The Autumn term has drawn to a close and with it the customary parties, talent shows, Senior School international day and Junior School nativity plays.  

For those who are departing for new schools, this a bittersweet time as friends are left and new adventures met.  Some face the challenge of mock exams after the holiday and others will return to greet new friends who will join us in the New Year.  The end of the year can be a transient time, it is therefore good to see the constants which remain; we have enjoyed our carol concerts and our Christmas Lunch and even now we look forward to next term and all that it will bring. We have had a fantastic term.

As we stand at the cusp of the year and look, like the Roman god Janus, both back and forward we can reflect with pride on the many acts of charity that have been performed, some public and financial, others rather quieter and personal. From poppies to Children in Need, Médecins sans frontières to the British Red Cross we as a school have thought about others and have given of ourselves as well as from our pockets to support good causes.  But the most important acts of kindness have been the small and unseen ones; the friendly hello, the encouraging word. As a new head getting to know the School I have been bowled over by the spirit of the School, the welcome that it extends and enthusiasm with which it meets daily life.

We finished our term with fabulous concerts in both the Senior and the Junior Schools and I thank all of the performers for giving so generously of their talents for our enjoyment.

All that remains for me now is to wish you all a wonderfully peaceful and happy Christmas.

Nicholas Hammond

Headmaster