Baker’s Beacon Blog – Week 11

Dear Parents,

A memorable day last Sunday with the U11 football team, who, even though we are in our rugby season, managed to come runners up in the IAPS national football finals at Millfield School.  To come second out of 700 prep schools is some achievement and the boys did brilliantly, narrowly missing out on the Cup itself with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Westbrook Hay in the final.  What pleased me most, however, was our collective attitude during the event.  The Beacon (and their travelling parent supporters) were humble in victory and sanguine and congratulatory to the opposition in ultimate defeat – I was very proud to be associated with the school last Sunday on all counts.  Year 6 are a strong sporting year group but Year 5 can also kick a football…next year could be similarly exciting…

As Noddy Holder would scream, “It’s CHRISSSSTTTTMMMMAAAASSS” and as I write, the site is awash with our merry band of BPS elves, preparing for tomorrow’s Christmas Fair extravaganza. So much work from so many has gone into this event and, though I didn’t imagine this possible, it is bigger and better than last year.  Without wanting to overly self -promote my own stall, the ‘Beacon Christmas Photos’ are ***new and improved*** for 2023, coming with presentation wallet and expertly taken by our Marketing Team with a brand new headgear and even a festive backdrop.  I will be stationed, as last year, in the corridor outside The Spinney so do come along and find your son (and sibling group – we have taken these as well).  If you are not able to come tomorrow and would like to purchase the Christmas photo of your son, all remaining pictures will be relocated to the office and sorted by year group for you to browse before the end of term.  One sibling group was so festive and photogenic I showed it to a parent this week and she promptly asked for the electronic copy and has made it into the family Christmas card for this year – happy to be of service!

I told the boys in Assembly on Monday that if they were good this week (they’re always good), their form tutor would give them something to go home with this week.  Lots of quizzical looks amongst the congregation but the reveal was complete on Wednesday as, for their usual excellent conduct and attitude this term, they once again receive a Beacon Advent Calendar.  It’s often the simple things in life that make the biggest impact and the combination of Christmas, chocolate and one’s pride in their School mean that there were lots of beaming smiles amongst the boys and no doubt this morning, as they opened the ‘one’ window.  They wish to remain anonymous but the advent calendars were sponsored this year by one particular parent, and on behalf of our whole community, especially the boys, my sincere thanks for their generosity in making this possible – Beacon boys and their parents are the very essence of Christmas spirit!

See you tomorrow,

Nick Baker

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