Cooperation

All for one and one for all. Motto from the Three Musketeers, by Alexandre Dumas

Independence

Character is a diamond that scratches every other stone. Cyrus A. Bartol

The Challenge goes beyond the expedition itself. Today they came to Aldwickbury not only to present the expedition, but also to promote science, discovery, the environment and a spirit of self achievement to the Year 6 – 8 boys.

They will be raising funds in support of three very worthy charitable causes in the local community: Keech Hospice, the Willow Foundation and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The boys, staff and parents thoroughly enjoyed the talk and the chance to ask those all important questions – “Do all your family and friends support you in your expedition?”, “How many calories do you need to eat?”

We wish Rob and Roly every success and look forward to following their progress on facebook during April. See the link for more details http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/ArcticChallenge2012

At our first gala of the year against Heath Mount, in a very close contest, we lost narrowly 156 to 164.  It was the first gala for our Year 3 boys who did very well and seemed to enjoy the experience!  Well done to our Year 6 boys who won all their races.  We entertain HABS on Tuesday 31 January starting at 4:30pm.  All spectators are very welcome.

Endeavour

There are no gains without pains.  Adlai Stevenson

Headmaster’s Challenge

Three men go into a restaurant and have a meal that costs £25.

Each man gives the waiter £10, making a total of £30.

The waiter returns with £5 he takes £2 for himself, as a tip, and gives each man £1 change.

This means that each man spent £9, therefore the three men spent £27 between them. As the waiter took £2 as a tip, that makes a total of £29.

Where is the missing pound?

As the Headmaster I have always been aware of the supportive nature of our parental body. The fact that parents are always keen to support their son’s activities and those of the School in the wider sense is a testament to that. There is no doubt that one of the reasons for the success that our boys experience is that their parents are so supportive of their sons and of the School ethos.

I am sure that the AFA will help to foster that sort of community spirit and help to ensure that Aldwickbury continues to flourish for many years to come. The recent Bazaar is a wonderful example of what we can achieve when the whole community comes together. It was, as always, a lovely occasion giving the boys and their families a sense of belonging, joining in with and organising the various stalls and games.

 We are looking forward to the first AFA AGM on Tuesday 28 February.

Some were amazed before the performance begun by the stunning interior of this theatre. Our Head of Latin should be pleased with their recognition of some of the figures portrayed.

It was thrilling to see the boys totally engrossed in the stunning performances. The tap dancing both surprised and delighted them.

The boys behaved so well and it was encouraging that other members of the audience commented on this as we left. A pleasant contrast to some of the looks we received as we walked 34 ten year old boys into the theatre!

Our Colts teams were involved in some 'training' matches on Wednesday against Lochinver House School. Many of our Year 5 and 6 boys had the opportunity to play, and the coaches of the three teams were very impressed with their high level of performance. Our Colts A team managed to gain a fine win, whilst our B's and C's went down narrowly. Well done to all of the boys who participated, and I am sure we can look forward to some good rugby from this group in the coming months.

Peter Jones

Director of Sport

Fairness

It requires less character to discover the faults of others

than is does to tolerate them. J. Petit Senn

The calm start to the term was interrupted on Wednesday with a burst pipe above the changing room ceiling.  The boys in Year 3 who were showering were getting wet, but so were the ones outside of the showers who were changing!  The response of the boys and the staff was tremendous, the boys reacted sensibly and adapted to the changes for the rest of the afternoon.  The staff worked hard to clear the changing rooms, organise the kit, mop up water and generally ensure that there was not too much inconvenience.  The Rugby matches, parents’ tea, lessons, prep and other activities all went ahead without a hitch.  Thank you to everyone who helped in whatever way that they could!

Other notable events so far this term have been rather more ordinary, but nonetheless worthy of mention. The older boys have been in full swing as we are in the midst of entry tests for senior schools. The Year 6 boys thoroughly enjoyed their trip to the National Ballet to see Strictly Gershwin and some of the Year 8 boys attended A Comedy of Errors, with Lenny Henry, an excellent production at the National Theatre.

Vernon Hales