Headmaster’s Newsletter – 19 March 2021

Dear Parents,

As we come to the end of this most extraordinary term I would like to thank all our parents for the support they have given the school during the period of home learning which I know will have been a strain for many, particularly those with the youngest children. Our tutors have worked unceasingly to deliver as near a normal teaching environment as possible and they have been grateful for the kind comments received from so many parents and pupils. The understanding, commitment and co-operation of parents, pupils and tutors has made it possible for us to maintain the energy and enthusiasm for learning which is the hallmark of Hill House. So to you all my very grateful thanks.

Now we have had two weeks back it has been a joy to hear the laughter and chatter of the pupils as they once again meet their friends and resume the social life which is so essential to their well-being. The tutors too are glad to be back with their colleagues in our vibrant academic community. Sport has once again become a true elixir of team spirit and Founders’ Hall has resounded nightly to the exuberant showcases of our young musicians. With the success of the national vaccination programme, we look forward to welcoming live audiences back to all these events early next Quarter.

After careful consideration of the savings that have been made on transport, catering and the hire of sports facilities the fees for the Summer Quarter, if paid by 20th April, will be reduced to those in the following table:

Small School and Lower School	£4,200
Middle School	£4,400
Upper School	£4,800
Senior School and Transitus	£5,200
Sixth Form	£5,400

Our testing programme in school is now complete. Thank you again to the tutors who exchanged computers and whiteboards for plastic aprons and visors to process the tests. Thank you also to parents and pupils for arriving promptly at Founders’ Hall, which helped the whole process go without a hitch. All our staff are continuing to test twice a week at home and are being asked to continue this through the coming holiday. The number of staff who have been vaccinated is steadily growing by the week too.

Dates to note:

20 April Term begins (Summer Uniform)
3 May Bank Holiday – school closed
31 May – 4 June Half Term
7 July Graduation Assembly – St Columba’s 9.00am
Field Day – Duke of York’s
Term ends 4pm

A reminder that, if you haven’t done so yet, we would be grateful if you could complete the survey regarding the ‘School Street’ outside Hans Place. We hope to persuade the council to make this a permanent scheme. Thank you for your support.