Junior Reflections Week 27 2024

Dear parents,

Weather

This week has been a coat on and coat off sort of week, and I am very hopeful that we will remain with coats off as I feel that I am not sure whether we are in the Spring or Summer wardrobe. Our theme for the week was ‘being kind’ and I shared in assembly a short video demonstrating the Domino effect of how one kind gesture can have a knock-on impact and spread. Sienna in Upper One demonstrated kindness when no one was looking as we walked to assembly by picking up a jotter and returning to her friend who was unaware that they had dropped it… such integrity and showing true Exonian character.

Clubs and Trips

Our clubs got under way this week and, as always, we offer a huge variety at both lunchtime and after school, but we are always open to new suggestions. And with this in mind this Tuesday some Upper Two volunteers were treated to a taster session of Brazilian Jujitsu. After a good warm up, the pupils were introduced to a variety of grappling techniques, holds and locks with the emphasis very much on self-defence and fun and the pupils certainly enjoyed their taster session.

Upper Two travelled to Cornwall to the world-famous Eden Project and a truly educational day was had by all the children who explored the education area and the Mediterranean dome followed by learning how to survive in the rainforest without equipment. Mr Pidwell and the staff were hugely proud of all the pupils who asked intelligent questions and displayed good behaviour on such a long day. This year’s Upper Two could certainly give Bear Grylls a run for his money – well done to all the pupils.

School uniform

On Tuesday we had a visit from Schoolblazer, our new uniform supplier, who came to meet with parents in a focus group and talk about the proposed changes to the school uniform.  This was an extremely helpful discussion about a number of aspects of uniform in general and looked at some proposed changes to our uniform.  We invited a wide range of parents, from across the whole school, and had good representation present in the meeting.  We feel that our current uniform has not been changed for many years (probably since girls joined the school two decades ago) and with the current suppliers struggling to meet demand and offering such poor customer service, it feels the right time and opportunity to update our current offering.   The meeting allowed us to consider the views of parents, and to look at some suggestions.  We have not yet made any firm decisions, and we know that any changes to the uniform must take into account a range of factors; every school is unique, and we have to think about this when considering change and of course cost.  What we want is for pupils to be proud of their school, and to wear their uniform smartly and with confidence.  These will be the key things that we are looking to engender in any new uniform items.

London Marathon and Mr Cunningham

We have a celebrity in the school, although I am sure that Mr Cunningham did not quite anticipate the aftermath of his London marathon race on Sunday. I am sure that by now many of you will have heard that the finish didn’t quite go as he had planned. 850m from the end, Mr Cunningham broke his leg but finished the race on his bottom – what an absolute inspiration to our pupils. This afternoon the CCF pupils organised a sponsored bum shuffle around the field with Mr Cunningham making a star appearance, full leg cast and all. It was a brilliant event and the pupils very much enjoyed seeing their teacher. We wish Mr Cunningham a speedy recovery and I know that he wanted me to pass on his heartfelt thanks for all the generous donations which certainly helped him smash his target.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend!