This term has started in the same, busy way that the last one ended. Parents' evenings are being arranged, concerts organised, and rehearsals have begun for the senior school Easter production of 'Vacuees.' At the first assembly of term, merit prizes were given out to pupils from the junior school for outstanding work last term. This is a new system that has been introduced to encourage positive behaviour and attitude, and is proving very successful. The first winners were: Arjun Walapu in Year 5, with 41 merits, Lewis Murray in Year 4, and Ele Scourfield in Year 3 with 29 merits each. Well done to the three of them. Pupils and staff alike have been moved by the plight of the people in the Indian Ocean after the terrible tsunami on Boxing Day, and felt very strongly that they should contribute to the appeal. Year 11 set the ball rolling with a special assembly on the theme of 'Giving' and Friday, January 14, was designated the day for action. Pupils paid £2 or more for the privilege of wearing their own clothes. However, four large male members of Year 11 seemed to have borrowed their mothers' or even their grandmothers' clothes for the day! Matthew James, Govan Berridge, James Smith and David Warren raided the charity shops, and persuaded friends, relatives and pupils and staff of the school to sponsor them to dress as women for the day. Between them they raised a huge amount of money, augmented when they took on the role of 'Daughters of Rebecca' in reverse and 'persuaded' parents to pay for the privilege of dropping their children at school! A lunch-time disco was held, with every pupil in the school paying to enter the hall to listen to DJ, Mrs. Rachel Jenkins, spin the discs. Drinks were sold by Mrs. Pattison and Miss Evans. Not to be outdone, the Pre-Prep Department sold cookies, cakes etc., all made by themselves and their Mums, and very popular they were too. There was even a sponsored silence maintained by Astrid Bowen - all day! The result of these efforts was that the school, a small school in comparison to many, raised well in excess of £800. What a fantastic effort! Well done to everyone who contributed in any way. It's good to know that the younger generation do care. It's back to the daily routine of school life now, but no doubt that they will keep the victims of this terrible tragedy in their thoughts for many months to come.