As we approach the half-term break, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the vibrant start we’ve had in Kites. The first few weeks have been both busy and exciting, with new boarders settling in and familiar faces returning, creating a warm and welcoming community that truly feels like a home away from home.
We began the term with a full boarding induction, where the children practiced the fire drill and met our independent listener, Cathy Knott. Shortly after, we held a fantastic open house event, during which many families visited to see the wonderful boarding renovations. Our Form VIII boarders took on the role of tour guides, doing a brilliant job showcasing the house.
This term, we’re also introducing some exciting new initiatives. The Boarding Life Skills programme for Forms 6, 7, and 8 has already sparked meaningful discussions around responsibility and independence. Additionally, we are launching a boarding council, with representatives from all year groups invited to contribute ideas to enhance boarding life. Please do encourage your child to sign up and get involved.
As we head into the half-term break, we want to thank all the pupils for their energy, positivity, and resilience. We hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved rest and returns refreshed for the remainder of the term.
We’re excited to see what the next half of the term will bring!
Warm regards,
Susi and Nick Blithe
Houseparents
Friday Night Fun
Our boarders put their skills to the test on Friday evening, when BMX Academy came to visit!
The children had the opportunity to learn from the best, Terry Price and Mike Mullen, who ran workshops in BMX and scootering. After watching some thrilling demonstrations from the experts, the energy was high, and the children were ready to have a go themselves! Some of our braver boarders challenged themselves to perform some difficult tricks, showing that they really can do anything if they put their mind to it.
These workshops are not only incredibly fun, but they encourage our children to push themselves out of their comfort zones and develop a stronger mindset. Thank you to Terry and Mike for another memorable evening!
Spotlight on Miss Baldry
We’re excited to introduce Miss Baldry, our new Assistant Houseparent, who now lives on the girls’ boarding corridor. She has already made a wonderful impression on both staff and the boarders, and we’re looking forward to learning more about her as she settles into her new role.
1. Can you tell us a little bit about your background and the role you have during the school day?
I joined Beachborough last year, originally as a teaching assistant covering maternity leave for 6 months, but I was given the opportunity to continue working at Beachborough which I was thrilled about.
Alongside the boarding duties I have in the morning and evenings, during the day I am a learning assistant in the Boardman, predominantly based with PP2. This involves many different activities, including supporting the children with their learning, reading one to one, and having lots of fun in the woods which is a highlight of my week!
2. What have been some of your first impressions of Kites and the boarders since starting this term?
I have really enjoyed my first half term with Kites, and that is all due to the warm welcome I received from everyone. All the children were brilliant at helping me in those first few weeks explaining how boarding runs, where the washing goes, and reminding me what time supper was (although I checked with Mrs Blithe about bedtimes!).
3. What aspect of your new role as Assistant Houseparent are you most excited about?
With last year being my first year at Beachborough, I didn’t know many of the older children from the Manor House, and so it has been so lovely to get to know lots of new children, not only putting names to faces but getting to know them personally. For those who I knew from last year, it has been nice getting to see a different side to them rather than focusing on them as learners in the classroom. I am looking forward to meeting any new boarders throughout this year.
4. What do you enjoy most about working in a boarding school environment?
Working in a boarding school means you see the children in so many different ways compared to a day school. During the day, we are focused more so on the academics, whereas during boarding hours we concentrate on having fun and giving the boarders time to unwind and relax after their busy days. I love hearing stories from their day, moments that have made them laugh, and what they are doing at the weekends; conversations we don’t always get to have during the day when passing each other in the corridor.
5. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced so far?
The first hurdle for me was getting to grips with all the different timings of the boarding routine, and remembering who was supposed to be where at what time, but now I feel we have all settled into a good routine and it works perfectly. Oh, and getting to know everyone’s names!
6. What’s something interesting about you that our boarders and parents might not know yet?
Ever since I was young, I have loved the theatre and in particular going to see musicals, I have seen many different shows at many different places over my life and always have a long wish list of shows I would like to see.
7. Do you have any particular hobbies or skills that you’re excited to share with the boarding community?
I am a lover of all things creative, whether that is sketching dogs, painting flowers or hand embroidering a quilt. Before coming to Beachborough, I did a degree in art and psychology and knew that whatever role I had next in my career, would involve an aspect of art. I love going to the art room with the boarders and seeing what they create, as well as offer some tips if they would like. I would love to continue this over the year and offer some more structured creative activities to the boarders.
8. How have you found living and working at the school so far?
It started off feeling very strange that I didn’t have to drive to and from work everyday, but it is so nice living onsite and means I never have to worry about forgetting anything! Making sure the children know they can come and talk to me about anything when they need to has been a priority for me, and being around for them at all times during the day means I can ensure this happens.
Everyone has been so welcoming to me and Beachborough feels very homely to me now.
Quiet Morning Colouring
Our younger boarders have been showing great consideration for their dorm mates by if they wake early enjoying some creative time without disturbing the rest of the house. They’ve taken to colouring in the mornings, and the results are truly impressive! The artwork they’ve been producing is nothing short of amazing, and we now have a beautiful wall of art that adds a special, vibrant touch to the boarding house. It’s wonderful to see them express themselves while also respecting the boarding house rules—well done to everyone involved!
Upcoming Events this term:
- Thursday 28th November –Thanksgiving Celebrations
- Friday 6th December – Trip to Peter Pan Milton Keynes Theatre
- Friday 13th December – Christmas Film Night
