22nd March 2013 - Message from the Headmaster

Dear Parents

As we rush towards the end of term, it is good to reflect on the achievements of your children, especially in the short second half of this term. I could very reasonably start by congratulating Maria Maslin, the staff and pupils of the Prep School on all that they have achieved, because the pupils have been showered with gold medals at the Hastings Festival and in the regional round of the national swimming competition.

Moving to the Senior School, I asked various groups to stand up in assembly this week. I wanted to see who had been involved in the marvellous production of the "Crucible", in the Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh training weekend, in the Kickboxing workshop, in helping at the Wedding Fayre, in the end of term music concert, as a guide on Open Day. Nearly the whole school stood up. I knew that all of them had also been involved in academic work – we take that for granted but it was comforting to see just how many of our pupils were also gainfully employed elsewhere.

Both the "Crucible" and the Concert were a great triumph. The pupils never fail to surprise and delight me with their talent and energy. There were some extraordinary performances from soloists, small groups and from four choirs, including, to everyone’s delight, the Prep School choir. There was a guest appearance from Tony Payton, whose repartee and facial expressions had everyone in stitches, whilst playing the piano accordion with great skill, accompanied by one of the school’s budding rock stars, Harry Osborne. Another memorable performance was from Rocky Bullin who played a piece by Scriabin with enormous sensitivity and notably with only one hand.

As at the Prep School, many of our pupils have been involved in the Hastings Festival and there have been many successes. Isobel Richardson probably claims the title for most "decorated" performer with seven first places and various other second and third places. It was no small triumph either for our Girls’ Choir to win the competition in the under 25 class!

We had such fun at lunchtime yesterday, hunting for Easter eggs. Polly Sapsford and Dr Demoncheaux organised a whole school Easter Egg hunt and, as a result of much careful planning, great excitement was to be seen on the top terrace and in the secret garden/outdoor theatre and almost everyone found at least one egg and so we were all winners!

I would like to finish by thanking not just the children but also the staff here who do so much to support the success of the pupils. I am proud to lead such a strong team!

I hope the holidays provide you with much family happiness and that you have a very happy Easter.

With my very best wishes

Roger Clark