By the time that you read this, the term will be finished and we will be heading our separate ways for a few weeks.  For some this will include an amazing Geography trip to Iceland or a DofE expedition, for others it will see Hockey National Finals in Nottingham.  For many it will bring revision and exam preparation, but for all I hope that it will bring a chance to rest and recharge before the summer term.

I am writing this having just taken part in the 2023 Felsted Colour Run.  We have done two of these previously, but this one felt the most important, with our charities in greater need of support than at any previous stage, with funding so tight and costs rising, while in Malawi, the after effects of Cyclone Freddy are still being felt.  

I was tremendously proud of the school this afternoon for the way in which they engaged with the event.  It was fun (and thank goodness the rain held off!), but it was fun with a purpose, and it was good to see a couple of our charities represented by runners on the start line as well, and able to thank the students for their support at the end of the day.  

As well as thanking the students, I would also like to thank the staff for their hard work to make this afternoon happen, with runners, marshals, paint throwers, DJs and many other roles as well.  While the paint on our clothes and in our hair will (hopefully) soon disappear, the contribution to our charities will make a lasting difference.  

On Monday, I was also fortunate enough to accompany a few students from Thorne, Windsor's and Garnetts to the Night Shelter.  This project, hosted at Ascension Church in Newham, through the Felsted Mission link, continues to be supported by funding from Felsted, and provides beds for people who would otherwise be sleeping rough.  They also support their guests by trying to help them to find permanent accommodation and employment.  I was proud today with the behaviour of the school, and on Monday, I was so impressed by the way that the Felstedians engaged with the guests at the shelter, helping making up beds, setting the table, serving food, and washing up, as well as just talking to the visitors who had come from around the world to find themselves without a home in London.

Also, by the time that you read this, we will have marked the achievements of many of our young people in sport, with Tom Hitchcock (fhc 04-18 - OF and London Irish Rugby player) our guest speaker.  I have no doubt that it will be an outstanding celebration of all that is done for Felsted by these sportsmen and women week in, week out, whatever the weather.  The timing could not be better, with the 1st XI boys having won a brilliant cup hockey match today 5-4 against Trent College, to see them through to national finals day next week.

Have a wonderful Easter break.  For those with exams, remember that success depends on hard work, but also that being a good person depends on showing active kindness and good behaviour towards others, not just once, but repeatedly.  That is something worth working hard at over the coming holiday.

Chris Townsend,
Head, Felsted School