To say that last week’s school production of “Lord of the Flies” was exceptional would be an understatement. Eleven talented young people aged from Year 5 to Year 8 evoked an intense journey through a panoply of emotions, as the youngsters crash landed on a beautiful but remote island and jostled for position in their new tribal environment.
The set, stunningly designed by Mr Edwards and assembled by a team over days can be seen on our time-lapse video on Facebook.
Onto that site strode some self-assured performers who, with maturity, created a sense of intensity and violence and explored fully and dramatically and with great talent, tribal behaviour.
As a reflection on society, leadership, the nature of followers and social manoeuvring, the play’s themes would have been well placed in a senior school environment. It was all the more impressive that these children created such mature characterisations at such a young age.
Congratulations to every child and adult involved in making this production happen and especially to Mr Powell and the cast.
This week has again been intensely packed with goodies for all year groups. It was lovely to see the support for our mental health charity day today through our home clothes wearing in Prep. Perhaps more lovely were the conversations between year groups who were mixed together over lunch to discuss various aspects of well-being and chew the fat across the year groups. I was lucky enough to do some chewing of another kind as I tasted the scrumptious scones and cakes at the Year 2 afternoon tea. We all sat down to a beautiful spread baked by the children, served by the children and masterminded by our very own Sally Beesley. What a treat.
Sadly I could not make the swimming gala, the Year2/3 transition maths challenge morning nor the Macbeth workshop led by West End in Schools. All these treats bring learning to life and I just wish I was a pupil here very often!
We shall be sorry that Mrs Halfacre is leaving us from Reception this Easter. We thank her for the work she has done and wish her well as she returns to full-time mothering. We are delighted to welcome back Anna Collier in her place. She is a most experienced practitioner and wonderful team member, who gave first class teaching in Kindergarten during the Michaelmas term.
Anna has been teaching in Early Years for 10 years in a variety of schools in Kent. She spends the summer months working some days at the local “Castle Farm”, where she works in The Hop Shop or with the lovely lavender, hops and apples. In her spare time, she enjoys kayaking, running and swimming, as well as travelling to many interesting countries around the world.
As the term draws to its close, the ski trip will be setting off this weekend and we wish them a safe and sporty, snowy stay.
Our next newsletter will be on Thursday, the last day of this term and we look forward to the many treats ahead of us next week. I’m looking forward to our primary school orchestra day on Monday and perhaps even spotting the Easter Bunny.
Whatever you’re doing this weekend enjoy yourselves.
Jill Aisher