From the Heads
It has been a wonderful second week back at school where the children have adjusted remarkably well to the new routines. Clubs started last week and there has been a hive of activity after school with children trying new experiences.
We set out the vision for our new school last week highlighting our child-centred focus. If we are to define success in this transition phase, it is to be measured by the happiness and wellbeing of the children and pupil body. It is so clear from the smiles on faces to the abundant energy in classrooms, corridors, boarding house and fields that our children are thriving and are very happy to be back at school. We are proud of the seamless integration of children from both schools, coming together in their respective classes and teams. They have already formed tight and strong bonds and any fear of a ‘them and us’ culture has dissipated. It has quickly felt that we are one school and whilst there are a few ‘teething issues’ which still need to be addressed, primarily the children are happy, settled and making excellent progress in all aspects of their schooling life. On that note, we are delighted to hear of children who are already confident enough to try flexi-boarding and the speed at which they have tried new things.
We will be asking for feedback in the coming weeks in the form of a survey so that we can ensure all thoughts, views and opinions are considered in this settling in period.
Mr Gavin Franklin and Mrs Jo Parpworth
Our Vision for Wellesley Haddon Dene
September 2022 marks a significant moment in the history of both Wellesley Haddon Dene and Haddon Dene, as the two schools amalgamate to create a thriving and flourishing independent co-educational day and boarding prep school for children aged 2 to 13, set in our stunning surrounds in Broadstairs. The illustrious paths and successes of both schools are combined to create a modern, dynamic education offering and a wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere.
We firmly believe that children who are happy and inspired succeed. Our broad curriculum, exceptional pastoral care and nurturing environment at Wellesley Haddon Dene helps to foster the individual strengths of every pupil.
Academic success is a priority, and our children benefit from small classes, superb facilities and dedicated, talented teachers. We are proud of the excellent results that our pupils achieve in their entrance exams at 11+ to grammar schools and at 13+ to a wide range of Kent and the UK’s top public schools. However, at Wellesley Haddon Dene education is so much more than just what is learned in the classroom. Our aim is to lay strong foundations, and teach our pupils vital life skills that will help them to succeed throughout their life.
All the children are encouraged to take part in a wide array of activities, and they each get the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports, helping them to learn the importance of teamwork, resilience, and how to win and lose graciously. Pupils are encouraged to try new experiences and take a few risks, which helps them to build their self-confidence, ignite passions and make lifelong friends.
We instil strong values in every child, and encourage them to be well-mannered, considerate and kind. By the time our children move on to their senior school they are confident, motivated young adults, well prepared to thrive and deal with the excitements and challenges that lie ahead.
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact either Head.
The Queen’s Funeral
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family at this very difficult time as the nation and communities around the world join them in grief. The funeral included a highly moving and beautiful service, so fitting for a Queen who has been ever constant during her seventy-year reign. It was a celebration of her life and servant leadership; a celebration of a life well lived. To draw upon some of the words shared by the Archbishop of Canterbury, he said, ‘People of loving service are rare in any walk of life. Leaders of loving service are still rarer. Few leaders receive the outpouring of love we have seen. She was joyful, present to so many, touching a multitude of lives. We pray especially for all her family, grieving as every family at a funeral – including so many families round the world who have themselves lost someone recently – but in this family’s case doing so in the brightest spotlight.’
We have created a book of condolences featuring words, drawings and poems from children across the school. We intend to send this to King Charles and the Royal family to express our deepest sorrows at this time.
Communication
We are aware of some frustrations with regards to the various channels of communication and means to contact the school. We are in the process of creating our new Wellesley Haddon Dene website. We are aware that you may well be receiving duplicate information through different channels, such as Dojo, engage, email and face to face, however, at this time, we feel that a belt and braces approach is the safest way to ensure that all receive the relevant communications. Thank you for your understanding and patience with this.
Social Media
If you would like to follow us on social media, please see the pages below, where you can keep up to date with day to day events at Wellesley Haddon Dene.
School Last Week
Curriculum Meetings
Our class curriculum meetings commenced last week and will continue this week. This has been an ideal opportunity for you to visit your child’s classroom, ask any questions, meet other parents and review what will be learned over the coming terms. We have gratefully received your positive comments and feedback following these meetings.
Musical Success
Congratulations to the following children who were awarded their certificates from The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in Assembly on Tuesday morning: Amber Hutchinson (piano), Suri Lear (piano), Melody Flowers (violin), Luna Sarafoglou (violin) and Georgie Carter (trumpet). Well done.
Pre-Prep Values Awards
We are very proud of all our Pre-Prep children for settling in so well and filling the school with positivity and enthusiasm. A special mention to these children below for their exceptional conduct and effort:
Year 1 Dolphins – Sadie for her courage and bravery every morning when saying goodbye to mummy and also trying new things with excitement, such as Beach School and specialist lessons.
Year 1 Starfish – Felicity for working hard and showing respect to everyone she sees. Mia for demonstrating kindness to her peers and helping out around the classroom without being asked.
Year 2 – Lucas for showing respect and kindness towards his new friends. Frank for showing resilience, focus and determination in his lessons.
Year 3 – Florence for resilience. Florence has had a few accidents this week but she always bounces back with a smile. Kody for being courageous whilst facing and overcoming new challenges .
Values Awards
Each week, there are “values” awards in Monday Assembly for Year 4 – Year 8 children based on attitude, effort, conduct and contributions throughout the previous week. Congratulations to the following pupils who received applause and recognition in this morning’s Assembly in the Old Hall:
Year 4 – for their fantastic work ethic, Pearl Dunbar-Brunton and Arabella Chhabra .
Year 5 – for excellent efforts and resilience with his learning, listening well and making improvements with his work, Reuben Young-Gadd and for quietly getting on with everything and being a really helpful and kind member of the form, Clara Montgomery.
Year 6 – for being a positive smiling presence in the form class, Thara Aravindakshan and for always coming to school prepared and ready to learn and approaching everything she does with an amazing, mature attitude, Olivia Dilkes.
Year 7 – for being such a polite and friendly member of the form, Harriet Brooks and for making a flying start to the term, Platon Shatokhin.
Year 8 – for continuing to work hard despite an injury, and applying himself diligently to his studies, William Franklin and for his brilliantly positive and helpful approach to compiling the book of condolences to be sent to Buckingham Palace, Jacky Xu.
School This Week
Sports Fixtures
A number of inter school fixtures are taking place this week (please see our online calendar) and we warmly welcome parents to support fixtures that are both home and away. If you need to park through the barrier on Wednesday, please drive through with great care. Thank you.
Team of the Week
Each week, a group of pupils is invited to meet with Mr and Mrs Franklin in the library at break time to enjoy some squash and snacks prepared by the catering team. This week, for their determination, positivity, resilience and teamwork, very well done to the senior 2nd XI footballers.
Sporting Masterclass at Eastbourne College
12 of our Year 6 children will take part in a “sporting masterclass” opportunity hosted by Eastbourne College on Friday of this week. Alongside other prep schools, our children will have access to elite coaching delivered by the team at Eastbourne. We are grateful to our friends at Eastbourne for including us in this sporting extravaganza.
Birthday Ice Creams
If your child is celebrating a birthday and you would like to order a class set of Magnums or mini-Magnums for them to enjoy with their friends during morning break, please complete this form.
Exeat Weekend This Friday
Please note that we have Exeat this Friday. This weekend, the school will close and all pupils will go to parents or guardians. There will be no Saturday school this weekend. Collection for all pupils on Friday will be 1530. Parking for Year 4 – 8 families will be available through the barrier on the field, if required. Please do drive with care – thank you.
Jeans for Genes – Friday 23rd September
On Friday 23rd September, we will be supporting the Jeans for Genes charity by wearing jeans or denim skirts/shorts alongside our normal school uniform. The Jeans for Genes campaign raises awareness of the daily challenges faced by those living with a genetic condition and raises money to fund projects that make a tangible difference to the lives of those affected. We will load a voluntary £2 donation onto each families School Money account. This payment will be wiped from all accounts after the event and there is no expectation to take part. We are grateful in advance of any support.
Fitness Opportunity for Parents
We are delighted to announce an opportunity for parents to attend a drop in fitness class at Wellesley HD (not that you need this!) These will take place every Thursday morning from 9am on the playing fields of WHD. If you think you might like to join Flavia this Thursday, please message her directly. Please bring a mat, water and energy! More details are available here.
School Calendar
Please click here and scroll through for the most up to date calendar of events for the term.
Matches This Week
Wednesday 21st September
Football v Northbourne Park: U11 A & B Boys (a) 2.15pm start.
Football v Northbourne Park: U13 A & B Boys (h) 2.15pm start
Netball Tournament: U11 Girls (a) 3.45pm start
Thursday 22nd September
Football v St Faith’s, Ash: U9 A, B & C (a) 2.15pm start
Friday 23rd September
Year 6 Sporting Masterclass at Eastbourne College
Please always refer to the website calendar as it is the most up-to-date place to check for fixture changes and locations.
If your child has been selected for a fixture, we will communicate with you prior to the fixture with information regarding the recommended pick up time from Wellesley HD.
Matches Last Week
Football v Junior King’s U13A – Lost
Football v Junior King’s U13B – Lost