FROM THE HEAD MASTER
Current School Events 
There are so many exciting school events and activities taking place at the moment. The Year 2 Choir performed so brilliantly in the ‘Music for Youth’ concert at Northampton School for Girls at the weekend – well done to them. The Year 4 children thoroughly enjoyed their Indian Workshop on Monday afternoon; I happened to pop in just as the children were enjoying and learning a bhangra dance. The next day, I enjoyed my trip to London with Year 7 – they were excellent company throughout. I was delighted to hear how well Jacob Beynon, Elliot Briggs and Mayukha and Raghav Sreejith did in representing the school in the first round of the National General Knowledge Championships coming a mightily impressive 8th out of 76 schools. They now move on to the next round, the semi-finals next term.
Stowe Headmaster
Last Friday, we were due to enjoy an assembly with Dr Wallersteiner, Headmaster of Stowe, but owing to the snow and the later start to the day the assembly could not take place. I am inviting Dr Wallersteiner back and we are working on a new date, which I will, of course, let you have once in place.
Earthquake Appeal Fun Run
As mentioned in the newsletter a week ago, we are holding a ‘Fun Run’ to take place next Wednesday afternoon for the Turkey and Syria earthquake appeal. As we will be supporting the Red Cross appeal particularly, we would like the children to wear something red for the run please. I am very much hoping that through this event we will raise more than we do normally on our other charity events such as Home Clothes Day. We would like families to give “as much as they would like to”, perhaps by children giving some of their own pocket money and maybe parents matching that donation. The earthquake is already very much out of the daily news but, clearly, the desperation continues and both countries involved will continue to need all the help they can receive for some considerable time.
Mary Poppins
Kites and umbrellas at the ready… The excitement continues to build as we move towards the performances of Mary Poppins next week. The cast, crew and staff have been working extremely hard and I am sure all that hard work will pay off.
Just a reminder that when you arrive for the performance, please come to the school main entrance Hall for refreshments before you head over to the Hunter Hall foyer to collect your programme on which your seat numbers will be clearly printed.
Change of Contact Details
It is extremely important that if you move house (even temporarily) or change telephone/mobile numbers or email addresses, that you please remember to inform the School Office of these new contact details as soon as possible to avoid any important communication being missed – thank you.
Easter Church Services
As always, parents are very welcome to attend the Easter Services to be held in St Andrew’s Church next Friday on the last day of term, with the Years 6, 7 and 8 service at 8.45am and the Years 3, 4 and 5 service at 9.10am.
Thank you
Simon Clarke
PRE-PREP
Toys Galore in the Reception Children’s Assembly!
What a super way to start the week – On Monday afternoon, Reception entertained us with a wonderful assembly. Mustering their biggest voices and brightest smiles, the children delighted us with their cleverly adapted version of ‘That’s Not My Toy’, by contrasting the features of old and new toys. The audience were treated to demonstrations of spinning tops, marble runs and remote control cars, all very skilfully operated. With some lively songs included (how can we forget their energetic air guitar playing in the Teddy Bear Rock!) it was a joy to admire the blossoming confidence of our youngest children.
A Ghanaian Adventure for Year 2
2L was transformed into a Ghanaian haven of culture, music and colour on Tuesday afternoon, as Year 2 gathered together for a visit from Mr and Mrs Ayensah.
Listening with fascination to their experiences of life in Ghana, the children learnt about the beautiful woven patterns of traditional Kente cloth, handled real cocoa beans and pods, and were even treated to a taste of some Ghanaian chocolate. The highlight for many children was their exploration of Ghanaian Music. The room came alive as it filled with the sounds of African instruments and the children were soon up on their feet dancing, in a joyous finale to the most amazing presentation!
Mothering Sunday Assembly ~ a celebration of love for our families
Heartstrings will truly be tugged this afternoon, as an array of much-loved guests take their seats for our Mothering Sunday Assembly. This celebration of love for our families, provides an opportunity to say a huge ‘thank you’ for all the wonderful things that our grown-ups do for us – as some Reception children shared with me, this includes, “giving the best ‘pick-up’ cuddles” and “making me ribs!” With some heart-warming songs, poems and paintings to share, every child will play their own special part, which I’m sure will leave everyone feeling misty-eyed, proud and well-loved. With a few little extra surprises coming at the end of the day, it is going to be a very special occasion indeed.
Rock Your Socks (or tights!)
Tuesday 21st March is World Down Syndrome Day. Once again, the whole school are invited to take part in this global event, which celebrates the lives, and raises awareness and support, for those living with Down Syndrome. For a suggested donation of £1, staff and pupils are encouraged to come to school wearing jazzy, snazzy socks, or tights, either as a pair or as individual ones – spotty, stripy, sporty, sparkly – be creative, the brighter the better! It will be a colourful and exciting sight with all the multi-coloured legs on parade!
Pupil Achievements
Congratulations to the following children for their swimming achievements – Francesca Williams (RG) Level 1, Seb Walton (RY) Level 1, Bethany Lofts (2A) Level 2 and to Oliver Sharrock (2A) who has gained his 200m, 400m and 600m awards.
Very well done to the following children for their success and effort in Gymnastics – Gabby Ayensah (1N) ‘Star of the Week’, Lexi Mercer (2M) Level 3, Jai Chavda (1N) ‘Star of the Week’ and Lexi Wallens Foyer, who was also recognised for her effort and skill.
Well done to the following children, who recently took part in a rugby competition – Samuel Bradshaw (2M), Henry Bray (2M) and Ollie Smith (2M)
Final congratulations go to Bodhi Higgott (2L) for achieving his white belt with blue stripe in karate.
Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep
CAKE SALE
After the disruption of the snow last week, we were finally able to hold our Year 8 Cake Sale on Monday! Thank you to everyone who made and donated some wonderful cakes to help support the Red Cross Earthquake Appeal. We managed to raise £224.44.
YEAR 4 INDIAN WORKSHOP
Year 4 had a lovely time at the Indian workshop. They experienced a full Indian themed lunch, tried a range of spices, made Diwali cards and had a go at Bhangra and Bollywood Dancing with Mrs Bhangra and her dance partner. Lots of fun had by all!
NATIONAL QUIZ CHAMPIONSHIPS
On Tuesday, the Spratton Hall team, consisting of four pupils picked as the highest scoring pupil in their respective year group during a selection quiz, took part against 75 other schools in the first round of the National Quiz Championship.
Mayukha (Year 3), Jacob (Year 4), Elliot (Year 5) & Raghav (Year 6) worked excellently as a team and displayed an exceptional level of general knowledge. From Beethoven to Mt Elbrus, Rodin’s Thinker to the opening date of the first Liverpool to Manchester railway, the team used their combined skills to finish in 8th place overall. A superb effort that secured them a place in the next round, the semi-finals on the 26th of April.
Well done team!
MUSIC
On Thursday, Year 4 were treated to a performance on the Tabla by Arjun and his father.
Arjun performed to a popular piece of music whilst his father performed a traditional piece of music. Year 4 were then able to ask them questions about the Tabla and the types of music it can play. They asked some brilliant questions and we certainly found out lots of information about the Tabla.
Well done Arjun!
Year 2 Choir – Regional Festival of Music for Youth
The Year 2 Choir were absolutely amazing on Saturday. They took the stage with such confidence and sang brilliantly. We were completely blown away by the fantastic feedback from the Music Mentors. A huge well done to all those pupils that took part.
Informal Concert Years 3-7
It was wonderful to hear so many of our Year 3-7 pupils performing in the Informal Concert on Thursday. We had pupils performing for the very first time, alongside those with more experience. It was lovely to hear such a variety of pieces being played. Congratulations go to all of those that performed.
Exam Success
Congratulations to Finlay Bourne for achieving a merit in his Grade 1 piano exam and to Priscilla Leung for gaining a merit in her Grade 3 piano exam.
The following pupils also received excellent results in their recent drum exams.
Initial
Elliot Glason – Merit
Blake Hemming – Merit
Grade 2
Teddy Blake – Distinction
Grade 4
Jenson Hill – Merit
Concert Band
There will not be a Concert Band rehearsal after school on Tuesday 21st March.
ART
Wanted Items
If you are having a spring clean, the Art Department would love the following items for observational drawing:
Teapots – ceramic and stainless steel
Any reflective objects
Tea cups
American diner style sugar pots/teacups/teapots
Animal skulls
Plastic fruit
Plastic flowers
Thank you – Mrs Moreton
HOUSE COMPETITIONS
Final House Gaming Results
Winners – Drake, 2nd – Frobisher, 3rd – Grenville, 4th – Raleigh
| Tues 17th Jan @1055 | Tues 31st Jan @1055 | Tues 24th Jan @1055 | Tues 21st Feb @1055 | Tues 28th Feb @1055 | Tues 7th Mar @1055 | |
| Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 | Year 7 | Year 8 | |
| 1st | Drake (J Tan) | Drake (O Keki) | Drake (T Blake) | Frobisher (S Upton) | Drake (T Blake) | Drake (F McAra) |
| 2nd | Grenville (J Evans) | Frobisher (L Bacon) | Grenville (B Hemming) | Raleigh (K Khetia) | Raleigh (O Remes) | Frobisher (D Ogden) |
| 3rd | Raleigh (R Bhullar) | Grenville (J Beynon) | Raleigh (T Suggitt) | Grenville (E Glason) | Frobisher (G Swinfen) | Grenville (A Brown) |
| 4th | Frobisher ( K McLaughlin) | Raleigh (L Makeness) | Frobisher (P Turney) | Drake (H Williamson) | Grenville (J Tomlins) | Raleigh (E Godfrey) |
PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS
Well done to Martha who has gone up two grades to Green Stripe in karate this week!
TOWNSEND LIBRARY
With World Poetry Day in mind, we are running an Easter Poetry Competition!
There will be a prize for the best poem in each year group and a ‘plus’ to be won for each entry.
Mrs Alexander
SCHOOL SHOP
Cricket Kit for the Summer Term
In readiness for the cricket season, I would like to remind you all that we do stock plain cricket trousers and a short-sleeved cricket shirt in the school shop. Additionally, we have some stock left of the sleeveless woollen style pullover embroidered with the school name and logo. We have not re-ordered this style again this year as the cost of the garment has escalated quite considerably, therefore, we have chosen to stock a different style top in both a long and short-sleeved design. An image of which is below. These will be available to purchase in the shop after the Easter holidays.
To clarify, only children from Year 5 onwards need to wear full cricket whites for matches only.
Thank you
Julie Gallo
Bursar’s PA
LOST PROPERTY
Jai Chavda (1N) – school tie
NETBALL COACHING
Last few places remaining. Book as soon as possible to secure your child’s place.
SHSPA EVENTS
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS MAGAZINE
The spring edition of the magazine is now available for parents in the school office.
NATIONAL ONLINE SAFETY GUIDES
It’s almost Red N
S Day! In support of Comic Relief, the special #WakeUpWednesday guide has got some top tips on helping children and young people to build their digital resilience – minimising the impact of #OnlineSafety threats 
Here is the link to the school website where you will find more details and further helpful information.
