As outlined in my communication earlier this week, I am grateful for your understanding that our Newsletter will remain brief during this period of national mourning. I look forward to sharing a newsletter with you next week that will be more extensive than usual, containing a wide variety of photos and highlights from the first two weeks of term.
Throughout this week, the Staff have continued to recall and to celebrate with the children the service and devotion of our longest-serving Monarch, the late Queen Elizabeth II. A Book of Remembrance is being prepared by the pupils, and Staff have also been contributing to their own Book of Remembrance. Today, in our special assembly, we had the opportunity to reflect on the highlights of the Queen’s reign, with music, readings and prayers to give thanks for Her Majesty’s life and legacy. Our community also considered the accession of our new Monarch, King Charles III, and sang ‘God Save the King’ at end of the assembly.
Tutor Meetings
The ‘Meet the Tutors’ & ‘Introduction to the New School Year’ Information evenings for Foundation and Years 4, 7 and 8 took place on Tuesday evening. They were very well attended and at the end of the evening, parents and Tutors had the opportunity to meet one another over refreshments in Ashburton Hall.
The Leys Preliminary Assessment
Please note that the Year 6 Preliminary Assessment for 13+ entry to the Leys will take place on Monday 16th January 2023. The closing date for registration with The Leys is Friday 14th October 2022.
Old Fidelian Committee and BBQ
The Old Fidelian Committee meeting took place on Tuesday evening. At this meeting it was agreed that due to the period of national mourning, the Old Fidelian reunion BBQ would be postponed to Friday, 23rd September. This popular event will be held in the Headmaster’s Garden (weather permitting) from 1800, replacing the BBQ scheduled for 16th September. If you are an Old Fidelian and would like to attend the evening, please email marketing@stfaiths.co.uk by Monday, 19th September to reserve your place.
In addition, our friendly and welcoming OF Committee would like to hear from any OF who is interested in joining the Committee. The Committee plan and organise social events during the year for the Old Fidelian community, as well as sharing news from former pupils. Meetings take place on the first Tuesday of each term. If you are interested in getting involved, please email marketing@stfaiths.co.uk.
SFPA ‘Welcome’ Coffee Mornings
As I am sure many of you are aware, our St Faith’s Parents’ Association (SFPA) organises coffee mornings throughout the school year, to enable parents to connect with one another informally, over a hot drink and a pastry. These coffee mornings take place in Tom’s Garden (opposite the dining hall) from 0830. This week I was delighted to welcome our Year 3 parents on Wednesday, and then on Thursday to welcome parents of children in Years 1 to 8 inclusive, who are new to St Faith’s this year. Next week, on Wednesday we look forward to welcoming the Foundation parents followed by the Year 8 parents on Thursday. I am very grateful to the SFPA and our catering team for hosting these coffee mornings.
Finally, may I remind you that following the announcement of a national Bank Holiday on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, the school will be closed on Monday, 19th September and will reopen as normal on Tuesday, 20th September. Whether you plan to visit London, to watch events on television, or simply spend some time in quiet reflection, may I wish you and your families a peaceful weekend. I look forward to seeing you and your children on their return next Tuesday.
With all best wishes,
Dr Crispin Hyde-Dunn
