End of Term Letter - 18th December 2009

Dear Parents

The dust has settled on a term full of activity, enjoyment and achievement. Highlights have included the form assemblies in both parts of the School, the Year 1 Christmas play ‘A Present for the Baby’, the Reception production of ‘Mary’s Knitting’, the Nursery Nativity ‘We’re All Going on a Star Hunt’ and, of course, the two Carol Services at the end of term.

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

On the sporting front our Under 11 girls qualified for the Independent Schools’ National Finals, while inter-school fixtures saw us fielding a girls’ Under 11 ‘G’ team for the first time – truly maximum participation! Not to be outdone, the boys’ Under 11 ‘F’ rugby team took to the field…… and enjoyed an exciting draw.

Sadly, Mrs Jo Wells leaves Town Close after seven years of dedicated service as our Head of Science. I thank her for all she has done for our community in general and the children in her care in particular. She leaves with our very best wishes for the future. Mrs Marchant becomes our full time Head of Science on our return after Christmas.

Mrs Jenny Davies, in the Prep Department front office, is well-known to many of you. She retires today after having worked here in ‘the frontline’ since 1998. I thank her for all she has done for all of us and wish her a long and happy retirement with her husband, Mike. Mrs Davies will be succeeded in the Prep Department office by Miss Karen Broom, who is currently working in the Pre-Prep Department. She, in turn, will be succeeded by Mrs Elizabeth Stehr, who has previously worked for The Benjamin Foundation’s administrative team.

On our return in January we will have the use of the new performance hall, which will be known as the Read Hall. Everyone is very excited at the prospect and we are all grateful to ISG Jackson who, in conjunction with LSI Architects, have completed the two phases of our development within seventeen months. The first production in the Read Hall will be a double bill of abridged Shakespeare plays. Year 8 will be presenting ‘Romeo and Juliet’, while a Year 6 cast will perform ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. However, we shall have to wait for all this because the Christmas holidays have arrived!

Sandi and I wish you all a very happy Christmas, a peaceful New Year and an enjoyable holiday with your children.

Yours sincerely,

Graeme Lowe