Another year draws to a close and Northbourne children are now safely back with their families for the long summer holiday.
This year’s Speech Day belonged to those taking their leave of the school, most importantly Stephen and Janet Sides who are taking a well earned retirement after 8 years with Northbourne.
School President Lady Northbourne and Chairman of the Governors Dr Richard Sturt paid glowing tributes to the very special way that Stephen has stewarded the school during the past eight years and to his many achievements during the time.
The guest of honour for the afternoon was Canon Keith Wilkinson who has recently taken up his post as Conduct of Eton after 11 years as the Head of the Kings School, Canterbury. Canon Wilkinson has many close links with Northbourne and we were fortunate to benefit from his wisdom as a Governor of the school for several years. We were delighted that Canon Wilkinson chose to celebrate his 66th Speech Day at Northbourne.
Praising Northbourne, Canon Wilkinson congratulated the school for getting things right. "Not only does Northbourne provide the best education and learning but it offers so much more, of the things that will shape our memories in later life." Reflecting on his time at Kings, Canon Wilkinson remarked that the children joining Kings from Northbourne were all very well adjusted children, with a sense of enjoyment and a sense of the things that truly enrich our lives.
Canon Wilkinson encouraged the school leavers to embrace the new challenges and opportunities that they will face. He too has faced new challenges in his new role including a return to marking Common Entrance RS papers. He held out hope for those children sitting their own exams next year with some sample responses from this year’s exams. This included the assertion that Noah’s wife was Joan of Arc, that the 7th Commandment is Humour thy father and mother and the fact that the Pope lives in the Vacuum.
Effort and achievement alike were celebrated during the afternoon. It drew to a close with moving speeches from Headboy Nick and Headgirl Rowan reflecting on the wonderful things they will take away from their time at Northbourne, before they handed over the mantle to the new Headboy Daniel and Headgirl Rosie- congratulations to you both.
Families enjoyed a strawberry tea on the terrace before tearful farewells and the cars slowly rolled down the drive.
Happy holidays to you all and see you next term.
(See photogallery for more pictures)
