Pocklington School Newsletter Lent Term 2019 | Page 2

Headmaster’s Welcome Having now completed a full term at Pocklington School I can confidently say time flies faster in Yorkshire. Or perhaps time flies faster when you’re a Headmaster. Either way, it is quite astonishing to look back on this term and reflect on our students’ and staff accomplishments. My personal highlights all entail seeing our pupils in action. Whether it be shadowing students in Lower, Middle or Upper School or observing specific lessons it has been stimulating to see them eager to learn, engaged and energetic in their approach. I have a suspicion that many teachers secretly enjoy Parents’ Evenings. We certainly value them as these events give us the chance to offer you and your children praise and areas for development as well as understanding a little more about your perspective; a vital opportunity in a school that is proud of its family feel. I have enjoyed every one. I have the weekly pleasure and privilege of meeting our Heads of School, Henry and Emma. They offer me another sounding board and a pupil’s perspective on Pocklington. At all times they carry this responsibility with good grace and humour; my thanks go to them. I can safely say they are excited about their opportunity to speak at Prizegiving! My other weekly highlight is our short walk and pause for reflection at church. We are blessed by our close relationship with All Saints’ as it offers us all a moment to celebrate together and reflect on the week past and ahead. The side benefit of being uncontactable for thirty minutes or so is also worthy of praise. Our pupils’ sporting endeavours cannot go unmentioned. Whether it be badminton, cross-country, equestrianism, hockey, netball, rugby or swimming all have brought success and good cheer. To my mind, the value of sport lies not in winning but in participation and the sense of accompanying camaraderie. It is for this reason that all of our house sports competitions were again a resounding success. Sixth Years as they will be spending a good proportion of their Easter holidays revising for their approaching public examinations. Good luck to them all. I trust you have a restful and enjoyable Easter break; we very much look forward to welcoming you back to the Summer Term when time will fly by just as rapidly as it has done this Lent. Toby Seth, Headmaster Sport is but one aspect of our super co-curricular programme at Pocklington. Charitable fundraising, debating, Spy Club, our Sixth Form Symposium and cookery represent a taste of the broader opportunities on offer. Our stellar House Music performances showcased our pupils’ very best efforts and my congratulations go to all performers and in particular those Sixth Formers who led their casts to superb good effect. Seussical offered yet another chance to witness our pupils’ fabulous capacity for confidence, creativity and leadership. On the topic of music, OP Alexandra Dariescu’s piano recital and our fabulous Soloists’ Concert demand recognition. Both included musicality of stunning quality but what captured me was the sheer sense of joy exuding from all the performers as they stood or sat on our Music School stage. As we look towards the Summer Term, my best wishes go in particular to our Fifth and Upper Busy term for FOPS committee The Friends of Pocklington School Committee have enjoyed meeting parents and pupils this term, including seeing many of you at Parents’ Evenings, as you have called by for a welcome cup of tea and a chat in the breaks in-between appointments! We were very pleased to welcome First Year parents and pupils to the inaugural ‘FOPS Big Breakfast’. Over 30 parents and pupils attended and enjoyed a superb cooked breakfast in the dining hall, whilst chatting with Headmaster, Mr Seth, Head of Lower School, Miss Cheadle and our Housemasters and Housemistresses. The event was very well received by parents and pupils and our thanks go to Mr D’Arcy and his team for all their help. We plan to hold a Big Breakfast each half term, inviting a different year group each time, so look out for the invitation in your email - it certainly is a breakfast not to be missed! 1 We would like to thank everyone who attended or supported the FOPS Christmas Ball. We are delighted to announce that the evening raised almost £1500, thanks to the generous support of our school community, friends and sponsors. We will announce details of the school projects this money will be donated to over the coming months. For further information about becoming part of the FOPS Committee, please visit www.pocklingtonschool.com/FOPPS-and-FOPS or contact Leanne Maycock on 01759 322624 or email [email protected]