“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being” (Oscar Wilde)
With the Tech Rehearsals taking place over the weekend, final preparations for the Addams Family are reaching a crescendo. With so many students involved performing, helping backstage and with props, lighting, sound, and costumes, it really is a community event. The levels of anticipation and excitement are increasing, and we cannot wait to see the fruits of their hard work over these last few months. It will be well worth seeing and if you have not done so already, please do book your tickets online (https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FXHI).
Despite the rather brutal weather that has dominated this first half of the term, our students have continued to excel in their sporting endeavours. Two weeks ago, we hosted a Cross-Country meet which will now become an annual fixture in the calendar. Over 100 students from five different schools participated where both Cody H and Sonny S won their races ensuring that Saint Felix performed at a high level in our own event. We were also able to showcase the strength in depth of talent that we have in this sport whilst our visitors all enjoyed the beauty of the site and the surroundings. Our Sixth Form students were also marvellous acting as marshals, guides, and ambassadors for the school in their usual friendly and genial manner. With plans in place to make the event even bigger next year, Saint Felix continues to broaden horizons and increase opportunities not only for our own students but also the local community. Many thanks must also go to Rhys W for the excellent pictures. In further Cross-Country news, Cody H has been selected for the English Schools Final as a result of his performance at the Anglian Regional Final where he finished 8th competing against students a year older. This will also be the case at the National Final in Liverpool on the 14th March where he will gain invaluable experience; we wish him all the very best.
Our Under 18 Netball team lost out to Norwich in a match that was played a really high standard; I was able to see one of the quarters and was so impressed with the way that we played, showing real teamwork and speed of movement. With more fixtures to come, they will only continue to improve. Meanwhile, our Under 13 Netball team took part in the ISA Competition putting us very much on the map, with Isabelle T showing her class on the court throughout the day, and with some Year 7 students and Josie L in Year 6 also playing, the future for Netball is looking very bright indeed. Mr Borrer was incredibly proud of the students as it was a step-up in terms of competition, and we showed that we were more than ready for it! The same team backed this up with an excellent effort against Langley School where they showed real cohesion in their play with more exceptional play from Isabelle T, fantastic accuracy of shooting from Darcey M-B, and tireless defensive work from Isabella B. It was mightily close at half-time but despite some outstanding interceptions from Isabella R, Langley pulled ahead and won the day. Well done to all and Darcey M-B for player of the match.
In Football, our 1st XI went to the County Cup Quarter-Final with a depleted team due to injuries and without our normal goalkeeper, it was always going to be difficult. Mr Borrer is absolutely convinced that with a full team, we would have won and I am sure that he is right! Our Under 14’s lost to Finborough in a very physical game with 5 students playing up a year group. Some excellent Football was played, and we are developing quickly into a real force. Despite the weather, attention is beginning to turn towards the summer and as such, indoor cricket nets began this week. What a lovely thought! With significant amounts of interest across the boys and girls, we will look to broaden the opportunities available across this area as we move into the sunnier months of the year.
Our LEGO League team (Fraser C, Michael H, George W, Barnaby S and Jackson D) headed to GeTech in Ipswich this week to compete in this year’s LEGO League competition, joining schools from across the county for an inspiring day of creativity, engineering, and teamwork. This year’s theme, “Unearthed,” focused on archaeology and the ways modern technology helps us better understand the materials and artefacts we discover underground. Our team explored how new tools and techniques support archaeologists in analysing findings, as well as how technology can help locate resources deep within the Earth’s crust. On the robot game tables, our robot performed consistently throughout the day. We had an excellent first round, scoring 115 points against our opponents’ 65. Although we could not quite build on that score in the following rounds, achieving 115 again in both; we were proud of the reliability and teamwork that went into every mission. It wasn’t quite enough to secure a place in the finals this year, but the students represented the school brilliantly. The team’s presentation to the judges also went extremely well. Every student contributed confidently which is no mean achievement when you are being interviewed by four LEGO robot experts! It was a fantastic opportunity for them to showcase their ideas, communication skills, and problem-solving under pressure. A huge well done to the whole team for their hard work, resilience, and enthusiasm throughout the competition.
I hope that the weather improves and that everyone can have an enjoyable weekend.
Yours sincerely,
Matthew Oakman
Head