Founders Day Service 2017

The pupils of Riverston were delighted to welcome the pupils from our sister school Beech Hall to join us in our celebration of Founders Day.

Beech Hall year 6 pupils joined our year 7 on a “walk in the park” to experience what it’s like in a large urban space in London and their trip to Sutcliffe Park taught them how to be safe on London roads. it was a very enjoyable couple of hours that they spent together.

Year 11 students also joined together to discuss social media in a debate, and it was a lively and bouyant affair. Both teams presented good arguments for and against age limits being introduced to control the use and access of social media formats. Mrs Salathiel, Mr Allen and Mr Purchase judged the session and commented on their appreciation of the points put forward and the manner in which the debate was delivered; students showed a mature attitude, were intelligent in their thoughts, and were extremely confident in the beliefs. A great success and something which we are sure will be repeated when they all meet again.  

In the afternoon, Beech Hall joined Riverston in our annual remembrance service at St Michael and All Angels Church in Blackheath to celebrate Founders Day. The Junior Choir sang “Try Everything” beautifully, Bradley Monroe from Beech Hall played Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” on the piano which was a moving and brilliant performance, the Staff Choir sang a Welsh song in respect of the late Mr Lewis senior and Mrs Lewis senior – Ar Hyd Y Nos (All Through the Night) which was equally wonderful, and our Poet Laureate, Daniel Smith read his own poem entitled ” A Poem for our Founders”.

The Reverend Sandie Christie gave his usual stimulating address to the school and congregation, this time based on the importance of acquiring good roots, and the difference between good and wicked choices. It was a thought provoking talk which everyone enjoyed.

Many thanks to Mr Allen and Beech Hall pupils for making the huge effort to join us and travelling so far in one day. We really appreciate you joining us and keeping up our close links. Thank you also to all the readers, singers and pupils, staff and parents who contributed to an absolutely resounding and successful occasion.