dear parents, - stanthonysprep.org.uk · dear parents, we end the academic ... to being labelled on...
TRANSCRIPT
Headmaster’s Newsletter Summer 2015 (& Sports Report)
1
Dear Parents,
We end the academic year with so many aspects of school life to celebrate, yet the
happiness is inevitably tempered by our having to say goodbye to four colleagues
who have given so profoundly to St. Anthony’s and touched all of our lives in the
school community. Gill Hooper, my PA and Admissions Secretary, may well have
been the first voice and face many of you encountered; from initial enquiry, to
registration, to being labelled on an Open Morning, through, “I need to see the
Headmaster, immediately.”… she will have represented St. Anthony’s to you.
She has been such a loyal, conscientious and compassionate colleague. Her
position inevitably means she sees and hears the best and worst of us: to do the job
well, you must be shrewd, efficient, humane and above all forgiving! We wish Gill the
very best in her retirement and thank her for her generous commitment over thirteen
years.
Equally difficult is the post of Deputy Head. The delightful way so many of you
applauded our announcing Simon’s elevation to headship and the letters, gifts and
messages which have flowed in since the news, testify to how important his
contribution has been. Simon has discharged his duties with diligence,
meticulousness, imagination and above all tact. Arbitrating with integrity and
diplomacy requires social skills and courage and Simon refutes the myth that a good
manager has to supress warmth and humour to be effective. We wish him and his
family the very best for St Teresa’s.
Headmaster’s Newsletter Summer 2015 (& Sports Report)
2
Kate leaves us after ten years of unstinting service as her family relocates. Those
who experienced the good fortune to have had their children taught by her, will know
how difficult it is to encapsulate her gifts without risking hyperbole. She has a very
precise, generous and creative intelligence which imbues all her teaching, displays
and planning with a zest and energy which excited pupils and colleagues.
To be cross-examined by Kate as to what you actually meant by
a policy, in a staff meeting, is to know that the Bar has been
denied one of its finest QCs! We share a love of parts of Monty
Python sketches which, if quoted, would get us both sacked in a
Prep School. We will miss her ability to segue seamlessly from
a discussion of Year 1 Phonics, to her favourite sections of The
Meaning of Life. And, her beautiful readings in the Carol
Services.
Crispin too leaves after ten years outstanding commitment. Looking back over my
newsletters of the past five years, it is staggering how many refer to something
Crispin has inspired. He is a remarkable Head of Drama but more importantly a
remarkable teacher of staff and children. I repeat what I said at the Year 8 Leavers’
Evening: Crispin embodies the highest vision and vocation of teaching which is to
allow a child to find his voice; and not so the child will praise him, massage his ego,
but so they can be themselves and discover the joys of their individuality.
Headmaster’s Newsletter Summer 2015 (& Sports Report)
3
The production of Romeo and Juliet this term, the Year 6 Recitations and the Year 8
films are profoundly eloquent in their confirmation of this eulogy: simply count up the
number of boys involved; and the surprises you encountered when watching the
shows; and their shared delight in what they and their friends had achieved. I
cheekily said at the staff farewell that I hope Crispin fails all his auditions as he
returns to his acting career. The better angel of my nature wishes him well and we
won’t be surprised to see him on our screens next year.
Crispin has spoken generously about his successor who has been shadowing over
the last term wherever possible. Niyazi Unugur joins us having been Head of Drama
at the Greig Academy for the last 5 years. We have been extremely fortunate to
secure Sadhna Halai as my new PA and Admissions Secretary. She was my
secretary at South Hampstead High School and will be a delightful addition to the
school. As you will know, Nicholas Morrell becomes Deputy Head Academic. If his
superb organisation of the Summer Fayre and input over the last two terms are
indicative, he will build very effectively on Simon’s superb work to develop and enrich
academic provision.
The Maths department will be welcoming another specialist mathematician, Simona
Tudoran. Simona has been head of department in two other London schools and
represented her country, (Romania), in the International Maths Olympiad. She is also
a computing specialist and will be our new Head of Computing. Changes of exam
procedures over the past few years have convinced me that we must, wherever
possible, have specialist teachers and we are delighted to be able to strengthen
further the work of our outstanding Maths department which is inspired by Janet’s
remarkable diligence. We have been very fortunate to secure Rosalind Rowe to
cover Simon’s French teaching. Rosalind graduated in French at Sussex and
completed her PGCE at Goldsmiths. She has vast experience of teaching and has
recently returned from the Sorbonne, where she was completing her diploma in
French Language and Civilisation. In the Junior House, we welcome a new TA,
Headmaster’s Newsletter Summer 2015 (& Sports Report)
4
Elizabeth Okri, and a new Reception class teacher, Elizabeth Mckeever.
We are saying farewell to a remarkable Year 8 and exceptional Year 6 11+ leaving
pupils too. This has been an outstanding year for senior school placements across
the year groups. All Year 8 met their CE requirements, with some outstanding
scores. We are in the unusual and enviable position of having all our Year 7 pupils
already placed in an impressively strong range of the leading day and boarding
schools as well. That is particularly reassuring given the increased complexity and
intensity of the competitive entry which characterises the London circuit.
Year 8 develop communication skills at the Science Museum
The boys have been remarkably diligent as well as maintaining their decency with
each other. The exam system is still evolving and we have once again recalibrated
our Y4-6 teaching and curriculum to respond boldly to the changes announced at
UCS and Mill Hill this term. Our aim is to do all we can to enable the boys to excel,
but to retain our commitment to an enriching holistic education, wherein, our boys
develop socially, spiritually and morally. It is an honour again this year to read the
feedback after the offers are made. The Senior School admissions teams repeatedly
refer to the boys’ imagination, warmth and loyalty to St. Anthony’s. Our
performances at schools such as Belmont, City, UCS, Highgate, Habs, Winchester,
Westminster, St Paul’s and Eton in Year 6, including four scholarship offers, bode
well for the next wave of hurdles.
How apposite that the Year 8 round of their careers here with such a rich diet of
cultural activities and in the company of so many staff who have nurtured them over
the years. The Battlefields Trip was particularly poignant this year with a member of
staff reading to the pupils extracts from his great grandfather’s letters, from the
trenches. Laying the St Anthony’s wreath has a deeper resonance with such
personal contributions from teachers.
Headmaster’s Newsletter Summer 2015 (& Sports Report)
5
We will remember them…
Headmaster’s Newsletter Summer 2015 (& Sports Report)
6
The Leavers’ Evening Celebration was full of humour and the warmth and
camaraderie which so typifies the community. After a moving Mass and heartfelt
homily from Mgr. Phelim, we walked down through an idyllic misty summer evening
haze to enjoy a delicious mix of exceptional food and a diet of St. Anthony’s cultural
wit.
Year 8 Leavers 2015
The moral and cultural life of the school is vital to pupil development and we are very
proud of how many boys involved themselves with charitable work this year. Many
joined staff in fundraising for Mary’s Meals. We raised £16,000 for a range of our
school Charities and hopefully the November Ball will be a success too. One of the
added pleasures is seeing staff and pupils encouraging each other at these events.
Nicholas’ newly vamped Summer Fayre was a triumph.
Headmaster’s Newsletter Summer 2015 (& Sports Report)
7
Charity together.
Summer Fayre
Headmaster’s Newsletter Summer 2015 (& Sports Report)
8
The Junior House boys loved the Africa Week and produced some remarkable art
work. They were treated to very a very moving and informative talk by Rahel (one of
our cooks) on life in Eritrea and relished the chance to learn how to drum!
http://www.stanthonysprep.org.uk/News/Africa-Week-1/
Year Two Drummers
Headmaster’s Newsletter Summer 2015 (& Sports Report)
9
The Summer term trips and end-of-term shows provided much joy for parents, pupils
and staff. The Wizard of Oz was a triumph with marvellous group and individual
performances. The Reception boys made me cry again! It is a great tribute to all
involved that every year group can sing and declaim and recite with such poise,
group confidence and evident delight. Year Four almost lifted the roof off and Louise
and Lenka’s Cup Song in Year 3 will live long in the memory.
Year Three at Kew Gardens.
The Mill on The Brue adventure for Year 4 proved rewarding and I should take this
opportunity to thank staff who give so willingly of their time to arrange the trips.
Headmaster’s Newsletter Summer 2015 (& Sports Report)
10
The continuing developments in Computer Programming and DT & Robotics have
been exciting additions to the curriculum and Science Club has been thriving too.
Sally will be embedding further exciting initiatives from her on-going course at the
Science Museum through the next academic year. Boys have already had enriching
innovations this term
http://www.stanthonysprep.org.uk/Curriculum/Y7-soap-making-trip-to-South-
Hampstead-High-School/
Year 5 spent this term exploring chemical reactions or “potions” as many liked to call
it. They adored that the Bunsen burner was introduced. In the second half of term,
we looked at the heart and circulatory system. The highlight was a dissection of a
heart, lung, liver and trachea. We even managed to inflate the lungs much to the
boys’ delight/disgust.
‘To see a world in a grain of sand..!’ Volcanic Activity in the Senior House
Year 4 was delighted to explore the natural world studying habitats and adaptations.
We were impressed by many boys’ passions and in depth knowledge of their
favourite animals, particularly sharks. Their favourite experiment was finding
woodlice in the school garden and placing them in a choice chamber.
Headmaster’s Newsletter Summer 2015 (& Sports Report)
11
Our very popular Science Club was filled with fun activities yet again. The boys
enjoyed making homemade lava lamps, rubber band cannons, amazing paper
airplanes and balloon rockets amongst others.
Headmaster’s Newsletter Summer 2015 (& Sports Report)
12
This term’s First Communion for Year 3 was very moving and everyone present paid
tribute to Louise who took over preparation for this mammoth task from Mary. The
boys produced delightful family banners, for their pews, and the service also
contained beautiful singing.
http://www.stanthonysprep.org.uk/News/First-Holy-Communion-Banners/
Throughout the term, Nicholas and Joe have not only provided a rich musical
provision within their teaching, and concerts, but backed up on all the year group
performances. We are fortunate to have such outstanding musicians guiding our
pupils. Lewis leaves us this year to take up his music scholarship at Harrow, where
he will join last year’s award winner, Ludovico. It was evident from the twenty eight
pupils playing at the Senior school concert that we might anticipate other scholars
emerging next year and beyond. It is lucky for the boys that they have such excellent
music scholars guiding them and a privilege for us to have such strength in depth
musically. The platitudinous and oft quoted patronising claim in Shaw’s Man and
Superman, that: ‘Those who can, do; those who can't, teach.’ is ably refuted by our
staff. Speaking of Man and Superman, we cannot end the term without paying tribute
to Paul Cheetham who ran another excellent marathon this term. You may recognise
the poor runner trying to keep up with him!
Headmaster’s Newsletter Summer 2015 (& Sports Report)
13
Leading from the front!
This has been a very special and rewarding term. Thank you to the whole community
for continuing to make life such fun at St. Anthony’s. This morning, I happened to
listen to Ken Dodd on a podcast in conversation with Jeremy Vine, discussing the
technicalities of different types of laughter. With real delight, and genuine
seriousness, he noted that if you want to hear the lightest and purest form of
laughter, you should ‘listen to children on a school playground’. How simple and how
true.
Best Wishes for the summer.
Paul
Headmaster’s Newsletter Summer 2015 (& Sports Report)
14
Summer Term Sports Report
To the purists amongst the Physical Education and Games teachers’ fraternity, there
is no finer smell than that of the first cut of grass in late April. That simple, but very
familiar aroma, once inhaled, re-oxygenates the mind and body, bringing with it the
much awaited summer sports programme. This in turn leads to the boys frantically
knocking-in their new pieces of willow, restringing their rackets and applying a new
set of spikes to their track shoes; a ritual passed on from generation to generation.
The boy’s at St. Anthony’s were eager as ever to commence their Summer term
fixtures against other schools. The Summer term of 2015 was going to see a number
of ‘firsts’ for the school: The 1st XI competing in the National Cricket Cup, the U13
Tennis team in the LTA Competition and the U9s in Cricket matches.
Headmaster’s Newsletter Summer 2015 (& Sports Report)
15
Jonny and Paul C nurtured the talents of the Cricketers this season, leading to both
the U11A team and 1st XI producing some highly memorable performances.
Individuals shone in both XI’s, which helped guide both teams to victory. However, I
have never known or experienced in one cricket season, both the U11 As and 1st XI
drawing a game with scores tied after 20 overs. The U11 As drew with York House
with scores tied at 133 and the 1st XI with Westminster Cathedral Choir School, with
scores tied on 67.
The standout individual performances of the season came from the following: In the
U11A XI, Louis Penketh took 5 wickets, for 2, runs against Devonshire House. (A
game that saw St. Anthony’s post 47 runs and then bowl the opposition out for 38!)
With the bat, Shanmukh Challa blasted 66 runs for the U11A XI in the game tied
against York House. Both of these cricketers will be missed next year as they move
on to new schools – we send them our very best wishes for the future!
In the 1st XI, James Evans scored a very elegant 58 not out versus Arnold House. All
three boys received an inscribed cricket ball to acknowledge their contributions. The
Year 4’s travelled to Arnold House to play 8-a-side Pairs Cricket. Once again, this
was a most enjoyable afternoon of sport for the year group coined the ‘history
makers’. Honours were shared on the day, but a special mention must be made of
Jacob Rose – a Year 3 pupil who made his competitive sporting debut. Jacob
contributed with both bat and ball, which led to his team winning their game.
Headmaster’s Newsletter Summer 2015 (& Sports Report)
16
Under 9 Cricketers victorious over Arnold House
The Athletes from St. Anthony’s continued to demonstrate their strength in track and
field, across all year groups, under Anthony’s fine coaching. The IAPS London
Regional Championships and the Catholic Preparatory Schools’ Competition were
the two red-letter dates for the season. On Monday 8th June, the boys competed in
the IAPS London Regional Championships at the Thames Valley Athletics Centre,
Eton. Mathew Obichere qualified for the 100m and 200m finals, Vasco Faria cleared
1.33m in the High Jump and received a bronze medal and Douwejan Yoong threw
27.14m in the Javelin; again receiving a bronze medal for his efforts.
On the Tennis court, both the U11 and U13 teams competed in high calibre
competitions. The U11s took part in the 10th annual Mill Hill School Junior Tennis
Open at the Gosling Tennis centre. The seven boys from St. Anthony’s had a
wonderful day and put their talents to the test in a very competitive Prep School
competition. Tom De La Chaise reached the quarter finals of the main competition
and Guy Jones won the plate competition. This was an impressive feat considering
there were over 50 competitors! The U13 team took part in the LTA’s Schools Tennis
Competition for the first time. The boys played both singles and doubles games in
each match. The team won matches against Winchmore School and Alexandra Park
School.
Headmaster’s Newsletter Summer 2015 (& Sports Report)
17
U11s at The Mill Hill Junior Open
Outside of the scheduled fixture card, the boys, staff and parents thoroughly enjoyed
the two Sports Days. Seeing the whole community come together to participate and
celebrate sport was one of my real highlights for the year.
The Year 7 and Year 8 Cricketers enjoyed a day at Lord’s to watch England play
New Zealand in the first Test Match of the summer.
Year 8 at Lord’s Cricket Ground
Headmaster’s Newsletter Summer 2015 (& Sports Report)
18
To close the sporting year, I would like to thank all my colleagues who have assisted
with the coaching and officiating of fixtures this year; especially Anthony and Jonny.
Also to the parents and families who made the trip to support the teams from St.
Anthony’s over the past year. I wish you all a wonderful summer holiday, and look
forward to seeing you in September for the new season!
Best wishes
Andrew
Headmaster’s Newsletter Summer 2015 (& Sports Report)
19
Another St. Anthony’s High Flier