Headmaster’s Roundup 9 November 2017

On Friday evening over 400 people enjoyed what was described as “the best FOSMA Fireworks yet!” The weather was kind to us as well and this was a wonderful community event. Many thanks go to the FOSMA team for organising such an enjoyable evening.
This week I have some sad news to share with you. Mrs Erratt, who has been Bursar at Reigate St Mary’s for the last 10 years is stopping work at the end of term to spend more time with her husband who will be taking early retirement. She has been a wonderful colleague and a key player in the success of the school. We are currently seeking her successor but I am sure you will all join me in wishing her well for this new stage of life.
At Christmas we also say goodbye to Mrs Harnan who has served in the school office with huge commitment and the warmest smile for the last 22 years. She will also be a great loss but we wish her a very enjoyable retirement.
On Tuesday morning we held a Promotions service during Matins and congratulations go to Joseph S and Jack L who were admitted as probations and Pietro V, Ryan P and Billy R who were admitted as full choristers.
This week Year 4 had an interesting talk all about India. We were also grateful to Sophia S for sharing with us in our Achievement Assembly all about her gymnastics and the hours of training that go into reaching the high standards that she has achieved.  We are always looking for children who have worked hard in various different disciplines to share their stories in our Achievement Assemblies so do encourage your child to speak to their Form Teacher if they would like to make a presentation to their phase group.
Last week we had a very helpful Upper School Form Reps meeting and I am grateful for everything fed back via the Form Reps. One matter was to do with children from Years 3 and above being cold on the playground first thing in the morning . Unfortunately we are not able to accommodate the children indoors but do please make sure that girls are wearing warm tights and that children bring in coats and gloves which are named and, of course, the right colours (dark blue or black), and they will be fine.  If it is exceptionally cold then the children can bring their school shoes in a bag and wear warm boots etc. on the playground,  but again please do make sure these are named.
You may be aware that Mrs Rushby our English Coordinator has signed the school up for Word Mania, a fun interactive way to develop spelling, comprehensions, punctuation and grammar skills. I am pleased to be able to report that Year 5 are 21st nationally, and Year 6 are 18th nationally – as I write. For the next two weeks we have full access to the Literacy Planet resources, with an app on all school iPads and it is downloadable for free at home.  We encourage the children to use this until it ends on Friday 24th November.
And finally many congratulations to our senior school, Reigate Grammar on being shortlisted for the prestigious TES School of the Year award. The school is one of only eight selected from more than 2500 independent schools, and is the only co-educational school in Surrey. A wonderful achievement!
Marcus Culverwell