Headmaster's Comments
Welcome Back
I hope that you have all had an enjoyable summer break and those of you who decided to stay in the UK, have not developed ‘cagouleitis’, a little known repetitive strain injury brought on by continuous donning of waterproof clothing!
The start of the Michaelmas Term brings its unique atmosphere; that combination of excitement and apprehension. It does not matter how old one is, it is the same - only the nervousness might be a little different: replace ‘am I going to fit in?’, ‘is the work going to be too hard?’ and ‘will I make it into the top teams’ with ‘what am I teaching?’, ‘who am I teaching?’ and ‘can I remember my passwords?’.
On Thursday, we welcomed over 300 children into the School, 81 of them joining us this term. We had had the opportunity to meet most of the new pupils and their parents the day before for a re-familiarisation tour of the site, plus tea and a chance to start the process of getting to know each other.
Staff News
Two new members of staff start this term: Mr Irvine joins as Head of Sport (those who sent their children on the Ardèche trip will have already had the opportunity to meet him as he was part of that team looking after the children) and Mrs Ferguson becomes a member of our Science Department.
Over the summer holiday Mr Dennis was married and we all send our very best wishes to him and his wife, Lucy.
There was plenty going on in the School over the summer and I thank all the staff members who have been involved in ‘holiday activity’ courses as well as trips.
Achievements
Congratulations to Grace Wardle-Solano who sat a GCSE examination for Spanish, whilst in Y8, and achieved an A* grade.
David Howells(Y8) has been invited to attend the England Visually Impaired Mens Cricket Training Camp - he is the youngest of 15 'most promising' players chosen from around the country.
Lili Howe(Y5) attended the All England Dance finals at the Hackney Empire in London and won 10 medals, she also danced in the gala in front of Wayne Sleep and Dame Beryl Grey.
IAPS hold an annual national golf competition at Stowe School and this year we had one golfer entered. It was Michael Hinds’ last appearance for the Prep School and he came a credible 7th out of 18. We wish Michael all the very best at his new school.
Ardèche
This trip down to the South of France is one of the highlights in the Prep School year and is open to pupils rising from Y7 to Y8. It was an activity filled week with the two day descent of the Ardèche River in a canoe being the feature of the trip. Thank you to Mr Whitby, who organised and led the trip and also to those who ably assisted him - Miss Kingstone, Mrs Lane, Miss Thomas, Mr Irvine and Mr R Bowe - for giving up their holiday and giving the pupils such a special experience.
Safe use of Technology
Whatever opinion one may have about the consequence of the 14 year old boy who took a naked ‘selfie’, a story that hit the news this week, it is a timely reminder to all of us that when we hand over to our children a smart phone, that action comes with it the responsibility to educate them to use the powerful tool responsibly. Through our ‘Life-Skills’ lessons the pupils are shown how to keep safe when using the internet, which includes using mobile technology. This article may prove to be an opportune moment for parents to discuss safe use of technology with their children.
Mr Mitchell
Headmaster
Parent Helpers for Active Learning Day
On Tuesday, 8th September, we will be holding an Active Learning Day for all pupils in the Prep School and there are a number of activities planned throughout the day. If you are available and would like to assist please email prep-office@wellingboroughschool.org.
Mrs Rowley-Burns
Nearly New Shop
The Nearly New Shop will be open on Thursday, 17th September from 4.00pm-4.30pm. We would be grateful for donations of used School Shop bags and items of uniform no longer required. All items can be left in the Prep Office – they must be clean and in good condition otherwise they will be donated to charity. You will receive 50% of the sale proceeds in due course.
Mrs Crook
Whole School Photograph
If you ordered a Whole School photograph, these are ready for collection from the Prep Office.
Information to Parents
Please visit the parents login area on the website to view copies of letters sent by Clarioncall. If you do not know the login details please email prep-office@wellingboroughschool.org.