A letter from the Headmaster regarding Commemoration Day 2021
10/05/2021
Sadly, although perhaps not surprisingly, this year’s Commemoration Day will again have to be scaled back due to the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Last year, the School was completely closed in July and only the barest of ceremonies could be observed, as a wreath was laid to Sir Thomas Cookes and the flag lowered, with only myself, the Deputy Head Pastoral, and Heads of School in attendance. This year, we are hopeful of a slightly larger gathering, but are still reconciled to the fact that our usual mass gathering of the wider OB community will not be possible. Even though restrictions are at last easing in the UK, there is no guarantee that such large events will be permissible or sensible by early July. Unfortunately, given the significant amount of advance planning and preparation entailed in hosting Commemoration Day, it is not possible to leave the decision until the last minute. We hope, therefore, that OBs will understand our decision to prioritise the day for our Upper Sixth Leavers and their parents this year. They have operated as a “bubble” throughout this difficult year and so will be able to mark the day together. Their presence will, at least, allow us to honour our Commemoration Day obligations, including the preaching of the Sir Thomas Cookes sermon in St John’s Church. We are very conscious of our promise to acknowledge the Upper Sixth Leavers from 2020, and remain committed to honouring that with an appropriate function next year, when hopefully all has returned to normal and larger mixed can once again come together onsite. Indeed, we dearly hope that this reduced Commemoration Day will mark the end of the disruptions wrought upon School life, and look forward to welcoming all OBs and the wider School family back on site for reunions, Foundation events, Masterclasses, general visits and Commemoration Day itself in the new academic year. Peter ClagueHeadmaster