28 March 2025

Dear Parents,

And so, as if in a flash, the first term has drawn to a close. It seems like yesterday that we were welcoming the children to Clifton, some on their first day of their school journey. Today silence will descend on the campus as the songs fade from the chapel; cars and buses depart, taking with them the laughter and smiles of happy children.

While we will appreciate the quiet and peace on campus, this time is for us all to catch our breaths and recharge batteries. We will miss the children with their energy, smiles and joyful noise. Every week your children have brought fun and engaging dimensions to our lives, constantly reminding us of how special Clifton is.

This has been a very busy term. Children have grown and achieved in so many areas as are reflected in the reports below. The accompanying photographs are just a small window into their lives here.

Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in the Woods," famously stated, "Passion is lifted from the earth itself by the muddy hands of the young; it travels along grass-stained sleeves to the heart". How wonderful then to hear the head of one of the girls’ high schools share that, at her admission interview, one of the Clifton girls asked if the girls are allowed to climb trees.

On that note I extend warm and grateful thanks to the Clifton staff and community for a wonderful first term and wish you all a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday with your children. Our thoughts and support also go with our children as they strive to do their best in the hockey, rugby  festivals and other sporting events during the holiday.