Introduction
What a great week we’ve had. I shared with pupils my first impressions of the school on Monday entitling my talk: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. I talked about the obvious mutual respect between the staff and pupils, the bright, colourful and airy learning spaces and the visible engagement in learning. I have been delighted by the manners displayed by the pupils and the way in which they wear thei
r uniform with pride. There is a noticeable absence of litter in the playground, genuine respect shown during our Chapel services and assemblies and great participation and sportsmanship in sport. The pupils have also been very welcoming towards me, engaging in conversation with interest. I wondered what was the first impression I made on them? (see photo) - I have not quite managed to get my attire correct whilst watching a football match!
I hope Year 8 parents found the parents’ evening informative and useful this week. These conversations are essential and intended to further the valuable partnership between the school and parents. We are looking to continually improve these sessions and welcome all feedback. We look forward to meeting parents of all other year groups in the weeks to come.
I wish the 79 pupils who are participating in the Young Voices Concert this evening the best of luck. I will be accompanying them to sing with 5,000 other voices at the NEC in the world’s largest children’s choir. I finished my talk on Monday by saying: “only a few people will make a lasting impression”. I am sure the concert will have made a lasting impression on the pupils and an experience they will remember for a lifetime.
Mrs Knox
Achievements
Florence McDougall (Y5) received trophies for U10 Jazz and Rising 11s Rythmic Gymnastics from Dexterity School of Dance.
Emily-May Palmer (Y7) achieved Distinction in Grade 4 Classical Greek Dance.
Harriet Askew achieved Distinctions in Grade 4 Ballet, Modern and Greek.
Molly Barnes (Y7) achieved Distinctions in Grade 4 Modern and Grade 3 Tap.
Cystic Fibrosis
In April, Mrs Petrie is running the London Marathon for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. In support of this, 7AF are leading an assembly on Friday, 5th February, with a focus on 'Overcoming Challenges in Life' which will also give some more information on the condition. In addition, on Friday, 5th February, all pupils will have the opportunity to substitute one item of their usual school uniform with a yellow item for a donation of £1 which will go towards the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. There will also be a cake sale supported by 7AF. Should you wish to further sponsor Mrs Petrie in her one and only ever marathon attempt click here.
Unplugging from Technology
Action for Children this week published research showing that 23% of parents find it difficult to limit their children's technology-based activity. That sounds like three-quarters of parents are managing that easily, which may sound surprising! Click here to read the research.
Mrs C Petrie
Music School
Chapel Choir - Civic Service
Chapel Choristers will be singing at the Civic Service this Sunday, 17th January, in the School Chapel. There will be a rehearsal at 10am with the Wellingborough Community Gospel Choir. The service starts at 11am and should end at about 12 noon.
Music Ensemble Photographs
A professional photographer will be visiting the school on Thursday, 21st January, to take photographs of all our music ensembles which you will have the opportunity to purchase. Ensemble members should report promptly to the Recital Room at the following times:
0800 Chapel Choir
0850 Clarinet Group
0910 String Group
0930 Orchestra
0950 String Quartet
1010 Percussion Groups
1030 Brass Group
1110 Guitar Group
1130 Recorder & Flute Group
1150 iPad Band
1210 Young Voices
Instrumentalists must remember to bring their instrument (drummers will need their sticks only).
Mr Leutfeld
Michaelmas Team Photographs
To order Michaelmas team photographs please follow the instructions located in Parents Login. Within the ‘orders‘ section, you can zoom in to see a close-up of your picture and choose from a range of options. You will need the Photo ID and Photo Key for the photographs and these are case sensitive. Click here.
Prep Office
Sports Announcements
The Sports Department would like to welcome you back to another very busy term of sport. As you will see from the calendar there is lots of sport throughout the term with weekly football and netball matches for Years 4 to 8, National competitions across three sports for the boys’ football and rugby and girls’ netball. We look forward to seeing you all on the touchlines and for your continued support.
Regional & National Competitions – Football, Rugby & Netball
The Prep School boys U11A will be competing at the ISFA regional football qualifiers due to take place on Wednesday, 24th February, at Repton School. The girls’ also have a very busy term ahead with the U13s and U12s competing at the IAPS Netball regional qualifiers on Friday, 4th March, at Uppingham School. The U11s will also be at the IAPS regional qualifiers and their competition takes place on Thursday, 3rd March, at Uppingham School.
We also have our Prep 1st XV rugby squad training every Tuesday in preparation for their National qualifiers taking place on Sunday, 7th February, and should they be successful they will then join our U9s team who have already qualified for the National finals taking place at Epsom on Sunday, 6th March.
After School Activities
Some new after school activities have been introduced this term starting with a Tuesday where we have invitation rugby sevens for both U13s and U11s (This will also be for the Prep 1st XV to continue training in preparation for the National rugby qualifiers). We have also started a dance club that is open to any boy/girl in Years 4 to 8 that takes place in the Pod. On a Friday morning we are running a mums and daughters morning fitness dance session from 07:30 till 08:15 and it would be great to see many of you there. For a list of all activities please click here.
Mr Irvine