Dear parents,

Welcome and welcome back.  The first week always seems very long (the brain perceives time differently when things are new – in neuroscience this is sometimes called the Oddball Effect).  Long but very good.  It was such a pleasure not just to see students, parents and teachers in school again but also to hear what they were saying.  I believe ‘happy’ was the word I heard most.  I think back to my schooldays.  That was never the word I would have used!

I received an email from Wellington back home this week, about our IGCSE results.  Allow me to quote a short passage: ‘we are flying. You are clearly delivering on the promise of a British Education overseas – the students are achieving more than most senior independent schools here!’  I know I keep talking about this.  But I don’t want you to forget the strength of the academics here! 

Thank you for your good sense this week (and next!) re traffic and parking.  We can all see why the Krungthep Kreetha Road needs to be widened, and looking forward to completion of those works.  For now: the first two weeks of the school year are always the trickiest, and it’s gone pretty well, in general (with a little patience, as Axl used to sing).  We continue to track and investigate our traffic flow and will improve wherever and whenever we can. 

Let’s enjoy the weekend; see you on Monday!

With best wishes

Chris 

Dear Junior School Parents.

What a super first week back in school it has been – an energetic yet calm and joyful start as our children reconnect with their friends and teachers.  

With our larger group parent sessions during Orientation Day, small group stay-and-play sessions in Years 1 and 2, and 1:1 parent meetings in Early Years, we’ve already begun building the most important foundation of our school: strong, positive relationships with one another. These connections will underpin all that we hope to achieve together this year.

As part of their return, our children have been busy settling back into school routines and revisiting what it means to be Ready, Respectful and Safe in school. These community guidelines are at the heart of everything we do, and it’s been fantastic to see them in action across all areas of the Junior School.

Walking around the school, talking with our children, and seeing learning in action is always a highlight of my day. This week, I’ve heard from so many children how thrilled they are to be back with their friends and teachers. There’s been a real buzz around the exciting developments in our learning spaces, especially the beautiful design of our new Crowthorne Building and the Year 5 and 6 playgrounds. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm - we absolutely agree that our school is incredible! 

Your children will likely be feeling tired this weekend - school is a busy place! I hope you all enjoy some well-earned rest, ready for all that next week will bring.

Kindest regards

Hannah 

It was an absolute pleasure to see so many families join us for Parent Orientation Day on Tuesday. The energy and enthusiasm in the buildings was lovely to see, and I hope the sessions provided useful insights into the year ahead. The smiles and conversations throughout the day were a clear sign of how pleased everyone was to be back.   

Welcome Day was a fantastic opportunity for students to gather everything they need to feel confident and prepared for the busy academic year ahead. From timetables to tutor introductions, the day was filled with purposeful activity.

We also had the joy of celebrating our IGCSE students, now in Year 12, alongside their families and teachers. Their exceptional achievements were rightly recognised, and it was a proud moment for our community to come together and applaud their hard work and success.   

In my assembly this week, I was clear about expectations regarding uniform and punctuality. I must say, I have been incredibly impressed to see our students following this guidance. This year, I’ll be at the front door of the Skylight building each morning to welcome students. Not only does this allow me to see every student daily, but I hope it’s also helpful for parents to know that this is a time when you can catch me if needed. That said, as many of you know, I’m always happy to meet at another time if preferred.   

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend with your children - most of whom, I suspect, will be quite tired! 

Jane