News Archive

News from the headmaster

14 November 2008

Dear Parents

We are very excited to launch our Arts Week tomorrow with the exhibition of pupil and other artists' work taking place from 11:00 - 1:00. For the first time, not only will you be able to admire the work but also bid to buy most of the pieces. We look forward to welcoming friends and families to the school (other than art masterclass, all other Saturday activities will run as normal). Arts week includes a number of attractions such as Gypsy guitars, dance, operatic singing, acting and a rock guitar as outlined in the programme last week. Fantastic dance has also been enjoyed this week with Monday's dance workshop, attended by 30 Year 6 children, culminating in a spectacular Dance Show at Causeway in the evening.

On Monday, we also participated in the Copthorne Public Speaking Competition, hosted by James Hammond (the uncannily similar looking brother of Richard Hammond, the Top Gear presenter). Congratulations to the team for coming third and especially to Jennifer Wheelan who achieved first place in the proposal of vote of thanks. While on the subject of congratulation, we were thrilled to hear that Mrs Barrett gave birth this week to Daniel Barrett who weighed in at a very healthy 9lb 3oz. Well done also to Daniel Narracott and Johnnie Dutton, both of whom successfully completed the Beachy Head Junior Run on the same day as the marathon, which starts and finishes here at St Bede's.

It was a delight to watch Year 7's drama Medley on Tuesday and Thursday nights and congratulations to all the pupils for bringing the Greek myths they have been studying so fantastically to life in a variety of original and visually appealing ways. Well done to Mrs Heminway for such a successful first St Bede's production. The year ahead will include a large variety of theatre with junior and Year 6 plays, the prestigious drama masterclass production, which will be a straight play with a small cast selected by audition only, and the big summer Year 8 production which will involve all 85 pupils in various capacities in an entertaining finale to the year. We also wish all those involved in the LEGAT performances which started with yesterday's performance to Year 8 pupils the very best for the rest of their run.

We were very pleased to have our annual Love in a Box assembly this morning and thank you so much to all who contributed to this worthy cause. Attached with this week's email is a chance to get involved with another good cause with a letter appealing for help with the Christmas Fair jar stall. There is also news of a Year 8 trip to the Tower of London being organised by Mr Pyemont, details of the Christmas holiday schemes being run by Mr Shimmonds, the usual Pre Prep newsletter and notes from the recent reading meeting designed to help parents get the most out of reading time with children.

I look forward to seeing some parents at tomorrow's exhibition and wish everyone a good weekend.

Yours sincerely

Nicholas Bevington
Headmaster