A Message from the Head: February half-term

As we come to the end of the first half-term of 2024, I hope that the week ahead offers you some time to spend with your families and that our pupils enjoy an opportunity to relax and enjoy some free time.

It has been a short half-term, but a busy one and as ever I have been thrilled with the buzz and the sense of happy purpose in both the Junior and Senior schools. I must particularly commend those pupils in Year 11 and Upper Sixth who had exams immediately after the Christmas holiday, for their efforts and also for the positive manner in which they approached these important examinations, which are such an important preparation for the summer. I was very proud of them and grateful to Mrs Lewis and her team in the Exams Department and all the staff and invigilators who worked so hard to ensure that everything ran smoothly.

Last weekend we were treated to four absolutely spectacular performances of Beauty and the Beast. This year’s school production involved over 180 pupils in an immensely talented cast and crew, alongside an army of support provided by staff members. I wholeheartedly applaud all those who have committed to regular rehearsals since mid-September, giving their Friday after-school time to memorising dance steps, lyrics, stage positions and so on, and for the patience they have displayed throughout weekend-long rehearsals. As a former Director of Music myself, I understand just how much is involved in bringing together a show of this size and also maintaining the standard of performance throughout. My thanks and congratulations to all, but especially Mrs Morgan-Collins, Mr Suranyi, Mrs Webb, and Mr Ting who led from the front and inspired us all.

In addition to sold-out audiences for all four shows, we were also able to invite some VIP guests to the dress rehearsal, including children from local primary schools, Hamsey Green, Selsdon Primary, Greenvale and Park Hill Juniors. We also welcomed guests from Whitgift House and Selsdon Contact and the enjoyment and appreciation of all who came, young and old, was wonderful to see. We thank them for being such a fantastic audience and my thanks to Mrs Beck for arranging this.

This week we marked the first anniversary of the deaths of Mrs Pattison and Lettie, with moments of reflection, shared memories and mutual support. They will remain in our thoughts and we will continue to honour their memories, in the school that they both loved.

With half-term trips heading off to Bonn, to the ski slopes of Andorra and to Washington and New York, more opportunities lie ahead for inspiration and aspiration! I wish all our travellers safe journeys and the whole school community a very happy and restorative half-term break.

Ms Annabel Davies
Head