As we know only too well, speaking in public is a difficult skill at the best of times. Reciting a poem in front of parents and staff is certainly a tall task, particularly at the age of 11, but our brave Year 7s pulled it off in style last Friday afternoon. The selection of poems was remarkably diverse, ranging from serious and thought-provoking to the ridiculously humorous, which kept the audience engaged and giggling throughout. I could sense great pride in the room as the children spoke with expression and confidence, with many acting out their poems in a self-assured manner.
As our host Mrs Greaves, Head of English, commented, there are many benefits of events such as these, not just in developing a greater appreciation of poetry, but also confidence building and learning the life skill of how to speak in public. Our pupils certainly rose to the occasion and I congratulate each and every one who was bold enough to have a go. At the end, we all left the room richer for the experience. Many thanks to Mrs Greaves and her English Department colleagues for organising such a splendid occasion, including the delicious cakes afterwards.
SFPA Scavenger Hunt
There was plenty of enthusiasm at the SFPA Scavenger Hunt last Saturday morning when many of the new Pre Prep families came along to enjoy a leisurely ramble around the school grounds and the opportunity to meet each other in relaxed setting. After a gloomy beginning, the sun came out and allowed the children and their parents to play and socialise under the warm autumn sunshine. This is always a lovely event to welcome our new families to the St Faith’s community. I am grateful to the SFPA committee, particularly Olga Larina, who was responsible for the management of this occasion.
Whole School Photograph
The local wildlife of our boundary hedgerows was no doubt much entertained on Tuesday morning as a procession of blazer bedecked children marched out on to the back field in a highly ordered fashion to assemble for our whole school photograph, an event which only occurs every three to four years. It is no small achievement to get 540 children as well as 130 staff members, plus two dogs, lined up according to Year group and height order and up onto the scaffolding. I am pleased to inform you that the pupils seemed to really enjoy the rare experience of having the entire school together in the autumn sunshine. Only the two canine members of the school seemed immune to the hubbub. The photograph will be shared with you all before half-term and will be available to purchase via the official photographers, Gillman and Soame.
Congratulations Cricketers
On the sports front we received the wonderful news this week that Georgia W-J, Beth M, Jemaira V, Amelia S and Lucy S have all been accepted into the U13 Cambridgeshire Girls’ Cricket squad. In addition, Zander W-J, Ben W, Ed S, Barney T and Jack D have all been promoted from the U10 to the U11 Cambridgeshire Boys’ Cricket squad. Competition is very tight for these places, with only 14 in each team, so very well done to all our cricketers who trialled for the squad.
St Faith’s String Music Afternoon
Ashburton Hall will play host to circa 50 violin, viola, cello and double bass pupils representing seventeen different schools (independent and state) across Cambridgeshire on Sunday afternoon. The versatile and inspirational Marianne Olyver will be a part of the day http://www.olyver.com/. Marianne and her Orchestra regularly broadcast on BBC Radio 2’s Richard Baker Melodies for You, Friday Night is Music Night, Desmond Carrington All Time Greats, BBC Radio 3’s In Tune, Brian Kay’s Light Programme and ClassicFM. This will no doubt be a highly enjoyable event for all involved and my thanks go to Mr Gorick for organising the event.
And Finally…
As you may recall, last week I set you the challenge of submitting captions for this amusing photo from our trip to South Africa during the summer holidays. Below are a collection of those suitable for sharing. Enjoy!
“I hope that Molly does not try to bring one of those through the cat flap!”
“Move over sunshine, I’m the new beak now”
“Here’s looking at you, kid?”
“At least the head isn’t in the sand.”
“Hmmmm I wonder if St Faith’s could initiate a park and ride an ostrich scheme?”
With all good wishes,
Nigel Helliwell
