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2
January 2017
It is hard to believe that I am reaching the
end of my first term here at Abingdon.
The time has simply flown by and I am
very grateful to everyone who has made
me and my family feel so welcome at this
great school.
It has been fascinating to sample what
goes on here and to begin to understand
the people and structures that make up
our organisation. I’ve hugely enjoyed the
opportunity to dip into many events this
term. I have been struck by the sheer
diversity of what is on offer and by the
enjoyment that our pupils derive from the
activities that make up the Other Half,
as well as the excellent standards that
many of them achieve.
My personal highlights this term have
been events which have brought the
whole school together. There was
great anticipation leading up to House
Singing, and some trepidation too to be
completely honest, but it was fantastic to see every single pupil contributing enthusiastically
to his House, imaginative arrangements of familiar songs and energetic and charismatic
leadership from the various conductors.
Another particular highlight earlier in the term was the Charathon. The whole school
embraced this challenge and it was a great way to spend the day, talking to pupils and
staff as we enjoyed the beautiful landscape, in the process raising money for three excellent
causes. There was a real spirit of bonhomie and camaraderie as we walked along the
Thames, which underlined to me the strong sense of community that underpins life at
Abingdon.
All in all, it’s been a really exciting few months, and I look forward to many more highlights
to come.
Michael Windsor
Headmaster
From the Headmaster
Mr Craig Williams has been appointed
Headmaster of Abingdon Prep from
September 2017 when Crispin
Hyde-Dunn moves on to the headship
of The Dragon School, Oxford. Since
2013 Craig has been the Senior
Deputy Head at Thorngrove School.
Craig is an accomplished sportsman,
who represented Oxford University
at 2nd XI level at both cricket and
football, and he continues to enjoy
playing cricket. Other interests
include golf, historical novels and
Manchester United.
Speaking about the appointment,
Mike Windsor, said, ‘We attracted
a very strong field of applicants
for this post, and in Craig we have
found a candidate who has a superb
understanding of prep school
education and who will lead our Prep
School with skill and verve.’
New Headmaster
for Abingdon Prep
Abingdon
News
A warm welcome
in Hong Kong
The School hosted its annual
reception at the Excelsior Hotel in
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, for
current, previous and prospective
parents as well as alumni and
other friends of the School. The
Headmaster flew out for a very brief
visit to interview boys and to address
the evening reception. He gave some
insights into his first impressions of
Abingdon before leaping back onto
a plane to return to School in time to
open the new Multi Use Sports Area.
A whistle-stop tour indeed!