Dear OFS Community,

Back in summer I bumped into Abigail Bartlett, a former Orleyan, who offered to play her harp in an assembly - we set a date for Monday 13th December in the hope that we could make this happen. It was a wonderfully calming start to the day as Abigail mesmerised Middle and Upper School.

I don’t believe in coincidence, things happen for a multitude of reasons and over the past fortnight, I have been contacted by two other former pupils.

Last week, Finn Keen contacted me to say that he had been selected to represent Great Britain at the European Fencing Confederation in Cabries next weekend – the youngest fencer at the age of 13 to be joining the U17 Team and he is currently ranked 17th in Great Britain’s Foil U17’s and 3rd in England’s U14’s. He still remembers his first day of fencing here at Orley all those years ago!

Maya Sidhu sent the attached email to me over the weekend and I love that she talks about the encouragement that she had to question and challenge the world around her whilst at Orley – being instrumental in changing a school’s curriculum is true legacy and Maya thoroughly deserves an academic scholarship as she prepares for A-Levels.

What do all three stories have in common? Well for me, they all describe a hunger to make the most of ‘opportunity’ - making the best of experiences that have roots in their time at Orley Farm. However, they also describe gratitude and appreciation. Abigail, Maya and Finn have all thanked someone for starting their respective journeys. Even more importantly, they have put something back into our community by sharing their stories and I cannot thank them enough for never taking things for granted!

For me, this is the unique part of this school. More often than not, it takes years, if not a lifetime to realise the impact of early experiences and I find it quite humbling to work in a community that is remarkably reflective, grateful and keen to give back. What a perfect way to start our final week of term in a year that continues to throw curve balls!

Nativity

On Monday, we had the first rehearsal that included everyone as absence rates back in Bethlehem have been rather high, so it was truly a wonder to witness this story of hope unfolding! A member of Upper School managed to catch the start and commented:

I can’t believe that we had to cancel this last year – for me, this season needs the Nativity story to be told, it’s almost as though Christmas didn’t happen so I had to see this performance to believe it!

I agree, regardless of personal faith, the story of Jesus is one of hope, light and wonder. If there is ever a time when these things appear to be in short supply, it’s today!

Carol Singing

A huge ‘thank you’ to Mr Ford for keeping us singing through Covid – Year 1 & 2 closed the Pre-Prep term with Carols in the Hub and it was a lovely way to come together, safely, for a reminder about how important 'community' is to our sense of self and wellbeing!

Final Assembly

We closed the year with a wonderful celebration of the effort and work that has gone into the longest term in a school year. I counted a total of 228 cups, honours, colours, certificates and awards that were given out to beaming faces! However, the highlight is always the House Cup, as this requires input from everyone in every sphere of school life.