Dear Parents
You would have seen the Principal’s letter this morning confirming that Bishops, as an Independent School, will stay open. As he indicated, we are able to operate observing the necessary safety and hygiene protocols.
JOHN CHARLTON
The school flag flies at half mast today in memory of a former Prep Deputy Head, John Charlton, who died yesterday morning. John had a unique association with Bishops as, not only did he receive his own education here, but he grew up in Stanmore Cottage as his father, George Charlton, was Head of the Prep from 1928 - 1950.
John taught at the Prep from 1960 until 1996; a teacher of Latin and English, he was also in charge of rugby and athletics and an administrator of junior cricket at national level. Under his leadership the school undertook numerous very successful sports tours to the UK in the 70s and 80s. He was also a Housemaster of Charlton (Group B as it was originally called) for a number of years and later Assistant Housemaster of the Boarding House (Rossall before its name changed to Birt). From 1988 he was Deputy Senior Master (title later changed to Deputy headmaster). He was present in a time of enormous development at the Prep, both in terms of extensive building operations and growth in the size of the school and was very involved in the fund-raising programmes which enabled the above.
Much of what we have today we owe to teachers such as John, leaving us facilities and a school that we have been able to develop and grow into what it is today, still growing and providing for the needs of this generation.
We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, June.
TIME CHANGE
Very few boys are arriving after 08h00 in the mornings. So, from Monday, school will start at 08h00 with a Form period. This will enable us to hold fortnightly Grade House meetings as well as Grade Assemblies. This will give both Housemasters and me more contact time with the boys, which again is more “normal” and very necessary. I am certainly missing the engagement and the chance to give a message to the boys on a regular basis.
Social distancing rules will apply and, in most cases, will be held outside, weather permitting. (We did this for nine months when the Jagger Hall was being renovated.)
Drop off times come forward therefore by five minutes: 07h30, 07h40, 07h50.
EXERCISE PROGRAMME
In the next few weeks we will be adding an element of competition to our afternoon exercise programme, something our boys are really missing. This will be between boys and between Houses, with House points being awarded, not only for the winners, but also for the boys who achieve significant improvement in their fitness levels. I am sure that the boys will enjoy this. We also sent out a letter regarding an Inter-Schools Challenge earlier this week in which the whole family can participate.
Going forward we are looking at introducing a few other of our extra-murals which we will inform the boys about shortly.
Have a restful weekend. Take care and stay safe.
Kind regards
GREG BROWN
HEADMASTER
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