As we reach the end of Week Two, it feels as if we have never been away. The children have quickly settled into life at BCS under the excellent guidance of the staff. ‘In loco parentis’, teachers are, of course, significant role models for all our children.
This term they will be reinforcing the importance of Limitless Learning; the concept that, no matter what your ability, you should listen to advice and act on it to ensure that you reach your potential.
Which brings us, inevitably, to the contemporary fairytale story entitled “Emma Raducanu”. Yet to hear of her? You must just have arrived from another planet!
Not only is Emma Raducanu about to frame her fulsome letter of congratulation from the reigning monarch herself. With initials ER, she is, appropriately enough, crowned as the new Queen of British tennis. And more: here is a young person who is intelligent, gifted and perfectly grounded.
Emma herself says that, when she was a child, her parents put up with no nonsense. Respectful, positive behaviour was expected. Along with natural sporting talent, that self-discipline and control of temperament is surely a major factor in an 18-year-old qualifier winning the US Open.
It is always a pleasure to witness children upping their own personal goals and achieving beyond expectations – even in more modest fashion. Only this week, Year 2 produced some stunning writing on the subject of St Lucia. I was delighted to read some of their work and to award them with a Headmaster’s certificate.
Meanwhile, Year 3 have settled into the Prep School like an Emma to an Ashe Stadium, and have been focusing on our own three initials: the Blue Coat Values of BCS –
Be Truthful, Patient and Kind
Cheerfully Try Hard
Show Respect
I also set the Prep children a challenge of achieving 10 House points each for their Houses. And how well they responded!
Eating has gone well, too. Week 2 saw the start of our Breakfast Club. Hot or continental – they devoured it all. A big thank you to Luke and Dylan for an exemplary breakfast experience.
I was also delighted to see and hear our extensive clubs and performance squads – in particular the early morning swimming – get under way. Well done to all the children for embracing the opportunities and to the staff for providing such a range of activities for the children to enjoy.
Next week, the pace will ramp up again with the start of our eagerly-anticipated sports programme. I look forward to hearing the news as children represent the School at hockey and rugby.
I hope parents in Years 1 and 2 will find today’s online workshop informative. This will be sent shortly via an email link to watch in your own time.
Next Monday it is the turn of Year 3 and 4 parents to have an English workshop with Mrs Kavanagh Finch and Mrs Ayub. This event, run by outstanding practitioners, should not be missed. An email link will be sent on Monday.
Well I’m off with Year 4 to watch Leicester Tigers against the Might Exeter Chiefs. No guesses where my loyalty lies!
Have a great weekend and, as always, please pay close attention to the School calendar for all events.
Noel Neeson
