14 February 2025

Dear Parents,

Picture the scene: The headmaster is walking down the path towards the Junior Primary. Outside the library two Grade 5  girls walk past him.

“Good morning girls” he says. “Oh, good morning Sir”, one of them replies.

“How are you both?” he asks “Good” comes the response.

“And how am I?” he asks ? “We don't know” they reply in unison.

What a perfect cue to start encouraging children to greet staff and visitors to the campus. They have  certainly responded well and most children I pass now enquire after my health when I ask after theirs. It was also a pleasure to hear from parents of a visiting school commenting on how warmly they were greeted by  Clifton children.

The election of House Captains and Vice Captains has been followed by the sounds of war cries being rehearsed on the fields and around the campus. The girls were quick to set the challenge with their evening war cry outside the boys house. I look forward to the boys response. We congratulate the House Captains and Vice Captains on their election and look forward to their leadership in guiding their houses.

This has been another busy week. While the weather thwarted the midweek gala at Cowan House, our swimmers  excelled in the Midmar Mile and it was such a pleasure to commend 20 children who completed this swim. Our riders showed grit by competing in their event despite the rain and tough conditions, while our tennis players shone in their selection for the 2025 uMgungundlovu Tennis Team.

Staff have engaged with Ntando Mlilo during her talk on diversity, inclusivity and belonging. Members of the IT integration team heard from Tanith von Mayer about the basics of a future fit learning programme and cricket coaches were fortunate to hear John Crawford share his vast coaching experience and wisdom with them on the field.

Sadly we will shortly bid farewell to two staff members who have been valuable members of the Clifton Team:  Nicole Houart leaves the Intern Programme at half-term and Lisa Wallet will be leaving the Riding School early next month. Both ladies intend spending more time with their families. We extend our sincere thanks for their contributions to Clifton and wish them everything of the best as they head onto the next legs of their journeys.

Louise Jelliman is going off on maternity leave as she prepares to welcome her baby girl, and we wish her all the best during this special time. 

So with beady eye on the weather we look forward to the matches against Cordwalles this weekend and our SP Inter-house Gala on Wednesday.

Wishing our 1st XI a wonderful festival at St Charles and the Clifton family, a safe, restful and thoroughly enjoyable mid-term break.