Last Friday 12th July, we held our annual Founder's Day Assembly, commemorating the legacy and imprint left on the school by Edward Latymer. This year's assembly was particularly special, as due to the school celebrating its 400th anniversary, a theme of 'Thank You' was decided on and was beautifully celebrated during the event. 

 The assembly was led by Year 9 students, and the morning kicked off with a performance of 'Seize the Day' from the musical 'Heathers' by the Junior Choir, a great way to set the tone for a day of celebration. Some fantastic musical performances featured throughout the event, with different Year 9 groups performing 'Sultans of Swing' by Dire Straits and 'Thank You For The Music' by Abba, the latter especially tying in with our theme of gratitude. 

Between musical acts, students and staff displayed their thanks to the school, energetically acting out a range of different memories submitted by students, staff and alumni alike. These featured amusing stories in lessons, memorable trips to Cwm and general cherished memories held by those connected to Latymer. 

We then had some powerful readings of testimonies expressing their appreciation for the seminal part played by the school on their lives, from all those connected to the school, beautifully reminding everyone what a special place Latymer is. It is truly a testament to the warm feeling that is always evoked here that we had a special request to attend the assembly by David Kirby (Class of 1956), who came all the way from Canada, thoroughly enjoyed the celebration and believed it was a fitting tribute to the spirit of Edward Latymer. 

Other former students and staff, who are Trustees of the Latymer Foundation and Governors of the school, were also present: Richard Hibberd (class of 1973), Stephen Way (class of 1974), Ed Cooper (class of 2004) and Jackie Hardie (former staff).

The assembly could only end one way, as the Great Hall rose to passionately belt out the school song, with the whole school expressing their affection for Latymer in unison, a wonderful way to end a morning of celebration. 

After the conclusion of the assembly, students enjoyed an early finish (a Founder's Day tradition), whilst staff were able to celebrate together with a barbeque on the field. We would like to extend our gratitude to the Foundation and its Trustees, some of whom were in attendance, for facilitating this and supporting so vehemently the entire 400th anniversary programme. 

Furthermore, a huge thanks to all Year 9 students and staff who worked tirelessly to deliver such a poignant assembly, so wonderfully reflecting on the history of the school whilst capturing all the joy that makes Latymer what it is today. A fantastic way to keep the spirit of Edward Latymer well and truly alive!