Busy and Wonderful Times
So much has been happening these last two weeks that it is hard to know where to begin. On Tuesday evening last week we had the magic that is the Threads fashion show with its daring theme of ‘Untamed.’ The outfits on display were truly stunning and congratulations are due to all who took part, to the backstage helpers, to the video crew who immortalised the evening and of course to Skye Daniels and her amazing team. It was a glorious celebration of that creative energy that brings so much joy and light to our community.
The following afternoon we were able to congratulate over 60 of our senior students for successfully achieving their Diploma of Business qualification. It is a most demanding course that requires dedication and again, creativity and it was so pleasing to see all of those enrolled passing with flying colours.
Then on Thursday we enjoyed a superb concert in the chapel featuring our choirs and our strings. All who attended were mesmerised by the virtuosity on display and once again our amazing performing artists and their incredible teachers did us proud. That same evening we enjoyed the Chairman’s Dinner – an evening hosted by John Fradgley for all those students (and their parents), who began their life at All Saints as Pre Preppies and who are graduating as Year 12s this year. It is always such a special evening, and our student speakers, Priscilla Musolino and Jake Thistlethwaite spoke beautifully in thanking the parents and the staff of All Saints.
The pace has hardly slowed this week. On Wednesday afternoon, we enjoyed a delightful whole school assembly, the last opportunity for the entire school to gather this year. During the assembly, we proudly celebrated our very deserving Foundation Day Award winners: Dylan Andriano and Joshua Edwards (Junior School), Lily Penwarn and Keanu Paunde-Schaffer (Middle School), and Georgia Normile and Alexander Galt (Senior School). The Headmaster was then farewelled in the most enchanting and joyful way, complete with a surprise magic act of my own! (See photos below).
Earlier that morning, I was surprised to see almost all of the Class of 2024 appear in my back garden at 7.20am to deliver lovely cards and wish me well. They, in turn, were met with the rather unsightly spectacle of Mr Wallas in his dressing gown!
On Thursday night we sat back in the Nairn Theatre for Musical Showcase and were transported by the 200 or so musicians and their conductors for a night of incredible virtuosity and fun. The talent on display was simply breathtaking. Our Middle School ensembles are playing so beautifully at present and the finale, a stirring rendition of Skyfall with 150 students on stage, is something I will never forget. It was emotional evening with 34 of our Year 12 musicians moving on, but the quality on display in our younger ensembles suggests that all is well for the future of music at All Saints. Congratulations to Owen Clarke and his phenomenal team of musicians for bringing such joy to the audience.
On Friday night we celebrate the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme participants. We have 10 students receiving their Gold Award with another 10 or so very close to reaching this significant milestone.
Finally, on Sunday we are gathering for the P&F Golf Day which is always such a fun-filled occasion. Some of the costumes are hilarious and a good time is had by all.
So busy times at All Saints, and wonderful times too.
Patrick S Wallas
Headmaster