As we head towards the end of term, and the end of a year that was hoped to see us return to normality, where do we really find ourselves?  The cost of living crisis remains a big issue for much of the population, and today's inflation figures offer only a small crumb of comfort, to be honest.  There are more strikes planned than the country has seen for more than 40 years, with even nurses going out on strike, while war continues on the eastern edge of Europe.  Sorry if it all sounds a bit bleak, but when people talk about the 'new normal', the economic impact of the pandemic (like the social and personal impacts) remains challenging.  

Nevertheless, we should be celebrating!  A term that began with record results for all of our year groups has seen outstanding performances on the stage (especially The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe); some exceptional Music (and we are still looking forward to the carol services); a full range of sports fixtures, with our U18 girls in national semi final action on 19 January (at Felsted - support very welcome!); hosting the International Conference for Round Square; taking trips to New York, The Hague, Rome, Washington, Sestriere and Athens; Arkwright Scholarships, a full house of Oxbridge interviews, 91% of leavers achieving first choice places through UCAS; mock exams, subject fair for Year 11, several Open Days, recruitment trips around the world, and the preparation for next year's Summer School.  CCF, a deeply moving Remembrance Service, The Butler Lecture by Lucy Ward (on the Smallpox pandemic), house quiz, house debating, house chapel services and of course House Shout!  We have held Academic seminars, sent out DofE expeditions, contributed to the school charities (and others, such as the Deacon's boys doing the three peaks challenge for SSAFA), opened the Marshall Centre and held a Battle of the Bands.  We have also held various events for the wider community including a brilliant OF gathering at The Ned, that included playwrights, two from the Forbes 30 under 30 list, international sports stars, academics, lawyers, doctors, musicians and much more besides.  So we must remember that, even when our cup isn't always over-flowing, it is more than half full!  [With my many apologies to those other activities and opportunities that I have not mentioned in the list above!]

We have been blessed (if that is the right word) by snowfall on Sunday night, followed by freezing conditions, which has curtailed a few things at the end of term, but I am greatly looking forward to finishing with the Carol Service later this evening (for parents) and tomorrow (for pupils).  Having heard the choir sing so well in Holy Cross last Sunday, there is no doubt that this will be a special service, and I am grateful to one of our Governors, Rev'd Nic Stuchfield, for coming to deliver the Christmas message in these services.  

As we come towards the holiday, all of us will be in need of a rest, I am sure.  I hope that it will be seen as a time for doing things for others.  We can easily get caught up in the joy of our family, or the excitement of a special present, or the food on our tables.  I hope that we will also remember those who have less, and see if we can all reach out in some small way, whether with a phone call, a visit, some volunteering, a gift, or just by offering to help out with the cooking, the washing up, or anything else that needs doing!

Also at the end of this term, we wish two of our Graduate Assistants luck, as they come to the end of their time with us - Luke Bury (Sport) heads off to Australia, with a view to playing some rugby out there; Alec Cumming (Chaplaincy) is going to start a Law Conversion course.  We are also saying farewell to Jessie White (Spanish), who is going to be Head of Department at Brentwood School, and to Caolan Wukics, who leaves us to take up a role as Director of Co-Curricular with Spark School.  We wish all of them the very best for their future challenges.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Please do remember our Sustainability New Year's Resolution, which we hope to see spread across the entire Felsted community.

Chris Townsend,
Head, Felsted School