Following a thought-provoking address from Alanna Fraser on how to future-proof leadership skills in an ever-evolving world, students embarked on an afternoon that balanced reflection, competition and celebration.

One of the highlights was the much-anticipated whole-school game of Crate Smuggling, now firmly established as a Heathfield tradition. The Upper Sixth took on the role of lifeguards, strategically positioned to intercept rival teams and seize their crates. Meanwhile, the rest of the school, divided into five teams per House, navigated the campus with stealth and teamwork, transporting their crate to 12 designated checkpoints. At each stop, teams were challenged with questions exploring the rich history of the school, combining agility with knowledge.

After a closely contested competition, de Valois emerged victorious, with the winning team completing all 12 checkpoints in an impressive 22 minutes, an achievement that demonstrated both strategic coordination and House spirit.

The community then gathered in Chapel for a Founder’s Day service led by Reverend Elspeth. This provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the origins of the school and the enduring vision of Eleanor Beatrice Wyatt, whose ambition and foresight continue to shape Heathfield today.

The day concluded with the eagerly awaited staff entertainment. With a runway already in place for the school fashion show, it seemed only fitting for staff to stage their own light-hearted mockumentary fashion event. The performance featured guest appearances from JPower and a mysterious masked singer – dramatically revealed to be Mrs J Liepa, stepping in for former band member Mr J Doyle, who departed in July 2025 but made a tongue-in-cheek cameo via a recorded press conference. In summary, the day successfully combined intellectual challenge, tradition and humour. Students not only enjoyed a memorable celebration of community life but also took time to consider how they might adapt and strengthen their skills to thrive in the future.