Autumn Term Welcome 2021

The Headmaster, Mr Tyrone Howe welcomed back all the College’s pupils in the first Whole School Assembly of the Autumn Term this morning. It was also the first in person assembly for more than 18 months. 

In addition, it was a chance to say hello and welcome to all of the College’s new pupils in Years 7, 9 and 12 who joined the Shiplake Community yesterday ( Monday 6 September).

Mr Howe began by saying: “It is amazing to have the school back together again, and to all of the new pupils starting their Shiplake journey, welcome.

“Fifty percent of our pupils who started this week or last September, have never experienced a Whole School Assembly.

“These assemblies are a great way for us to come together, receive relevant and important messages and information and to celebrate participation, engagement and progress. It is a shared experience and gets the week off to the best possible start.”

Mr Jones then spoke to pupils about routines for learning and ‘COVID keeps’ based on procedures which were put in place during COVID restrictions which have worked really well and will continue. Mr Brown reminded pupils about kindness and manners and shared the news that during this week it will be summer dress with no blazers because of the hot weather.

Mr Howe then introduced the new staff joining Shiplake this term as well as the new Heads and Deputy Heads of College, Jai Angell, Casey Green, Sophie Murray and Billy Fundell respectively.

He ended his address by talking about the College’s three ‘I’s, Individual, Inclusive and Inspirational,

He said: “Our teachers want the best for each and every one of you, they are all enormously ambitious for you. You need to embrace the fact that your teachers care. It is cool to care, cool to get stuck in and cool to say yes. There is nothing better than caring about something - that’s the Shiplake way and we will be ‘building back better, together.’

“We have excellent facilities, top notch teachers and... magic. I feel it when I go into the Great Hall, I feel it on the Skipwith Terrace, I feel it when I look out of my window and see smiling and laughing pupils and teachers, and I feel it when I come out of my office and someone says ‘good morning sir.’ It’s the little things that matter.”

Mr Howe then congratulated the four rowing crews who raced at Henley Royal Regatta, including the girls who secured Shiplake’s first ever win at Henley. 

The assembly closed with the roof lifting from all pupils and staff singing Jerusalem - the first opportunity to sing together for so very long.