End of Term Letter - 16th December 2011

Dear Parents

I write as excitement in both parts of the School is reaching fever pitch. The two Carol Services which lie ahead are eagerly anticipated. Already we have enjoyed the Nursery’s Special Assembly, the Reception production of ‘We Three Kings’ and Year 1’s ‘Barney’. The last two in the list were performed in our marvellous Read Hall which, before half term, was the venue for the Prep Department’s musical. ‘Dream On’ played to three full houses and was as brilliant as it was ambitious. We were treated to some extraordinarily mature performances from youngsters who, clearly, have a great future treading the boards. All this and I haven’t mentioned the super Year 5 Concert in late November or the School Choir’s widely acclaimed performance in Norwich Cathedral earlier this term. It was an honour for Town Close to be invited to perform a 35 minute repertoire in aid of the Salvation Army’s Toys and Tins Appea l alongside nationally and internationally celebrated artists. They were not overawed, neither were they overshadowed!

While on the theme of music, we congratulate Coco Brown and Sarah Carroll, two of our Year 8 girls, who have auditioned successfully fo r the National Youth Girls’ Choir. Competition for places is fierce indeed so Coco and Sarah have done outstandingly well.

Our new Astroturf has been thoroughly well used by our girls this term and our boys are keen to test it out in January. All girls from Year 4 upwards represented the School in matches with the outstanding side being our Under 13 first team which was unbeaten throughout the season. As far as the rugby season was concerned, pride of place went to our Under 9s but impressive progress was made by our Under 11 squad and the prize for the best team spirit went to the Under 13s.

Thanks to families in both parts of the School for your marvellous response in the form of generous donations of toys and tins for the Salvation Army Christmas appeal. The gifts were piled high under and around the Christmas tree in the Read Hall and the Pre-Prep Hall was overflowing with lovely toys.

Children in the Pre- Prep Department were inspired by the ‘Decorate a Dog’ competition this term. The response was fabulous and many prizes were awarded to grateful recipients. The money raised is in aid of our School Charity this year, which is Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Thanks to all those of you who supported the PTA functions this term. The Quiz and Chips was enjoyed by everyone present and the Bonfire Party at Tacolneston Hall, courtesy of Mr and Mrs Darrell, was impeccably organised and most enjoyable. The firework display itself drew very warm praise once again. Many thanks to Anna Fennell and her Committee for all their hard work.

As term ends we say a fond farewell to Mrs Glenda Savage, one of our Pre-Prep teaching assistants, as she leaves to help support her husband in his new business. We thank her for all she has done for the children and their teachers and wish her great happiness in the future. In December we welcomed Miss Laura Snowden to the After School Care room and a teaching assistant post and in January Mr Peter O’Brien will join our Early Years staff. He has already spent some time here and is therefore already known to some of you.

I fully expect to be writing to you again early in January enclosing a copy of the long awaited inspection report but, in the interim, I hope you will enjoy a very happy Christmas, a peaceful New Year and an enjoyable holiday with your children.

Yours sincerely

Graeme Lowe