25th March 2022
It has been a glorious week for us all at school, which has lifted everyone's spirits as we head towards the end of a busy term. The arrival of ducklings yesterday was a real highlight for the children, and some of you may have witnessed their break-out moments via the 'Eggcam' which was live-streamed on YouTube - the wonders of modern technology!
Senior Gym Club
The Senior Gym club gave a most impressive display to the rest of the school on Tuesday morning and, following a full school day, then repeated the performance to the parents. Their athleticism was extraordinary, as was the courage and determination of individuals where aspects did not quite go according to plan. It was super for the younger children to see their dedication and hard work paying off with a number of incredibly complex and professional-looking routines, which they had choreographed themselves.
Music
Music came to the fore this week, with the House Music Concert on Wednesday the culmination of serious individual and collective rehearsal over many weeks. There were superb individual performances before the collective House Song performances, this term themed around the Home Nations. I hope that they will be performed at the Spring Concert in the Town Hall next week, so I will not give anything away, other than to say that they were all of the highest calibre and expertly choreographed and conducted by their passionate House Staff!
Not to be outdone, children in Years 1&2 gave the most assured performances both individually and in groups to their parents in their own concert on Thursday afternoon in the Hall. With a range of instruments played so confidently and beautiful singing, Mrs Breen and I are assured that music will continue to go from strength to strength in the school. Well done to all the performers.
Art History
Yesterday, Year 6 had a fascinating online session in the ICT room with a member of staff from the National Gallery. They were shown a range of work from artists including Constable and Van Gogh and taught how to 'read' paintings as well as being given practical drawing and painting techniques as used by a number of the artists whose work was shown. I was lucky to be able to join them for the lesson and I hope it will have inspired them either from a practical or an Art Historical perspective.
Sports
Lots of the children are looking forward to the Hawks rugby match on Saturday, where they will be the guard of honour for the First Team as they go onto the pitch. There are currently about 25 children and over 20 parents joining us for the game. Please do come and join us on the day if you have not yet signed up yet for your children to do so. We will be meeting at 2.30pm at the clubhouse and if your children are wanting to be part of the guard of honour, they will need to come in full Rupert House games kit please. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to meet the players and have a tour of the medical facilities, to see how the club look after their players.
We will be continuing with Running Club next term on Friday mornings, and are looking forward to hosting our own running event at Stonor Park on Saturday 18th June, for all ages and with a parent run as well. Please do save the date!
Open Morning for current and prospective parents
We will be holding an Open Morning for current and prospective parents on Wednesday 18th May, 9am-12pm. Please click here, or email Mrs Halfhead to register your interest and more details will follow: ahalfhead@ruperthouse.oxon.sch.uk
End of Term
I hope your children will be excited about all the fun events in the last week of term. Please ensure they bring everything home with them on Thursday afternoon. They do not need to bring their bags or any kit in with them (including devices) on Friday morning, as they will be picked up directly from the Church after the Easter Service by parents, who are also invited. Most will, I am sure, be going back to the Playing Fields with their parents for the FoRH's 'Eggstravaganza', which I am also looking forward to! Please do make sure you book a place for your child if you have not done so already.
I hope you have a restful weekend.
With best wishes,
Nick Armitage, Head