The Maynard School, Headmistress's Blog

It is the day which is poignant for both teachers and students alike, for today I welcomed the new pupils and their parents to the Junior School for their ‘moving up day.’ Three hours later I was in the Upper Sixth Final assembly celebrating the stunning achievements of our Upper Sixth Leavers. The new students arrived, slightly anxious, full of anticipation to begin their journey here at the Maynard. For the Upper Sixth their time is done and they move onward to pastures new beyond their school. A school which, I hope has given them all that they need to go forward with confidence and importunity. I know the next stage of their journey will be filled with opportunity and excitement and I know as we sang the school song that they will most certainly take cherished memories of their time here with them. I wish all our new students a warm welcome and our leavers our very best wishes and thanks for all they have done for The Maynard.

I have become more proficient in lighting fires as I witnessed the fun the Upper 3’s had at their camp in Bicton last week. The 3 day camp (under canvas) was fun and challenging with kayaking, high rope competitions, and drama activities amongst other things. The weather was fabulous and by the time I arrived on the second day the girls were slightly grubbier and a rather more tired. Although I was invited to stay over, I reluctantly declined; instead buying chocolate for the staff prior to me sloping off to my own bed. A good three days was had by all.

Of course I was briefed…’Ms Hughes you might get wet,’ was the initial warning and then it was ‘well they might come into school very early and park in all the teachers’ spaces’ ( a mortal sin)..and then as the day came ever nearer the over use of the photocopiers by the Upper Sixth became ever more obvious. Today the day that the Upper Sixth Form leave has been entertaining. There has been a magical Harry Potter theme running throughout the morning thus far. (It’s 9.15 am as I write this) and we have had water, posters, the removal of furniture from various buildings, to cling filming a teacher’s bicycle. Suffice to say that I wish the Upper Sixth well for their forthcoming examinations and I send them my very best wishes for their future…I shall now return to sitting under my umbrella in a wet suit…