Well, what an exciting week it has been. I want to thank everyone for the very warm welcome I have received. This is a truly unique and enriching place of learning, where every student’s health and self-worth are as important to us as their academic progress (in fact, you cannot have one without the other; self-worth leads to self-discipline, which leads to finding your potential through hard work and dedication). How fortunate then that a daily reminder to look after ourselves and each other is emblazoned across the students’ jerseys: Health and Self-Worth.

We have enjoyed an assembly together and a whole staff meeting in which we considered what makes this school so unique. We have seen lots of exciting learning going on, including a trip to the science museum and a visit led by Miss Partington to see Howard Carter’s grave.

I want to thank the students and staff for all their help and dedication in helping to create a tremendous Open Day for prospective families considering our junior school. This special event included tours of the school’s facilities, a speech from myself and an even better speech from the brilliant Zoe- thank you, Zoe.  Our visitors left in sunshine to a rousing chorus of ELO’s Mr Blue Sky, sung heartily by our talented juniors, beneath the pagoda, led by the inspiring Mr Pendrous. Next week it is the turn of the seniors and I know this will be a really successful event too – we have much to be proud of and to showcase.

It has been a productive week in so many ways and I have been so very impressed to see so much talent across the school, manifest in many different forms. Ours is a school where we will not be stymied by the self-limiting question, ‘How smart are you?’ but rather we ask ‘How are you smart?’ and we work very hard to allow everyone’s individual talents to develop and flourish. Thank you to my dedicated colleagues for all your efforts every week.

May I close with a quick reminder to keep up the regular lateral flow testing and to use hand sanitiser and wash our hands at every opportunity, so that we can all stay safe and healthy!

Have a lovely weekend everyone.
A J Hammond