FROM THE HEAD MASTER
By hook or by crook, we have reached the final day of term following an extremely busy but fulfilling and successful term that has absolutely flown by. The children must be complimented and congratulated on all they have achieved in so many areas of school life. They definitely need – and deserve – a good break and the chance to recharge batteries. 
Scholarship Success
I am delighted to announce more scholarship successes. Clemmie Harrison and Ben Beaumont have each been awarded a Drama Scholarship to Uppingham. This may come as no surprise following their excellent performances in Frozen this week. Jehan Jasinarachchi has been awarded the Thring Scholarship to Uppingham, which is an all-rounder award and fine recognition for his all-round contribution to school life. Finally, Josh Tomlins has been awarded an Art Scholarship to Kimbolton – a fine achievement and rounds off an excellent week for Josh after his lovely performance as Olaf in Frozen.
This excellent news brings the scholarship season to a close. The children have amassed 33 scholarships between them (and there could be yet one or two more following Common Entrance in June!) with success in 67% of the scholarships our pupils entered. I would like to take a moment to mention those children who were unsuccessful in their scholarship and to remind them that even to be entered for a scholarship is a huge accomplishment in itself.
Frozen
Those of you who attended the performances of Frozen over the last two evenings, would, like me, have been blown away by the quality of the show. It really was terrific with top drawer singing and wonderful acting and dancing too. There is so much that needs to come together for a production of this size and I am so very grateful to all the staff, from those sitting up in the technical box, to those running backstage, to those who have produced costumes (including our parent helpers!), to those who spent many hours painting the scenery and creating the props. Enormous congratulations to Mrs King and Mr Williams and all the cast and crew for such a wonderful show.
Ski Trip
Undoubtedly one of the highlights of Year 8’s final year here and, indeed, a rite of passage is their ski trip to Italy. The trip departs tomorrow for Pila and I know they will have a fantastic time both on the slopes and in their après-ski. I wish them all a safe journey and a fantastic week. At present, the snow conditions are looking very encouraging!
Building Work
We have all had to be very patient while the wall is being repaired next to the Rose Garden. This will be completed next week and so the coach bay will return to normal next term.
We will, of course, need much more patience as our new building development gets underway in earnest on Monday. It will be very interesting for the children to see just what has changed over the holidays, with Room 20 (2M’s classroom) being knocked down next week and much of the old changing rooms being demolished in readiness. We have been waiting a considerable amount of time to get underway with the building developments and I am so pleased we are now doing so. Exciting times!
End of Term
A final well done and congratulations to all the children and staff. As I said above, so much is packed into this term and, of course, we have had an inspection thrown in as well. I wish you all a very Happy Easter and a very good break and, if you are travelling, safe journeys.
Simon Clarke
Head Master
PRE-PREP
This week, the Pre-Prep has been taken over by chick shaped splodges of yellow paint, fluffy cotton wool bunny tails and an array of brightly coloured decorated egg shapes. With tips of tongues gently clamped between their teeth in concentration, the children have thoroughly enjoyed immersing themselves in Easter themed arts and crafts!
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
On Wednesday, we welcomed a visitor from Waste Wise into our assembly, who delivered a fascinating presentation about the simple everyday things that we can do to help our planet. Building on their own knowledge of how we recycle things at home and school, the children were taken aback to learn that the speakers fleece, and a toy truck that he was holding, were both made from old plastic bottles.
Fresh Air Football Fun for Year 2
Year 2 children enjoyed a fabulous treat in their Games lesson on Thursday. Not only had Mr Barnard organised a ‘Cobblers’ training session for them, led by coaches from Northampton Town Football Club, but their morning of football fun was finished off with an Easter Egg Hunt – definitely worth running around and being out of breath for!
‘Rocking our Socks’ for World Down Syndrome Day
Also on Thursday, a fabulous rainbow of coloured legs and feet could be seen peeking out from beneath uniforms as staff and children ‘Rocked their Socks’, in recognition of World Downs Syndrome Day. From sparkly to neon, spotty, sporty, patterned and mis-matched socks, we really finished the term in style! All the money raised will be sent to the Northamptonshire Down Syndrome Group, which relies entirely on donations in order to provide invaluable support to many families. Thank you so much for your help – it is a wonderful feeling to know that we will make a real difference to others.
We raised £418.39!
Time for the Holidays ~ The Summer Term Awaits!
Whilst it is important for the children to recharge their batteries and enjoy a well-earned rest, if possible, it is beneficial to keep the learning momentum gently ticking over during the holidays. Two challenges have been offered to the children across the Easter break. Our Pre-Prep sponsored Readathon will not only enable the children to practise their reading skills, but the money raised will also buy new books for children in hospitals, through the ‘Read for Good’ charity.
In addition, to keep their number skills ticking along, the children have been set a time challenge on their Numbots online learning programme. Whether reading or practising some mental arithmetic, it really is surprising the difference that a few minutes every day can make!
Finally, on return from the Easter break, the children may wear either their summer or winter uniform. Mr Clarke will write to parents in the new term to advise of the date when all pupils will move to summer uniform.
Have a fun-filled, restful holiday!
Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep
Congratulations to Bertie Brady-White (2L) who was awarded ‘Coaches Player of the Season’ in Hockey and to Leonardo Dep-Shepherd (1S) who achieved ‘Trainer of the Week’ in Football.
Well done to the following children for gaining end of season medals in Rugby – Charlie Wall (2W), Arthur Strike-Doyle (2M), Edward Pett (2M) and Frederick Labrum-Morren (2M)
Congratulations to the following children for their swimming achievements – Lockie Millar (2M) Level 3, Phoebe Tilston (1S) Level 3, Amber Millar (RG) Level 1 and Harriet Guppy (1S) 30m
ART
Congratulations to Josh Tomlins, He was awarded an Art scholarship to Kimbolton.
His full portfolio will be available to view in the next Newsletter.
Mrs Moreton
MUSIC
Exam Results
Congratulation to the following pupils for their excellent exam results.
Guitar
Grade 1
Arjun Bhangra Pass
Grade 2
Luke Mackaness Pass
Elliot Briggs Merit
Arthur Westaway Merit
Devraj Sehmi Distinction
Grade 3
Maanav Diu Merit
Milo Crifo Garton Merit
Tom Suggitt Merit
Grade 4
Oscar Beynon Merit
Archie Wright Merit
Grade 5
Matthew Bose Pass
Florence Granger Merit
Musical Instruments
A reminder that all musical instruments need to be taken home for the Easter holiday.
Mrs King
CROSS-COUNTRY EASTER FUN RUN
As we come to the end of the Cross Country season the Captains and Vice Captains of the Cross Country team, on behalf of the entire team and all those that run, would like to express their thanks to Mr Canty and Mrs Williams for being the most outstanding coaches, no matter what the weather! The children presented the teachers with their very own medals on Friday morning after the Easter fun run.
Thank you, Teddy, Hugh, Elsa and Cee Cee
LOST PROPERTY
Found after the Easter Egg Hunt
