Dear OFS Community,
Monday offered such a wonderful reminder of the depth and breadth of this community. A group of pupils brought together a panel of junior and senior children across the school, along with staff to share their experiences and reflections on the importance of observing Ramadan. We learned that through fasting, we have the chance to recentre our lives around what’s really important, our relationship with God; a chance to show gratitude for the blessings we so often take for granted, from food and water to family, friendship and good health.
The panel spoke thoughtfully about how fasting nurtures patience, self-discipline and empathy, helping us to better understand those who face hunger or hardship every day. They reminded us that Ramadan is not only about abstaining, but about intention — choosing kindness, generosity and reflection in our words and actions. Through prayer, charity and time spent with loved ones, Ramadan becomes a powerful opportunity to strengthen character, deepen compassion and grow together as a community grounded in faith, understanding and care for one another.
I want to thank Bilal, Aaliyah, Adam, Ali, Husain, Miss Farwati, Mr Shafiq, Mrs Sabah and Mrs Khan for joining as our panel and sharing your reflections with our hosts, Yahya, Fadi and Sabr.
Yr6 Head to the West End
On Wednesday, Year 6 enjoyed their annual visit to the theatre to see Wicked. They were enthralled by the fabulous acting, singing and set and thoroughly enjoyed watching the story being performed on the West End stage. It was wonderful to hear many very positive comments from members of the public sitting around us who praised the children for their behaviour and for being 'good company' during the performance.
I really like how all the colours changed when they went to the Emerald City. - Mivaan
I absolutely loved Defying Gravity. It sounded just like the film, and the actresses playing Elphaba and Glinda were incredible. - Aanya
It was a wonderful experience - Sienna
The storyline was really interesting. Finding out the Wizard was to blame for everything was a great twist. - Rian
My favourite part of Wicked was the part after the interval because it tells you all about the main characters from the first movie and what they turn into. - Anaiya
The lighting during Defying Gravity was really dramatic, especially when it shone out into the audience. It made the whole theatre feel electric and intense. - Aashi
FirmFoundations
Despite the shocking weather, our bake sale brought eager buyers through the rain to the Hub to purchase some beautifully baked treats. I suspect the lure of homemade cookies and assorted treats was well worth the effort! Thank you to everyone involved in baking as well as consuming! We raised over £400 for FirmFoundation, who will be able to provide shelter and warmth to those sleeping on our streets.
The Big Smoke!
Thank you to Elephants who led a wonderful class assembly that described their learning journey around the sights and sounds of London. Their enthusiasm was so evident, and I loved seeing their confidence and joy in sharing their stories!
Middle School Verse Speaking Competition
We ended this half term with one of my favourite events, an hour of poetry with musical interludes. I love the nervous energy as each performer takes to the stage, delivering such varied choices of poem and style, before returning to their seat to the excited congratulations from the person sitting by their side! Stepping into that circle of light is daunting for adults - our pupils appear to make it look so easy and I'm inspired by their example - amazing!
Stephanie Emanuel, Librarian at St. Helen's School, had the unenviable task of placing our performers - sharing individual feedback! What a privilege to receive such wonderful feedback and engagement over your choice of poems. I would also like to thank Miss Addinall and Mrs Gascoigne for helping adjudicate.
Thank you to Mr Fitzsimons for organising this event, along with all of the Middle School teachers for helping pupils to prepare. I would also like to thank Mr Ford for helping our musicians, it was the perfect end to this half of term!
Headmaster's Commendation
Thank you to Mrs Narshi who shared the following update, it is worthy of more than a Headmaster's Commendation, what an inspiring story that simply speaks to purpose, impact and everything that this community values! Dear Mr. Calvey, Mr. King, and Ms Gentles, I just wanted to write to you all personally and share some photos of the old logo OFS coats being distributed to a rural school in a village in Gujarat India, a place we call home. About a year ago, I developed a “Big Hairy Audacious Goal” to develop and deliver a number of public health projects to this village, starting with a sub population of the children. In September last year, about 300 people visited 24 schools in the region with gifts of compass sets, smart boards, planting mango trees. We have been able to follow up with provision of uniform after I picked up boxes and boxes and countless black bags from the OFA which was at risk of going to landfill. We think we will be able to distribute this to about 2000 children. Incredibly, this work has started with the distribution of coats, at a time when it gets very cold in rural Gujrat in the absence of heating and carpets. We are now proceeding with packing the water proof jackets and trousers in time for the monsoons. As we discussed when we spoke Mr Calvey, the values we have grown up with, aspire to live by and try to instil in our children match OFS’s school values, and we will try to formalise this into the village school we have started this work in. I will be in touch with Mr Ford about some Music that was sung in schools there that may be good for the Indian Music Ensemble. We are so grateful to Mr King, the school and the OFA for this uniform and for the opportunity to distribute it where we know it will be valued and looked after. These coats will be worn for much more than the school day! Kindest regards, Sonal
What a perfect way to run into half term – the weather might have been pretty dreadful in recent weeks but knowing that children are warmer for an Orley coat offers humbling perspective. I want to thank our Muslim families for sharing stories of faith as they prepare for Ramadan, and I invite all of us to remove the distractions and clutter from our lives, seeking what’s worthy and fulfilling in its place. Have a lovely half term break.
Tim Calvey