The Headmaster, Mr Howe, welcomed all Shiplake pupils and staff during the first Whole School Assembly of the Autumn Term this morning. It was the first day of the academic year for Years 8, 10, 11 and 13, whilst those in Years 7, 9 and 12 were returning for day two.
Yesterday, all pupils in Years 7, 9, and 12, whether new to Shiplake or existing pupils, attended for an induction day to get to know the school and their new Houses, tutors and routines. Here, they had the chance to meet their fellow pupils, and undertake Microsoft training and sports fitness testing. The Year 7s undertook their swim (in the pool) and capsize test (in the river), Year 9 pupils enjoyed an afternoon of softball and teambuilding and the Year 12s were introduced to this year's PULSE programme.
With over 500 pupils present in the Sports Hall, a first in Shiplake’s history, the assembly began with the College Chaplain, Revd Briggs, leading the school in prayer.
Mr Howe talked about the opportunity Whole School Assemblies present saying, ‘It gives us the opportunity to meet together – we can give messages, make announcements, recognise achievement but not just achievement – we recognise positive engagement, progress, and positive acts.’
Gratitude was very much the theme of today’s assembly with the Headmaster expressing his thanks to everyone who kept the College running over the summer, and to those involved with the school-wide refurbishments.
‘These people are incredibly important to Shiplake. People, in general, are important at Shiplake. It is the people who give the College its energy and magic.’
Mr Howe then introduced some of the key role models in Shiplake - the Heads of College, Phoebe Kay and Sam Edwards; the Deputy Heads of College, Matt Grundy and Esme Young; and the prefect team, Roisin Allen, Martha Berry, Jett Dyason, Fred Fox, Jamie King, Tom Madden, Lewis O’Donoghue, Rudi O’Keefe, Sylvan Verzone, Richard Wang, Izzy Wood and Phoebe Young.
Mr Jones spoke to the pupils about the College’s routines for learning, emphasising their importance not just for new pupils, but for current and returning ones as well. He concluded his address by acknowledging and recognising those who had achieved outstanding academic results.
Next to address the College was Mr Bradley who, while holding the coveted Baldry Cup, informed everyone of an upcoming school event – The Cross Country. Marking the first house competition event, it takes place on Friday 9 September. He concluded his address by awarding the Baldry Cup to last year’s winners, Skipwith House, with Housemaster Mr Milburn collecting the trophy.
Mr Howe brought the Assembly a close with a thought on kindness and opportunity. He reiterated how unkindness would not be tolerated at Shiplake College. A stern message, but one of the utmost importance.
‘I ask you what sort of school you want be at? If I asked you if you want to be at a kind school or at an unkind school – what would you say?’
On opportunity, Mr Howe said, ‘a new year brings a sense of opportunity – let’s make the most of that opportunity, whether you are a new Year 7 right up to our Heads of College.’
The assembly finished with all staff and pupils singing I the Lord of Sea and Sky. Sung with rapture, it was a fitting way to end the first Whole School Assembly, and start the academic year.
