“I am constantly amazed by man’s inhumanity to man” – Primo Levi)
In assembly on Monday, Ms Hardcastle poignantly took us all through the significance and importance of Holocaust Memorial Day. It is a time to remember a world scarred by prejudice and systematic, targeted persecution. The Holocaust is central to the day where we remember the six million Jews and the millions more people murdered through the Nazi persecution of other groups, but it is also a time to reflect on other instances of horrific genocide that have taken place in more recent history. With students and staff who had connections to these acts of inhumanity lighting candles in memory of those that lost their lives, it was a powerful moment of reflection and silence for all. The words of Primo Levi say so much; he was an Auschwitz survivor, poet, novelist, chemist, and author whose reflections still resonate beyond his own lifetime. I am deeply proud that at a time of such persecution, Saint Felix School provided a temporary home for Jews escaping the atrocities of Nazi rule; the values of today run deep into the history of this institution.
On a completely different note, we are all looking forward to the performances of ‘Footloose’ in the week before half-term; tickets are already selling fast and well beyond the level seen at this stage last year. With a cast almost double the size of last year, it really is wond erful to see so many students involved across different year groups. With less than two weeks to go until opening night, there is a new energy and excitement amongst the students as the technical elements such as costume, props, set, lighting, and sound start to come together. We fully expect it to be a memorable evening of entertainment; please do book your tickets to avoid disappointment! Book Now.
Last week I talked about the growth in student leadership and this has been so evident in the work that Charles S and Harley C have done as our two representatives in the East Suffolk Youth Council, Charles S was elected to lead the Youth Council and the first motion that they have presented to the full Council has been passed and will now be enacted. As far as I am aware, this is the first time ever that a Youth Council has been able to have such an impact on decisions, policies, and the eventual implementation of a new programme (in this case to ensure broader local opportunities for the young in the local communities). These are the kind of opportunities that I hope others will look to take advantage of as well.
It is important for the school to develop student voice but it every bit as vital that we hear the views of our parents. The PTA provides a strong forum for this and the work that they do has an enormously positive impact on the school but in order to ensure completeness amongst the parental voice, please find the link to the parental survey that we would like you to complete by the 23rd February. In this survey, we would like you to put forward considered views on the pastoral side of school, the shape of the school day and week, and the co-curricular offering. It would be wonderful to see full engagement in this opportunity to enable us to hear all collected opinion before looking at any potential adaptations or changes. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DWKMZKJ
It is a delight to see Badminton continue to flourish and thrive at Saint Felix, and the Suffolk County Finals showcased the remarkable talent, dedication, and hard work of our school teams. This year, all four of our age group teams made the top six teams from schools across Suffolk to gain a place in the finals. Congratulations to everyone who worked tirelessly to reach this stage and those who took part in the progression to the finals by winning the area cup. On the 17th January, our U16 Boys and Girls teams competed in the finals. The Boys gave it their all and secured a commendable 4th place finish whilst the Girls displayed exceptional skill and determination to claim 3rd place. Later in the month, it was the turn of the U14 Boys and Girls teams to shine. The Boys played some incredible matches and earned an impressive 3rd place, but the Girls triumphed with a spectacular performance, finishing in 1st place! This victory means the U14 Girls will now go on to represent Suffolk in the Regional Finals on 3rd March, where we wish them all the very best. A special mention must also go to two of our Under 16 players, Lilly R-W and Lucia F-K who have been scouted for the Suffolk Squad; well done to them.
I hope that everyone has an enjoyable weekend.
Yours sincerely,
Matthew Oakman
Head
