Dear Parents
The sounds of Christmas are ringing in my ears and through the school. On Tuesday evening, a packed house enjoyed Carols round the Fire – the smell of log smoke, the Choir of 71, the wind and string ensembles, all gave us an evening to remember. Every year group in the school was represented and over 80 pupils had a role to play in making Christmas music. The programme was varied with an extract from Handel’s Messiah, which was outstandingly performed, as well as an extract from Blackadder’s Christmas and other brief readings, interspersed with congregational hymns. Many Battle residents again joined us for this special celebration.
Yesterday the whole school sat down together for Christmas lunch and after the excellent meal, provided by our high class catering team, the traditional paper fight and the singing of Christmas songs brought fun, laughter and a sense of belonging to a special group – the family of the school. The Upper Sixth were as excited as Year 7. "Tis the season to be jolly" and we jolly well were!
Now, as I write, the Sixth Form are putting on a marvellous entertainment for the rest of the school and I am looking forward to the Carol Service.
The week began with Richard Malewicz and Rob Mercers Year 10 Modern Nativity. Amidst much humour, a serious message was put over and nearly £500 raised for the homeless this Christmas.
It has been a term full of good things, high achievements and happy days. Behind the scenes there has been also enormous hard work and some tensions, which are inevitable as the hectic programme of school life unfolds. It has once again been a real privilege to lead a dedicated and highly experienced team of teachers and support staff on three sites, to work with wonderfully supportive parents but above all to be part of the education of some remarkable young people of whom I am very proud. We are handing them back to you for Christmas. I hope the season brings you great happiness and good cheer and that the New Year is filled with health, happiness and prosperity for us all.
Thank you, parents, for all your support.
Warmest wishes Roger Clark
