christmas lunches, whole School quizzes and other festive events are looking good!

A highlight of the week for me was joining the Juniors and Eco Society students who planted 100 trees by the Athletics Track on BM. It was good to see them working together and contributing to yet another initiative for the environment. So often this term students have impressed me a great deal with how they work together and show their commitment to causes that matter to them.

This afternoon in assembly, I reflected on the importance of being patient with situations and each other, especially when we are tired at the end of a long term. I also spoke about how we should try and be grateful for what we do have despite the challenges of the current situation and I thanked students and colleagues for the continuing support and care for each other. It was also an opportunity to congratulate a number of students for academic certificates in Computing, Science and Mathematics as well as recent sporting success such as the Quarter-Final Rugby win on Wednesday.

Best wishes for the weekend and the remainder of term,

James Thomas, Headmaster