Perhaps, like me, you went to bed on Tuesday evening with hope in your heart and a radio under your pillow. If so, you will now be as deflated as an empty hot water bottle, dreading the idea of another whitewash Down Under, after those cocky Australians skittled out our wallaby-length tail and took a 2-0 lead in the Ashes series. It’s at times like this – as I pull the pillow over my head – that I have to remind myself of the Corinthian saying: “It is not about the winning; just about the taking part.”
Still, I have to confess that there is no better feeling than winning! Just ask Manchester City; or alternatively, ask our remarkable Under 9 A & B rugby and hockey sides, who have achieved the distinction of going an entire season without tasting defeat. Well done everyone. No little urn for you, but plenty of plaudits and a whole lot of fun, I dare say.
What a penultimate week it has been here at BCS. There was something for everyone – musical, dramatic, sporting and academic.
On the sports fields there were a host of excellent performances and all our teams have had a very productive season in both hockey and rugby. As for the swimming team, they are going from strength to strength. Another great display at St Martin’s wrapped up an excellent term.
The Year One and Year Two plays on Tuesday and Wednesday were outstanding. A big thank you to all the staff and children for their hard work on these productions, which brought out the best in our children’s singing, dancing and acting. As you will be aware, the Pre-Prep Advent service will take place next Wednesday. Please come and round off the year celebrating with your children and the staff.
On Thursday evening our talented musicians put on an excellent concert. The children continue to surprise – nay, mesmerize – me with the range of their talent. Hours of practise really puts BCS out there as one of the leading music schools. The music department is to be congratulated for producing such a polished display. And thanks are due to you, the parents, for the constant support in getting your children to practise daily.
Again, I must also congratulate Year 6 for or their solid academic results. These children have demonstrated a strong work ethic; they should be proud of themselves; well-equipped and confident, they are heading for schools that meet their needs.
In this busy festive time we take a quiet moment to think of Miss West and her family as they attend the funeral of their eldest son Harvey today. Miss West would like parents and staff to know that the money collected will go towards a memorial plaque for Harvey and she thanks everyone for their support and kind words in the books of condolence.
Finally, I must inform you that Mrs Treanor is leaving the School at the end of term. I have loved working with her over the past year and we will all miss her greatly. I know how influential she was in my daughter’s education and we wish her well in her new venture. Parents of children in Mrs Treanor’s classes will shortly be informed who will be teaching them from January.
I would also like to congratulate Miss Pardoe who has gained a place at the Wales International Academy of Voice in Cardiff to study opera with Dennis O’Neill and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. We thank her for all her hard work in the Music department and wish her the very best in her new venture. We look forward to welcoming Mrs Catherine Harp, an outstanding practitioner, to BCS next term.
As always, please keep an eye on the calendar for next week. It is a busy one, with many great school events. Remember: next Friday is a non-uniform Christmas jumper day.
My last paragraph is a closely guarded secret (which explains why it is written in subdued italics.) It’s a very special birthday in the Neeson Household this weekend, when Mrs N reaches a milestone. Still some way to go before she reaches that half century………………..!
NOEL NEESON | HEADMASTER
