From the Heads

At Assembly this morning, we were absolutely delighted to reflect on a range of areas in which our pupils have been excelling in the past couple of weeks – from reading, to industry, to music, to general knowledge, to national history competitions, to scholarship success, to sport and to art. Much is detailed below.

Also, many of our year 6, 7 and 8 pupils have recently returned from overseas trips. Our skiers benefited enormously from their week on the slopes in Italy before half term and more recently, our 1st XI cricketers returned safely on Saturday from their 9 day tour of South Africa after an incredibly successful and memorable experience. Of course, the cricketing results and performances were important and we were delighted with those, however, this was not the sole aim of the trip. The boys and girls benefited significantly and learned hugely from the number of cultural aspects that a tour of South Africa provides and without exception, they – and the skiers – were outstanding ambassadors for our school, and flew the WHD flag with great pride.

Mr Gavin Franklin and Mrs Jo Parpworth

JDRM Gavin Portraits-2

School Last Week

 

Scholarship success

We are delighted to announce further Scholarship awards to some of the leading independent schools in the country. Congratulations to the following pupils who have been awarded scholarships or places on excellence programmes at their senior schools:

Reuben Carss – sports scholarship to Sedbergh
Raf Cable – drama exhibition to King’s Canterbury
Georgie Carter – drama exhibition to King’s Canterbury
Thomas Spanton – sports excellence programme to King’s Canterbury
Teegan Pretzlik – sports excellence programme to King’s Canterbury
Rose Symington-Mills – music scholarship to Sevenoaks

Pre-Prep Show

On the eve of half term, we were treated to a spectacular and vibrant show delivered by our little stars in pre-prep. “Flutterpillar” showcased our children’s confidence on stage, with Year 2 taking a strong and impressive lead. Behind the fun and frolics of the show was a very poignant message of “staying true to oneself, never losing sight of one’s goals and being proud of our individuality”. The show was met with rave reviews by all who were fortunate to see it. Thanks go to parent support of the show (not least with costumes), Mr Redwood’s musical accompaniment, all of the pre-prep staff’s support and guidance and Mrs Golding’s oversight and leadership.

South Africa Tour

Our senior cricketers returned at the weekend from an action-packed 9 day tour of Cape Town and the surrounding areas. The boys and girls secured 3 wins out of 6 in some hard fought contests but the tour was far more than just cricket. The boys and girls enjoyed a game reserve experience, including seeing rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion and giraffe on an early morning and late evening game drive around the estate. Furthermore, our tourists visited Robben Island and had the opportunity to hear from a former prisoner of the Island, who guided us all through the political unrest of apartheid. Amongst other things, the size of Nelson Mandela’s cell was a real eye opener for our boys and girls. It was a memorable experience for all involved and we congratulate the 16 children with representing our school both on and off the field quite brilliantly. Much fun was had by all.

Townsend-Warner History Competition

Our congratulations go to Georgie Carter and Raf Cable (year 8) for their efforts in this year’s Townsend-Warner competition. This is a national History competition open to all children in year 7 & 8 in independent prep schools. Following the 1st paper, both Raf and Georgie have qualified in the top 250 (out of in excess of 1200 applicants) to go through to sit paper 2. If this is not a significant achievement in itself, special congratulations go to Georgie for his phenomenal score of 74/100, which made him the highest performing prep school pupil in the county of Kent. Very well done.

Safer Internet Week

Before half-term we joined schools and youth organisations across the UK in celebrating Safer Internet Day 2023. Lucio Corbani and Lucy Bird in year 3 delivered an assembly to the Pre-Prep pupils to consolidate their learning in PSHE & Computing lessons throughout the week. The Upper School were treated to a year 7 assembly in which they performed their own scripted scenarios devised in PSHE lessons with Madame Laurans. Year 5 have been learning to code their own quiz using Scratch. They put this to good use by adapting their questions to relate to the topic of online safety. Mr Martin judged the quizzes on both their content and gameplay, the best two quizzes can be enjoyed by all below. Congratulations to Theo Alifrangis and Stan Shoring.


Time to Shine in Pre-Prep

Each week in assembly, we want to give children the platform to share their talents, interests and hobbies outside of school. Marlo in Year 2 was keen to share his talents and interests in art. I am sure that you will agree that Marlo’s artwork is absolutely stunning. He has been inspired by a renowned Artist from Margate, Charlie Evaristo- Boyce. He has asked Marlo if he would trade some of his work with him. Charlie’s favourite is the Tiger. Charlie currently has an exhibition at the Turner Gallery called ‘Banned’. His Art Studio is in Dreamland and he painted The Hut on Stone Bay. Marlo used the ‘Art Hub for Kids’ website to help develop his techniques and he said it helped him to develop his technique by following a step by step process. Well done to Marlo!

Ski Trip

10 of our year 6 boys and girls returned at the beginning of half term from a memorable and action-packed ski trip to Italy. Not only did they all progress significantly on the slopes, they also experienced the thrill of a ride on a skidoo, the fun and enjoyment of an overseas trip, bum boarding (don’t ask!) and also ventured into the town to absorb the local culture and sample the local culinary delights. What’s more, they had the opportunity to connect with other pupils across the Alpha schools group. They represented our school brilliantly and with pride and we thank Mrs Crompton for her leadership of the trip.

School This Week

PFA – Baby Gym

On Tuesday, we are welcoming existing and new families to WHD so that little ones under the age of 2 can experience life at our school. We thank Mrs Crompton, Mrs McBride and the team for organising this event. Please encourage any families with babies to look out for these events. It might be a timely reminder to state that we offer a £500 Friends & Family discount for any successful recommendation which leads to a registration.

Thanet Music and Dance Festival

We are proud to reveal that a number of children will be representing our school at the Thanet Music and Drama Festival. They will be reciting poetry and reading prose in front of adjudicators. Well done to everyone who is taking part.

Nutrition Workshops

On Friday, Mrs Foster-Troy will be coming into school to deliver some nutrition workshops to children across the school. There will be a focus on eating for a healthy body and mind and how this can feed into sporting success.

School Calendar

Please click here and scroll through for the most up to date calendar of events for the term.

Menus

This week the kitchen will be serving menu week 3

MenuWeek 1Week 2Week 3

Matches This Week

2.15pm start unless otherwise stated

Monday, 20th February

Hockey v St Edmund’s: U13 A Boys (a)

Hockey v St Edmund’s: U13 B Boys (a)

Tuesday, 21st February

Somerhill Cross Country: U13/11/9 Mixed (a)

Wednesday, 22nd February

Netball v Northbourne Park: U11 A Girls (a)

Netball v Northbourne Park: U9 A Girls (h)

Rugby v Northbourne Park: U9 A Boys (h)

Rugby v Northbourne Park: U9 B Boys (h)

Hockey v SLC: U13 A Boys (a) 2:30

Hockey v SLC: U13 B Boys (a) 2:30

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

 

Rugby v Northbourne Park: U11 A Boys 

Lost

Netball v Northbourne Park: U13 A Girls 

Lost 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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