Dear Parents and Guardians,

The new academic year has started with a strong feeling of optimism and energy about the school. There have been plenty of laughs and smiles, as well as a readiness to get back down to the hard work of learning.  There’s a lovely atmosphere in our boarding houses where our new house parents Miss Boyes and Miss Lawlor are consulting with the pupils to put together special events and they are warmly inviting day pupils to join in with the house communities.

The Year 12 enjoyed their induction activities at Hodge Howe getting thoroughly wet and not minding a bit; and this weekend the Year 13s are enjoying a trip to London where they will take in the Crystal Maze, St Paul’s Cathedral and a production of Back to The Future. There’s a tube strike apparently so they will get to see plenty of sights at street level too!

Our new Prep School library is now open. It’s a beautifully transformed room with an unexpectedly beautiful view, especially if you are child height. Many happy and wonderful hours of imagination await.

Year 3 have now had their first adventure lesson and Year 6 their leadership day. Leadership is one of the six ideals and we are focusing on these in our reflections in Senior School. This morning’s reflection saw everyone in on time (thank you!) and Miss Burtt Jones had us all thinking about the origins and benefits of music. We left to the sound of the Dark Side of the Moon so I was very happy!

Have a great weekend and I am looking forward next week to meeting Mrs Lewis, Chair of the Friends, to discuss feedback and ideas for the academic year.

Kind regards,

Frank Thompson

Head of Windermere School