FROM THE HEADMASTER

Following last week’s short-lived snow storm, it has been another interesting week with further surprises thrown at us with the enforced closure of the school due to the water problem.  As I said in my emails, thank you for your support and patience.  Let’s hope for a more normal routine next week!  Sadly, due to the early closure, we had to curtail Gareth Cort’s Internet Safety Talks with the children and the planned parents’ session at the end of the day.  We are working with Gareth to find a new date for this and will advise you of such in due course.

Science Week

Every other year, the Science Department puts on a week of special activities for the children to enjoy.  Next week, there is a treasure hunt around the school, we have ZooLab visiting with workshops for Years 3 to 6, Year 7 will be working in the Forest School and a Year 8 trip to the BETT Show in London. Science Week always generates a real buzz of excitement and I am sure this year’s will be no different.

Spratton Hall Cross-Country Relays

Our own Cross-Country event takes place on Monday, where we host our own meeting with several schools coming in to take part.  Although there will be a considerable number of minibuses, coaches and visiting parents here, the car park should not be affected too much as staff will be parking on the tennis courts and our visitors will be directed to the overflow car parks.  I wish our Cross-Country teams all the very best.

Year 4 Play

I am very much looking forward to the The Pied Piper being performed next Thursday at 5.30pm in the Hunter Hall.  The children have been working extremely hard on this and I am sure it will be a most entertaining and enjoyable evening.

Planned Brixworth Road Closure

Please note that Brixworth Road, Spratton, will be closed from Tuesday 20 to Thursday 22 January inclusive for telecom works.  We believe the affected section is between the King’s Head and School Road (what used to be Sauls Butchers). There will be a diversion route in place due to the roadworks.

Thank you and I do hope you have a very good weekend.

Simon Clarke
Headmaster

PRE-PREP

What an unusual ‘splash’ of unexpected excitement we encountered mid-week – or not, as the case may be!  A huge thank you to all our parents and carers for swooping in so quickly to collect the children — your help certainly made a tricky situation so much easier.

For anyone who was disappointed that the parent Internet Safety talk couldn’t go ahead, please don’t worry — we are working to reschedule it as soon as possible.

‘We’re Going on a Shape Hunt!’

The Pre-Prep staff and children can never resist an opportunity to venture into the fresh air, where thinking, creating and problem-solving in open spaces truly brings learning to life. Outdoor experiences invigorate the children and enrich their learning in such wonderful ways.

Clad in wellies and warm coats, 2L have been shape-hunting this week, exploring the Forest School area in search of an exciting array of 2D shapes. Meanwhile, in Reception, the children proudly wore their carefully made shape crowns, joyfully parading them into lunch. Admiring each other’s creations while they ate certainly helped to embed their learning, as shapes such as rectangles, ovals and semi-circles were confidently spotted, and celebrated, whilst they munched!

Reception Head Off on a Surprise Mission!

Earlier this week, our Reception children stifled squeals of delight as they set off on a surprise mission ….to the village post box in Spratton!  Last week, following the Christmas break, the children put huge amounts of effort and careful thought into writing special thank you letters to their grown-ups at home, to say a big thank you for a particular present, outing or experience that they had enjoyed over the festive period.  Once back at school, it was heart-warming to hear how proud and excited the children sounded as they tried to predict what their grown-ups might say when they opened their letter and …realised it was from them!

Celebrating the Buddhist Faith – Peace, Calm, Harmony and Balance

Venturing into 2S’s classroom, it is impossible not to pause and admire the beautiful Buddhist statues proudly displayed outside their door. Carefully sculpted and moulded from clay, then thoughtfully painted in shimmering gold, each figure reflects the Buddhist themes of peace, wisdom and kindness. The children worked with such care, patiently shaping meaningful details such as lotus flowers and medicine bowls, and their pride shines through in every piece. The results are truly stunning — if you have a moment, please do stop by and enjoy these joyful creations.

Pupil Achievements

Congratulations to Leni Weaver who has gained her Level 2 Award in Swimming.

Very well done to the following children for their gymnastic awards: Constance Warner- recognised and awarded for her effort and skill, Toby Podesta – Star of the Week, and Beau Thomson-Forbes – Level 2 Award.

Congratulations to the following children for gaining awards in Skiing – Willa Jack, Hector Jack and Edith Bromwich.

A final congratulations goes to Lochy Ford who gained his Gleneagles Adventure Den Badge.

Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep

MUSIC

Year 8 Informal Concert – Monday 26^th January

The Year 8 Informal Concert is always a lovely evening when the musicians in the year group get to show us their musical talent. All members of Year 8 who play an instrument/sing are invited to perform. A letter containing further details was sent out to all the children involved.

Uppingham Orchestral Day – Thursday 5^th February

We are really looking forward to the Uppingham Orchestral Day on Thursday 5^th February. A letter was sent out last week to all those invited to attend. Please submit your e-reply as soon as possible.

Exam Success

Congratulations to Rahul Malde for achieving a merit in his Grade 1 piano exam.

Mrs King

ART

Artist of the Week

Priscilla Leung is Artist of the Week with her very large detailed painting of a pomegranate cut in half.

TOWNSEND LIBRARY

Weird and wonderful places where we read!

A new year and a new term are the perfect opportunity to focus on our reading once again!

Where is the most extreme place your child has ever read a book? Whether it is up a tree, on top of a mountain or stood on their head, we would love your photos! Your challenge is to take a picture of your child reading somewhere extreme and send it into school, either via their tutor or email them to saw@sprattonhall.com

Obviously, we encourage you to keep safe and would not recommend reading inside a lion’s den! A display will be made of the pictures and we really look forward to seeing who in school has such a passion for reading that they have to do it anywhere and everywhere!

S Willoughby – Librarian

CAKE SALE

Thank you to everyone who bought and made cakes for the Year 8 Cake Sale on Tuesday.  We managed to raise a total of £427.25 for Parkinsons UK.

PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

Well done to Eoin Fitzpatrick who came 2nd as an individual at the county cross-country last weekend.

Congratulations to Jai Chavda who auditioned for a voice role for a CBeebies show and was fortunate enough to win the role.  He recorded this week in Glasgow and the show Hamza’s Animals will be televised later this year.  Jai is voicing a Zebra called Muundo, who is the zebra with the red blanket!

NON-SCHOOL EVENTS

Oh No He Isn’t …

Mr Bradnam will be appearing as the Dame in Rugby Theatre’s pantomime ‘Treasure Island’ at the end of January. It would be great to see as many of the pupils and parents there during the run of shows. There are 13 shows available between 23rd January and 1st February. Bookings can be made from the link below. It is a great traditional, family orientated panto so come along and enjoy the show.

Rugby Theatre Panto – Book Tickets