Headmaster’s Notes – The Power of Community

14th June 19

It never ceases to amaze me what is achieved in one week at Prince’s Mead. On the musical front, thank you to our choir who entertained guests at the Bishop’s Tea Party at Wolvesey Palace. We have received so many positive comments from the Bishop and guests alike.

Our Digital Leaders enjoyed a fantastic afternoon of tech exploration this week. From drones to robotic Sphero balls, VR headsets to radio control vehicles, pupils worked hard to master some of the latest technology and showed some excellent teamwork in the process.

We have welcomed visitors new and old(er) this week with a busy pre-entry visit for pupils joining our Reception in September and a number of others looking to join us across the year groups. What a privilege it was to also welcome some of our slightly older visitors for a Grandparents’ Tea with our Years 5 and 6 pupils.

What strikes me on occasions such as these is how welcoming our community is and I want to celebrate this all the more. On that note, I am delighted to announce that we look forward to extending our community at the lower end of the school with a Nursery to support new and existing families with their younger siblings. Planning is in its advanced stages with an aim to open our doors from Easter 2020. The Nursery will form part of our Pre Prep department and the Coach House will be transformed over the summer months for just this purpose. A more dedicated space for our youngest pupils with easy access to our new Forest School forms part of an important strategic development at this end of the school. Whilst Years 5 and 6 can look forward to enjoying state-of-the-art classrooms in our new building development in September all year groups will benefit from new dedicated spaces for Design and Technology, Digital Learning and our Library.

Congratulations must go to a number of our fathers who, having landed on the Normandy coast 75 years after D-Day, cycled 533 miles in six days through France and into Germany. Climbing over 8,500m over the course of their journey (just shy of the height of Mount Everest) Mr Howell, Mr Batistich, Mr Griffey and Mr Shambrook  are close to reaching their £30,000 target for some very worthy causes. Please do support them if you can.

If you have not booked your pitch for the PMA Summer Fete and Camp Out on the 22nd June, the closing deadline is midday on Monday. The forecast looks very promising indeed!

Wishing you all a most relaxing weekend and happy Father’s Day to all our dads!