Term Ends With A Bang!
Parents’ Day was an absolute joy, and I hope that you all enjoyed the myriad of student performances which lit up the stage. With a stunning solo from Violette D, a two-part LAMDA medley that was so brilliantly performed, two outstanding musical theatre performances and a choir rendition that was beyond moving, it is fair to say that we were all royally entertained. Congratulations to all those that won prizes whether that was for their academic endeavours, their sporting excellence, their creative achievements, or the values that they have shown within the community; I know that you must be very proud of them. Not everyone can win a prize though and whilst I hope that those who didn’t will aim for one over the next year, they should still finish the year pleased with all that they have accomplished and ready for the journey ahead.
The end of the academic year is always poignant too as we say goodbye to our Year 13 Leavers who have done so much to make the school a vibrant and inspiring place to be. Billy J, Dominica J and Theo M all spoke so eloquently and gave advice to the younger years that I hope they will follow up on. In addition, we say farewell to many of our loved staff who have given so much to ensure that your sons and daughters have a wonderful educational experience enriched by their academic curiosity and love for Saint Felix. We wish both our Year 13 Leavers and staff all the very best in their future endeavours and hope that their memories of Saint Felix will remain with them for always.
The last week of term was incredibly busy with two sports days, a swimming gala, a cultural day that culminated in kite-flying with very little wind, a magnificent House Drama Competition, and two moving Chapel Services for our Year 6 as they transition from the Prep to the Senior Department, and the Year 13 Leavers. The Year 6 students put on a wonderful service that took them and us down memory lane whilst the Year 13 Service was full of their favourite hymns and a powerful address from their Head of Sixth Form as their thoughts turn to their future beyond the school gates. It scarcely seems possible that so much could be packed into five days of school, but the energy and passion of all of the students and staff made it the most fulfilling of weeks and one which I hope they all enjoyed as well. They will have gained so much from these activities both pastorally, socially and as a community that lives and works together where the collective is as powerful as the individual.
In other final news, the Year 1 students continued to research, plan, and write fact files on endangered species. Mrs K is planning on turning their efforts into a booklet for the library so that future generations can be inspired by their work. They have become so inspired by this topic and how to spread awareness; their summer break will enable them all to focus on one animal of their choice ready to report back in September. It is this kind of curiosity that we are looking to encourage and encapsulate. This was also so evident in a different field where Holly R-W has gained her Private Pilots Licence; it just shows where your passion and interests can lead and how sheer effort and determination do result in success. Jude G is another fine example of this competing in five events at the Scottish Championships winning the 100m Fly and gaining medals in both the 200m Individual Medley and the 100m Backstroke. His dedication to swimming and the hard yards spent training at untimely hours are an inspiration for us all. And in the world of Youth Politics, Harley C and Charles S have made a real difference in the future direction of our constituency and how the Community Infrastructure Levy will be utilised to help the younger generation.
I am delighted to announce that Miss Wong (Head of the Prep Department) will become my Deputy at the start of the new term taking over from Ms Hardcastle; she will undertake this role whilst continuing as Head of the Prep Department. With Mrs Harlock taking on an enhanced role as Assistant Head (Academic) from September 2025, Ms Rushmere will become Head of Sixth Form. Mrs Jarrett will take over as Head of Year 10 and Year 11, whilst Mr Grimmer will lead on HE and Careers and Mrs Dunn will become EAL and Additional Foreign Languages Co-Ordinator in an elevated role.
We will also be welcoming new staff who will take on the roles of Head of Maths, Drama and Music; they will all add huge value to the strong foundations that are in place. There are other academic areas that will provide a renewed focus in the new academic year which I will write to you about in the first week of next term as we continue the journey to excellence.
It only leaves me to wish you all a wonderful summer. Please encourage your sons and daughters to read and remain curious! Thank you for your support throughout this year.
Yours sincerely,
Matthew Oakman
Head