Loading

Headmaster's Newsletter Friday 23rd MArch 2018

Dear Parents,

Today’s Words & Music in College had a special poignancy as the whole school shared their talents in poetry and song with us and, in the concluding number, raised the roof with their ‘Thank You, Mr Poyser’ (deftly arranged from Abba by Miss Llewellyn-Jones). It was a fitting celebration of the remarkable talents which abound across the whole school community and contribute so much to the happy energy which I trust makes this a special place for us all. There has not only been continued progress in the classroom, demonstrated in some very pleasing Orders this term, but also spectacular successes on the hockey field, in judo and in chess; an informative and fun-packed Science Week, International Day and World Book Day; a hugely accomplished French play, together with the poetry competition and regular music-making which fed into today’s performances. All this is enabled by the dedication and commitment of my colleagues and the eager enthusiasm of your sons.

But it would wrong today not to salute in particular the outstanding contribution of Mr Poyser and Mr Woodward who have given a combined service to the school of 30 years, contributing unstintingly in their different spheres to the wellbeing and enjoyment of your sons. We shall miss them both very much and wish them every happiness for the future: Mr Poyser as he moves on to D’Overbroeck’s and Mr Woodward to well-earned retirement. My heartfelt thanks to them both for all they have done for NCS.

The Year 5 & 6 French Play, Le Petit Nicolas

As the holidays are upon us, I share with you two reflections from respected educationalists who have been in the press this week. First, a Head writing about the importance of children contributing meaningfully to discussions about their intellectual and social learning in the widest sense; and second, another Head writing about the how children equally learn through thoughtfully-imposed parental boundaries: “Boundaries… may provoke annoyance but also give security. Children can kick against those boundaries, but in so doing learn and learn again how to negotiate if they want changes.” Both of these, of course, are part of similar processes. Helpful pointers, maybe, to those inevitable family negotiations and discussion over the coming couple of weeks!

Year 5 Science; Sports awards in final assembly; Skype call with the workers of Visible Ethical Clothing business (supplying costumes for Year 7 & 8's Michaelmas production of Julius Caesar)

Please find attached with this Parentmail a copy of the latest eco-newsletter which I hope will be read with interest. The Eco-Committee, under the guidance of Mrs Brown, do a great job in their practical actions around the School and in raising awareness of how we can all contribute to respecting and conserving the planet’s resources.

Holiday Diaries. As always, holiday diaries/ newspapers/scrapbooks (how about a video diary?) are always welcomed from all ages in the School. I look forward to hearing of many holiday exploits next term.

Boys in Year 8 are reminded that their Easter revision guide will be available on the VLE, in case they claim to have forgotten…

Poetry Recitals

Words and Music

I trust parents will have safely received Orders (Years 3-8), and a letter from the Warden of New College with details of next year’s school fees. If your son has been absent, these will be posted. Please let Mrs McCusker know if you have not received them.

Calendar & Fixture List. I attach with this mailing next term’s calendar and sports fixtures, for your reference. These are also posted on our website. Please, in particular, note the following date early next term: Wednesday 25th April, Sports Hall 6.00 – 8.00pm. Parents’ Evening for parents of choristers and boys who learn musical instruments to meet the Organist/Assistant Organist and Visiting Instrumental Teachers to discuss your son’s progress. Miss Llewellyn-Jones will be in touch early next term to fix appointment times.

Louise and I wish all NCS families a very happy and restful Easter holiday. Thank you for all your support this term which has, as always, enabled so many good things to happen here.

Robert Gullifer

Forthcoming Events

Sunday, 25 March 2018

19.00 NCS Choral Society and Chamber Choir Concert, New College Chapel

Monday, 16 April 2018

Staff INSET

Tuesday, 17 April 2018

Staff INSET

14.00 Pre-season cricket practice, Field

Wednesday, 18 April 2018

Start of School Term

10.00 School Service, New College Chapel. Speaker: The Headmaster. Coffee afterwards in the Undercroft for parents and visitors

17.00 Yr 8/8S Leadership Evening

Thursday, 19 April 2018

14.25 Years 7 and 8 masterclass on The Go-Between with Adrian Hodges

Friday, 20 April 2018

18.15 First Evensong

Sunday, 22 April 2018

Start of University Term

Eton Academic Scholarship begins

Monday, 23 April 2018

Winchester Election begins

U12 IAPS Regional Hockey Finals

Tuesday, 24 April 2018

8.50 Yr 5 synagogue visit

13.00 U7-11 Cross Country vs Sibford, away

Wednesday, 25 April 2018

10.00 School Service, New College Chapel. Speaker: The Revd Susan Bridge, Assistant Chaplain. Coffee afterwards in the Undercroft for parents and visitors

18.00 Parents’ Evening with Visiting Music Teachers and Organist/Assistant Organist, Sports Hall

12.00 School Council meeting

12.30 Year 3 Workshop at Natural History Museum

Thursday, 26 April 2018

Junior Maths Challenge, PM (Year 7 and 8)

Friday, 27 April 2018

13.45 Yr 7 PSHCEE: How to revise for exams, led by the Headmaster

Sunday, 29 April

10.00 Hockey vs Old Boys, Iffley Road Astro

Created By
NCS News
Appreciate

Report Abuse

If you feel that this video content violates the Adobe Terms of Use, you may report this content by filling out this quick form.

To report a Copyright Violation, please follow Section 17 in the Terms of Use.