13th May 2022
I spoke in Monday's assembly about the extraordinary achievements of Laura Collett, who is one of the world's top Eventing riders and an incredible role model. Laura suffered horrific injuries in a riding accident 9 years ago, in which she also lost her sight in one eye. Her determination to reach the top, despite the setbacks she had faced is truly remarkable and inspirational, with her going on to win an Olympic Gold Medal at Tokyo in the Team Evening. I was fortunate to watch Laura riding the cross-country course at the Badminton Horse Trials last Saturday, where she won the overall title with record score over what is the most challenging course in the world.
It has been rather strange without the Year 5 and Year 6 children in school for the majority of this week and certainly it has been a lot quieter in certain parts of the school. The Year 6 children have had a super week at Osmington Bay, undertaking all manner of adventurous challenges and stepping out of their comfort zones in doing so. I am writing the newsletter this week from the Bushcraft camp where the Year 5 children are having a fabulous time. As I write, they are learning all about camouflage and are currently covered in a mixture of mud, camouflage cream and foliage!
We were blessed with lovely weather again for our coffee morning this week and I hope that the Year 2 children enjoyed showing their parents their work in our first 'Show and Tell' afternoon today.
International Week
There is much excitement around the school as we prepare for International Week, which starts on Monday. I am most grateful to Madame Sheriff for all her hard work in putting together what I am sure will be a fascinating experience and to all the parents who have offered to be involved. The children will be learning first-hand about the Netherlands, South Korea, India, Italy, Columbia, Germany, France, Malaysia, China and all manner of other countries, languages and cultures.
Please also dig out and send in with your children any foreign currency you may no longer need, be it current and past, as it will be fascinating for the children to see and we will then be able to raise additional funds for Fund A Future Uganda and our Forest School by selling it afterwards. There will be collection buckets inside the front door and also by the Courtney's entrance each morning next week, and many thanks in advance for your generosity.
Parent Lunch Tuesday 17th May
There are still a couple of places available for the parent lunch at 12.40pm on Tuesday, if you wish to sample the food the children enjoy. If you would like to attend, please email the Office (office@ruperthouse.oxon.sch.uk)
Open Morning Wednesday 18th May
We are looking forward to welcoming current and prospective parents to the school on Wednesday morning. The Year 6 children will be the tour guides and I have every confidence that they will do a super job. If you would like to attend, please ensure that your register with Mrs Halfhead by 5.30pm on Monday afternoon.
The Great School Run Saturday 18th June
We hope that you and your children will be keen to come and take part in The Great School Run, which we are organising in conjunction with the Stonor family at Stonor Park on Saturday 18th June. There will be fun cross-country races for children aged 3-16 and also parent categories and everyone who takes part will receive a certificate. For more information, including how to register, please see the news story below.
Whatever your children have been doing, I am sure they will be tired this evening after a busy and enjoyable week. I hope you all have a relaxing weekend.
With best wishes,
Nick Armitage, Head