Dear Parents,

What an adventurous week of learning! The theme of the week has been “Appreciating the Little Things”. On Monday we celebrated Baden Powell’s 168^th Birthday, with the time-honoured tradition of hot chocolate & cookies.  The week has been full of exciting teaching and learning opportunities, a big thank you to all the staff for their hard work. Our Compass Curriculum has come alive from the very youngest to the very oldest in the School. Our pupils have been fully immersed developing their critical analysis, strategic thinking and creative skills. For example, our Reception pupils handled a python, a tarantula and Milky Bar the bearded dragon! Prep School pupils are working hard on their project work and this week has seen planning, research, communication and curiosity! Thank you to Year 3, who invited me to their rainforest trip to RHS Wisley. What an incredible experience, where we were able to see, touch and propagate rainforest plants and walk through the rainforest and desert glass houses. Thank you to all those who managed to donate to the Eco Committees World Book Day costume swap. Well done also to the Year 6 girls who played at the IAPS netball tournament yesterday showing great team spirit throughout!

On Thursday the Upper School enjoyed Film Night and tonight Middle School will be dancing the night away at their Disco! More pupils than ever took part and enjoyed these social events. Our thanks go to the PA for organising such great and memorable occasions for the pupils. We have a number of events on the horizon including Book Week, Parents’ Evenings, the PA Quiz Night, the House Art Competition announcement, Neurodiversity Week, a number of class assemblies and Focus Days and trips to support our academic studies. We really appreciate the support of the Parent Association and if anyone is still considering offering their support, please speak to your class rep.

As you will be aware Miss Styles is expecting her first child, and will finish towards the end of the term for her maternity leave. We wish her all the best and look forward to hearing further news. We are delighted to announce that Miss Orr will be joining us at the start of the Summer Term. Miss Orr is an experienced teacher, presently working in central London and relocating to the area. We are also sad to be saying goodbye to Mrs Wood, who will leave us at the end of the Summer Term, to set up her own educational company. Although having only been with us for a short time, Mrs Wood’s positive impact has reached far further than just teaching and learning. She will be missed. Her optimistic and encouraging approach to school life will be sorely missed. Dr Tuck has been elected as an Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (RHS) in recognition of his contribution to History. I am sure you will join me in congratulating Dr Tuck on his well-earned award.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend.

Best wishes,

Emma Neville

Head