The excitement is mounting within the School as we gradually move towards Christmas and a well-earned break. Our Head Boy, Head Girl and School Captains ran a superb assembly this morning which made us reflect on the real purpose of Christmas which is as much about giving as about receiving. I would like to commend all of our Year 8s for their leadership this term. They are true role models for our younger pupils.
I would like to take this opportunity to say farewell and thank Louise Barltrop who completed her final day at school today. She has been supporting us through a transition process this term and we look forward to welcoming Sam Bell in January. We are also looking forward to welcoming Lucie Hancock, our new Maths and Geography teacher, who joins us in January. Mrs Hancock has been spending time getting to know the pupils and this morning met a number of parents whose children she will be teaching next year.
On Sunday, I was extremely moved by the joint Prep and Senior School Christmas Concert. Watching the younger musicians sitting shoulder to shoulder with the older pupils making beautiful music was such a wonderful sight. Congratulations to Mr Leutfeld and all of the musicians.
As the year draws to a close, I am getting to the end of my “firsts” and I am particularly looking forward to getting to the end of my “first” appearance in the staff panto. Will it be the “last” I wonder? Thank you to the many, many parents who have asked how we are settling in and whether we are finally used to the weather. The answer to that is definitely: no! Never mind, Spring can’t be too far away, can it?
Mrs Knox
Headmistress
Dates for your Diaries - Parents' Evenings next term
Next term there are several parents' evenings, which provide an opportunity for you to meet your child's teachers and discuss their progress. Please make a note of the following dates in your diaries.
- Year 4 subject parents' evening - Tuesday 17th January 2017
- Year 5 subject parents' evening - Tuesday 31st January 2017
- Year 6 subject parents' evening - Monday 23rd January 2017
- Year 7 subject parents' evening - Tuesday 21st February 2017
Further details will be circulated prior to these dates, with specific information about appointments and how to make appointments with academic staff.
Dr A.I. Fordham
Academic Progress and Reporting Coordinator
Homework Timetable
This week we have undertaken a termly review of the homework Timetable following the changes made at the beginning of this academic year. In particular, we have looked at homework for our older pupils, with a view to preparing them for the move to Senior School. We aim to achieve a balance between supporting them in organising their time and enabling them to take responsibility for their own learning by developing their independence. Parents will receive a copy of the updated Lent term homework timetable before the start of next term.
Mrs Owen
Deputy Head - Curriculum
Carbon Monoxide
“If we’d have had a carbon monoxide alarm that night, then Dominic would be here today.” The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) has issued a warning to all parents on the dangers of Carbon Monoxide. A ten year old boy, Dominic, died when a neighbour’s faulty boiler leaked carbon monoxide gas through the wall and into his bedroom. But wherever there is a fuel-burning appliance or open fire, there is a risk of a carbon monoxide leak. Carbon monoxide is often called ‘the silent killer’ because you can’t see it, smell it or taste it. Children are particularly vulnerable to carbon monoxide because their bodies are smaller and not yet fully-developed. There are also concerns that low level exposure to carbon monoxide can damage a child’s developing brain.
How to protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! Is the national campaign to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by carbon monoxide. It sets out four simple steps:
- Fit audible carbon monoxide alarms in every room with a fuel-burning appliance;
- Ensure that appliances are properly ventilated at all times;
- Ensure that all fuel-burning appliances (such as boilers, cookers, and fires) are regularly serviced; and
- Get to know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Positive Parents Programme
The next session of the wellbeing support programme for parents is ‘Teaching choice in the way children and young people think’ on 12th December. Click here for more details.
Christmas Jumper and Bobble Hat Day – Thursday 15th December
On Thursday, 15th December pupils may wear a Christmas jumper for a donation of £1 and, if they wish, for an additional £1 they may also wear a bobble hat. All monies raised will be donated to the School’s charity British Heart Foundation. There will be a prize for the best Christmas Jumper and the best Bobble Hat on the day.
Pupil Collection on Last Day of Term
The School day will officially end after the Carol Service. All pupils will be escorted back to the Prep School for collection by 1.00pm. (Pre-Prep finish at 12.30pm and Senior School at 1.00pm.) All buses will depart at 1.15pm.
Mrs C Petrie
Deputy Head - Pastoral
Music School
Chapel Choir on Sunday
The Chapel Choir will be singing at Sunday's Annual Service of 9 Lessons and Carols, at 6.30pm in Chapel. Choristers must arrive no later than 4.00pm for a rehearsal in Chapel. They will be provided with a light tea at 5.30pm before the service begins.
Music School Parents' Evening
If your child takes instrumental or singing lessons at School, there will be an opportunity to discuss their progress at the Music School Parents' Evening on Tuesday 24th January at 5.30pm-7.00pm in the Recital Room. Further details will be sent to parents nearer the time.
Achievements
Congratulations to Libby Hawkins and Tanaka Jalathge (Y8) who performed at the NMPAT Chamber Concert on Tuesday 6th December at the Christchurch, Northampton. Libby played the viola in the Junior Zingaresque and Tanaka played the guitar in the County Training Guitar Ensemble.
Congratulations to Krishna Lakkappa (Y6) who achieved a Distinction in his Grade 3 cello exam from the Trinity Exam Board.
Ensemble Rehearsals Next Week
The only Prep School ensembles which will rehearse next week are:
- String Group
- String Quartet
- Flute and Recorder Group
- Chapel Choir (Thursday morning only)
All other ensembles will resume in the first week after the Christmas break.
Music Lesson Timetables
To view next week’s timetables of individual lessons, which are also displayed just inside the main entrance to the music department, click here.
Mr Leutfeld
Head of Music
Country of the Day
To continually improve location knowledge in the Prep School, here is a daily challenge from 6LW. Your focus for each day is to locate the country on a map! If that is too easy, there are some extension questions too…
- Daily challenge:
Monday 12th December - Israel
Tuesday 13th December – Jordan
Wednesday 14th December – Georgia
Thursday 15th December – Azerbaijan
Friday 16th December - Yemen - Extension questions:
1. What is the capital city of this country?
2. What does the flag look like?
3. How many people live in this country?
4. What are the most notable features of this country?
Dr Fordham
Head of Geography
A Plea from DT
DT would like any old, plain coloured t-shirts that are made as a tube. Ms Mason is looking at a future up-cycling project and these will help make yarn. They must be a tube with no seams at the sides please. If they can come into DT lessons with pupils that would be greatly appreciated.
Ms Mason
DT Clubbers
The DT clubbers have spent the Michaelmas term working on a cool woodwork project. They are creating a Hedgehog pencil holder from MDF. The pupils have learnt how to use hand saws, scroll saws and apply paint. Some of the Year 7 students have been looking into the next project. We are taking part in the Bloodhound SSC car challenge. For more details click here. The clubbers will have to develop an aerodynamic car powered by a rocket motor. They will then race against other local schools and will try to qualify for the national finals. New members are welcome to join in after school on a Thursday.
Mr Whitby
Sports Announcements
Achievements
Lottie Heaver (Y8) has achieved Northants County Junior Girls Team NLCGA colours for Golf.
At the start of term Ayla Bailey-Weeks set herself a goal of running 5k and has achieved her goal, gaining two 5k running medals in one weekend - 26th November 5k run for Chocolate, Emberton Park and 27th November 5k Santa Run (dressed as a Christmas present), Stanwick Lakes.
Daisy-mai Crossman (Y7) achieved 2nd place in 200 metre breaststroke.
Sports Fixtures Week Commencing 12th November 2016
Monday 12th November
Year 7 & 8 Club Cross Country event at School (3.15 start)
Club Cross Country
On Monday 12th December we will have our Club Cross Country event taking place here at Wellingborough School. All pupils in Years 7 & 8 will compete for their house. We will also be using this event to help select our School Cross Country teams to represent us at next terms Cross Country events. The event will start at 3.15pm and will finish by 4.15pm. Any parents wishing to come along and support are most welcome. Refreshments will be available for all supporters.
Results
To view this week’s results please click here.
Mr Irvine
Head of Sport and Extra-Curricular
Arts Action Christmas Camp – a few places left…
On the 19th and 20th December myself and Mrs Woodward are running a Christmas Art Camp in the Senior School Art block. I will be making felt drawings with anyone who wishes to enter this piece for their scholarship or GCSE/A level coursework. Mrs Woodward will be working with the younger children on Christmas themed activities. If you would like your child to attend please return a completed booking form by 12th December to the School Shop, Prep Reception or the Art block. Click here.
Mrs Hennessy
Information to parents
To view copies of letters sent by Clarioncall and the weekly team sheets please click here. If you do not know the login details please email prep-office@wellingboroughschool.org.