Good afternoon,

This morning we said goodbye to Year 6 in the traditional St Stephen’s fashion with lots of memories, lots of singing, lots of tears and lots of Amarillo! What a great year group they have been – truly amazing. They have filled the school with their joyous laughter for 7 years and we will miss them dearly but they are ready for their next step on the road of life and new horizons and challenges await them. We wish them all the luck in the world and thank you guys for all your hard work – amazing SATs results and amazing personalities!

On behalf of the staff and myself a great big thank you for your kind words, cards and gifts – they are very much appreciated!

A final spot of Abba from Mr Schumm and co – https://youtu.be/Awc1_SDaWzg

The Leavers BBQ

Last night, we had our special Leavers BBQ where Year 6 talked about their classmates with eloquence and confidence. Isabelle shared her specially written song with us and, as her voice soared throughout the playground, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Thank you to all our Year 6 parents who joined us for the evening and thank you to all those Year 6 parents who are leaving us – you have really helped to make a massive difference to our school! There were so many former heads of FOSS in that year group, who have played such an instrumental part in turning FOSS into a strong partnership with our school community, which enables life changing experiences for all the children in our school.

While I’m on the subject of FOSS…

You know me, I like to be organised, so with the end of the summer term in sight, it is worth starting to think about the roles in FOSS we will need filling for September. Sylvia and her team have had an amazing two years (there will be time for proper thank yous later,) but for now, from September, we will need a new Chair of FOSS, two treasurers, a sponsorship coordinator and somebody to head up the bar team. If these roles are something you would be interested in please contact me at head@ststephensce.lbhf.sch.uk and I will be more than happy to discuss and point you in the direction of Sylvia and her team, who can tell you more about the roles. We cannot underestimate the important work that FOSS do, which enhances, supports and extends the education of every single child in the school. And yes, the roles do need some commitment, especially for the ‘how much should we charge for a burger?’ debate, but there is tremendous support within our community. If you don’t feel that you could commit to a main role, then why not take a one-off event? The Christmas Fair, Quiz Night, Grandparents’ Day, Auction Night, the Summer Fair and the list goes on – why not dip your toe in the pond and go for it? As always, I am completely open to new ideas and events so have a think and get in touch.

Junior Citizens

Y6 enjoyed great interactive learning on the ‘Junior Citizens’ programme today at St Paul’s Girls School organised by TFL. Every 10 minutes they moved to sessions run by the Metropolitan Police, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, Coram Life and the Law Enforcement Team, listening and chatting with brilliant role models.

Sports Awards

A massive thank you to Clare and Alastair for organising all of the sports teams, competitions and events this year again, and for the spectacular Sports Awards evening celebration on Monday evening. More than 60 children from Y3 upwards received medals for representing our school.

Sports Day

How great it was to be back at Perivale Athletics Track for Sports Day along with so many parents too; what a celebration! Children from Y2-Y6 competed in throwing, running & jumping competitions putting in to practice their PE learning over the year. Thanks to everyone who attended and thanks to Clare and Alastair for organising such an amazing day.

Yesterday it was time for our final Sports Day and Nursery were on fine form! Alastair led a super sports event ably assisted by a group of Year 6 children who soon had the nursery children sprinting their hearts out.

One last final goodbye and thank you to the staff leaving us this year; Mr McInroy , Miss Mahon, Miss Williams, Miss Kaisa, Miss Annie and Miss Lucy. They have all made excellent contributions to the life of the school and we wish the very best to them all.

And so, the sun sets on another year and what a year! We’ve done it all and with bells on! And you know what? I think we do it again but add a few more extras in – you know we can do it. Through God We Achieve is our motto and with Him and our school community, the skies the limit!

Have a great summer and see you in September!

Mr Schumm