Headmaster’s Notes – The 100 day milestone

I recall the expression that God couldn’t be everywhere so he made Grandparents. This was most certainly the case for those that I had the honour of meeting on Tuesday when they visited the School. It was a great privilege for me to take the opportunity to recognise the very positive influence they have on their grandchildren. Their ability alone to put life into perspective and offer inspiration, often when our young people most need it, is invaluable to say the least. Thinking back to my grandparents, I recall their innate ability to impart such wisdom and advice based on some extraordinary life experience; knowledge of which I continue to call on.

Inspections are always one of those exercises that we all need to go through from time to time and, as you are all aware, we hosted a team of Compliance Inspectors here this past week. It was very heartening to witness the school community working together so collaboratively with the shared desire to celebrate all that is outstanding here and the positive parental feedback through the questionnaire was overwhelming. True to form, the pupils have been exemplary, speaking politely to inspectors and, of course, engaging brilliantly in their lessons; our visitors spoke so highly of our greatest ambassadors, the sense of pride they felt in their school and their kindness and warmth towards both adults and fellow pupils.  In keeping with protocol, we are not able to comment on the formal outcome of the inspection until it is published in the next few weeks but the feedback from the inspection team was most encouraging.

As campaigners warn of ‘book poverty’ as the UK celebrated World Book Day yesterday, we are proud to celebrate reading every day of the week at Prince’s Mead. There are a dozen fantastic books that children can purchase with their vouchers that they received this week.

Next Friday we look forward to welcoming to Friday Prayers representatives from St Cross Cricket Club and Easton and Martyr Worthy Cricket Club to speak to pupils and parents about opportunities in these two fantastic clubs. We are keen to do all we can to establish those foundations for our young pupils – it is somewhat telling that these club representatives include a former Prince’s Mead pupil and a current parent.

Congratulations to all those pupils who were new to Prince’s Mead at the beginning of the academic year and reached their 100 day milestone this week. Reception marked the occasion with an exciting day of celebration. Even Mr White, the Bursar, visited pupils during their numbers lesson. Most reassuringly, he taught an excellent lesson on counting to 100…

I do wish you a restful weekend.