It was a pleasure to welcome Neil Powell to Chapel today as our guest speaker; to hear his thoughts about the importance of teamwork and forgiveness. Had I been of a distracted nature, and had Mr Powell’s talk not been so compelling, my thoughts might have drifted from my seat back to The Millennium Stadium, where, last Saturday, the importance of teamwork was strikingly evident.  Yes, I cannot conceal that Scotland’s defeat by Wales was a disappointment after that autumn optimism, and I hope for better things in Edinburgh this weekend. There is a moral here, however: the obverse of the saying ‘One swallow doesn’t make a summer’.

I have total conviction that BCS children are being educated, both in the classroom and outside it, in a way that will benefit them in the medium and long term, so I am not about to join the chorus of those who pillory Scotland’s head coach Gregor Townsend after one salutary Six Nations defeat. His principles, like ours, are sound. Players, like children, have to learn to be adaptable. They have to try out new things, experiment with new methods. He, like us, will continue to build on the positives.

And we saw plenty of those in our own lives during the past week. Perhaps, most notably on the netball scene. I started off this week by watching the Under 10 netball at Hallfield where the girls were ‘on fire’. Both teams played amazingly well and won their matches convincingly. It was a mixed bag on the football front, but from the scores, you can see that there are positives for us to build on too. A big well done to the children who attended the KS2 Sports Hall Athletics event. I believe they had a great day and enjoyed competing. I look forward to presenting them with their certificates on Monday.

Well, what a week followed, back here at BCS. I enjoyed finishing off my observations and saw some excellent learning in so many classes. This week also, we welcomed a record number of families to the school for the Year 3 Entrance Day. How lovely it is to see such interest in our school. I look forward to meeting and interviewing the children and parents next week. Thank you, to pupils for the warm welcome that you extended to our visitors. And thanks to you, the parents, for your support of the School.

Thursday was St George’s House Charity Day. Well done to Mr Hill, the staff, parents and, of course, the boys. The children in Pre-Prep enjoyed working with the George’s boys as reading buddies. The prep had great fun in the hall with an array of imaginative activities. The boys raised a significant amount of money through the The Magic £5 Challenge and should be commended on their entrepreneurial skills. Not only that: their assembly was first rate and it was great to welcome the Pre-Prep School Council along.

As we approach the final week of this half term, we are building up to the Lower School Production of Fantastic Mr Fox. I popped down to a rehearsal and the singing was sublime. Please come and support the Year 3 and 4 children at this event. You won’t be disappointed!

I look forward to heading to Warwick on Saturday to support the Under 11 netballers. I am sure they will do the School proud. Last year’s event was memorable, so we are hoping for another great day.

Congratulations also to all the children who had their work displayed at Warwick School Art Exhibition. Mrs Lambert-Green said that it was an excellent show. On the subject of Art, I am delighted that BCS has been selected as the host venue for SATIPS National Art Festival in 2019. This is huge honour. Mrs Lambert-Green should be congratulated on securing such an event.

Thanks to The Friends for a wonderful Quiz last Friday. A great time was had by all and photo highlights can be seen on The Friends’ page. Thanks also to the many parents who come and support Chapel on a weekly basis. It’s a great way to finish the week. That and beating the French, of course. Have a great weekend and, as Glaswegians sing while heading for Murrayfield, Vive Les Ecossais!

MR NOEL NEESON | HEADMASTER