From the Headmaster’s Desk – 06 JULY 2018

The reviews are in: the Upper School Production was an absolute smash.

The show was extremely popular, with a full house on Thursday night, and had an amazing energy about it. The volume of singing and clarity of diction complimented some wonderful acting, which ranged from laugh-out-loud comedy to poignant and touching moments.

With the future on their minds, several girls in the Upper School have told me that “when I grow up, I want to be an actress,” with others telling me of their commitment to marine biology, genetics, Formula 1 engineering and medicine to name a few. The message of the Production clearly made a real impact: as Year 6 will learn as they continue to make choices in their Secondary School, one should make your own kind of music, and tread the path that is right for you. Not all of our pupils will want to be on stage or screen; the range of different talent at Lyonsdown is impressive, and to have the bravery to tell everyone “this is me” is wonderful to see.

Towards the end of the week, Lyonsdown’s mind was drawn to the future once more, as our new Nursery Pre-Reception and Reception children visited the school with their parents, in preparation for September. I am already looking forward to seeing performances in all three terms next year, and wonder what our youngest new joiners will put on for their final Upper School Production when they are in Year 6 in July 2026.

But 2026 is another whole two World Cups away. Before that, we have England’s 2018 quarter-final on Saturday to enjoy (insert quotation marks as appropriate) and the final week of term to look forward to. This includes the discotheque on Monday (I can categorically confirm that the DJ is not a teacher) and the Year 2-6 End of Year Celebration on Wednesday, which I hope Year 2-6 parents will be able to join us for.

All the best for what promises to be a glorious weekend.

C. Hammond