A RENAISSANCE YEAR FOR FRIENDS OF SEVENOAKS
© Adrian Clarke
After a Covid-inspired hiatus of almost two years , Friends of Sevenoaks were back with a vengeance to deliver another successful and impressive range of social , cultural and fun events , allowing parents to feel fully integrated into the thriving and friendly Sevenoaks School community .
The year started with a series of coffee mornings for each year group that saw record levels of attendance . With almost 200 guests , the Japanese-themed New Parents ’ Supper was a terrific evening and a heartfelt welcome , giving new parents the opportunity to share anecdotes of their children ’ s first weeks at the school . The positive buzz around the Dining Hall and the wonderful feedback highlighted the importance of such introductory events to make new friends . The popular quiz night with taxing yet amusing questions that consistently tickled our neurones did not disappoint ; not only a teachers ’ table won the coveted trophy , but I cannot help mention proudly that it was my table ! The festive period was cheerfully sprinkled with Christmas parties organised by social coordinators .
The long-awaited Latin Fever Ball took place in June and was rightfully the pinnacle of a busy and successful year for FoS . Three hundred revellers enjoyed a delicious three-course meal and a ‘ fiesta ’ to remember with a busy dancefloor . Organising such extravaganza is no mean feat and takes a phenomenal amount of work and time . Our thanks go to everybody involved , with a special mention to the highly organised and talented organiser Wiebeke Vuursteen and her team . Thank you also to the Sevenoaks School Foundation for all their administrative and financial support . The ball raised an astonishing amount of money for the Friends of Sevenoaks – a registered charity which provides facilities or equipment to advance the education of the pupils of the school . Friends for Families , a local charity helping families facing financial hardship , will also benefit from the generosity of the Sevenoaks School community .
The well-attended Careers Fair also falls under the FoS eclectic umbrella . This key event provides our pupils with valuable information on how to best manage their personal goals after Sevenoaks School . Our uniform shop and lost property is another extremely popular institution , run by an efficient and smiley group of FoS volunteers who are always happy to help parents and pupils alike , searching for the elusive piece of uniform . The Sevenoaks Striders also remain very active , organising regular walks in beautiful local countryside .
Friends of Sevenoaks would not be such a successful and caring entity without its year group social coordinators , volunteers and its incredibly proactive co-chairs , Emma Kutchera and Clare Scott , and treasurer , Sue Newman . They are passing the baton after many years of working tirelessly to raise the profile of Friends of Sevenoaks . The school is grateful for their devoted commitment . As I am also about to step down as FoS Staff Liaison , I would like to thank all the people I have worked with ; it has been a really fun role .
Sébastien Coquelin , FoS Staff Liaison
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