Both the blazing sun and the smiles of the entire SVPS community lit up our site as the children returned to School on Tuesday morning! It was a joy seeing our pupils back in uniform and they have adapted brilliantly, yet again, as we have returned to most of our pre-Covid systems and protocols. Having our first in-person assemblies and church service for 18 months was fabulous and seeing the children catch up with friends of all ages is simply wonderful – and as it should be!

During our beginning of term assembly, I was delighted to announce the names of our new Head Boy and Head Girl for this term. I have no doubt that Zach S-G and Esmée B will relish the leadership opportunities that come with the role and that they will continue to set a wonderful example for the rest of the School. Our Head Boy and Girl will be supported by a new team of Prefects who will, undoubtedly, make a valuable contribution to many aspects of School life.

Yesterday, many of our Year 6 pupils sat the Kent 11+ Test and we could not be more proud of them for the way in which they prepared for and approached the assessments. It is a busy term for our oldest children as they undertake different entrance exams, tests and scholarship assessments and I urge parents to keep in touch with their child’s form teacher if they have any concerns or questions.

The Enrichment Journey is such an important part of the SVPS experience and next week sees the return of our wide and varied clubs programme. Furthermore, Year 1 and Year 4 will head off on School trips, their first for four terms. I can’t wait to hear how the children get on with discovering new interests and honing their skills in a wide range of activities.

Another of the Sutton Valence journeys is the Community Journey and I am really looking forward to seeing this celebrated in style at tomorrow’s SVPSPA Barbecue. It promises to be a wonderfully relaxed and enjoyable afternoon with good food, great company and lots of fun for the whole family.

Miss Corkran, Head