The Flagpole

It is hard to believe I am writing to you at the end of my first term already. Reflecting on the past eleven weeks, they have been punctuated with excitement, discovery, and many highlights. At a recent staff meeting, I said to my colleagues that Princethorpe is a very good school - I appreciate this may sound biased. However, every day of this term has confirmed this, and as we reach the end of the Lent Term it is important to pause and acknowledge the good in our community. This does not mean that we will get it right all the time, but Princethorpe is in a good place, and I am excited about what lies ahead.

I want to start by addressing our Year 11 and Upper Sixth and wishing them all the best as they enter the home straight in preparing for their examinations. We all hope that the effort and time you have committed to your studies will lead to the rewards you deserve. There are exciting things to look forward to in your final term, but for now, make sure to get your heads down and use your time wisely. All of the Princethorpe community will be cheering you on.

Today we had a change of the guard with the inauguration of our new Prefect Body. As a school, we want to thank Freya and Pratheesh, our outgoing Heads of School, who along with their whole team have led us during the past year. They have been a credit to themselves and the school, and we will remember their good humour, hard work, and genuine care. To our new Prefect Body, led by Izzy and Natalya, we wish you the very best as you start your term of office. We are excited about the year ahead and look forward to your ideas and vision taking shape – we are in very good hands. We have also confirmed our Subject Ambassadors for next year. Teaching and learning is at the centre of Princethorpe. Our Subject Ambassadors play such a key role in highlighting this important part of the College. Seeing the enthusiasm our pupils have for their different subjects and areas is a notable example of the diverse interest and passions within our community. With 45 Ambassadors across 29 areas, they add a unique and important leadership aspect to the Princethorpe student body.

We are also saying goodbye to a member of staff today. Ms Eleanor Cullen joined us in January 2022 as an English teacher, she has contributed so much to our pupils both in and outside of the classroom. Ms Cullen is off to Shiplake College, and we wish her well with her future endeavours.

The biggest news of this term will be announced today with the winners of the House Cup collecting their trophy in assembly. This is a lengthy process, built upon many different competitions and activities during the year. A big thank you to Mrs Newborough, our House Activities Co-ordinator, the House Leaders, the outgoing House Captains, and the rest of the House Teams. Our House system is the heartbeat of Princethorpe and therefore, it is good to give it the recognition it deserves.

Exactly a year ago, Mr Hester wrote about vaping in his Flagpole letter to you as parents. Unfortunately, we did have some incidents of vaping in school during the past half-term. I am therefore, issuing the same reminders as before - vaping can be a dangerous, addictive activity and it is not legal for anyone under the age of 18 to vape. We have a zero-tolerance policy in school and a pupil will be sanctioned if they are found vaping or in the possession of any vape related materials. Can I please encourage you to inform yourself on the dangers of vaping and have an open conversation with your child. Being pro-active is the best way to address this topic and we would appreciate your support.

Finally, I would like to wish you all a blessed Easter. It is a time that celebrates the ultimate self-sacrifice, focussing on others. It is also a time of hope and looking forward to new things. May these themes both feature in your holiday. Where possible, forget about Princethorpe and make sure you take a well-deserved break.

With my very best wishes

Grove du Toit
Headmaster