“We have more to learn from animals than animals have to learn from us”. (Anthony D Williams)
The final ISI report has arrived, and we could not be more delighted with the outcomes. You will find a copy of the report attached to the newsletter which highlights the excellent progress that Saint Felix has made over the last three years. The report will also be available on the website. Whilst it is highly important and significant that we have met the regulatory standards, it is more pleasing to read the comments that exemplify the great strengths of the school. It highlights the forward-looking and ambitious plans, the broad curriculum and enrichment opportunities, the positive relationships and shared community values that foster a deep sense of belonging, the effective and vigilant implementation of safeguarding measures, the global perspective that they receive via assemblies and other mechanisms, and the extent of student spiritual and cultural awareness. The inspection itself was rigorous but fair, and the report has captured much of the essence of Saint Felix and it is a pleasure to be able to highlight a few of the most pertinent comments:
“Leaders have put in place a broad and flexible curriculum that develops pupils’ intellectual, aesthetic, creative and physical skills”.
“Pupils display positive attitudes to learning”.
“Polite, courteous pupils behave well and treat others with consideration and respect”.
“Boarding leaders promote mutual respect and harmonious community living”.
“Early years teachers provide a stimulating environment that supports children’s development in reading, writing and numeracy”.
“Leaders provide well-planned opportunities for pupils to develop an understanding of social responsibility and the importance of service to others”.
As is always the case, there are some recommendations for areas of improvement, and this feedback is always invaluable as we search and strive for excellence in all that we do. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff at Saint Felix for their hard work and dedication that shines through this report. As well as your unstinting support that resonated clearly in fantastic survey results. The sense of community and family was very clear and evident for the inspectors and that is down to the people who make this such a special and unique institution.
There are many areas of school life within Saint Felix that do indeed make it unique, and this is a quality to be both cherished and harnessed. It was certainly evident this week with the arrival of Sophia and her two baby lambs on Monday to a newly constructed sheep pen behind Clough. I am not sure if the teachers or students were more excited, but it has been lovely to see the thought and care that the children have displayed when looking after these animals during the course of the week. They were also given the two tasks of naming the two lambs; the one stipulation was that they had to start with the letter V! After much deliberation and a multitude of ideas, they have settled on Vick and Vinnie! Animals can play a crucial role in schools by providing emotional support, fostering empathy and compassion, and improving social skills, and Mrs Meldrum followed up on this theme in Chapel with the Story of the Lost Sheep followed up by the congregation singing the beautiful hymn, The Lord’s My Shepherd. This week truly has provided an excellent chance to enrich and extend beyond the pure classroom learning experience, and whilst our three wonderful visitors will be leaving us today to return to their home, we are already looking at other ways whereby we can ensure that the rural nature of our school can be celebrated as we begin the development of the Clough Play area.
This is an area that is rich in the Arts, and a facet of school life that is so important to us here at Saint Felix. Next week sees the Senior and Prep Spring Musical Showcases, where our students display their broad talents that they have been cultivating and developing in an array of performances. Please do come and support them if you can. With the outdoor production of a Midsummer Night’s Dream and the Prep performance of Wind in the Willows, there is much to look forward to next term; on the musical front, our students will also be performing at the annual Southwold Arts Festival at 2 p.m. on Friday 1st May. Our very own wonderful local Governor, Lin Le Versha, is the doyen of this annual celebration of the arts and, as always, we look forward to playing a part in the proceedings. I have a number of Festival programmes that I will leave in Reception if anyone would like to pick one up.
As we forge ahead with our Golf partnership with Southwold G.C., you may have spotted some flags and tees have emerged on Ruth’s Field. Whilst we are considering how to fully utilise the land that we are blessed with, this felt like a wonderful opportunity to further develop our emerging talent in this area by giving them a specified area where they can practice. With today marking the official first day of Spring, it feels apt to fully embrace the summer sports and to see students in the Cricket nets yesterday was the first real sign that Summer cannot be the far away!
And so next week will bring the Lent Term to a close, with House Scramble providing the finale. Another unique event that encapsulates all that is Saint Felix. With runners from Reception through to Year 13 all competing for their houses in a relay, it really is an occasion not to be missed, and what a wonderful way to bow out from what has been the busiest of terms. Refreshments in addition to a uniform sale will be available as provided by the PTA, and please do find attached the very latest version of their Parent Post, keeping you updated with upcoming developments. As you can see, they are helping us to drive forward the changes to the Clough Play area for which we are very grateful.
Wishing everyone a lovely weekend now that Spring has finally arrived!
Yours sincerely,
Matthew Oakman
Head