COP26 is upon Oxford High School and it’s great to see our students rise to the challenge. The Assembly led by Charlotte outlined the importance of COP, as well as the damage that has been done, and focussed on what every one of us can do to assist. The pupils were exhorted to pledge to do something to help under the title of #onestepgreener. Talks have also been held in school every day of COP26 focussing on topics as diverse as what individuals can do to help through to careers in conservation, and I am very grateful to the Eco Team who have led from the front.
We have also had our Year 7 assessment day on Saturday where over 120 pupils joined us, not including our Prep pupils who had taken their assessments the day before, and the interviews this week are reflecting the importance of climate change in the eyes of these young people who have already done so much to help, as they discuss their passions and areas of especial interest. One young applicant had clearly taken on board the ‘go beyond’ message and wants to be the first woman on Mars. It’s great to see that sense of ambition and efficacy which is such an important part of Oxford High.
Speaking of efficacy and ambition we have a wide range of events coming up to put in your calendars. It was terrific to see so many of you, in person, at our Fireworks evening and tickets for our school production ‘Beauty and the Beast’ are now available and going fast (https://oxfordhigh.gdst.net/whats-on/box-office/). I can’t wait to see the show, the rehearsals are already sounding as if it will be marvellous treat for everyone. If it’s anything like the superb recent Lower School production of ‘Arabian Nights’ it will be a truly magical and entertaining evening. Music abounds too with our Senior School concert in the wonderful setting of St Barnabas’ last night showcasing the combined talents of our superb musicians and singers, and the Lower School concert will be on 1st December featuring our talented younger performers. Just a note here too that the Year 12 parents’ meeting has been changed from the 1st to the 2nd December – apologies for the inconvenience, and thank you again for your understanding. I must also mention here the great work that our sports teams are doing as they stream through the GDST rallies and local tournaments. We are doing so well on the football, hockey and netball fronts and this is a real tribute to the hard work and efforts of the teams involved supported by the staff, and we are all so proud.
Lastly, I have sent round this week letters regarding our questionnaire for parents as well as a request for nominations for potential Governors. We are looking for a diverse and varied range of Governors and if you know someone who you think would be a good addition please do nominate them (with their permission of course!) We are only allowed a limited number of parental governors and therefore are looking for a wider range and I’m sure you can help. In terms of the questionnaire, the link is: https://forms.gle/WoMoZSeuB4PjVha79 and the deadline for completion is Friday 19th November. Please do take the time to complete it (15 minutes) and tell us what you think. It is absolutely anonymous but if you would like to discuss any part of your answers (good or bad) with us there is an option to include your e-mail address if you would like us to get back to you.
With best wishes to you all,
Marina Gardiner Legge