Wizard of Oz Tickets on Sale
The tennis season continues apace with all our boys' teams and the U18A, U18B and U14A girls seeing victory over Giggleswick at the weekend. We were delighted to host our friends from the RA day charity and from the Lourdes Pilgrimage group for coffee in the Main Hall after Sunday Mass.
Sunday afternoon saw House teams (and large numbers of supporters!) take part in the House Challenge Ampleforth Quiz run by our very talented quizmaster and member of the housekeeping staff, Paul Nixon. While challenging the brain cells, it was also lots of fun and congratulations to St John's and St Hugh's who were joint winners on the day.
This week we welcomed the Good Samaritan Benedictine Pilgrimage for their annual visit from Australia. The Sisters of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St Benedict are a congregation of Catholic religious women who provide religious ministry to communities and teach in schools for vulnerable children across the world. It was inspiring to hear of the good work these selfless women do on a daily basis in support of those less fortunate than us.
I have been in London this week attending the HMC's Headmaster's Conference, which had a focus on the impact of AI in education and the opportunities and implications for schools. It was fascinating to learn more about this important educational game-changer, one that Ampleforth is sure to have a good take on! Really good to hear Nick Robinson of the BBC being insightful about getting to know politicians on a personal basis. Also, it is always valuable to spend time sharing experiences and ideas with fellow educational leaders.
Unfortunately, my attendance at the conference meant I had to miss our Pastoral Graduate, Rebekah Lally (Mezzo Soprano), and Head of Keyboard, Roger Muttitt (Piano), perform the Four Ages of the Female Voice last night featuring the music of Purcell, Mozart, Schubert and Britten. I was really sorry to miss this and my congratulations on what I hear was an outstanding performance.
Tickets are now on sale for this year's Exhibition play 'The Wizard of Oz' which will be performed on Friday 24 May at 5:30pm and Saturday 25 May at 2:30pm. All those involved, pupils and staff, have been working extremely hard in preparation; the theatre is being transformed – I see signs of a yellow brick road – and excitement is mounting. It promises to be a spectacular performance so book your tickets soon!
Tonight, Fr Ambrose will lead a Confirmation Vigil in the Abbey Church before our Confirmandi receive the sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday, conferred by the Bishop of Middlesbrough, the Rt Rev Terence Drainey. We look forward to welcoming lots of family and friends to the Valley to celebrate this wonderful occasion and Marie and I look forward to seeing many of you there.
All best wishes,
Peter
