Dear parents,
I hope that you had an enjoyable half term break. For me, spending much of half term with 54 of our pupils on the Italian ski trip offered a lovely chance to get to know pupils a little better.
Seeing our pupils in a different dynamic is always enlightening, and it was a pleasure to see how well they interact with each other, and what a positive school community we have.
Those of you with children in exam years will recognise how vital the coming weeks are as we work with pupils to consolidate their learning and prepare for the all-important public exams. For other pupils, there are defining moments ahead as well – whether it is carefully considering GCSE subject choices, preparing for performances or training for fixtures.
This week the deputy head of house team have been promoting random acts of kindness! Pupils have been thanking others (pupils or staff) for something kind they have done by completing postcards which will be distributed next week.
Year 9 options evening
My thanks go to the numerous colleagues involved in Wednesday evening’s GCSE options event for Year 9 pupils and their families. I know how important these decisions are for pupils and I hope they are assured of the support available. Do not hesitate to get in touch if there are areas which you would benefit from discussing in more detail.
Success: intermediate maths challenge
A number of pupils in years 9,10 and 11 were rewarded in this morning’s assembly with certificates for their efforts in the recent intermediate maths challenge. My congratulations go to all who took part and the best of luck to Hidde who moves on to the Hamilton Olympiad next. Particular praise goes to:
Grey Kangaroo: Adeline I, Ashwin V, Harry P
Pink Kangaroo: Ava R, Comet P, Zac H, Ellis A, Peter S
Best in school: Hidde L
Marathon fundraising
Last year’s head student, Matthew R will run the London marathon along with fellow alumni (and former senior prefect) Amelia H. As you know, Matthew’s younger brother, Teddy, tragically passed away in 2022, and Matt and Amelia are running the marathon to raise funds for local charity, Momentum (one of our Claremont 100 charities), who were vital in supporting the family following the loss of Teddy.
I do not usually bring individual fundraising efforts to your attention however, in this case, I feel sharing the details here is appropriate should you wish to show your support.
Upcoming event: Careers lunch on Tuesday 26 February
We are pleased to be welcoming Alex Grier on Tuesday 26 February who will speak to pupils about his fascinating career. Alex is owner and Managing Director of Frank PR, one of the UK’s leading creative PR agencies, next week. This is an exciting chance for pupils to learn more about a career where your job never feels like “work”! Pupils should let Mrs Bennett know if they would like to attend by using the form emailed to them on Monday.
Upcoming event: Senior School online parent forum
The next parent forum meeting will take place on Thursday 14 March, from 6.30pm and will have a general focus. Please note that this occasion will be held online. As always, these events are intended as an exchange of ideas and allow us to address questions, suggestions or concerns you may have. If you would like to participate, please register below before 11 March. A link to join the meeting will be sent on Wednesday 13 March to those who have registered.
Sports update
Our U14 rugby sevens team did brilliantly, winning two matches and losing only in the final of the St James Festival. Meanwhile the U12s can be proud of their two draws, a win and a loss in the same tournament. Josh C and Elijah H were players of the tournament. Furthermore, our U15s had a respectable tournament, winning two of their four matches. Many congratulations to all players.
Other announcements
Final reminder: no parking on Saturday 24 February
As I have mentioned in previous letters, tomorrow morning we will welcome children who hold offers for Year 7 places in September and their families. I realise excessive rain means there are fewer fixtures than usual, but it remains the case that onsite parking will not be available tomorrow for fixtures. Please, if you have not done so already, make other parking arrangements if you plan to support the matches being played at school.
Dates for your diary
Senior School
- 04 March – Year 7 & 8 World Book Day author visit
- 14 March – Senior School sports team photographs
- 26 March – Senior School Spring Concert
Prep School
- 20 March – Year 3 & 4 Prep School instrumental concert
- 21 March – Prep school sports team photos
- 25 March – Year 3 trip to Legoland
Parent events
- 8 March – Senior School working open morning