News Archive

News from the headmaster

06 November 2008

Dear Parents

I hope that all our children had a wonderful Half Term and a warm welcome to the six new children who have joined us this week. They have participated in Classics Week which has involved some lessons taking a classical theme, various competitions being held and a Roman Workshop for Years 6 & 7 yesterday with a classical costume parade later in the day. Well done to all of those who turned themselves out in such amazing classical outfits!

Changes to the school over Half Term have included the putting in place of the steel frame for the new dining hall and classroom block, due for completion on September 4 2009. Work has also started on upgrading our swimming pool which will be re-opened next term. Those pupils taught by Mrs Rannie will have noticed the change in her name to Mrs Illsley following her marriage to Mr Barry Illsley over the holiday – congratulations to them both!

The week has seen a number of rehearsals for the Year 7 drama medley entitled Hercules and Odysseus which follows the theme of Greek myths with a very contemporary twist. The productions are on Tuesday and Thursday next week at 7:00pm and parents from all year groups are warmly invited. We wish Mrs Heminway well for her first St Bede’s production! Saturday 8 November sees a drama rehearsal for all of Year 7 from 10:00 – 12:30 which takes priority over any usual Saturday morning activities (pupils do not need to wear uniform). We also wish our LEGAT dancers well for their upcoming show starting next Thursday with the first public performance at the Senior School next Friday. Friday 7 November saw a wonderful Cello recital by our teacher Mr Joe Giddey which will hopefully inspire our pupils to learn this wonderful instrument. We also heard from Mr Brewer all about his plans to make us an ‘eco school’, which I hope your children will tell you all about.

Next week is a packed with various events and a full calendar is.  I would highlight the Art Exhibition being held at the school next Saturday from 11:00am – 1:00pm, which marks the start of Arts Week. Pupils have been working with a variety of different artists and both their and the artists’ work will be exhibited in the school with all visitors having the opportunity to bid for items they may wish to buy except if the artist has specifically excluded their work from sale. This will be done by filling out one of the cards provided on the day, with the highest bid for each painting securing it and the proceeds been shared between a children’s charity, the artists themselves and the costs of putting on the exhibition. Children are busy sending out invitations at the moment so do come along - it may be a chance to secure the work of a future great artist before they become famous!

Lastly, many thanks to all parents who contributed to our Harvest Festival and also thanks to those families who have already completed their Love in a Box shoe boxes to be sent to needy children this Christmas. These will be collected after our special assembly on Friday 14 November.

I wish you all a very pleasant weekend.

Yours sincerely

Nicholas Bevington
Headmaster