This weekend we bid a fond farewell to the Class of 2024, though the general sentiment was that rather than goodbye, this should be À bientôt, Auf Wiedersehen or Hasta la vista to the Class of 2024 as we hope to see them again soon. Perhaps at our Christmas reunion in December, at a future Easter reunion, or in Munich or Hamburg in May 2025. Once a Sidcotian always a Sidcotian. We are part of a fantastic global community and that really came across at this year’s leavers' assembly. 

Our Sidcotian Ambassador Angela Cary-Brown from the Class of 1962 did warn me to pack a handkerchief for the assembly, and she wasn’t wrong. It was a very emotional morning. There were many heartfelt tributes from students’ parents and staff to each other. It was abundantly clear that many lifelong friendships have been forged during their time in School, for students and staff alike. This year we also bid farewell to several staff members and we wish them all well in thier future endeavours.   

The Large Meeting House was a melting pot of laughter and tears as Fanny B (boarder) stood up to speak and said:  

“I had planned to do this without crying ….. but I think that ship has sailed … “

Wolfe K also advised that he has planted and labelled over 200 trees for every friend and teacher he has made during his seven years at Sidcot; he will in due course send out a photo of the trees so his friends and teachers can visit their tree next time they are in Somerset. 

James Jones, Head, closed his speech with a fitting reading on friendship, familiarity and a sense of being together always in a certain space and time. The reading was taken from A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh. As we cheered the Class out of the Meeting House, everyone headed to the gardens to enjoy lunch together and spot of farewell fizz.

We wish everyone much happiness and prosperity with their future endeavours and look forward to welcoming them back to School one day in the not too distant future. Perhaps for a reunion or to take part in a future Careers Day.

To stay in touch with School, log on to www.sidcotiansconnect.org.uk to receive regular newsletters, updates on School, join careers networking clubs and book into School reunions and events.