Pocklington School Newsletter Lent Term 2019 | Página 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]