Headmaster's Welcome
Dear Parents
This week has been incredibly busy with three Nativity performances for our youngest children and with the older children visiting Princethorpe College for the Advent Service rehearsal which will take place next week. Monday will begin the last full week of this term, and I am sure that you will agree, it has passed very quickly and I hope that all children have enjoyed this Michaelmas term. As it draws to a close, many bugs and illnesses seem to strike and, whilst I am sure that you do not wish your child to miss any school days, I would ask that children who have suffered from sickness or upset stomach bugs do not return to school until 48 hours after the last episode.
I would like to thank everyone who supported the ‘Winter Wonderland’ Christmas Fair last Saturday. As usual, our wonderful PTA pulled out all the stops to make it quite an extraordinary event. Whilst the final amount raised is yet to be confirmed (close to £2500 at last count), I believe it was extremely successful. Thank you very much to our wonderful Chair, Lucy Lamb and her merry band of helpers – they are all stars! Thank you to all parents and grandparents who helped on the day and to everyone who supported the event in any way. It is truly appreciated. A special mention to Princethorpe College students, Lauren, Charlotte and Grace who enjoyed running their stall to raise money for their outreach and care expedition to Malawi next summer. If you would like to know more or donate, the girls have supplied the following link https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/malawi2020
My thanks are extended to the Nursery staff, the Reception, Junior 1 and Junior 2 staff, along with Mrs Wildey, Mrs Paphitis and Mrs Olden for co-ordinating the Nativity performances and also to our caretaking and catering teams who ensure that preparations are put in place for you. Even though the show might be over, I have no doubt that the children will still be singing their songs for some time yet. This was a wonderful way to start thinking about Christmas and I am also very pleased with the tremendous family support at all events. It was also lovely to have our trustees, Mrs Griffin and Miss McNamara, and Fr Kevin supporting the school as well.
As mentioned, Junior 5 and 6 spent a day at Princethorpe College rehearsing for the Advent Service which is due to take place next Wednesday at 18:30. It is always a joyous occasion which we are lucky enough to celebrate in the Princethorpe Chapel and I look forward to seeing parents in the 6th Form Atrium after the service.
Congratulations to our Stars of the Week, Liselotte, Rory, Angelica, Alexander, Jacob, Jenson, Isabelle, Theo, Lexi, Lily, Issey, Helayna, Solon, Jimmy and Cadie. Our RE ‘Book of the Week’ went to Amy for her wonderful message, delivered through her ministry as a member of the ‘Pilgrim Puppets’ group who performed for our KS1 pupils this week. Thank you and well done to her. We were blessed to hear both Maria and Bella sing at assembly – both girls were fantastic – what a treat! Thank you and well done to our wonderful recorder group for playing us into assembly – they were also superb!
Congratulations to our fantastic chess stars on their achievements this term. Well done to all our sports teams who managed to play fixtures this week and a special word of praise should be extended to Issey and Sam for representing the Midlands at the Independent Schools’ Association national swimming gala in the Olympic pool in London on Saturday. Both of them won two gold medals! Issey in the individual breaststroke and the freestyle relay; and Sam in the medley and freestyle relays. Congratulations to both of them – what a super achievement and reward for all their hard work in training.
I would like to wish everyone a restful and happy weekend with your families.
God bless
Mr Duigan
