(The full version of St. Mary's Messenger can be found in the password-protected area of the website)

Dear Parents, Children and Friends,

This has been a very pleasant first full week back at school, unless, of course, you are one of those 11+ candidates who have been working like Trojans and have the exams starting on Monday. To them I say that there is more in you than you will ever realise, you have depths that you may not have realised. No-one can ask more than that you try your honest best; Mr Daly has given you good, solid advice so follow it as far as you can and buena suerte a todos – good luck to you all.

The start of year is always marked by lots of new appointments, so it is time to congratulate those boys and girls who have been chosen for office. First, we had the class elections for the School Council; these are important posts as the representatives are the official voices for their class who have a direct line input to how the school functions. (Not that that stops the ordinary voter buttonholing the Headmaster in the street and putting their point of view across…)

Next we had the appointment of the Captains of Rugby, Hockey and Athletics/Cross-country. These appointments rightly hold a deal of respect amongst the school community. Captains are not appointed because they are the best player, they are appointed because they have the leadership skills to bring the best out of their team and to be a great representative for our school. I wish them every success on their fields of competition, modesty in victory and grace in defeat—no pun intended!

Finally, came the elections for House Captains. What a responsibility comes with these appointments! To lead, encourage, motivate and sometimes console a whole House is a big job. I am certain that our Houses have chosen well and wisely this year. Hearty congratulations to all. The House shield is the top team award bar none at St. Mary’s because every single member of each House is out there every day batting for their House by earning House Points or Headmaster’s awards. Good luck in keeping your House on their toes! I wonder if next July I shall be handing over the prize to York again or will it be someone else’s turn to claim the glory…

Talking of glory, I must mention the two children who have been selected to go to the LSST Masterclass, which is a very impressive achievement given the sheer amount of competition that there is locally. Well done, Ben and William, make the most of this opportunity.

The website continues to expand and this time next week we should be ready to let you in to the parents’ area where you can see what your child’s class has been doing or what it should be doing in the not-so-distant future. It has been great fun watching Mrs SS putting it together, so I hope that you enjoy it.

Next Friday we have a visit of the author Robert Mash who has written two books for children about dinosaurs. Children of all ages absolutely adore dinosaurs, so in the course of the day he will be involved with all parts of the school from Foundation upwards in a fascinating, dino-dominated day, so if children want to bring their favourite dinosaur to school, feel free. Unless of course there is someone who wants to say that their real crocodile is a living dinosaur…

And of course next Tuesday is the national day of Chile, El Dieciocho, so don’t be surprised if there is a hint of a South American flavour that day. You have been warned!

Andy Salmond Smith