Headmaster’s Notes: from the rugged and majestic setting of the Lake District

Writing this from the rugged and majestic setting of the Lake District as Year 5 pupils take to the mountains in an early morning scramble, it hardly seems possible that Half Term is already upon us.  Those long summer days of 2019 don’t seem too long ago but since then, our pupils have been throwing themselves into Prince’s Mead life and have achieved so much in just a few weeks, despite the shorter and darker autumn days that are upon us.

Lessons have been a hive of both activity and productivity and we have been conscious of groups and individuals expressing a natural inquisitiveness and desire to learn. It is always a joy to walk around the school site and witness the pupils’ genuine enthusiasm and energy as they learn something for the first time or cement their already existing knowledge. We hope these are reflected in your child’s mid-term grades; a new system for our older Prep School pupils where we will be communicating with you more regularly on the academic progress of your child. Outside of the classroom, the children have already been busy fundraising, giving musical recitals, enjoying trips and visits to various destinations as well as embracing new activities such as the amazing Forest School. On the sports fields, numerous fixtures have provided plenty of competition and tremendous examples of teamwork, and one senses that this will be a very successful sporting year!

It has been fantastic to see the new building in action and witnessing the school community using this amazing facility to unleash their creative and academic talents in so many different areas, producing some outstanding work in our new classrooms and, of course, enjoying a hearty lunch in our new Dining Hall.

We have a great deal to look forward to over the coming weeks, and the excitement is already building with the prospect of sports fixtures and tournaments, acts of remembrance, fireworks, trips, and of course, our annual Christmas celebrations including our annual service in Winchester Cathedral.

We look forward to welcoming you back as a community for our first Friday Prayers after half-term where we welcome Mr Pete Maidment, Chaplain of Lord Wandsworth School, where we will be reflecting upon Remembrance. Please don’t forget to book your tickets for the fabulous PMA Fireworks too.

I am very much looking forward to the next half term, but in the meantime, I do hope that you have a restful and happy family time.

Mr Peter Thacker

Headmaster