Dear parents,
It has been a super week with all pupils being reminded of the importance of BEING KIND and that bullying will not be tolerated in our school. The variety of ODD socks that appeared on Monday certainly brightened the school up and was a stark reminder that celebrating our differences is so important to our school community.
Our whole school remembrance service took place on Tuesday and as ever, it was a truly moving service where the school community took time to remember past and current service men and women. I want to say a special thank you to Stephanie in Upper Two, who read In Flanders’ Field to the whole school, truly moving and a memory that I think will stay with her for a long time, well done. The rain held but compared to what sacrifices have and are still being made, I think standing in the rain was the least that we could do to remember all those we have lost.
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of spending the day at Queen’s College, Taunton for my termly meeting with other Southwest Heads. These gatherings are always such a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues, share experiences, and exchange ideas. It’s inspiring to hear different perspectives and learn about innovative approaches being implemented across our schools. Networking in this way not only strengthens our professional community but also helps us collectively strive for excellence in education.
The informal concert was simply wonderful, and the talent on display across the whole school was superb. Watching the faces of our lower school pupils when they listened to the final piece by two Upper Fifth pupils made my day; they were in awe, and what role models they are. Well done to all the performers.
It is non-school uniform day today in support of Children in Need, and I led an assembly to talk through all the good work that this event supports and shared a couple of clips of the inspirational radio presenter Sara Cox who has been running an ultra-marathon every day this week. The tears, the pain, and the sense of achievement is tangible, and she has currently raised over £6 million. I’m not sure I will be raising this much with my one marathon, but she has certainly inspired me to keep going through these dark nights, which are not helping me to keep to my training plan.
Also this week, please click the link here to read our latest safeguarding bulletin from Miss Dunning and the team, which includes important updates, useful tips, and practical guidance to help you support your child’s safety and wellbeing.
You may be aware that, following the recent roadworks on Heavitree Road, we introduced cones along Victoria Park Road between the bursary and Lower Drive entrances. Although parking restrictions already apply in this area, these have not always been observed. The cones have helped to improve traffic flow during busy times and, importantly, enhance safety for both parents and pupils. We will therefore be keeping the cones in place for the foreseeable future and kindly ask that you adhere to the restrictions they indicate.
Next week we will see our junior school disco taking place on Friday 21 November:
5-6pm for Lower School
6:30-7:30pm for Upper School
It is not too late to sign up, and more details about drop-off and pick-up will be shared next week.
Have a good weekend.
