Anything that I write below will be overshadowed by the awful events of early this week in the city of Nottingham.

I will add nothing more, because it is so appalling and upsetting to consider the circumstances and the emotional aftermath. Except to write these Biblical words:

‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.’

In order to come to terms with such a tragic and needless loss of young lives, we are bound to believe in this code from Corinthians: a text which is so appropriate right now and which was at the heart of today’s talk by the Headmaster of Solihull School, Charles Fillingham.

Of course life has to go on, and even as we mourn the dead, we remain intent on improving the lives of our children – not just academically and culturally, but in terms of general welfare.

The whole school focus this week was Healthy Eating. Every day in the dining room the children looked at various food types/ from proteins, fruit and vegetables to fibre and sugar. I t was no surprise that the catering team made this come alive for the children and encouraged them to have a healthy balanced diet: the message being ‘everything in moderation’.

As ever, Music was on show in all its splendour this week. The two prelude concerts were sensational  and again children from across the school demonstrated a wide range of musical masterpieces. Daniel and Maddie were particularly fantastic with their piano duet of ‘Blue Boogie’; just spellbinding.

This evening we all hold our breath for what will be an amazing event, in the inaugural Music Scholars Graduation Concert. When I heard the rehearsal today, it sounded sublime. I must say that the Year 5 and 6 Septet ‘I Got Rhythm’  by Gershwin was mesmerising. 

Congratulations to all participants and a big thank you to Mr Nicklin and the team.

In midweek, two teams of Year 6 pupils took part in the Quiz Club Maths semi-finals, which is a national competition. As you would expect, the questions they faced were challenging, particularly in the time frames given.

Both teams put in a brilliant amount of effort, and one of them, comprising Shreya, Karrie, Vidur and Ismaeel A, have qualified for the National Finals! 

This is clearly a very impressive achievement.

This weekend our U11 swimmers head to Sheffield on Saturday to compete in the ESSA national swimming final. This is  A competition in which we have competed well over the years. I am sure this year’s team will have fun and give their best –  as always. 

On Sunday (Father’s Day) our U11 girl cricketers head to Malvern College for the Under 12  competition. Doubtless, they will have a great day and build on the excellent work season so far.

Meanwhile, enjoy the start of The Ashes series, and have a great weekend!