Today is Founder’s Day. St Peter’s was founded with 12 pupils in Exmouth in 1882 by Rev Alfred Wren. This term we start the year with 310 pupils, the most ever on roll. St Peter’s moved to Harefield, its present site, in 1949. There has been so much change in this time to the school and to the site. Many current parents were actually pupils here and we are currently working on a new development for our alumni or ‘OSPs’ (Old St Peter’s pupils) with a newsletter and email for alumni to send in pictures and memories. It has always been a very happy school and a central part of the local community.
This is the earliest picture I have, taken in 1918 with Harold Falkner as Head. I particularly love the teacher in the mortar board! Mr Pritchard wasn’t here in 1918 but he has been here for 38 years and will be retiring at the end of this term. We are sending out a separate communication regarding a collection for a gift for him to share at the end of the year and also an email address to send through memories from any pupils, parents or families over the years.
What a glorious week we have had onsite. The fresh green of the new trees and cherry blossoms have been spectacular this year and it has been wonderful to see the children outside so often with their learning. As I write, we are eagerly awaiting the Harefield Run: the first big event with parents onsite for a long time. The children have been practising all week and I am most grateful to Mrs White and the amazing sports team for the work that they have put in to make it happen; as well as to Mrs Richards and her catering team for the St Peter’s Cream Tea! Please make a note that on Tuesday, when we return from the bank holiday, we will be hosting the Future Schools’ Exhibition, where many Senior Schools from near and far come to us and set up stalls in the Wessex Hall. This is a tremendous event, always well attended and extremely useful. More details in the Information Newsletter.
It has been good to see all the children back into the swing of learning as I visited them across the site. As well as lots of Maths, English, French and Science, I’ve popped into a play rehearsal, two choirs and watched some girls’ cricket with them looking exceptionally smart in their whites.
A ‘rundown’ (no pun intended) of the Harefield Run will be in next week’s newsletter. Enjoy the bank holiday everyone!
Charlotte Johnston
Head
