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WELCOME FROM THE HEAD
The sun began to shine physically and metaphorically as last spring blossomed, and we reconnected with nature, embraced life at home with our families, bought ourselves time and developed new skill sets. Tremendous acts of kindness within the School and wider community came to denote our daily lives, warming the hearts of many and re-emphasising the importance of our motto ‘Non Nobis Solum’. Our community spirit and endeavour during the pandemic has recently been recognised by Northamptonshire County Council with a Rose of Northamptonshire Award. Emma McGowan and I were delighted to be presented the award at a virtual ceremony hosted by former parent and High Sheriff of Northamptonshire Paul Parsons, who emphasised the importance of community support continuing into the future.
Last November, we announced the news that School, together with Stowe and Swanbourne House School, were creating The Stowe Group effective from 1st January 2021. The formation of this strong group enables us to thrive, build on existing strengths and provide the best education for the children. The Stowe Group member schools will benefit from shared strategic leadership and expertise, access to more resources for professional development and the sharing of ideas, as well as delivering cost efficiencies. Importantly, it will also enable pupils to benefit from Group facilities, leadership opportunities and enhanced teaching and learning environments. Three of Winchester House’s Governors, Richard Greaves, Patrick Bradshaw and Rupert Fordham, have been appointed to The Group governing body.
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At the end of the Summer term, I will be leaving Winchester House after seven enormously enjoyable years serving as Head, to take on the role of Head of The Dragon School, Oxford. I always encourage the children to challenge themselves and I always try to follow my own advice. My association with Winchester House stretches back a long time, having chosen it for my own children, I was appointed a Governor and later became Head. The Governing Body has begun the recruitment process for my successor and, until this process has been completed, I will be leaving Winchester House in the extremely capable hands of Katy Dallimore and the Leadership Team.
With the roll out of the vaccine programme, I hope the storm is nearing its end and have no doubt that exciting times lie ahead for Winchester House. We value our alumni body hugely, have missed social interaction over the past year and look forward to welcoming you back to School when restrictions allow. H With best wishes,
Emma Goldsmith, Head
A word from the Editor
The creation of the COVID-19 vaccines is no mean feat, giving the world an exit strategy out of the pandemic tunnel. But while this may seem like an overnight success story, the speed and effectiveness of the new vaccines can be in part attributed to the decades of research, shining a light on the importance of continued investment in science and technology.
With this in mind, the next issue of House in Spring 2022, will look at the roles played by Winchester House community members in science and technology. The children sitting in the science and DT classes of today are the scientists and technologists of tomorrow. Please help to inspire them by getting in touch and sharing your knowledge and experiences.
Thank you for your support over the past year. Here’s to a speedy return to the ‘new normal’, and the resumption of alumni events. H Emma McGowan, Editor Alumni and Community Relations Manager emma.mcgowan@winchester-house.org
