Going into the second half of the Summer Term, and my final month at SVPS, I have found myself becoming increasingly nostalgic over the last few days, and I am aware that I am ‘banking’ magic moments, of which there are many, as the end of term quickly approaches.

Some of these memories include simple things, such as watching children at breaktime. How fabulous it is in a post-bubble world to see children playing with older and younger pupils. I have encountered children in Years 3 and 5 playing with loom band creations and Year 4 children playing Cricket with, and learning from, one of our Year 6 Sport scholars. Earlier this week, we saw our Year 5 children proudly touring their Year 2 buddies and their parents around the Coles Building. Our Year 5 children always take this role very seriously and it was wonderful to witness the care and consideration they showed their younger charges, both during the tour and also at the cream tea afterwards. Year 6 pupils have also had the opportunity to read to our very youngest Nursery children and this is proving to be hugely popular and beneficial to the children at both ends of the School.

As it has been Sky Access All Arts week this week, many of my memories are of children developing their creativity. I managed to escape from my desk one afternoon to join in with a Year 3 class who were working collaboratively on a piece of art inspired by Monet’s waterlilies. The Art room was a hive of activity and our School ethos of ‘individuality is cherished’ was very much in evidence as each of the little artists created their own, unique waterlilies to add to the watery background that everyone had had the opportunity to contribute to. The way the children encouraged one another and worked with confidence and enjoyment was such a joy to see, although the high level of enthusiasm did lead to paint on almost every surface and every child (and adult) by the end of the session!

I am sure that all who attended the Jubilee Garden Party will agree with me that we all made wonderful memories that evening. As I stood at the top of the field, enjoying the stunning view over the Weald and watching children playing (whilst wearing their fantastic eco-friendly crowns), adults socialising and a healthy queue for the ice-cream van, I was hugely moved to see our whole community coming together as the fabulous family it really is! I really cannot thank the SVPSPA enough for the immense amount of work that went into ensuring SVPS could celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in such a special way.

Many more special memories will be made in the coming weeks and I cannot wait to enjoy these with you, starting with our Pre-Prep Celebration and Sports Day on Tuesday.

Claire Corkran, Head