Easter looms – and we had an egg-cellent final week of term, starting with an inspirational talk from Matt Dickinson. Not only an exceptional author, our visitor is also a keen adventurer. He has climbed Everest in his spare time – as you do! Having been a production manager at the BBC, Matt went freelance and has visited schools across the United Kingdom, thrilling children with the story of how he climbed the North Face of the world’s highest peak. The children were awestruck by his tales and engrossed by the man’s exciting stories and colourful life. Some of these achievements are encapsulated in the film Summit Fever, which has been viewed by more than twenty million people worldwide.

Less loftily, but equally satisfyingly, the children in Prep enjoyed their termly achievement assembly. Here, the Prep Community joins together to celebrate the highlights,  from music to sport,  from academics and colours. It was lovely to remind ourselves of each other’s achievements and what makes this school such a positive place to learn. A big thank you to Mr Newman and his team for a comprehensive and compelling round-up of the Lent term.

This week the focus in Pre-Prep and Prep has been preparing for Easter. Fr Andrew’s services were well received by all. It was lovely to celebrate a service with many Prep-Prep parents, in particular. The children joined in with uplifting singing. In Prep, this was another joyous occasion at which the children from Years 3 to 6 read and sang beautifully. I must commend the Chapel Choir for singing so enchantingly as always. Fr Andrew was in irresistible form in both services; his thought-provoking talks, enriched with wit, engaged us all. There could not have been a more perfect way to end what has been another wonderful term.

A week of intense competition in netball and football house matches was so much fun, and the children looked very happy testing themselves against their nearest and dearest and, incidentally, well done to all the children on representing the school over the course of the term.

Year 3 celebrated Grandparents’ Day on Tuesday. This occasion has become a highlight in the calendar. It was a treat for our children to perform for their loved ones and take them for afternoon tea in the dining room as well as looking at the Year3 art gallery in the boardroom.  A great day was had by all, and once again a big well done to the teachers and children for making this such a memorable event.

Finally, we signed off this half of term with the eagerly-awaited House Shout! St Monica’s, St Margaret’s, St Philip’s and St George’s went head-to-head, singing songs from this year’s theme: Disney.  It was, as ever, a wonderful end-of-term celebration with much laughter and wonderful singing. Just first rate!

Happy Easter, one and all!