The Centenary Year has been full of celebratory events! After a special time capsule planting in October, the first major event we hosted for families and alumni was the Centenary Gala Concert, where Upper School pupils took us through the decades in music. In the surroundings of the beautiful Stoller Hall, we were in amazement watching our children perform.
Next came the Afternoon Teas and Tours—a formal occasion where over 40 alumni, some dating as far back as 1945, returned to enjoy Afternoon Tea with fellow former pupils, chatted with current staff, reminisced over a photo board showcasing memories from the past 100 years, before going on a guided tour of the school.
After all the formal celebrations we hosted a HUGE party, known as the ‘Forest Fest’ for all our current pupils and their families. Forest Fest was our way of saying thank you—to show our appreciation for the ongoing support of our families, and to give our pupils the chance to share a truly special day with their loved ones. It was all about making lasting memories—the kind of school day children will always remember.
The day began in brilliant style, with children arriving dressed as icons from the past 100 years. The creativity on display was incredible—Spice Girls, football legends, Buzz Lightyear, Winston Churchill, and even Rubik’s Cubes roamed the grounds. It was a great way to start the party.
Our longest-serving staff member, Mrs Eley, opened the celebrations with a centenary assembly. Having been part of Forest Prep for 45 years, she was the perfect person to share stories of how the school has grown and changed over time. She shared photos of how the children used to arrive at school (on four-legs!) and some of the original photos also showed how the school has retained some of its original features such as the much treasured green space ‘the orchard’.
At 1:00 PM, the gates opened and the school was transformed into a buzzing festival. Families were welcomed to enjoy a fantastic afternoon together. From a live DJ set by Peter Scotson of Radio Alty to the arrival of Peanut the pony and a giant inflatable jungle, the grounds were filled with excitement and laughter. Every class hosted their own activity stands, including bracelet-making, badge-making, a photo booth, and a penalty shoot-out. Face painting, games, and the ever-popular tug of war added to the energy and fun.
Of course, no celebration is complete without food, and Forest Fest delivered! Mr Booth and Co. fired up the BBQ, The Little Red Pizza Company served fresh pizzas, and Chef Simon and his team delighted everyone with a selection of homemade tray bakes. Refreshing non-alcoholic summer drinks were also on offer from our pop-up bar, creating a relaxed, festival-style atmosphere for all to enjoy.
To end the day on a sweet note, the entire school gathered for a centenary cake-cutting ceremony—a special moment made possible by our wonderful Parents’ Association. It was the perfect way to celebrate 100 years of Forest Prep in true birthday style.
