Half Term approaches and, as ever in my position, I am looking forward, planning ahead for events in the future. But before I let you know what those events are, first let me ask you to join me in congratulating those Edenhurst pupils who have recently been successful in Entrance Exams to Senior Schools. In a separate letter to parents I have listed the children and the schools, highlighting the 100% success to Newcastle under Lyme School at 11+. I am extremely impressed by this, knowing how much work the teachers and children have put in. Well done everyone!

Of course, a particular credit also goes to those achieving Scholarships: Tilly Clark and Jack McEneny (Music at Denstone, 13+), Alex Laws (Music at St. Dominic’s, 13+) and Peter Vickers (Sports at Newcastle, 11+). Many congratulations to them! We are still waiting for other results to come in, but so far this has been another fantastic year for exam passes!

I am inviting parents of pupils in From 2 through to Prep II to come and talk to me now about the transfer process at 11+ or 13+. It is never too soon to get this particular ball rolling and I can give important information, which will help to inform our discussions.

So now, as promised, a brief look into the future. I am very pleased to announce the instigation of a new bus route to pick up and drop off children in the morning and afternoon. The new route commences on February 20th and will travel North East towards Leek. This route and the existing one, which serves the West and South West, are FREE OF CHARGE, courtesy of Bellevue. You are invited to let us know if you are interested in joining up with either of these bus routes.

The Trinity (Summer) term is filling up with exciting events: the Spring Concert (May 1st); Sports Day (May 25th); an ‘Olympic Games’ for Bellevue schools’ Year 6 classes (June 11th); Arts Week (June 25th) – again on the Olympic theme; and the major School Musical Play (July 11th and 12th) which this time will include all children in Prep I through to ACE 2 and which promises to be as spectacular as ever.

Then there is plenty to look forward to in 2013: there will be a Ski Trip in the February half term for pupils currently in Prep I and above; and of course the biennial week’s residential stay in a French Chateau in May, which I know the children are already looking forward to.

As I reflect on the incredible performances of Edenhurst children, whether academic, sporting, or in the performing arts, I am reminded of the benefits of being in a school of this size: where every child is known; where every child is included in sports teams, plays, choirs or musical ensembles. These things have enormous impact on their development and confidence.

Now we have the added advantage of being part of a group of schools in which we can share a vision for the future, collaborate in events and take part in first rate educational developments. The future is very bright!