FROM THE HEAD MASTER
Flavia
Many of you will know that for a number of years we have sponsored Flavia, a young girl in Uganda, through her education. Since she started school at 6 years old, our Years 4 and 5 children have taken the lead in raising the funds needed for her school fees.
I am sad and disappointed to let you know that Flavia has not been able to return to school this term. She has been required to stay and work in the family home. She did complete her primary education and she very much hoped to continue with senior school education but it is not to be. We have, however, made a very positive difference to her life and she has received an important education that she would not otherwise have had.
It has been such a beneficial exercise both for our children and for Flavia that we wish to sponsor another girl. Blessings has just started school and we very much hope to see her through her entire education at the Outspan School in Kampala. Our Years 4 and 5 children will again be leading the fundraising for Blessings’ education.
Paris
Our Year 7 children are heading off to Paris next week for what I am sure will be a splendid visit. They will be visiting all the usual tourist sites as well as having the opportunity to practise and develop their French. I am sure they and the staff will have a wonderful time.
Car Park
As this half term draws to a close, please can I issue some very important reminders regarding the car park.
Please do not park or drop off kit bags in the Underwood car park in the mornings. Staff have not been able to get to their car park due to cars having stopped and children unloading games kit or cars doing a 3-point turn. There will be signs on Monday morning and cones to stop parents from turning left at the bottom of the slope into the Underwood car park.
Please remember to reverse into spaces on the main car park in front of the Hall. This is an important safety measure so that children can be clearly seen when you leave the parking space as you are front facing.
Please do drive slowly and respectfully through both the car park and the village at all times. Clearly, this is for the safety of our own community in the car park and our neighbours in the village.
School Gates
Finally, we are so very pleased with the school gates but there are still one or two improvements that will be made. I should point out that if you ever drive into school and then the gates close while you are in the grounds, you only have to drive up slowly to the gates and they will open automatically allowing you to exit.
Do have a very good weekend.
Thank you.
Simon Clarke
PRE-PREP
The Fun Never Stops!
It has been a super busy week in Pre-Prep. We have dazzled in blues, pinks and purples for a charity Home Clothes Day, carefully packaged and posted our Christmas artwork off to the printers, and the children in Years 1 and 2 have been on a quest to help ‘Morgan and the Monster’ in our Internet Safety presentation from Connected Minds.
Reception Venture on Safari …..A Fungus Safari!
On Wednesday, our Reception children wriggled into their wellies and outdoor coats and set off to explore the meadows next door in Home Farm. Farmer Jenny (Freddie’s mummy!) had made magic wands for all the children, so that they could conjure up some magic amongst the fairy circles of fungus. The mushrooms were both enormous and glorious – some red, some blue and some the size of dinner plates! Of course, all safely admired from a distance and definitely not touched!
Year 2 Assembly –into the Deep, Dark Woods of Baba Yaga
I will forever champion the glorious benefits of the ‘Talk for Writing’ approach to teaching Literacy, as it is so captivating, creative and innovative. This week, Year 2 delighted us with their much-anticipated assembly, which showcased some of their ‘Talk for Writing’ work around the Slavic folk tale of Baba Yaga. So captivated have the children been by the story of this mystical witch like character and her black, honking geese, that I expect that even many of the parents know the chorus of the accompanying song by now. Listening to the children’s wonderful use of language unfold and seeing how both their imaginations and creativity had been unleashed, the resulting assembly was superb and thoroughly enjoyed by us all. Six weeks into the new school year and we couldn’t be prouder of our Year 2 children – they were amazing!
Get Your Feet, Moving to the Beat …
Children, movement and music are three words that go together beautifully. Engaging both the cognitive and emotional parts of the brain, Dance is such wonderful vehicle for heightening children’s learning and development. Dipping into one of Mrs Alexander’s Dance lessons this week, it was wonderful to see the children make the most of this creative opportunity. From developing their spatial awareness, to learning to control, explore and co-ordinate their body movements in an imaginative way, Dance lessons are a mood boosting 35 minutes that leave everyone feeling energized and refreshed.
Year 1 – Don’t Miss Their Assembly Next Week!
This term, Year 1 are delving into the past to explore a range of important events and people. Their current focus is on the Great Fire of London, which has led to some glorious artwork showing the tall structures of buildings silhouetted against a firey background. The children are really looking forward to presenting their year group assembly next Thursday, when they will be able to perform some songs and demonstrate their historical knowledge to family and friends. The assembly will start at 3pm in the Hunter Hall.
Pupil Achievements
Congratulations to Callum Maybury (RY) who achieved ‘Player of the Week’, twice in a row for his effort and skill in rugby.
The following children must be congratulated on achieving their next gradings in Karate – Edward Pett (2M) blue belt, Archie Kirkaldy (2L) blue belt, Max Ley (2W) white belt with red stripe and Cole Purcell (2W) white belt with brown stripe.
Congratulations to Bertie Brady-White (2L) for achieving ‘Player of the Match’ in football and for scoring a fabulous free kick.
Very well done to Arthur Ablett (2M) for achieving the Little Kickers ‘All Rounder’ award.
Finally, very well done to Aya Wilson (1N) for gaining her 10m and 15m swimming awards and to Teddy Van Herrewege (1N) for achieving his Level 2 award.
Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep
ART
Artist of the Week
This week’s Artist of the Week goes to Sophia Roseveare (4W) for her beautiful detailed picture of her dog ‘Ace’ for the Paint a Pet Competition.
MUSIC
Informal Concert
On Monday, we had our first Informal Concert of the year. We really enjoyed hearing such a range of musicians performing on a variety of instruments, playing music from so many different genres. Pupils from Year 2 all the way up to Year 8 were involved and it really did show the talent that we have in the school. Many congratulations to all those pupils who took part.
Music Lessons
Should you wish to terminate your child’s individual music lessons from the start of the Spring term, notice must be received by October half term.
AUTHOR VISIT
What an interesting day the children had with Julia Golding, our visiting author on Tuesday. They learnt a lot about her fascinating life, her admiration for Jane Austen and her love of Drury Lane in London. Our Librarians were lucky enough to have lunch with her and many children have, or will have, a signed copy of one her books.
HOUSE COMPETITIONS
Senior General Knowledge
1st Grenville 2nd Drake 3rd Frobisher 4th Raleigh
HOME CLOTHES DAY
On Thursday, we supported Cancer Research UK by donating £1 each to wear our blue and pink clothes to represent this chosen charity. We raised a total of £433.66.
ONLINE SAFETY
This week Gareth Cort came into school to talk to all pupils from Years 2-8 about online safety. Thank you to the parents who attended the parents meeting that evening. If you were unable to attend there is a leaflet which may be of help to parents and guardians.
