FROM THE HEAD MASTER
Remembrance
Our Remembrance Service is always a very special and poignant occasion, not least because it is one of the very few moments in the year when the entire school community comes together. The children were most respectful and, following assemblies this week on the subject, I hope they appreciated and understood the importance of the service. Well done to all pupils involved, but especially to Ben Beaumont who played the Last Post so movingly.
Assembly Variety
One of the things I particularly enjoy here at Spratton is the sheer variety of awards and prizes given out in assembly. As many of you will know, the children are welcome to bring in awards from activities outside of school. Just this week I have presented prizes for karate, shooting, swimming and climbing. These awards often serve to remind me that as well as the children being busy in school, they are busy and achieving much outside of school as well.
Diwali Dance Workshop
The children in Years 3–6 appeared to really enjoy taking part in the Diwali Dance Workshop on Tuesday. I very much enjoyed popping into a couple of sessions to see them really throw themselves into it. You can see some photos from the workshops in the gallery on our website.
Parent/Teacher Meetings
Prep school parents have the first Parent/Teacher meetings next week, with Year 7 on Tuesday and Year 5 on Thursday. These begin at 6pm with last entry for parents at 7pm and take place in the Dome. It is not appropriate for children to attend these meetings and I would be very grateful if you could try to avoid, as far as possible, having to bring children along.
For those of you who have not been to these meetings before, the teachers sit at tables around the edge of the Dome and parents simply queue up to meet the teachers. Drinks will be served during the evening. I hope they prove to be a useful two-way conversation.
Pitch Locations
While it is straightforward for Hockey this term as all matches take place on the Astro, for Rugby, it is a slightly different matter. The fields are understandably very boggy now and, therefore, matches may not take place on the pitch where your child’s age group would normally be found. Parents should check either of the site maps, one located by the top car park and the other by the staff car park on the lower fields, so you can see where your child is playing.
SHSPA Quiz
Tonight it is a case of Headmaster turns Quizmaster as I will be aiming to bamboozle parents and staff alike at the annual Parents’ Association Quiz. I am very grateful to the SHSPA committee for organising the evening and I look forward to seeing many of you there at what is a ‘full house’. The pressure is on one of the staff teams to retain their title from last year…
Thank you.
Simon Clarke
PRE-PREP
It’s Nativity Season!
No sooner have we returned from half term, than the key is turning in the Pre-Prep costume cupboard and staff begin scurrying back and forth with armfuls of tunics, tinselly crowns and camel heads. The conversations that can be heard trickling from the inner depths of the cupboard never fail to tickle me … “We’re missing an angel!” “Brown donkey or grey donkey?” and even, “We need more innkeepers!” Our nativity preparations are truly underway!
If you haven’t seen it already, please do check back on your emails because, on Monday, I sent out an e-letter regarding tickets for our Pre-Prep Christmas Nativities, ‘Hay Presto’ and ‘A Miracle in Town’. With the seating capacity of the Hunter Hall in mind, numbers of guests need to be managed carefully and fairly. Please may I ask for your support in submitting your ticket requests no later than Monday 20th November, so that Mrs Hopwell and I can begin the process of juggling numbers and allocating names to places.
Christmas Cards – Order Deadline Next Thursday!
Remaining on the theme of Christmas, earlier this week your child brought home their beautifully printed sample Christmas card. Should you wish to purchase any, orders need to be placed online by midnight on Thursday 16th November. This will guarantee delivery to school within the first week of December. Parents with children in Pre-Prep and Prep, may order a mix of packs when taking advantage of the 3 for 2 offer. Full details are on the information slip included with your child’s sample card.
‘Autumn is Awesome’ ~ half term challenge
Admiring the wonderful array of autumn artwork that has come tumbling into school has been an utter joy! We have been overwhelmed by the creativity and enthusiasm reflected in the children’s optional ‘Autumn is Awesome’ half term activity. From gorgeous autumn crowns, carefully threaded conker mobiles, stunningly beautiful leaf collages, and even a recorded performance of an autumn song our Pre-Prep entrance is now a treasure trove of autumnal glory.
Happy Diwali!
The whooshing, crackling and sparkling of multi-coloured fireworks lighting up our night skies of late, has led to much discussions, and some valuable learning opportunities, centred around both Bonfire Night, and Diwali, the Festival of Light celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. With Diwali falling this weekend, the Pre-Prep children have been taking time to explore the beautiful colours, customs, music and values linked to this special time of festival. From listening with fascination to the story of Rama and Sita, to creating Rangoli patterns and twinkling divas, the children have shared, learnt and discovered so much about the Festival of Light.
Remembrance Observance
Our Spratton Hall Remembrance Service this morning proved to be a most moving occasion. Mr Clarke had gently and sensitively touched upon the significance of the poppy in his Head Master’s Assembly this week, which was then followed up with some beautiful poppy themed activities in the classrooms. Gathering together as a whole school to lay our wreath was a special moment indeed.
Congratulations to Reuben Lofts (RY) for achieving his Level 8 award in Gymnastics.
Very well done to Archie Kirkaldy (2L) and Cole Purcell (2W) who both took part in Karate competitions recently. Competing against older children, Archie achieved a 2nd place trophy, whilst Cole gained trophies for his effort and skill in his first point sparring competition.
Finally, congratulations to Isabella Wiseman (RG) who was one of the very youngest competitors in a recent National Schools Equestrian Association event, finishing highly due to her effort and skill.
Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep
ART
Artist of the Week
This week’s Artist of the Week goes to Jack Greany for his amazing observational pumpkin drawing.
Christmas Cards
Your child’s Christmas card Design went home with them this week. Please place your order direct with Dandy Arthouse by Thursday 16th November. Full information can be found here Dandy Arthouse Orders
MUSIC
National Children’s Orchestra
Congratulations to Nathanial Benn who, following on from his audition last term, has been offered a place in the National U12 Orchestra on the trumpet.
Christmas Concert – Monday 11th December
All of our music ensembles will be performing in the concert, please keep the date free!
DIWALI DANCE WORKSHOP
Years 3-6 enjoyed a Diwali Dance Workshop on Tuesday as part of their PSHCE studies celebrating cultural diversity. The theme was the story of Rama and Sita, light overcoming darkness.
CRICKET CLUB
To clarify that Cricket Club on a Thursday is ON this half term, however, it will not be running on Thursday 16th November.
PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS
Congratulations to Dakshan who received a trophy for winning the county level U11 badminton doubles championships 2023.
Well done to Joe who raised an amazing £666 for the RNLI with his sponsored Drumathon!
