From the Headmaster’s Study
Since I departed for China on Thursday evening, the Wellesley community has been as busy as ever. I was so sorry to miss our Remembrance service on Saturday – I gather that it was a wonderful opportunity for reflection and respect and that Rear Admiral John Roberts CB spoke with such humility and integrity. What a wonderful role model for us all. Our senior school pupils have been preparing for the play that we are all very much looking forward to supporting – they (and the staff) have given a huge amount of time and commitment throughout rehearsals this term. Mr Hallam and his team of supporting staff have my huge thanks for this.
In China, along with 3 other prep school Heads, I was a guest of BE Education – a highly reputable educational consultancy, who host a “Top British Prep Schools” event every other year. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to represent our school and to reflect and talk about the incredible educational experience that we provide for our pupils. I am sorry that I missed many of you at the weekend and look forward to seeing you at one of the performances of “Finian’s Rainbow”.
Gavin Franklin
Dates for the diary
‘The Next Step’ – Block 4 Parents
There will be a meeting on Friday 15th November for Block 4 parents to hear about the application process to senior schools. Parents in other year groups who may have missed previous talks should also attend. The talk takes place at 12 noon in the library. Please contact the office to confirm your attendance.
Christmas Fair
The Friends of Wellesley would like you to Save The Date for the Wellesley Haddon Dene Christmas Fair. This will take place on Saturday 23rd November in the Old Hall, between 11.00 am and 2.30pm.
In addition to children’s stalls and the expertly run cafe with cake raffle and tombola, we are excited to announce we will be hosting 20 stalls this year which will amongst others include:
- Tamarisk Boutique Clothes, bags and accessories from the seaside town of Deal including Joules, Seasalt, White Stuff and up and coming niche brands.
- White Satin cakes Mrs Spencer will be selling delicious cupcakes and taking orders for Christmas cakes.
- Barbelo Aromatherapy and beauty products.
- Jet Gutteridge Scarves
- Wreaths Beautiful homemade wreaths for your home at Christmas time.
- Viking Bakehouse Wonderful sourdough bread, doughnuts & bagels.
Start saving now for what will be the best possible Christmas Shopping experience in Kent and beyond!
Children’s stalls to include Tinsel Pull, Drop the Coin, Trap the Snowman, Christmas Hoopla, Pin the nose on the reindeer, The human fruit machine and more..!
School Last Week
Remembrance Service
Many thanks to Rear Admiral John Roberts for giving the address at the very special Remembrance Service on Saturday. After speaking a little of his experiences with the Royal Navy, he was present at the D-Day landings as a young officer on the Destroyer HMS Serapis, he spoke poignantly about the huge number of people in the world who have been affected in one way or another by conflict. He concluded with his main message that we should all be grateful to those who have lost their lives in conflict, and that the world is a better place thanks to their sacrifice.
Thank you to Barnaby Carter and Cameron McKenzie, who began the service by reading Wilfred Owen’s poem ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’, to our the Head Boy and Girl for reading the lessons with such confidence, and to the choir for their moving anthem.
Block 4 Roman Day
This term’s Roman day was a great success. All the children in Year 5 came in wearing some fantastic costumes. Their spirits were high and they all loved their Roman themed day. They had lessons which included learning about the Roman army, using the Caesar Cipher and the Roman influence in France. Lunch was a feast of foods with pomegranates, chicken, eggs, dates, grapes, vegetables and wine (blackcurrant juice). A terrific day and it was wonderful to see such enthusiasm for history!
Year 3 Trip to Pizza Express
On Friday, Year 3 went to Pizza Express for a super session! First, we learnt how to make a margherita pizza using fresh dough. Whilst the pizzas were cooking,the children looked at and could try some vegetables and herbs. They learnt lots of facts too. We then took our warm pizzas away in takeaway boxes and enjoyed them at school. We have been writing instructions in English and a cookery show script so the pupils loved seeing it being cooked in front of them. Thanks to Mr Spencer for accompanying us.
Squash
The season of squash matches got underway on Tuesday at St Lawrence. Although the overall score was a 2-3 loss, this was a good match for all the players and the score could quite easily have been reversed. All match experience is beneficial. Freddy Miles was appointed captain of squash. Well done, Freddy!
Cross-Country
Last Wednesday twelve of our young runners headed to Spring Grove for an Inter Schools Cross-Country event. In cold and windy conditions all of the boys taking part acquitted themselves most commendably. Congratulations to everyone for an excellent team effort but in particular to Henry Obee who finished 6th out of a field of over 100 boys and Bruno Wainman who finished 7th in his race. We are just awaiting the final team standings but the Year 5 boys finished 2 points behind the 3rd placed team which is a remarkable achievement. Certificates will be handed out next Monday.
Sunday Outings
The outing for children on Sunday was to ‘Clip and Climb’ at Dover Leisure Centre. The children had great fun scaling a variety of fun and challenging climbing walls, a vertical slide and jumping from a platform whilst wearing their harnesses and safety ropes. Great courage and enjoyment was shown by all. Thank you to Mr Longdon for organising the trip.
School This Week
Team of the Week
The ‘Team of the Week’ this week, for representing Wellesley Haddon Dene so brilliantly during Sunday’s outing to Clip and Climb, are the boarders.
They will be rewarded with cookies and squash in the Headmaster’s drawing room during a morning break.
History Trip Manston
Members of the History Society will be heading to Manston Spitfire Museum on Tuesday 12th November during activities. They have been exploring a variety of history topics – including questions such as: Does war lead to innovation and invention?
Team Photographs
Team photographs will be taken on Wednesday. Would parents please ensure that pupils have all the necessary kit in school.
Details for ordering photographs will be e-mailed to parents.
Play Exeat
The Play Exeat follows the play on Friday. Please note that there are no coaches on Friday afternoon. Boarding pupils are expected back in school on Sunday evening at 8.00 pm and coaches will be operating for the return journey. Lessons resume on Monday morning.
Finian’s Rainbow
Following the Dress Rehearsal on Sunday, the play is fast approaching and we look forward with great anticipation to the three performances on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Please can those who have not done so either return the slip to the school office, or reply by email, if you would like seats for one of the performances. Please also confirm when you will be collecting your child on the Friday (i.e. before lunch at 12.20 pm, or after the play).
Menu
This week the kitchen will be serving Menu 3.
Matches last Week
Tuesday, 5 November | |
Squash v St Lawrence 1st V (a) | Lost 2-3 |
Wednesday, 6 November | |
Metherell Cup @ JKS (Colts) (a) | Semi Final Plate |
Hockey St Lawrence Triangular : U11 (a) | Lost 0-1 against St Lawrence Won 2-1 against Dover College |
Hockey St Lawrence Triangular : U9 (a) | Lost 2-1 against St Lawrence Won 5-1 against Dover College |
Soccer v Northbourne: 1st XI (h) | Won 3-1 |
Soccer v Northbourne: 2nd XI (h)| | Drew 1-1 |
Saturday, 9 November | |
Hockey v JKS: U11 A (a) | Lost 0-7 |
Soccer v JKS: 1st XI (h) | Lost 0-7 |
Soccer v JKS: 2nd IX (h) | Drew 2-2 |
Soccer v JKS: Colts A (a) | Lost 1-2 |
Soccer v JKS: Colts B (a) | Drew 1-1 |
Soccer v JKS: Colts C (a) | Lost 1-2 |
Matches This Week
Please always refer to the website calendar as it is the most up-to-date place to check for fixture changes and locations.
Wednesday 13th November
Hockey v Northbourne: U11 (h)
Soccer v St Edmund’s: 1st XI, 2nd IX (h)
Soccer v St Edmund’s: Colts A, B & C (a)