Saint Felix Takes on Les Deux Alpes!
It has been wonderful to welcome the students back to school this week after the Easter break for the Summer Term; the sun has been shining, the cherry blossom looks resplendent and there has been a real sense of academic urgency as public examinations loom large. In Assembly on Monday, we spoke about the importance of resilience (one of our Learner Profile attributes) as it is particularly pertinent at this time of the year with GCSE and A level exams demanding not only knowledge and understanding but also the ability to cope with the gruelling nature of the process itself. It is not a skill that can be taught as such but you can create the right environment where students can develop their ability to cope with the vicissitudes and vagaries of life; that is our stated aim and it is where coaching and mentoring play a pivotal role, enabling a safe space where everyone can learn from their mistakes, understand that you cannot always win or succeed, and ultimately become stronger for it.
Taking on a new challenge is in fact one of the very best ways to develop and harness resilience and many of our 30 pupils and 4 staff who went on the recent skiing trip to Les Deux Alpes did exactly that having never undertaken the sport before. It was a trip full of excitement as well as challenge, providing a multitude of learning opportunities both on and off the slopes. The students were outstanding throughout; they were enthusiastic, supportive of one another and truly wonderful ambassadors for the school. They were always positive in their approach and fully embraced the experience, making it a pleasure for all of the staff involved in the trip. A special thank you must go to Miss Wong for leading the trip and to Miss Rushmere, Mr Fletcher, and Mr Johnson for their invaluable support and great humour. I am delighted that all of the children returned inspired, with new skills, confidence, and memories that will stay with them for years to come.
With the Parliament Visit in June filling up rapidly and limited spaces still available for the Washington and New York Trip in 2027, these opportunities are a fantastic way for our students to further enhance their broader skills and understanding of the world around them.
The Lent Term certainly finished on a high with Kay winning the infamous and legendary House Scramble for the 4th year in a row; quite the achievement! It was one of the closest renewals for many years with the lead changing hands multiple times and Rowell looking favourites to take the crown at various points. In the end though, Kay won the day once again in what is a marvellous way to bring the term to a close. Many thanks to Mr Grigg, Mr Borrer, and many others for organising the event as well as the PTA for their sterling support as ever.
On Tuesday 5th May, The Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research UK will take place for all year groups. As this falls during study leave, Year 11 and Year 13 students are welcome to attend if they wish. All other students will be participating, and everyone should be wearing something pink to help raise funds for this most important of charities. It should be an excellent whole school event!
In other local news, the main organiser of the Beccles Carnival is on the lookout for children aged 8–14 and women aged 17–45 to become their Beccles Ambassadors for 2026. They have said: “Why enter, you may ask. Taking part is a fantastic confidence‑builder, helps keep young people engaged in positive activities, looks great on their CVs, and gives each participant the chance to raise money for a Beccles‑based charity or organisation of their choice. It’s also a brilliant way to meet new people and, above all, it’s a lot of fun”. Please see their attached posters.
And a heartfelt message from a Saint Felix grandparent who lost his 8-year-old granddaughter to a brain tumour and has tirelessly raised money for The Brain Tumour Charity. He is staging a fun family event on Sunday 16th August, where people will be able to don fancy dress of their choice, and parade from the Pier to the common where they will gather for a mass picnic. Please do support this event if you feel able to do so by emailing John Huggins to register your interest.
Finally, please see attached the invite for Parents’ Day, the culmination of the school year and an opportunity to come together to celebrate the achievements of the students. It is a special and emotional day as we also saying farewell to our leaving students and staff.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Yours sincerely,
Matthew Oakman
Head