Wellesley HD Weekly 6th March 2023

School Last Week

World Book Day – Polly Dunbar (Author) Workshops

We were absolutely delighted to welcome renowned children’s author, Polly Dunbar, to WHD on Friday of last week. Polly, and her brother Ben (a current parent) led a series of workshops for all children in the Old Hall, where she spoke about the inspiration behind ideas for writing and the path that her career as an author has taken. It was a real treat for our pupils to have the opportunity to listen to Polly talk through some of her well known stories and it was a hugely informative, motivational and enjoyable experience for our children. Aside from the interactive workshops, there was also the opportunity for book signings and Polly and Ben made a visit to our Art School to speak with our Art extension group. Our thanks go to Polly and Ben for their visit, which provided a memorable experience for us all.

Litter Angels Awards Ceremony

Here are two photographs of Clara collecting her prize for being selected as the winner for our school in the Thanet wide ‘Litter Angels’ competition. Although she didn’t win the overall prize she should be proud to have been shortlisted in what was an exceptionally strong field. The competition was to design a poster to draw attention to the problem of littering in our region. Year 5 pupils, from all schools in the area were invited to participate. She was presented with a mug featuring her brilliant design alongside a certificate by MP Craig Mackinlay. Well done Clara!

Thanet Primary Schools’ Cross Country

On Saturday morning, a number of WHD children from Year 3 – Year 6 took part in the annual Thanet primary schools’ cross country event at Quex Park. There was a fantastic turnout from our school and our children enjoyed the fun and frolics of a good, hard race. Every runner represented our school with pride and they quite rightly deserve recognition. Special mention must go to the following pupils: Lucio C and Albie S (2nd and 9th respectively in U8); Ellie U (9th in U9); Suri L and Magnus D (5th and 8th respectively in U10), Ava H, Joshua E, Theo R and Olivia D (1st, 2nd, 7th and 8th respectively in the U11).
Very well done to all runners – Florence, Elodie, Amber, Langa, Lucio, Oliver, Alec, Albie, Ellie, Arabella C, Suri, Isabella, Johnny, Bertie, Magnus, Harley, Nicholas, Ava, Olivia, Joshua, Ellis, Asa and Theo.

Our grass lawns

You will have noticed some signs that have gone up on our lawns at the front of school. Our ground staff work hard to present our school in the best possible light, so can we respectively ask all parents to avoid driving and parking on the grass verges and lawns at the front of the school? We are aware that, at crunch times, parking is tight and we have plans in place to improve this. Thank you.

Westgate Bookshop Visit

Thank you very much to Adam Taylor from The Classroom Children’s Bookshop in Westgate who visited us last week to hand out a free book to every child in our school. Our children thoroughly enjoyed listening to Adam’s talk and were grateful for the opportunity to choose a book of their choice.

Parents Squash

On Saturday afternoon, we hosted our annual parents v pupils squash match. The competition was fierce and there was some real talent on display from both sides, with the parents dusting off their rackets! Indeed, Master i/c Squash, Mr Hallam, was heard to say that this was the best standard of parents v pupils that he can remember. Each parent played two matches (two unlucky parents had to get on court for an extra game) – one against their son and one against another member of the squash team. Following the competitive court time, all parents, spectators and guests enjoyed a (much needed) delicious match tea in the Dining Hall.
A match report is being written, but in the meantime, we can report that the overall competition was won by the parents. Our thanks and congratulations go to Mr Spanton, Mr Montgomery, the Headmaster, Mr Loudon, Mr Goddard, Mr Boyne (honorary WHD parent for the day), Mr Lear and Mr Henry for their great sportsmanship and for playing with such great spirit. The importance of the fixture was highlighted by one of the parents flying in from San Francisco and heading to the squash courts directly from the airport, such was his desire not to miss the event! Of course, special thanks must go to Mr Hallam for organising the event. We predict some stiff bodies today…

School This Week

Year 8 Mock Exam Week

Year 8 pupils sit their mock exams in the Old Hall this week and will be following a Common Entrance or Scholarship timetable. There will be a Year 8 parents conference on Saturday 18th March – this will happen remotely and further details will follow with regards to booking slots with teachers.

Year 1 Class – Church Visit Trip

On Thursday, Year 1 will be visiting three churches across Thanet to deepen their understanding of Christianity, the religious subject they are learning about this term. They will visit the Queens Road Baptist Church, St Peter’s Parish Church and St Augustine’s Church with a view to looking at similarities and differences across each setting.

Year 7 trip to France

On Thursday, Year 7 are off to St. Omer, an hour or so south of Calais. On the itinerary for the day, first stop will be a brasserie in the town centre for lunch, after which we shall head to a school we have contacts with, College St. Bertin. There we shall meet some of their 6me pupils (equivalent of Year 7) for conversation and games, after which we shall do a tour of the school. On our way back to the minibus, we shall do a little work in the town centre and then we will head to Calais for the ferry to Dover.

Nutrition Workshops

We look forward to welcoming Dr Foster back to WHD to continue her nutrition workshops with classes across the school. The sessions so far have been invaluable and the children have enjoyed learning about the importance of a well balanced diet in improving our health, ability to learn and also compete in sports.

Team of the Week

Each week, Team of the Week is awarded to a group of children who have gone above and beyond to contribute positively to life at WHD. This week, for their sensational efforts on Saturday morning at the (Year 3 to 6) Thanet Primary Schools cross-country, Mr and Mrs Franklin will see all of our runners from that event. Very well done.

Exeat

Please note that this Friday is one of our Exeat weekends, so pick up for all pupils from Year 4 to Year 8 will be at 3.30pm from the usual locations. Should parents need to, please do drive through the barrier for collection but please do so with care. There will be no Saturday activities programme for Years 5 & 6.

Pre-Prep Values Awards

Values Awards

PFA Easter Bonnet Workshop – Monday 20th March

Children in Nursery Class to Year 3 will take part in an Easter Bonnet Workshop on Monday 20th March. A charge of £5.00 for the bonnet and craft materials is available for payment on School Money. Children will then be able to showcase their creations at our Easter Parade which will be held at the Easter Picnic on the 24th March.

PFA Easter Picnic – End of Term, Friday 24th March

A date for your diaries! As shared previously, our PFA team are organising a family picnic to celebrate the end of term. We welcome parents to arrive from 1130 onwards on the last day of term to enjoy a picnic on our grounds and experience the fun of a range of activities including but not limited to: garden games, petting zoo, easter egg hunt, tombola and daffodil picking. Refreshments (in the form of pimms!) and Felicity’s portable cafe will also be available. Full details are on Dojo – £5 entry per person, please email friendsofwhd@gmail.com to purchase tickets and tickets are open to all family members and friends not just limited to parents. Thank you for your support of this fundraising initiative!

Denne Hill – Saturday 18th March

We warmly welcome all families and children to this community event on Saturday 18th March. Thank you to those who have completed the google form with your attendance. If you have not yet done so, please do complete this brief form (please note there is no need for Year 7 & 8 to complete the form as they will all be in attendance anyway) . Thank you

Parents’ conferences

Please note various dates for parent / teacher meetings that are taking place this term, as per the electronic calendar.  Class teachers and form tutors will liaise directly with parents, but in the meantime, please note the following:

Pre-prep, Year 3, 4 & 5 meetings – week commencing 13 March

Year 6 parents’ conference – Wednesday 22 March (pm) in the Old Hall

Year 7 parents’ conference – Wednesday 22 March (pm) in the Old Hall

Year 8 parents’ conference – Saturday 18th March (am) – online meetings

Year 5 & 6 – no Saturday School on 18th March

Please note, there will be no Saturday morning provision for Years 5 & 6 on Saturday 18th March as a result of the Year 8 parents’ conference.

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 2

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