From the Heads
The Exeat weekend provided valuable space for us to reflect on two recent events – the Year 6 activities trip to Hindleap and the Senior School Play that took place at the end of last week and provided those of us who were lucky enough to see it with such an uplifting experience.
Firstly, our thanks go to Mrs Crompton and Miss Elliott for organising, leading and taking our Year 6 children away for a week of activities, teamwork and leadership skills. In spite of some rather inclement weather(!), much fun was had by all and we have loved hearing the many stories that have returned with the children from the trip.
Secondly, thank you to everyone who was able to support the pupils’ performance of “Oliver”. It was an overwhelming success with the cast (and staff) demonstrating such commitment and teamwork – not to mention skill and ability – to produce 2 truly memorable performances. Whilst it was a team effort from the staff’s perspective – Mr Parfitt for the scenery; Mr Spencer as Technical Director; Mrs Sabin-Dawson on costumes; Miss Wallace on make-up; Madame Laurans on props; Mrs Spencer as musical director – we offer extra-special thanks to Mr Hallam for his determined, skilful and passionate Directing. As for the pupils on stage, they were quite simply outstanding. For us, it is the whole process that the cast and crew have been through that is of the most importance – although, we all of course enjoyed the outcome or product as well. There is something truly special associated with the emotions and feelings of being part of a cast that builds through many hours, days, weeks, months of rehearsals before climaxing in live performances in front of a packed house.
It is these such opportunities, outside of the day to day curriculum time, that we strive to provide for all children at Wellesley Haddon Dene.
Mr Gavin Franklin and Mrs Jo Parpworth
School Last Week
Senior School Play
Thank you to everyone who was able to support the pupils’ performance of “Oliver”. It was an overwhelming success with the cast (and staff) demonstrating such commitment and teamwork – not to mention skill and ability – to produce 2 truly memorable performances. The pupils on stage were quite simply outstanding demonstrating courage, skill, teamwork, commitment and enjoyment in abundance. For us, it is the whole process that the cast and crew have been through that is of the most importance – although, we all of course enjoyed the outcome or product as well. There is something truly special associated with the emotions and feelings of being part of a cast that builds through many hours, days, weeks, months of rehearsals before climaxing in live performances in front of a packed house.
Children in Need
We were grateful for all who were able to support Children in Need on Friday last week by donating £2 and dressing in home clothes. All of the money raised will be sent to this most worthy of charities. As a deeper way of learning, Mrs Parpworth led an engaging and informative assembly to our pre-prep children on the Children in Need charity.
School This Week
Safety Notices
Please can we kindly ask all parents to think carefully before parking close to the barrier near the ‘square about’ and the white railings at Junior House. Last week, a car parked so closely to the barrier whilst dropping off a child that once they tried to reverse out, they narrowly missed a child walking into school.
We are therefore asking that parents do not park in these areas for the safety of our children and other pedestrians.
Thank you for your understanding.
Pre-Prep Values Awards
Reception: Phoebe for being courageous during our nativity singing practice.
Year 1: Reggie for trying so hard in his independent writing; Arabella for her progress and focus in Maths; Joseph has worked very hard during the lessons this week and has the resilience to get through tough tasks. Joseph never gives up and has strong teamwork skills to achieve the desired outcomes during group work including team games; Roly has really impressed with his work in recent weeks and is always respectful in following the class rules. He has shown kindness to others and has the courage to attempt any task thrown his way with his full commitment.
Year 2: Marlo Montila for his perseverance in lessons and the super effort in completing homework regularly; Frankie-Mae Wynn for her valuable opinions in our class discussions, in particular her thoughts on teamwork when planning our assembly.
Year 3: Amelia Hildyard for resilience, working hard to improve her learning across all subjects particularly in presentation skills; Teddy Lawson for resilience, working hard to improve his maths skills challenging himself to achieve more in lesson times.
Mark Reading
Industry grades are being collated by all teachers from Year 4 and above and will be shared with the children later this week.
Year 6 – Discovery Planet, Ramsgate
On Thursday 24th November, Year 6 will be heading to Discovery Planet in Ramsgate, for an exciting science workshop. Discovery Planet (supported by the University of Kent) runs a series of engaging science workshops throughout the year, free of charge. Year 6 will be taking part in a workshop on electricity, and putting into practice some of the skills they have learned in lessons and learning more about how the country is powered.
Discovery planet also welcomes families to drop-in sessions on Saturdays – no need to book . Please see the details and dates below if this is of interest to 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, the Team of the Week is the U11 boys and girls netball team who won the Thanet Passport Sports Netball Tournament at St George’s School, Broadstairs. Well done to all for such a brilliant achievement.
Broadstairs Christmas Lights Switch-on – Choir
This Saturday (26th November) the choir will be singing some Christmas carols in Broadstairs at the annual Christmas Fair and light switch-on in Pierremont Park. Mrs Spencer will communicate with parents of choristers this week with further details. Our slot is 3.30pm so if you’re passing, come and hear us!
Future Events
Children’s Christmas Fair
We are very excited to be holding our Children’s Christmas Fair on Friday 9th December. Classes will be running their stalls for each other to play. To help with the smooth running of the event each child will be given 25 tokens to the value of 20 pence. Please do let the school office know if you do not wish to be charged £5 on school money for this event. If for any reason your child is absent on the day you will not be charged.
Tombola items
Tombola items needed for Children’s Christmas Fair – any donations for this will be gratefully received throughout November. They can be left with the school office/given to form teachers. Items in the past have included toys, craft activities, games, books, stationery, soft toys, chocolate and sweets or anything that you can think of that the children might like to win!
Building a Resilient Family
On 29th November, at 7.30pm a 45 minute webinar and Q&A session on ‘Building a Resilient Family’ is being held. Ideas shared are relevant for parents of children of all ages.
Areas covered:
- Why resilience is such an important skill to foster in your family in 2022.
- What it means to be resilient.
- Ways to develop resilience.
- How embedding resilience can support your family.
To register in advance for this free 45 minute webinar and Q&A session, please click here.
School Calendar
Please click here and scroll through for the most up to date calendar of events for the term.
Matches This Week
2.15pm start unless otherwise stated
Monday, 21st November
Football v Kent College: U11 A Boys (a) 2:15pm
Football v Kent College: U11 B Boys (a) 2:45pm
Football v St Edmund’s: U13 A Boys (a) 2:30pm
Football v St Edmund’s: U13 B Boys (a) 2:30pm
Hockey v Junior King’s: U11 A Girls (a) 3:15pm
Hockey v Junior King’s: U11 B Girls (a) 3:45pm
Wednesday, 23rd November
Hockey v Northbourne Park: U13 A Girls (a) 2:15pm
Hockey v Northbourne Park: U13 B Girls (a) 2:45pm
Hockey v St Edmund’s: U11 A Girls (a) 2:30pm
Hockey v St Edmund’s: U11 B Girls (a) 2:30pm
Saturday, 26th November
Hockey v Kent College: Girls U13 A (a) 12:30
Hockey v Kent College: Girls U13 B (a) 12:30
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
Fixture | Result |
Football v Northbourne Park: U9 A Boys | Won 7 – 1 |
Football v Northbourne Park: U9 B Boys | Lost 7 – 0 |
Dodgeball Yr1/2 | Finished 4th out of 12 schools |
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