18 Jun 2021

WEEKLY MAILING

This week’s mailing is:

Letters:

Notices:

From the Headmaster to all parents:

Dear Parents

I am sure you have absorbed the news that the Prime Minister announced on Monday that the date for the relaxation of Covid-related restrictions has been pushed back until 19 July. I am sorry that this has meant that we will not be able to welcome parents to events marking the end of term as we had planned. We are really looking forward to having you back with us for concerts, productions and social events – roll on September!

In the meantime, it continues to be a joy having students and staff on site. The warm weather has seen lots of pupils outside enjoying themselves and I hope it stays dry for those undertaking DofE expeditions this weekend, although the forecast doesn’t look too encouraging at present…

I’d like to take this opportunity to commend the members of the CCF for their charity initiative which saw them collectively covering 4992km in less than 24 hours on Wednesday as they travelled ‘virtually’ between every grave of the 71 OAs who fell in the First World War. This involved cycling, running (with packs) and paddle boarding and the cadets showed immense stamina and grit in soaring temperatures. They were raising money for two excellent causes: SSAFA, which offers support to military families and veterans, and CALM, a charity helping to prevent male suicide, the biggest single killer of men aged 20-45 in the UK. If you’d like to donate, you can do so here.

Covid restrictions have required various degrees of ingenuity and I’ve enjoyed the chance to eavesdrop on the Debating Society, who have moved their debates outside in front of Big School. They are attracting a growing crowd, especially last week when the topic was whether a return to ‘normal’ public examinations in the future was to be welcomed.

Charles, a Lower Sixth stalwart of the Society, also gave a superb introduction to a whole-school assembly to mark Pride month, which featured contributions from Ms Hunt, Mental Health & Wellbeing Coordinator, and Mr Phillips, Head of Drama. The assembly was coordinated by our student-led Equality Committee who have made a powerful contribution to school life since their inception last summer.

Having lived in Germany and Italy earlier in my career, I always feel I have strong back-up teams available should England not progress in an international tournament. I’m currently feeling cautiously optimistic that I won’t need to transfer my allegiance just yet as Euro ‘20 unfolds. Gazza’s goal against Scotland at Euro ‘96 is still a vivid and joyful memory, so let’s hope for a great game this evening.

Best wishes, Mike Windsor

 

From Mark Hindley, Deputy Head Pastoral:

As I am sure you are all aware, June is Pride Month. To support Pride Month, the parents of one of our pupils have shared their story and reflected on their experience. Please click on this link to read their story. We wanted to share this with you, and if it prompts any questions, or issues that you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me – [email protected]

 

Music:

Following the recent announcement, we have taken the decision to present recorded rather than live concerts in the last three weeks of term:

  • Friday 18 June at 6pm – Lower School Gala Concert streaming. Please join us this evening for our recorded concert to hear some of the musical talent in our Lower School, featuring soloists, ensembles and choir items.
  • Thursday 1 July at 7pm – Summer Concert.   What will now be our recorded concert, will include Dvorak (New World Symphony finale), Tchaikovsky (from the String Serenade), a Shostakovich piano trio movement and two arias from Bach’s Magnificat with Leavers, Owen Ravden (countertenor) and Andreas Lo (bass). With great delight we will also be giving the premiere of a new orchestral work, “The Mountain”, composed by A level musician, Nick Raptakis. We will also mark the retirement of Head of Strings, Mariette Pringle, who leaves us with a great legacy after over 30 years of violin teaching at Abingdon.
  • Tuesday 6 July at 5.15pm – Celebration of the Arts – “All but Classical”.  Our “All but Classical concert” will also be a recorded event. Expect jazz, rock, gospel, close harmony singing and much more.
  • Tuesday 6 July at 4pm – An Organ Recital in Chapel with Nick Raptakis.  Again, please join Nick Raptakis for a recorded recital from the fine Walker organ of our school chapel

Abingdon Box Office:

News from the Week:

Food Menu for the coming week – Week 3

School Calendar

Please continue to consult the School Calendar for up to date information.

Here is the link to previous weekly mailings.