Special Edition

Issue 14

Dear Alumni,

Welcome to our special August 2020 edition.

So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good bye!

  It is now time for us to say our final farewells to Richard and Rachel Foster who have been leading our Windlesham team with their special brand of kindness, hard work and fortitude for the last 13 years.  Under their tenure our school has gone from strength to strength, with huge investment and improvements, keeping us as one of the best co-ed prep schools in the country. 

Richard and Rachel have kept the Windlesham magic alive and we thank them for being fabulous custodians of our amazing school.

We would love to share with you some highlights, videos, pictures and special messages from 2007-2020 

Enjoy!

Just a few words from Richard Foster

Watch the full video

Achievements at Windlesham during their Reign

2008

Richard’s Party Conga commences.  Always one to enjoy a dance, Richard introduced the conga line.  As each year group exited the disco he would lead them out in a conga line. #WindleshamGames

Odyssey - a massive open air all day and into the night concert held in the grounds of Windlesham with every pupil involved, together with many of the surrounding state primary schools. There was a live link to the NASA Space Station, an appearance by the Red Devils parachute display, a strobe light display across the Downs, an all-day Market and Fairground not stopping there with continuous music and dance activities performed by the children, followed by a magnificent firework display to music. #WindleshamCommunity

2011

The Windlesham Golf Day. A selection of school teams, local businesses, alumni and teachers all take part in this Texas Scramble competition, which is held at a different venue each year. #WindleshamCommunity

2013

The Dogs join Windlesham. A Father’s Day gift for Richard, the two stone dogs now flank the front door to the school.  They are frequently dressed up to celebrate various occasions and are now a part of the fabric of the school, greeting everyone as they enter.  Richard has very kindly donated the dogs who will remain at Windlesham guarding our entrance with pride. #WindleshamSpirit

2014

The New Campbell Field Astro – On our lovely raised pitch, Campbell Field, was re-laid with a fabulous astro turf and a new pavilion, toilets, changing and storage facilities were built. This is now an all-weather surface which accommodates a full sized hockey/football pitch or 4 netball courts or 6 tennis courts. #WindleshamSport

2015

We break ground to start the new Sports Centre and Swimming pool. #WindleshamSport

2018

The new Sports centre & Swimming pool opens with special guest Mark Foster marking the occasion. #WindleshamSport

2019

The introduction of part-time boarding to the Fives, Fours and Threes.  Pupils can now flexi board for 3 nights per week. Also in 2019 the interior of the school was redeployed.  Harrow becomes a full-time drama studio, the old pool is made into a multi-use, music performance and games room, now called Cissbury.  St Ed's is handed over to the pre prep, redesigned, to be used as a main hall/activity room. #WindleshamDrama

2020

Richard won the TES Independent School Award for Lifetime Achievement.  We are all very proud of our Headmaster and this award was celebrated in school and in the wider community. #WindleshamSpirit

Click here for Photo Gallery

Life before Windlesham

Richard Foster's first headship was in Kenya, where he led Pembroke House School for nine years in 1985.

"I was born and brought up in East Africa, but I had decided to go back and begin my teaching career at St. Andrew's Turi another well-established IAPS school in Kenya. At that time it was also helpful to be able to speak Swahili, I was almost fluent at the time. I was educated at Kenton College in Nairobi but also attended Clifton College in Bristol so I had a sound knowledge of the English independent system which was vital.

After 9 years at Pembroke House, Rachel I were extremely established at the school and it was flourishing, having opened our doors to girls. It was an extremely hard decision to make, but with three children of our own we had to think of their future education.

Our time at Pembroke allowed us to realise there was another world to explore. I was given some great advice by the then Head Master, he said: “Make sure you move on before you need to or want to, move when things are really going well.” I have taken this advice on board in all sorts of situations but especially in my major career decisions..."

(Add link to full article)

Messages from Alumni

(To watch this amazing portrait being drawn click on the link below)

Portrait by Koichi Ishii (OWL'15)

"Dear Richard and Rachel,
Here is a drawing I made as a gift from me to you."

(To watch this amazing portrait being drawn click here)

Doe Family

"Dear Richard and Rachel,

We will always be grateful to you both for keeping Emilia and George happy and safe whilst we were living in Seoul and for nourishing their sense of self through your loving care, warmth and encouragement. The kindness, creativity and independence nurtured at Windlesham was a perfect stepping stone for Bryanston and their life beyond.

May your retirement be healthy and happy, and we send you much love from all the Doe family x"

Vdovin Family

"Dear Richard and Rachel,

All our family is very thankful to you and Windlesham. Arseniy and I remember your help with Harrow very well. It would have been impossible to get there without your assistance. Emilia had a great time in Windlesham and had many friends from there. Sofia and I enjoyed our time on the golf course and sharing nice red wine. I believe Henry will be a part of Windlesham in one year. Now you have time for yourself and your family. I am sure you will enjoy your house, grandkids and leisure. I hope one day I will be able to visit you to have a golf round and wine after that."

(More Special Messages here)

Farewell Lottie Knight

The entire Windlesham community and staff bid farewell to Mrs Lottie Knight, who is retiring in late august after 15 years at Windlesham.

We are so pleased to hear she will be enjoying her new free time with her husband and spending time with her twin grandchildren.

Thank you for bringing such joy, hard work and enthusiasm to Windlesham and for all of your hard work and dedication over the years. 

Good luck in retirement Lottie, we will miss you!

(Click here for photo gallery)

(Click here for Video)

The Fosters' retirement event postponed until 2021

We will celebrate the retirement of Richard and Rachel. No date has been agreed yet, however, there will be one set as soon as we can.
Watch this space for more announcements!