We Are A Family

The top messages from Shiplake’s first virtual whole school assembly this morning were: “stay focused, work hard, keep in touch and remember we are a family”.

Headmaster Mr Tyrone Howe, led the address from his office at Shiplake College alongside (virtually) Mr Paul Jones, Deputy Head Academic and Mr Nick Brown, Deputy Head Pastoral, who tuned in from their own homes.

Our very own Rev, Chris Briggs, led the prayers for everyone affected by Coronavirius and there was a virtual hymn sung by our resident boy band - The Rev, Mr Jones, Mr Brown and Mr Howe. We’ve heard that pupils and staff were joining in from homes across the country!

The assembly celebrated the achievements of pupils who had gone above and beyond with their online learning, as well as pupils who had clocked up millions of words reading for their houses as part of the Accelerated Reader programme. 

The next Prefect Team was announced, following a recent 6-week process of applications and interviews before the school closed. Mr Brown also announced the recipient of the second Prefects’ Pin, which was awarded to Henry Kunzig, who was nominated by Head of Drama, Mrs Emma Farrell for his help and kindness with his peers in GCSE drama.

There was even an award for the worst dressed virtual learner, which was presented to Callum Creighton for his Hawaiian shirt and hat combo. He was told to get some sartorial tips from Head of Psychology, Mr Shaw.

As the Headmaster said, even if the school isn’t physically open, it is very much business as usual and if you really need to do something, then we will find a way of making it happen! Despite the change in format, the assembly was, as always, a wonderful way for the Shiplake community to come together and see some familiar faces. A truly uplifting start to the week and we are already looking forward to the end of term assembly on Friday morning.

And we’ve had some fantastic feedback too!

‘Real morale boost. Well done.’

‘I just wanted to take a moment to thank you all for today's assembly. It was such an uplifting way to start the week, as it always is, but especially when it's very easy to feel cut off from the community.’

‘What an inspiring start to the week!’

‘Very much enjoying watching it and well done on the hymn!’

‘Wow! Such amazing imagination and innovation went into this “production”. Wonderful singing, too, by the SLT and Rev! You really should have your own show. You are all brilliant and I feel privileged to be part of this fantastic Shiplake family.’

‘That was absolutely lovely and very uplifting. Thank you.’

'What a lovely assembly this morning - thank you all! :)’

‘​LOVED the assembly this morning. Thank you.’

‘What an assembly! Well done all. Loved the singing – nothing like leading by example!’

‘O my goodness, that was truly uplifting! It makes one proud to be part of Shiplake. A great way to keep all involved.’

‘What an inspiring and inclusive start to the week! Well done everybody. Thank you.’