Dear Parents,

Tomorrow, 23 September, is the Autumn Equinox, officially the first day of Autumn, when the Earth’s equator passes directly through the centre of the sun’s path. In theory, we should experience exactly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness this weekend. The Autumn Equinox is closely associated with the Harvest Festival, when traditionally, animals would be slaughtered and food preserved for the oncoming winter.

Our pupils are fortunate to rely on nutritious and delicious food from Becky’s kitchen throughout the year, and will rarely have felt the gnawing sensation of hunger. Of course, it is important that they develop awareness that many families are not so fortunate to have full cupboards at home, and that together we act proactively to help those in difficulty. We are grateful to Catherine Fairbarn from Cross Teach, associated with St John’s Church, who delivered a Harvest Festival assembly of thanks today. The Lower School Choir sang beautifully as we entered the Theatre and we are so proud of the generous contributions our pupils have made to St Matt’s Community Larder. Last minute donations will be accepted on Monday!

The week started with an emphasis on pupil voice as our Form Captains, House Captains, Anti-Bullying and Eco-Committee members were announced. The Eco-Committee are already in the throes of setting up the next ‘swap’ event, considering the many fancy dress costumes that could be passed onto a new home. Our School Council will be organising fundraising events for The Little Princess Trust following Tim Wheeler’s (AKA Scissorman), inspirational Speech Day talk.

Congratulations to Aveline, the Rose Hill ski team and the boys’ U11 football team for their strong sporting performances at the weekend, and to Elodie and Dylan for playing in assembly.

Author and illustrator, Jamie Littler, gave an enthusiastic workshop to the Prep School on Tuesday, based on his new book, Arkspire.  Arkspire is a city obsessed by magic, protected by five powerful magicians. Pupils learned how to draw the character of Cinder, a mysterious creature, and gained a great insight into Jamie’s writing processes. Many left with their own copy of Arkspire to read at home and thanks go to Mrs MacDonald-Brown for organising such a inspiring event.

Two reminders from me: firstly that pupils in Years 6-8 should not be bringing in mobile phones unless they are walking to or from school please; and secondly on Tuesday 26 September, Fraser Portraits will be taking class and individual photographs. Please make sure that children arrive to school looking neat and tidy with smart uniform, and we will do our best to keep them that way!

Good luck to our cross-country teams at the Brenchley Relay this afternoon, and the U10 boys’ football team playing at St. Michael’s tomorrow.

Wishing you all a bountiful Harvest weekend, I shall leave you with a thought on Autumn from author, Ruth Ahmed:

‘There is something so special in the early leaves drifting from the trees, as if we are all to be allowed a chance to peel, to refresh, to start again.’

Best wishes,

Philippa Lang

Deputy Head