The Flagpole

With Easter a distant memory, having two Bank Holiday weekends in a row provides a welcome opportunity to rest and recharge. Both internal and external examinations are around the corner which adds even more value to a possible Monday morning lie in. The coronation taking place tomorrow is obviously the reason for this extra holiday, and it is impossible not to be interested, intrigued, or just aware of the possible “once in a lifetime” event playing out in London. During the week our Archivist, Mrs Lewis, sent me an article from our old school magazine, Peeps at Princethorpe, dated 1953. It was written by a pupil called Alyson Starkey and had the title: An afterthought on the Coronation. This obviously referred to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, seventy years ago. It was a fascinating read, seeing how a teenager, not long after World War Two, viewed the event. She spoke about the mix of the crowd and how no other event could gather such a congregation in peace. There was also reference to the Queen trumping any Hollywood celebrity in their attempts at grabbing the limelight – did she know something about social media that we didn’t?

However, what struck me most was her articulate construction of a good, thought-provoking essay that still has relevance today. The foundations of the excellent teaching that happens in classrooms at Princethorpe was present in 1953. Alyson’s essay could be replicated by any of our current pupils, and it would not look out of sorts. In my assembly this morning I further told the College that I wrote to Alyson as she now lives in London, and she will be sitting with her scrapbook from 1954, comparing notes on the same event she lived through many years ago. My challenge to the pupils was based on the wise words of one of my teachers: “Let life go through you”. No matter your thoughts on the monarchy, this is a “life moment” and we need to take note, be aware, discuss, have an opinion, respect other opinions – let life go through us. Pupils need to look up from the square six inches in front of them and, like Alyson, reflect. Especially on days like tomorrow.

Online Absence Form

We will shortly begin to phase out the use of our absence phone line. Instead, we ask parents to report any absence using the online form that is available on the landing page of My School Portal. This new process will streamline and improve absence reporting and I ask that parents familiarise themselves with the form when next on the Portal. This will be for all types of absence. If you need to discuss your child’s absence, please contact their tutor as normal.

External Exams

Our Year 11 pupils and Upper Sixth students embark on their final exams in less than two weeks. In my assembly at the end of last term, I wished them luck and assured them all of our support. We are genuinely cheering them on through every minute of every exam. They have received their final briefings from Mr Spencer, and I ask that you remind them of the importance of adhering to all examination regulations. A small error of judgement can lead to severe consequences over which we have no control – they are externally managed, and we are held to the highest standards, as it should be. Both year groups will have their last days where we hope to say goodbye with some good humoured and well-behaved fun. Again, all pupils have been briefed and a reminder about the importance of finishing on a positive note would be appreciated.

The Trinity Term is always quick, but we have been busy during the past three weeks. Duke of Edinburgh's expeditions, hosting hockey teams from the Netherlands, abseiling down the Tower, having more than 20 athletes qualify for ISA National finals, preparing for our two-day Equestrian event, hosting various dinners and admission events, and working through normal day to day Princethorpe life. Please encourage your children to make the most of the opportunities on offer – especially during this term. Very often we focus on the end and begin to wind down. However, with sunshine threatening to be more regular, and a change in season, I hope to see our Princethorpe community get stuck in and involved right up to the end.

I hope your Bank Holiday weekend is restful and thank you for your continued support.       

With best wishes for the weekend.

Grove du Toit
Headmaster