Dear Parents
Last Friday’s astonishing performance of ‘What a Knight!’ was quite spectacular. Feedback from children, parents and staff have all heralded it as a huge success. Well done Years 4 and 5, you were super funny, brilliantly engaged and highly entertaining. My enormous thanks to Mrs Mitchell for masterminding the production; directing her first show! Musical Director, Mr Cortes, was, as usual on top form throughout; costumes were stunningly managed by Mrs Denny, with some particular outfits sourced by Mrs De Voy. Miss Godman’s scenery, props and general help were very much appreciated and all in all a huge team effort was responsible for putting on such an extravaganza!
Members of our Senior Chamber Choir travelled down to Dorking on Wednesday to take part in the Bellevue Music Festival (South). They sang 3 numbers with their usual aplomb and joined the other 7 schools present to sing opening and closing mass choir songs. With several hours travelling and waiting around, their behaviour was excellent; their patience was superb; and their companionship, a pleasure. Well done Holmwood singers. You were a real credit to the school. My thanks to Mr Cortes (conductor and choir master) and Mrs Mitchell (accompanist).
Sadly, we had to cancel the Bellevue Netball Festival planned for this weekend due to concerns about the Coronavirus outbreak. All teams were extremely disappointed, but we very much hope to re-schedule this event in the summer term.
Mrs Jeffery, Head of Swimming, organised a very challenging Sport Relief event this week. The children swam to Muswell Hill! (See full story later in this edition of the newsletter.) My thanks to Mrs Jeffery for her enormous enthusiasm and commitment.
The Years 6 & 7 pupils are now heavily ensconced in their production week rehearsal schedule in preparation for next week’s performance of Mary Poppins. Mrs Ellison-Oakes is in the driving seat for this one and is already feeling confident about the progress the children are making. Fingers crossed for another startling production on the Holmwood House stage.
I urge you to read my latest update on the Coronovirus (Covid-19) email. It is important that all members of the community are singing from the same hymn sheet. We are sending a clear, calm and proportionate message to the children and trying to keep them informed along with the staff and the parents. They have been very good in their response but today, I did urge them again to remember to wash their hands as this is one thing we can all do to help protect others in our school and families.
These are testing times. I urged the Prep school children today to ensure – in addition to continuity of education – continuity of kindness. We may very well need this in the weeks to come.
Best wishes
Alexander Mitchell
Headmaster