Message From The Headmaster
It is hard to believe that we have reached the end of the third week of this term already. I am still discovering new things every day, with Knitting Club and Archery in the Refectory being my highlights of this week. In addition, I also received an invite to the Outdoor Cooking Club, attended the House University Challenge competition, witnessed towers being built in Art Club, supported our Netball and Football teams, saw various subject clinics being offered, met prospective pupils and parents at our Choral Fun Day and Sixth Form Taster Day, and attended a wonderful “Peeps at Princethorpe” evening where I went up to Mount Zion and down into the cellars. I am really getting to know Princethorpe inside and out, and it is excellent.
Mock examinations are now completed, and special mention must go to our pupils who coped with them very well. It was good to welcome Upper Sixth parents and pupils back into school for their Progress Evening. Meeting parents and hearing what our senior pupils are planning for next year was exciting. Their focus is very much on the end of year exams and preparing to give the best account of themselves. However, when we are very busy or focused on an end goal, I do think we sometimes forget about the daily journey. Looking at Princethorpe with new eyes, I cannot help but be amazed at the variety of opportunities on offer. “Living for Friday” should never be the mantra for our pupils. I have challenged some of our Sixth Formers to have something daily to look forward to – this should be the case for every pupil at Princethorpe. Make the most of every day, as too soon you will be where our Upper Sixth students are. I have no doubt that they have made the most of their time at Princethorpe which is an example we should all follow.
I would like to draw Year 11 parents and pupils’ attention to the reminder in the News Section about the Internal Sixth Form Scholarship Process, the deadline for which is next Monday 23 January.
With the current weather, we request pupils and parents be careful around site, and also to keep a close eye on sport fixtures. Frozen pitches may lead to changes which we will communicate as soon as possible.
I would like to finish with a quote that was passed to me by one of my colleagues which I really found inspirational.
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled” (Plutarch, 45-125 AD)
May we continue to encourage our pupils to be passionate and excited about their education at Princethorpe and the opportunities that brings.
With best wishes for the weekend.
Grove du Toit
Headmaster
