First Years ‘Zoom in’ and meet on the big screen 

Tonbridge’s new First Years had a chance to meet each other – virtually of course – when they took part in a Zoom meeting today (Thursday 18 June).

More than 150 boys who will be starting in September joined tutors, housemasters and matrons for the Novi Assembly, which this year was carried out via the giant screen in the school’s Barton Science Centre. 

James Priory, Headmaster, and Josie McNeil, Lower Master, welcomed the boys and gave short talks to help everyone settle into their new surroundings. 

“Between you, you represent nearly 70 different schools and more than 16 different nationalities,” said James Priory, as he looked into the sea of faces on the big screen. “If you’re feeling a bit nervous, then that’s exactly how I felt two years ago when I joined the school as Headmaster and went through my own version of the Novi experience.  

“It’s very exciting to be able to bring you all together – even virtually – and to begin to look forward to your time here at Tonbridge. I can assure you, you’re joining a brilliant school and thanks to all the support we offer, I am confident you will be very happy here.”

Boys were also given a preview of some of the activities they will take part in at the start of next term, such as a tour of the school, time in their respective houses, a visit to the Smythe Library and an induction in the various software which is integral to today’s teaching and learning. 

The Headmaster also recalled the opening of the school’s Barton Science Centre last year and the experiment created at that time by pupils, which was later flown to the International Space Station to be carried out by NASA astronauts. “It goes to show that what can seem a world away is actually much closer than you think, and proves that there are some incredible opportunities waiting for you here at Tonbridge,” Mr Priory added.    

Following the main talks, boys then took part in other sessions with their fellow housemates and tutor groups.

Josie McNeil, who looks after boys’ welfare in their first two years at Tonbridge, told them: “I hope that looking at these photos fills you with excitement for what is to come. Somewhere in those faces is a person you haven’t met yet, but with whom you are going to discover something in Science. A person you will play Fives with for the first time. A boy you will camp out under the stars with, play in a band with and be on stage with.

“Tonbridge is a school with vast opportunities, and we all look forward to welcoming you and seeing you discover and nurture new passions.”

Pictured above and below: The Novi meet tutors, housemasters, matrons and each other, via the big screen; and hear welcome talks from James Priory, Headmaster, and Josie McNeil, Lower Master.