The swap took place mid-assembly where Dr Moodie was unceremoniously ejected from his seat at the front of the hall and told to put on a school jumper and take his place among the lines of girls sitting neatly on the floor.
Moving into the top job was 10 year old Senna O’Neill, a Prep 6 pupil who had won the right to be Headmistress for the Day in a charity auction organised by the school.
While Senna busied herself inspecting the site and choosing new paint colours with the school’s Head of Operations, Dr Moodie was flung straight into a Prep 6 English class, complete with spelling test – one wrong!
Maths was next with the (former) Headmaster performing well whilst Senna sampled new cake ideas with the Head Chef in the kitchen.
For Dr Moodie the worst was yet to come as he joined his 21 young female classmates for a lesson of lyrical dance. Clad for the occasion in legwarmers and a headband, he appeared to be channelling the character ‘Leroy’ from 1980s TV series Fame as he threw himself energetically into some challenging moves.
Senna’s day continued with a host of meetings ranging from inspecting plans for a new adventure playground to receiving a personal progress report from the Chair of Governors.
Beaming from ear to ear, Senna said: “I have had just the most amazing day. I have loved every minute and it has all been brilliant. I have had to put one girl in detention for being a little bit cheeky but generally they have all been very well behaved.”
Dr Moodie, meanwhile, was learning new skills in Food and Nutrition where he proved a dab hand at icing cupcakes.
Commenting on his day, he said: “It’s quite hard work being in Prep 6 but it’s fantastic fun and the girls have made me feel very welcome. I don’t think Darcey Bussell will be calling me anytime soon but I was quite pleased with my cupcakes and may try those again at home!”
