Among the responsibilities of being Principal of the Foundation is the requirement to attend the annual HMC conference, from which I returned earlier this week in Wales. Among the various presentations and workshops, I had the privilege of hearing Sir Ernest Ryder, former Lord Justice and now Master of Pembroke, Oxford. As ever, it was a delight to listen to a leading figure reflect on his own formative experiences and how these relate to his professional life. Among his reflections, Sir Ernest identified three key lessons which, I felt, resonated with the Foundation, namely the importance of values as both substantive principles as well as protections for all we do, the need for rigorous but respectful debate to develop understanding, and the importance of collaboration to foster innovation. While we see these present around School each day, it can be easy to overlook the importance, professionally and personally, of what are sometimes described as 'soft skills', but the reality is that they are often very hard lessons to learn. As the pupils develop and move on, I hope they too will come to realise their importance. 

There are two events to highlight from next week's Calendar: GCSE pupils will demonstrate their talents in the GCSE Drama Showcase on Tuesday in the Luce, and the year 7 parents' evening on Thursday. 

Alongside the Tyne Long Distance Sculling, this weekend sees the block fixtures against Ampleforth, culminating in the first XV's match played in memory of Noel Shearing, OD; I offer my best wishes to all those competing and playing, and representing the Boat and Football Clubs with pride.