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Posted on: 5 December, 2025
A group of elderly people, some in wheelchairs, sit in front of a group of schoolchildren in striped uniforms. The room is decorated with Christmas lights and balloons, creating a festive atmosphere.

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This Week at St Faith’s

It has been another lively and rewarding week at school, filled with learning, creativity, shared experiences, and the growing excitement of the festive season.

SFPA Annual Christmas Fair

At the time of writing, we are eagerly anticipating the annual St Faith’s Parents’ Association Christmas Fair – always one of the highlights of the school calendar. For many families it provides the perfect opportunity to complete (or indeed begin…) Christmas shopping, and we are delighted that so many local businesses choose to take part by running stalls.

Our Goblins have also been preparing enthusiastically. Their Thursday activity session was transformed into Santa’s Workshop as they crafted Christmas decorations and gifts to sell at the Fair, with the aim of raising funds to support the Goblin activity. I very much look forward to seeing many of you there. And if we are all being our very best selves, there are whispers that Father Christmas himself might make an early appearance…

Two children in red uniforms look at colorful childrens books on a display table, while a woman in a white sweater stands beside them. Other people browse and converse in the busy, indoor setting.
Four people stand behind a table displaying baked goods, jars, and drinks, talking to two visitors at an indoor market or event in a brightly lit room.
A smiling person stands next to a colorful table display of prints, framed art, illustrated cards, and jewelry at an indoor craft fair. A sign reads “PRINTMAKER INKY ELLY” and “Jewellery Shop!”.
Two children in red shirts stand behind a table displaying colorful handmade letter keychains and ornaments, with informational papers in front of them and black curtains in the background.
A person with short hair sits behind a red table displaying colorful handmade crafts, including buttons, pencils, and swirl lollipops, at an indoor market with other stalls and shoppers in the background.
A smiling child in a red outfit waves beside a table filled with stuffed animals and toys at an indoor market. Two adults sit behind the table, which is covered with baskets and plush animals.
A woman stands behind a table displaying colorful holiday sweaters at an indoor market. Several children and adults are gathered around, looking at the sweaters. The setting appears lively and festive.
Two women stand behind a festive table display selling Christmas cards for charity. The table has signs, card packs, and brochures. A large banner about the “Cultivating Change” charity is visible in the background.
A woman wearing a floral dress and flower crown stands beside a display table of colorful botanical and animal artwork at an indoor market. Various art prints, cards, and small items are neatly arranged on the table.
Two women stand behind a jewelry display table featuring necklaces, rings, and bracelets. Behind them are banners for The Silver Bird showcasing sterling silver and gemstone jewelry and jewelry-making classes.
A child in a red and black striped blazer and matching beanie holds a blue foam bat, surrounded by others in similar attire indoors. The focus is on the child, with blurred people in the foreground and background.
Two women in festive elf hats and colorful sweaters smile beside a decorated Christmas tree indoors. One wears yellow, the other green with a red collar and ID badge. The background includes wooden panels and a blue curtain.
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Reception Christmas Play – Whoops-a-Daisy Angel

On Thursday, our Reception pupils charmed audiences with their heartfelt and joyful performance of Whoops-a-Daisy Angel. Earlier in the week, at the dress rehearsal, we were pleased to welcome families whose children will be joining our Reception and Pre Prep classes in September.

This delightful production told the story of a little angel whose clumsy ways could not diminish her important role in the Nativity. The children performed with confidence and commitment, singing enthusiastically to memorable songs including This angel is always late, and You will find a baby lying in a manger, as well as, of course the title number. It was a wonderful way to open our festive celebrations.

Two young children dressed as angels in white costumes and halo headbands sit close together, smiling and hugging, on a wooden stage set with props in the background.
A group of young children in costume sit on stage during a school play. The child in front wears a striped robe and headscarf, smiling at the camera, while others around wear animal and angel costumes.
A group of young children in angel and nativity costumes stand on stage, holding hands, during a school play. The audience’s heads are visible in the foreground. A dark curtain is in the background.
A young child in costume waves at an audience of smiling adults and children during a school performance or play, with others seated and watching attentively.
A group of young children dressed as angels sit together on stage, wearing white costumes, wings, and halos. They appear to be part of a holiday or school performance, smiling and looking toward the audience.
A young child dressed as an angel stands on stage with raised arms, performing in front of an audience. The stage background is dark, and several people are seated in the foreground watching the performance.
A group of young children dressed as angels perform on stage in front of an audience. They wear white costumes, some with halos, and stand with arms raised against a dark backdrop.
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Shape Superstars

Mrs Sheppard writes,

“In Maths this week, we have been delving deeper into the properties of both 2D and 3D shapes. The children have been learning to identify and accurately count the faces, edges and vertices of a wide range of 3D shapes, including cubes, cuboids, pyramids and prisms. They particularly enjoyed comparing similarities and differences between shapes and discussing how the number of faces or edges can help us classify them.

To bring our learning to life, the children also had the opportunity to construct their own 3D shapes using Blu Tack and matchsticks. The children worked with great precision and care, carefully joining each stick to create clear, sturdy structures. It was wonderful to see their teamwork, problem-solving and enthusiasm shine through during these investigations.”

A young child in a red sweater holds a colorful geometric structure made of sticks and connectors, standing in a classroom with backpacks, coats, and storage bins in the background.
A smiling boy in a red sweater holds a geometric shape made of colorful sticks and rubber bands in a classroom setting with blue storage bins and jackets in the background.
A young girl in a red sweater smiles at the camera while standing in a classroom. She is next to a table with colorful sticks arranged in a 3D geometric shape.
A young boy wearing glasses and a red sweater sits at a round table in a classroom, smiling. In front of him is a small 3D structure built from colorful sticks and connectors. Other students are in the background.
A young girl in a red school uniform smiles at the camera while sitting at a desk, holding a geometric shape made of colorful sticks. Papers and stationery are on the table beside her.
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Year 4 Christmas Pantomimes

Mrs McGregor writes,

“‘Oh yes she did, oh no she didn’t!’
We couldn’t possibly reach the end of term without our own mini pantomime season in Year 4. Each tutor group delighted the audience on Thursday with their retellings of some of the best-known pantomime stories: Snow White, Jack and the Beanstalk, Peter Pan and Cinderella. The pupils threw themselves into their performances and thoroughly enjoyed entertaining an appreciative audience of families and friends. A recording of the show will be made available to parents on My School Portal.”

A child dressed as a pirate, complete with a hat and drawn-on mustache, smiles and poses with a hook hand on stage. Other children in colorful costumes are also performing in the background.
A young girl in a white floral dress stands on stage, clasping her hands, while another girl dressed in black sits behind her holding a decorative frame. Colorful props and symbols are displayed in the background.
A young girl wearing a crown and black cape holds a basket with apples, posing dramatically on stage. The background features colorful decorations, including music notes, a shoe, and a book.
A boy in a costume stands with arms outstretched on stage, while a girl in a white dress lies on the floor. Colorful drawings and decorations are displayed on black panels behind them, suggesting a school play.
Children in costume perform a play on stage, with six kids in construction hats and orange pants standing around a girl in a floral dress kneeling. The backdrop has festive decorations and signs that read “It’s Panto time.”.
A group of children in colorful costumes are performing on stage. A girl in a white dress stands front and center, joyfully raising her arms, while other children in bright outfits and wigs look on.
Three children perform on stage. One wears a royal blue robe and crown, another wears a white and purple dress, and a third in a clown costume stands nearby. Two other children in yellow shirts and red shorts are in the background.
A boy in glasses kneels on stage, holding a red pillow with a shoe on it. A girl in a red ruffled dress with white polka dots stands with one foot raised, about to try on the shoe. Other children are visible in costume.
Two children perform on stage in costume; the boy wears a black and yellow outfit with gold trim, and the girl wears a white dress with a red sash. Both have expressive faces. Other children and candy cane decorations are in the background.
Children in colorful costumes, including fairies, a dragon, and others, perform on a stage decorated with tinsel and a backdrop featuring musical notes and images, suggesting a school play or theater production.
Children perform a play on stage. One is dressed as a green dragon, another as a pirate captain sitting on the floor, and a third as Peter Pan. Other children in colorful costumes sit in the background. Audience kids watch.
Three young boys wearing orange shirts and red vests perform on stage with props. One boy holds a toy sword and shield. The background is decorated with colorful drawings and a festive sign.
Children perform a lively pantomime on stage, wearing colorful costumes. Some act dramatically while others cheer. An audience of children watches. A sign above reads, It’s panto time, oh yes it is!.
Children dressed in costumes perform on stage; two wear cow outfits, one is in a purple and green jester-like costume, another in a scarecrow outfit, and one boy in a blue shirt smiles in the background.
A child wearing a yellow T-shirt and red pants stands indoors, gesturing with one hand raised. The child has short hair and a drawn-on mustache, suggesting participation in a play or performance.
A child in a green costume stands on stage with arms outstretched, performing in front of a decorated backdrop. Another child with a red hair tie sits in the audience, looking towards the stage.
A child in a curly wig, sparkly top, long skirt, and fur scarf stands with a cane on stage, while other children in colorful costumes and wigs perform energetically in the background.
Children perform a play on stage; one girl in a shawl stands at the front, speaking, while others in colorful costumes watch. The background features stage decorations with musical notes and stars.
Two children dressed as Peter Pan and Captain Hook perform a sword fight on stage during a school play, while other kids in colorful costumes watch and sit in the background. Festive decorations and props fill the stage.
A child in a curly gray wig, sparkly top, long ruffled skirt, and pink boots performs on stage with hands raised, surrounded by colorful decorations like fruit, music notes, and a glass slipper.
Two boys in construction hats and white shirts hold toy shovels on stage. Three girls and another boy, dressed in costumes, stand in the background. The scene appears to be a childrens play or performance.
A child in a green dragon costume stands on stage with hands raised, surrounded by colorful decorations including a candy cane, apple, and musical notes on a black background.
Three children perform on stage; one dressed in shiny pink with a purple wig gives two thumbs up, another wears blue pajamas holding a toy, and the third is in white clothes, all against a dark backdrop and wooden props.
A child dressed as Peter Pan stands on stage, saluting with one hand. The backdrop features colorful decorations, including a candy cane, apple, music notes, and a glass slipper.
Children perform a colorful play on stage, wearing costumes and skirts. Some gesture expressively, while others smile. A sign above reads Its panto time, oh yes it is. The background is decorated with festive art.
Two children in blue shirts and brown pants sit side by side on stage steps, with a child in a black costume behind them. The stage background includes a book and candy cane decoration.
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Buddy Sessions

Buddy sessions remain an important and valued part of school life, providing older pupils with an opportunity to support their younger peers while developing leadership and teamwork skills. The most recent sessions took place on Tuesday, alongside House Assemblies. Further information about the Buddy programme and other leadership opportunities for our Year 8 pupils can be found on our website under Prefects, Buddies & House Captains.

Spreading Christmas Cheer: Year 7 & 8 Bring Festive Joy to Hilton Park Care Home

“On 4th December, sixteen pupils from Years 7 and 8 visited Hilton Park Care Home to brighten the day of its residents with a morning of festive carol singing. It was a heart-warming and memorable experience for everyone involved.

When we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles from both staff and residents. The lounge was beautifully decorated with twinkling lights, festive ornaments, and a stunning Christmas tree, creating a cosy and welcoming setting for our performance. We took our places at the front of the room, excited to share the carols we have been working so hard on.

We sang a mix of traditional carols and modern favourites, including We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Silent Night, Away in a Manger, Once in Royal David’s City, O Little Town of Bethlehem, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Our voices filled the room with warmth, and many residents joined in softly with the familiar tunes. Some tapped their hands or feet in time with the music, while others simply listened with happy expressions. It was lovely to see how our singing brought joy and reminded everyone of the magic of the festive season.

The residents showed great appreciation for our visit, telling us how much they enjoyed hearing us sing and chatting with us. We spent time talking to those who came to watch, and these conversations were especially meaningful for residents who may not often have the chance to celebrate Christmas with family.

After our performance, we shared stories, handed out Christmas cards, and offered warm wishes for the holidays. The visit helped us develop kindness and communication skills, and reminded us how important it is to spread joy beyond the classroom and our school. The warmth we shared that morning will be remembered long after the last carol was sung.”

Year 8, Creative Arts Prefect

Two schoolgirls in matching red and black blazers sit and talk with two elderly women in wheelchairs in a brightly lit care home, decorated with festive garlands and tropical print wallpaper.
A group of children in striped uniforms sing in front of a decorated Christmas tree for elderly people, some in wheelchairs, who are seated in a festively adorned room.
Elderly people in festive hats sit and laugh together in a decorated room with balloons, while three girls in red and black striped blazers stand and chat with them during a holiday celebration.
Seven schoolchildren in red and black blazers stand behind two elderly women, one in a pink sweater and scarf, the other in black and white stripes, seated in front of a festive, Christmas-decorated backdrop with balloons and garlands.
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Eco Committee and School Council – Second Hand Book and Puzzle Sale

Throughout the week, pupils from every year group have enjoyed visiting the second hand book and puzzle stalls run by our Eco Committee and School Council during morning break and lunchtimes. The St Faith’s Hub played host to an impressive array of pre-loved items, and the stalls were bustling with activity. Some of these treasures may even find their way into Christmas stockings this year.

My thanks go to the Eco Committee and School Council for organising such a well-attended and purposeful event. As well as celebrating reading and problem-solving, the sale championed sustainability by extending the life of books and puzzles. The proceeds will support further eco-friendly and School Council initiatives.

A young girl with curly red hair in a red coat smiles while holding several childrens books, including Llama Llama Misses Mama, standing indoors with a school hallway in the background.
A variety of colorful childrens books and educational kits are neatly arranged on tables in a classroom, with picture books in the foreground and science kits and games displayed along the back edge.
A group of students in black pants and red-and-black striped blazers browse books and interact with adults in a spacious school hallway with brick walls and a large dragon mural on the wall.
A woman in a brown coat talks to three young children sitting at a table. The children, dressed in colorful jackets, are smiling and looking at her. Various items, including a black lunchbox, are on the table.
A group of young children in school uniforms and jackets walk through a hallway filled with bookshelves. Some are holding books or bags, and several adults are visible in the background. The setting appears to be a school or library.
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ABRSM Examinations

On Monday, 23 pupils sat their Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations. The commitment shown by all pupils to their instrumental studies has been evident in recent performances, and it is clear they have been diligently preparing both in lessons and at home.

We were delighted to receive the results yesterday: 7 distinctions, 13 merits and 4 passes (with one pupil taking two examinations). These are exceptional outcomes, and the pupils should feel very proud of their achievements. My thanks also extend to our visiting music teachers and to parents for their continued encouragement and support.

Year 3 and 4 Charity Tuck Shop

Year 3 and 4 pupils ran a successful charity tuck shop on Tuesday, raising £116.16 for their chosen charity. Well done to everyone involved for their initiative and teamwork.

A cafeteria worker in uniform and gloves serves drinks to a group of children lined up at a counter, while other staff and kids wait in the background. The children are holding snacks and appear to be in a school setting.
Two smiling children sit together at a table, wearing jackets. One child holds up a peace sign, while the other points forward. Both appear happy and playful, with cups on the table in front of them.
A group of children stand at a table, holding snacks and waiting to be served drinks by a person wearing blue gloves. Some children hold cookies, while one has a yellow-striped paper bag.
A group of children stand at a table with pastries, cookies, and black thermoses. Some kids are selecting food while others chat or eat. The background features a red wall and festive lights.
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Art Club

As Christmas approaches, pupils attending the after-school Art activity have enjoyed producing beautifully observed ‘robin’ paintings. Art continues to be just one example of the breadth of our extra-curricular provision, which plays an important role in enriching pupils’ experiences, nurturing creativity and supporting personal development. I am most grateful to the staff who dedicate their time and expertise to make these opportunities possible.

A boy wearing a red smock stands in a classroom, proudly holding up a painting of a robin perched on a branch. The room has art supplies, colorful folders, and paintings on the walls.
A young student wearing a red shirt and striped tie stands in an art classroom, holding up a painting of a red-breasted bird on a branch against a blue sky. Art supplies and colorful drawings are visible in the background.
A child in a red smock smiles while holding up a painting of a bird, likely a robin, perched on a branch. The painting has a blue background. Art supplies and tables are visible in the classroom.
A young girl wearing a red shirt holds up her painting of a robin with a blue sky background, smiling in a classroom setting with tables and art supplies around her.
Four children wearing red smocks sit at a blue table, painting with watercolors. Art supplies and cups are on the table. Shelves with colored bins are in the background. The children appear focused on their artwork.
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IAPS Rugby Festival

Mr North writes,

“On Monday 1st December, the U13A Rugby XIII played their final matches for St Faith’s. This is always an emotional moment for many of the boys. As a mark of respect for their efforts this term, I arranged for them to play in the old 1st XV shirts from many years ago, which they absolutely loved. They have been one of the most determined, enthusiastic and delightful groups to coach, always keen to learn and improve in every aspect.

The Regional IAPS tournament took place at Cambridge Rugby Club. The pitches were soft but not too muddy, and the weather was surprisingly mild. We took a squad of 16 to play in a pool of five, beginning at 12.00pm and finishing around 3.15pm.

Despite a good warm-up, our first game did not go our way as we lost to Beachborough, the eventual winners of the whole tournament. We started a little slowly and never really imposed our game, which was disappointing.

We then faced Bishop’s Stortford College and were 0–15 down at half time. Parents and staff alike were encouraging the team to find more passion and belief, so I delivered something of a ‘wake-up call’. The boys responded brilliantly, producing a spirited second half to narrow the final score to 10–15.

Our third match was against the very impressive Swanbourne House, who had just beaten St John’s College School convincingly. Our boys rose to the challenge, playing with real purpose and passion, but we were edged out 5–10 in what was undoubtedly our best game of the day.

In our final pool match, tiredness had clearly set in and we lost to St John’s College School, which set up a 5th-vs-5th play-off against our local rivals, King’s College School. In this final game, fatigue played a significant part, but the boys kept going to the end.

The results might not have not fully reflected the quality of this team, but the boys consistently demonstrated passion, drive, determination, teamwork and a desire to improve – and above all, they love the game. It has been a real pleasure to coach them this term and to witness their progress both as a team and as individuals. The rugby season is one of my favourite terms as it brings out strength of character and resilience, plus leadership, teamwork and learning from one’s mistakes.

My sincere thanks go to the parents for their unwavering support, to Mr Johnson for assisting, to our colleagues at King’s Cambridge (including an Old Fidelian), to the referees and CRUFC for hosting, and to IAPS for their support.”

A youth rugby team in black, red, and white striped jerseys poses together on a grassy field, smiling with their coach, who is giving a thumbs-up. Trees and rugby goalposts are visible in the background.
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House Rugby and Football

Despite the cold, damp weather, it has been uplifting to see families braving the elements to support the children at the House rugby and football matches throughout the week. I do hope you enjoy this small selection of photographs capturing the spirit of these events.

A group of children play soccer on a grassy field. One child in yellow is about to kick the ball towards the goal, while others, including a goalkeeper, watch and react. Trees and houses are visible in the background.
Six boys in sports uniforms, smiling with arms around each other, stand on a grassy field in front of brick buildings on a sunny day. The boys wear yellow and red shirts, and some have muddy knees.
Two boys in rugby uniforms smile for the camera on a grassy field. One boy has his arm around the other and the other is pointing towards the camera. Another player is partially visible in the background.
A child in a yellow shirt and black shorts is running and about to kick an orange soccer ball on a grassy field, with buildings and a wooden fence in the background.
Four boys, dressed in sportswear, play rugby on a grassy field while a smiling adult stands nearby watching. Cars and benches are visible in the background, separated by a wooden fence.
Three boys play soccer on a grassy field; two in yellow shirts chase the orange ball, while one in green is running behind them. Trees, a fence, and a man in green are visible in the background.
Three young boys play energetically on a grassy field; two in blue shirts reach toward a boy in a yellow shirt. Other children and adults are visible in the background. Bright sunlight highlights their movement and expressions.
A group of boys play rugby on a grassy field. One boy in a helmet runs with the ball, while others in blue, yellow, and green shirts chase and try to tackle him. Spectators and more children are in the background.
Young boys playing rugby on a grassy field, one wearing an orange helmet passes the ball while others watch. Adults and more children are in the background, some dressed in winter clothing.
A group of young boys play rugby on a grassy field. One boy in a yellow shirt runs with the ball while others in green and yellow shirts chase him. The scene is outdoors on a sunny day.
Two young boys play rugby on a grassy field. One boy in a red shirt and teal bib holds the ball and runs, while another boy in a blue shirt tries to tackle him. Both look focused and active.
A group of young boys play rugby outdoors on grass, wearing yellow and blue jerseys. One player in yellow holds the ball while others chase and try to tag him. A coach and more children watch in the background.
A group of children play rugby on a grassy field; one boy in a blue shirt runs with the ball as others attempt to tackle him on a sunny day with autumn trees in the background.
A group of children in yellow and green jerseys play rugby on a grassy field, with an adult coach guiding them. Another adult in a coat watches from the background near school buildings. It is a sunny day.
A boy in a yellow polo shirt and black shorts catches a rugby ball during an outdoor game on a grassy field, with other children and adults in the background.
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IAPS Gymnastics Nationals

Mrs North writes,

“IAPS Gymnastics Nationals is always a highlight of the Michaelmas term, and St Faith’s continues to field teams in seven categories, as well as group sequences in all four girls’ events. There is always a sense of excitement in the build-up and this year was certainly no exception. As the IAPS Gymnastics representative, it falls on me to secure a school to host the competition and to coordinate all the associated arrangements. Each year this becomes more challenging, and last year we were hosted by two schools in the Guildford area, packing up equipment at the end of day one and moving to a different venue for day two.

The school due to host the 2025 nationals unfortunately had to pull out at the beginning of September, there was understandable concern among members. Could such a complex event be hosted at short notice? Might the competition even need to be paused for a year? That thought alone was galvanising. Within two days, both St Faith’s and Stamford School had offered to host. We took responsibility for the boys, the U9s and the U13 girls, while Stamford hosted the U10 and U11 girls.

Logistics were demanding, from moving equipment between venues to accommodating judges working across both competitions. But the atmosphere at St Faith’s on Saturday 29th November was wonderful. Staff and parents alike approached the occasion with great resourcefulness and good cheer. There were no problems, only solutions. Thanks to the efforts of Mrs Oxborough, Mr Mageean, Mrs Almond and Mrs Moses, the day began beautifully. We are also grateful to Sarah in the kitchen, Mati from housekeeping, and the maintenance team, whose support in preparing for the event – and in the inevitable clear-up on Monday – was invaluable.

Our parent and pupil helpers, together with Mr Johnson, Mr North, Elsa and Talia in the Sports Hall, worked tirelessly to offer a warm welcome and excellent service to our guests. Dr Hyde-Dunn presented some of the awards, and everyone was highly complimentary of the school and its helpers.

Our gymnasts had a superb weekend, and the results can be found in the sidebar.”

Six young girls in matching black and red gymnastics outfits stand closely together, smiling at the camera in a gymnasium with other people and gymnasts visible in the background.
Five young boys in matching gymnastics uniforms kneel and stand on a blue mat, smiling and wearing medals around their necks, posing together after a competition.
A young girl in a black and red leotard stands on a blue mat indoors, smiling and wearing a medal around her neck. There are gym mats and equipment in the background.
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And Finally…

As we continue our journey through the Advent season, next week promises a wonderful blend of tradition and celebration, from carol services to Christmas lunch, the Pre Prep festive film day and of course the highly popular Last House Standing competition. The school is full of anticipation, and it has been a joy to see pupils embracing these final weeks of term with such enthusiasm.

I hope the weekend brings you some moments of calm and reflection amongst the flurry of festive activity, and I look forward to seeing many of you at school events next week.

With all best wishes,

Crispin Hyde-Dunn

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