We returned after the Easter break on Wednesday to a beautiful campus which has been bathed in sunshine and blossom petals – what a lovely way to start the Summer Term.

We had the first whole School photograph since 2018 on Wednesday morning – students should have brought home a ticket to parents about how to view and purchase the photograph via the photography company’s website – and it was great to have everyone together looking smart. The term then started at a pace and, three days in, we have already had a Drama trip, a violin masterclass, Golf and Cricket fixtures, and the weekend ahead is a busy one on the matches front as well as a meeting for Lower Sixth parents about Higher Education. Next week is very busy on the calendar front, before a pause for a long exeat weekend.

We have, of course, been managing the tragic news of the passing of Clayton Olson (Upper Sixth). I am very grateful indeed to colleagues who have given support to each other and the students, and also to the external groups, CHUMS and the Samaritans, whom we have had in School to help us all. In many ways, our community has been at our best, united in our support and care for each other, despite such sad news. As previously mentioned, you are welcome to write a note for the Olson family and this can be left at Reception. There will be a private family funeral on Friday 29th April, and we aim to confirm arrangements for a Memorial Service in the School Chapel on Saturday 30th April shortly. Clayton’s family and friends are very much in our thoughts and prayers.

On a final note, you may be interested to know we have revamped our school website – www.svs.org.uk – and that we are in the process of working with a company to roll out a bespoke SVS app which will act as a one-stop-shop for parents to manage the various platforms which we use. I know it will make juggling the logistics easier in my family! Do take a look at the former, and more information will come on the latter in due course.

Best wishes for the term ahead,

James Thomas, Headmaster