News

Sun Shines On OPs Picnic

The annual OPs picnic was blessed with glorious sunshine on Sunday 28 June.  The regulars from the Committee were joined by new OP picnic goers and their families, some of whom are current Princethorpians.

We were pleased to welcome Luke Hedderwick (1976 - 1982) and Sarah Lowe nee Mitchell (1987- 1989) with their families and Alan Zur (1963 St Bede's - 1968) and his wife.

Pictured are the Hedderwicks, Mitchells and friends and Alan Zur, his wife and Peter Rollason, Chairman of the OPs.

Next year's picnic will as ever coincide with the College's annual Fete and Motoring Festival on Sunday 27 June, all are welcome. The picnic starts at 12.00 and the Fete at 2.00pm

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Good Time Had By All

There was a small but select gathering at the 'extraordinary' London Pub Meet on Friday 19 June at the Lamb and Flag in Covent Garden. An enjoyable evening was rounded off by an excellent curry!

Pictured from left to right are Chris Woodruffe (“Woody) (1976) Mike Nagaur (1977) Lee Middleton (1976) Charles Lawton (1974), Peter Rollason (1977) and Paul Adams (1981).

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Princethorpe Head Leaves On Inspection High

Headmaster, John Shinkwin, is leaving Princethorpe on a high note having received the Independent Schools Inspectorate’s report from its inspection of the school in April.

The report strongly endorses the school, highlights its many excellent features, praises pupils and recognises the progress the school has made since the last report in 2003.

Highlights of the report include:

  • Pupils develop high-quality learning skills, in which their capacity to work independently and collaboratively with great diligence is excellent 
  • Pupils are very well cared for and pastoral care is excellent
  • The teaching staff are well qualified and experienced, with a strong commitment to the success of all pupils
  • Links with parents and the community are excellent
  • The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils is outstanding
  • Pupil behaviour is excellent
  • Leadership in the school is excellent

Commenting on the report Mr Shinkwin, who has been Headmaster of the school for eleven years said, “We are thrilled with the Report, it is good summary of where the College is now, but we are continually moving forward and I am sure that in the years ahead the school will progress further and reach even greater heights under the leadership of my successor, Ed Hester.”

Mr Shinkwin is moving onto the post of General Secretary of the Catholic Independent Schools’ Conference (CISC), an association promoting the work of the 140 Catholic independent schools in theUK, Ed Hester joins the College in September from his current role of Assistant Head at Rugby School.

The full report is available at the College’s website, www.wcisf.co.uk and will also be available on the ISI website, www.isi.net.

Image shows John Shinkwin celebrating with pupils.

OPs Committee Goes From Strength To Strength

The Old Princethorpians Committee is going from strength to strength. The Committee has grown and now numbers 13 (!), with past pupils represented from across the decades.

The Committee meets once every half term and now conduct business over a very pleasant supper in the new Sixth Form Centre.

At its last meeting in June, the Committee’s raison d’etre was agreed as follows to:

  • Act as link between past and current pupils, past parents and former staff
  • Maintain traditions and ethos of the school and promote its interests
  • Keep in touch with past pupils and facilitate their maintaining and renewing friendships/networking
  • Celebrate achievements of alumni
  • Involve alumni with the College as guest speakers, work experience, mentors, source of careers advice

At the meeting the Committee also agreed Peter Rollason (1970-1977) as Chairman and Charles Lawton (1967-1974) as London Rep.

The other members of the Committee are as follows:

  • Alexandra Johnson (1984-1986)
  • Peter Kafno (1970-1975)
  • Richard Sibbick (1987-1994)
  • Nigel Denton (1977-1982)
  • Paul Gallagher (1978-1985)
  • Sean Kerrigan (1966-1972)
  • Paul Adams (1976-1981)
  • Pete Trewin (1992-1997)
  • Alex Darkes (1968-1975)
  • Eddie Tolcher (1972-1978)
  • And Melanie Butler, OPs Secretary

Dates of next three meetings, all meetings start at 6.30pm:

  • Tuesday 8 September 2009
  • Tuesday 24 November 2009
  • Tuesday 12 January 2010

If you are interested in coming along to a meeting or joining the committee please contact Melanie Butler.

The Database Is Back!

A new version of the popular OP database is now available!

The database is part of a new OPs Only Area on the main College website.

As well as being able to add and edit their profiles and track down friends on the database, OPs can contribute to the Guestbook, subsribe to The Tower and The Old Princethorpian e-newsletter and discover the latest news and events.

Interested OPs will need to register to access the OP Only Area, simply click on this link.

Melanie Butler, Old Princethorpians Secretary, comments, "We know OPs found the old database really useful and hope the new one with the other facilities will be a welcome addition to the site."

Image shows a page from the very first Princethorpe College Admissions Register (1967).