2nd July 2021

What a wonderful performance we were treated to in the form of the Prep production of Alice the Musical on Wednesday evening, which we livestreamed from the Kenton Theatre and I do hope you were able to watch. I was struck by the calibre of the acting in the first instance and it was easy to forget that these children are not yet teenagers, let alone professional actors. The stage provides such an opportunity for the children to step out of their comfort zone, however none of the children looked in the least bit uncomfortable up there and for some, I wonder if this may have ignited a passion for the acting life. It was such a privilege for the Rupert House children to be the first group to use the Kenton Theatre since the easing of restrictions, and a real treat to watch live theatre again. Next week, I am equally as excited about watching the Pre-Prep take their turn in the spotlight and I know they have put a considerable amount of time and effort into preparing for it, with some fabulous costumes to boot!

It is hard to believe that we are almost at the end of the academic year, and in some ways that it has only been one year, given the challenges that COVID and the associated restrictions have brought. It is super and quite right that the incredibly hard work the staff put in over this period in particular has been recognised in the form of the school being shortlisted for the Independent Schools Awards for Outstanding Response to COVID (please see below).  We do though now need to start turning our attentions to September. Transition Meetings planned for early next week will provide an opportunity for you to briefly meet your year group’s form teachers for next term, and we are inviting the parents of new children also to these meetings. Please note the changes in timings below, which should make it more possible for you to attend the meetings of other year groups in which your children are going to be. These meetings are only 15 minutes in length and are designed to be introductions to the staff in question. In addition to the moving-up information you will receive by post, we are planning longer and more detailed meetings in early September, where you will be able to ask any outstanding questions you may have.

Still, in advance of next term there is much to be excited about in the last week of this one and an action-packed few days before the prize-giving events on Thursday morning. Years 5 and 6 are busy rehearsing for the Tea Concert on Wednesday afternoon at 2pm, which we hope to livestream to you and the link for that will follow. Although we sadly are unable to run a large-scale Speech Day and Prizegiving event, we are at least able to do so internally on Thursday morning for the younger children and to invite the Year 6 Parents to a smaller occasion following this. Please do note the pick-up times below which will allow for this to happen and we are most grateful for your understanding regarding the changes we have had to make in order for the separate Year 6 Prizegiving to occur.

I do hope you have a restful weekend and that your children are excited about all that next week holds for them.

With best wishes,

Nick Armitage