Courage was the theme of this week’s assembly. To be creative – our current learning strength – you often need courage; courage to present your ideas and your creations even though others may not appreciate them or think they would work. Courage is also an important quality in other areas of life such as standing up for what is right or owning up to mistakes. I explained to the boys that the word ‘courage’ derives from the Latin, ‘cor’ meaning heart and that it can take courage to follow our ‘heart’, to do what we feel or know is right. I left the boys to reflect on this quote - "Courage doesn’t mean we never feel scared—it means we face our fears and try anyway.” 

This week saw an author visit for Years 3, 4 and 5 from Ben Lyttleton who inspired the boys about football (as well as a children’s writer, Ben is a sports/football journalist) but also about the power of stories. Year 6 spent Wednesday afternoon in the senior school as part of their preparation for Year 7. Yesterday evening, we were treated to the Summer Concert, a wonderful evening of entertainment from the orchestra, choirs, ensembles. Well done to all the performers. It was also a memorable evening for Miss Sharp as this was her last Junior School Concert after 13 years in role. The week ended with Ignis House Charity Day. Raising money for Cancer Research, the boys put on a fantastic ‘Market for Cure’. Including donations for wearing blue, pink or spots, and a huge penny line around the ground floor of the Junior School, the boys showed great support for such a worthwhile charity. Thank you to all the parents for your donations. 

​​​​​​​Next week continues to be jam-packed with Sports Days, cricket fixtures, Open Homework (on the theme of 'Belonging'), the PAWS Grab and Go and the Junior and Senior School Open Evening. Please note the items in the newsletter regarding the hot weather next week, Sports Day and changes to uniform on Monday and Tuesday. 

With best wishes, 

John Bond