Headmaster’s Notes: Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
28th February 20
This week has been incredibly busy on the sporting front at Prince’s Mead where pupils have represented the School at a number of exciting competitions, including the IAPS U11 Netball qualifiers plus Rugby and Netball tournaments. Our netballers performed incredibly well and, whilst they did not return this year with any silverware, their performance in an extremely narrow defeat in the quarter-finals exhibited how well they delivered in such a big tournament. On a broader front, I have been in contact with a number of schools in recent weeks where they have commented on the sportsmanship and behaviour of our pupils at away games; something that we should all be proud of too. Thank you to all our parents who support these events – I do hope your toes have thawed out from this week!
Since our return after the half-term break, time and time again, I am amazed by the way in which our pupils here at Prince’s Mead seem to juggle so many different things in their diary in any one week, how they are not afraid to pick themselves up when encountering a difficult challenge or when they overcome their fear of performing on the stage or singing for the first time. Meeting Heads and senior staff from Christ’s Hospital and Portsmouth Grammar School through numerous appointments this week, I am reminded of the importance of giving our pupils the confidence to experience a broad education during their years here as we prepare them for all that awaits them beyond the gates of Prince’s Mead at senior school.
On the staffing front, it is with great pleasure to announce two additional appointments to the staff team, both of whom started at Prince’s Mead this week. Miss Rebecca Brewer has been appointed as one of our Nursery Practitioners and joins an exceptionally strong Early Years team. Miss Brewer studied at the University of Winchester and since this time, has been devoted to creating a caring, positive and nurturing environment in which each child can reach their full potential in our Early Years setting and develop that all-important love of learning. Beyond her passion for the Early Years, Miss Brewer enjoys a love of literature, music, and fitness. She was simply outstanding during a rigorous interview process that naturally attracted a healthy field of strong applicants. On the sporting front, I am pleased to announce the arrival of Miss Mia Stares. Miss Stares recently completed her education at St Swithun’s and, before this time, was a pupil at Prince’s Mead. She is very much looking forward to supporting the Games Department in her capacity as a Sports Gap Student and it is a real delight to welcome her to our community.
What a privilege it was to welcome members of the local community to our Itchen Valley ecumenical lunch today. Proceeds of today’s event will go to Emmaus Winchester at Bar End that provides a home and meaningful work to nearly 30 people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion. Looking ahead to our next community event, please do sign up for our annual Curry and Quiz Night on Friday 13th March where we look forward to welcoming parents and staff. Full details can be found in this newsletter.
Wishing you a most relaxing weekend where I hope you are not too affected by the imminent arrival of ‘Storm Jorge’.
Mr. Peter Thacker
