Junior Reflections 11 September 2026
Dear parents,
What a wonderful week we have had in the junior school. It was really lovely to welcome you all back to the start of term and if your house is anything like mine, I was quite pleased to have my two children start back and have some routine back in their lives. Although the first drive in did proceed in a U turn as my son casually shared with me that he had forgotten his trainers!!
All the pupils looked super smart: new shoes, new haircuts, extra-large blazers and colourful pencil cases. Form tutors have shared quite a lot of information with the pupils, but the most important message is that there is no such thing as a silly question and to look after each other. It doesn’t matter if we get lost or forget things, we are all here to help. I think the new staff are also ready for a rest this weekend as they have had quite a lot of information to take in as well. Let’s hope they all come back on Monday!
The classrooms have been fizzing with learning, especially in Form One with mental maths and sewing – luckily not at the same time. Upper Two have started studying The Explorer which is always a firm favourite. Lower Two have quickly settled into their routines whilst Upper One enjoyed their first drama lesson this week, taking part in fun “getting to know you” games. They created imaginative freeze frames and discovered interesting facts about one another, including their favourite ice cream flavours and sports. Mrs Coogan and I were treated to a special rendition of Hallelujah from Sam in Upper Two, who has the most remarkable singing voice. It has also been wonderful to see the start of the choristers’ journey, and I am very much looking forward to joining them for Evensong on Sunday with Mr Titchen and Dr Rainbow.
The two-week timetable has started with a bang and so far, all pupils (and staff) have arrived in the right place at the right time, the test will be whether I remember on Monday for my assembly… Although I am sure the pupils will be quick to tell me if I am wrong. The Upper Twos once again have been paired with their buddies, a great partnership that I know both the old and the new pupils love, my son still remembers his buddies from 6 years ago – Lochie and Evi, although it is a shame he couldn’t remember his trainers on the first morning!!! I had my weekly visit to pre-prep where I literally got knocked over by a hug from Eloise in reception; what a welcome that was!
The Exeter School fete is taking place next weekend and I am hopeful that the sun will be shining, this will be the third year that it is running and always a wonderful community event. Mr Ayling and I will be running the sweet stall, and your children have been asked to create a small bag of sweets to bring in for the stall. Pupils will have the bag with them at pick up today and there is some information about what to include inside the bag. I do hope to see many of you there.
As we come to the end of the week, I imagine many of you have tired but happy children at home. For those who are new to the school, I hope that each day has helped them feel more settled and at home. For those who are returning, I hope the start of term has been a happy one. One parent told me their child had given it a 10 out of 10, whilst another pupil said they feel like they have been here forever. I couldn’t ask for more.
Have a really lovely weekend and I will see many of you on the gate on Monday morning for another week full of learning, curiosity and friendship.
