I particularly enjoyed Cathedral Assembly today at which we had Pre-Prep and Nursery in attendance. I mentioned that my son had a pet which he kept in a glass cage. I asked the congregation what sort of pet they thought it was. One person suggested that it might be a tarantula – I was relieved to be able to say that they were wrong. Another suggested that it might be a giraffe. I know for certain that my son’s room would not fit such a creature. In fact the answer was a snake. The reason why I mentioned this was because it is very close to Saint Michaels Day - the Michaelmas after which this term is traditionally known. In the colourful window of the North Transept of the Cathedral is a beautiful depiction of the moment when Saint Michael defeats the serpent and I was able to tell the pupils that it was important for them, in their lives, to try also to defeat serpents, to defeat evil whether enacted by others or perhaps more importantly, by themselves. I asked if any of them would admit to having done anything naughty in their lives. Immediately a few hands shot up but, almost as quickly, the hands were withdrawn when the implications of the question became apparent! I was on the verge of having to ask the parents for any suggestions when a couple of brave pupils volunteered. You will be relieved to hear that the naughtiest thing that any of our pupils admitted to having done was letting off a party popper at an unexpected time! I’m not sure on the evidence of this survey, that CCCS this can be described as a crime black spot!

Thank you so much to all those people who have agreed to their sons coming into School tomorrow to help with the Open Morning. This afternoon I took a trip round the school to check that everything was in order and I was struck again by what an exciting place the School is. The classrooms are full of colour and life, the teachers are exceptional in their energy, engagement and ability and the pupils so polite and enthusiastic. Sadly, I don’t have any more children of my own to send here, but I’m not surprised that my sons flourished here and look back at their time at the school with such affection. Indeed one of my sons asked me a little while ago what my biggest regret in life was. I’m not sure I gave him a very good answer. In turn, I asked him what his was and he said “Coming to the end of my time at Christ Church!”

It’s come to that time of the year when my diary is busy with parents coming to talk to me about future schools. It is one of the most important aspects of a school like Christ Church that we are able to talk through with parents the schools that they should go to after Christ Church. We are so fortunate in England in having the greatest schools in the world and schools which are of such variety. There is, therefore, as I always say, a School which is perfect for everyone and finding that school has always been one of the favourite aspects of my job. Of course we are so lucky that Stephen Jones will be with us next term as his contacts with senior schools are second to none. There can be very few people who know their way around senior schools better than Stephen.

As you know, one of my favourite parts of the day is when I eat with the pupils. Today I went and obtained my food and set it down quietly on a table on which there were already a collection of pupils. I carefully set down the knife and fork and sat down. Without looking up, the boy next to me said ”I knew it would be you without even looking.” I asked why. He said “It had an atmosphere of you.” I asked him what characterised an atmosphere of me. He attempted to explain. “When it’s Madame Loyer you hear a “Bonjour!” and everybody else says ‘Hello!’ before they sit down but you sit down first, quietly and then ask a question!” I’m always impressed by how much children know about us and how acute their observations often are!