29 March 2007

 

Dear Parents/Guardians

 

It does not seem so long ago that I was writing prior to my trip to South America.  Now here we are at the end of the Spring Term on the brink of beginning our preparations in earnest for the final lead up to the celebration of Easter.  The Magnolia trees in the grounds have begun to break out into flower and the days seem more temperate, encouraging us all to think of summer around the corner.

 

I had a very informative and useful visit to three very different countries, visiting schools and agents with an aim to explore further markets for boarding students for Farringtons School.  I was especially warmly welcomed by our two partner schools in Colombia, namely Colegio Santa Maria and Los Portales.  The parents of many of the girls who have visited us in the past are very keen to welcome a group of girls from Farringtons to stay with them and their families, so that they can share something of their culture and country.  I am also looking into the possibility of taking a group of students to visit Hong Kong with me, next time I attend the British Council Exhibition in Spring half term 2008.  I know that I have gained tremendous insights into the way of life and have a better understanding of the needs of students who come and work with us at Farringtons from these different countries.

 

It was regrettable that I therefore missed some music events and charity fund raising days.  I am grateful to all the staff and the girls who participated in any of these events, or indeed others of this half term.  Y4 and Y6 have enjoyed successful residential trips to Arethusa and the Isle of Wight and the last week of term has seen an Environment Day for the Junior Department; a Dance Competition in the Senior Department; one evening of GCSE Drama Performances; another for the Caribbean Carnival Parade supplemented with GCSE and A Level students modelling their garments made in response to the examination requirements; and a Balloon Debate for the final evening.  Congratulations go to Stephanie Hollingsworth and Chantelle Coussey in Year 9, and to Tracy Man from the Sixth Form who won the Caribbean Carnival prizes. Selen Gurdere, Alice Weld and Elise Judd are also to be congratulated on their success in the Dance Competition.  Additionally, the Art Department organised a visit to the gallery in the last week of term for Year 10 students studying GCSE Art.  So we have had a busy few days.

 

These last few days reflect the many different exciting opportunities that are available to the students here and we strongly encourage them to take part.  Other visits to museums, theatres, places of interest take place throughout the term. At the time of writing, Geography students are preparing to leave for Vesuvius and other associated points of Geographical interest for the first few days of the Easter holidays. 

 

Once again, FIZ Club will be running in the Junior Department during the Easter Holiday and we will have a group of older students who will be using the School as a venue for organised revision leading up to either GCSE or A level examinations.  Justin Craig will hold their intensive course from 6 – 15 April.  Should any student or parent want to avail themselves of this facility please contact Justin Craig Education direct on 01727 827000.

This term saw the Parents’ Association running two very different types of events.  Our annual Quiz Evening was once again well received with more tables than ever being filled.  Later in the term a Pamper Evening for ladies occurred and whilst I was unable to be present, I also believe this was a resounding success.  Thank you indeed to all those parents who give of their time and energy in order to organise these events.  The School Uniform Shop (White Building near the Sports Hall) is also managed by two parents from the Association.  All proceeds from these events are used to provide additional facilities for the students throughout the School.  I know that planning is already well advanced for our Grand May Ball on 19 May.  I very much hope to see many parents and friends of the School there.  Tickets can be booked immediately at either the Junior or Senior School offices.

 

There are many people who give of their time in a voluntary capacity to serve the needs of the School in a whole variety of ways.  Parents who come in and support elements of Junior teaching by hearing pupils read, parents taking on responsibilities for organising Association events and also the Governors of the school.  We learned recently of the untimely death of Mrs Gwyneth Dempster after a very short illness.  Mrs Dempster served on the Estates Committee of the School Board and was part of the team that was instrumental in helping us to refurbish South House into a classroom block, the upgrading of the four laboratories, the building of the Nursery by the Sports Hall and the huge summer programme of two years ago when we addressed the services in the main School building.  Her funeral will take place next Wednesday at Bromley Common Methodist Church.  Our condolences have been extended to her family.

 

I take this opportunity to remind all parents of students taking public examinations SATS for Year 6 and Year 9, GCSEs for Year10 and Year 11 and indeed Year 12 and Year 13 facing up to AS and A2, that some part of the Easter holiday should be used for consolidating work in preparation for these examinations. 

 

Next term will see, apart from all the usual activities, two different events;  I remind parents of pupils from Year 3 – Year 13 that Sports Day is Saturday 23 June and that the following Saturday will be a Farringtons Fun afternoon.  This latter occasion will be an opportunity for all the different activities undertaken by the students throughout the year to showcase them.  Please, if you have not already done so, put these two dates into your diaries.  Further details about both these days will be circulated later on next term.

 

Thank you to all parents and guardians of the School who have sent in Easter wishes/gifts to the school.  As we all break up for the vacation, I am aware that on Thursday 5 April, Maundy Thursday, at 7.00 pm, our Chaplain Mr Samuel will be leading a service of reflection and prayer on the events that took place at the Last Supper Meal before the memorial of the Crucifixion on the Friday.  I am sure any parents and their families would be more than welcome to attend should they wish to do so.

 

I wish each member of the School Community all the blessings and joy that is associated with this Christian festival of Easter and remind you that term begins on Thursday 19 April.

 

With every good wish.

 

Yours sincerely

Headmistress