By Headmaster on
27/03/2010 23:04
26th March 2010
Dear Parents,
With the daffodils finally appearing on my lawn outside headmaster’s house, spring has arrived and the Lent term concluded. We started the term in deepest snow and have concluded with warm sunshine. As Sophie Musgrave, our Head Girl, observed in Headmaster’s assembly earlier this afternoon, it has been an exhausting and exhilarating eleven weeks. Highlights of the term have included :
Our girls’ lacrosse 1st XII captained by Emily Jones, enjoying their best season ever. Indeed, they lost only once to Fettes College in the National Finals of The Small Schools’ Tournament. Given that we had beaten them convincingly in an earlier round, Lucy Taylor, indulging in mathematical creativity reminds us frequently that “we really won on aggregate!”. Moreover, Megan Mulhall has scored an impressive 70 goals – how “Rooneyesque” is that?
Similarly, our boys’ hockey sides have had an equally enjoyable season superbly led by 1st XI captain, Ed Thomasson. On some afternoons, nearly every boy was representing the college and this is a wonderful testament to the passion and commitment of Mr Brealy, master in charge of hockey.
In the performing and creative arts, the term has been equally enjoyable. Both classical and popular music have featured in the department’s versatile repertoire, with the Rock Concert organised by Laura Graham including bands representing pupils and staff. Lunchtime concerts are now well established in the college’s weekly cycle and are well supported by pupils and parents. We are also looking forward to Rendcombury 2010 [see your calendar for details at the end of next term]. Similarly, our thespians have just returned from an excellent tour of London, led by Mrs Dodd. We are also looking forward to next term’s lower school production of "Guys and Dolls" in the week before Founder’s Day. We were delighted that Mr O’ Hanlon, as well as becoming a father this term, was also able to stage an excellent photography exhibition “Pretty In Pink”.
Additionally, there have been excellent field trips to Germany, North Wales, Southampton and some outstanding sixth form enrichment evenings ranging from Mr North on popular American music to a lively edition of “Question Time”, which launched our mock election fortnight organised by Mr Jennings and Mrs Harford. Tom Margesson, a pink-tie wearing Conservative, fought a relentless and victorious campaign bombarding us daily with emails and leaflets. Credit must go to all candidates however, who researched their party’s policies thoroughly, helping to raise the political awareness of the whole school, which will make us well prepared for the reality of the forthcoming months.
Many of you will be saddened to learn of the death of Sir Michael Angus, our Chairman of Governors from 2001 to 2009. Martin Watson and myself represented the college at his funeral in North Cerney earlier this week. Sir Michael was a “colossus” in the business world before we were fortunate enough to secure his services as a governor. He presided over the opening of the Junior School, its subsequent development and the consequent growth of the Senior School. He brought his razor sharp mathematical and philosophical mind to governors’ meetings and was a tremendous support to both Martin and myself. Our sympathies are with Lady Angus and the family. Professor Chris Arnison, is now Acting Chairman and has written to you separately about fees for September 2010.
As you will realise, this letter appears on our website only. Do visit the new parentzone to keep yourself up-to-speed with current and forthcoming events in college.
With warm best wishes to you and your families at this Eastertide.
Gerry Holden
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