From the Headmaster’s Study
People often refer to the “community” at Wellesley. The weekend that we have just had really highlighted the strength of this special community. Friday evening saw the inaugural Friends of Wellesley black tie Ball at Knowlton Court – an event that was a huge success thanks to the considerable hard work and support of a number of our parents and other friends of Wellesley. On Saturday, Mr Spencer spoke articulately in Chapel to pupils, parents and staff about “being the best version of yourself” – and we were delighted to see the newly formed choir in play – before parents, grandparents and siblings enjoyed soup and sandwiches in the library. On Saturday afternoon, we warmly welcomed Junior King’s for some football fixtures, played in glorious sunshine on our playing fields, whilst our girls were being put through their paces on the hockey pitches. There was tremendous support for all teams and once the hard fought fixtures had reached a close, all visitors enjoyed match teas in our dining hall. And in between all of these tremendously supported events, the pupils were busy in the classroom, music school and art school. One of our aims is to provide the best possible experience for all pupils – and parents – who join Wellesley – this weekend was a great example of that, thanks to the strength of our team.
Gavin Franklin
School Last Week
Friends’ of Wellesley Ball
On Friday evening, in excess of 170 people attended the inaugural Friends’ of Wellesley ball at Knowlton Court. Aside from incomparable setting and location and the delicious food and refreshments, the attendees were treated to some sensational music – the Nat Franklin trio played as the sun was setting; whilst members of Hot Wings and Jam Sandwich merged together to provide post-dinner entertainment before our very own music teacher, Mr Barnes – aka DJ Enthus – finished the night off. In between, there was a hugely successful auction, led by Mr Heming and much, much merriment. Our huge thanks go to all involved in the preparation, planning and leading of this wonderful event. Special mentions must go to our Friends of Wellesley committee, the team at Knowlton Court and everyone who kindly donated auction and raffle prizes.
Team-Building
On Friday the Form 4 children took a trip to Viking bay with Mr Longdon and Miss Wallace for a morning of team-building activities. They took part in several beach based challenges and games, building sand fortresses, beach-cricket and getting to know their new peers whilst enjoying an ice-cream in the sunshine. They demonstrated excellent teamwork, enjoyment and kindness. Well done, Form 4.
Sunday Outings
On Sunday all the boarders went on an outing to Wingham Wildlife Park. Thank you to Mr Spencer, Mrs Williams and Mr Parfitt for organising the trip.
Athletics
On Saturday, Amelia Lawton took part in the Kent Athletics Championships at Erith. Competing in the shot, discuss and hammer events, Amelia won 3 bronze medals. An excellent effort. Well done. We are all hoping she is called up to the Kent Athletics Squad in the near future.
Wellesley Ball
Following the incredible success of the Friends of Wellesley Ball at Knowlton Court on Friday evening, the office has a few items of lost property – two pieces of jewellery (a bracelet and an earring) and a cardigan. Also, would the person who won the Champneys raffle prize please get in touch with Mrs Baird at hmsecretary@wellesleyhouse.net.
School This Week
Team of the Week
For this week’s ‘Team of the Week’ there are two winners. The first is the Colts A soccer team, for demonstrating great determination and teamwork in a nail-biting encounter against Junior King’s on Saturday, which they won 3-2 in the dying seconds of the match, having been 0-2 down at half time.
The other team are the U13 girls’ hockey team. Despite having very little training they were able to beat Dover College 5-4 in what was a great match. All of the girls showed great teamwork and it bodes well for the rest of the season if they continue to play in this way.
They will be rewarded with cookies and squash in the Headmaster’s drawing room during a morning break.
Senior School Preparation
Oppidan Education are visiting Block 3 this week. They are market leaders in preparation for Senior school entry. Aside from providing an opening talk and an opportunity for a Q & A session with Block 3 parents, Mr Henry Faber will lead our pupils through a range of collaborative exercises and interview techniques. Coffee and tea will be served for parents before the event.
News from the Pre-Prep
We have had a really busy first week in Junior House. All the children have been to Beach School, had at least one swimming lesson and had their first games session in either football or hockey. The pre-prep children enjoyed having lunch with (whilst sitting opposite) their Block 1 buddies on Wednesday. After school clubs including: art, coding and cooking (it was popcorn last week!) have been very well attended. In the pre-prep assembly, Tilly, Ralf, Rupert, Stan and Immy received golden stars for their excellent attitudes to learning. Well done to all the children for a brilliant start to term.
Monday Music
Music on Monday was provided by Abraham Olson. He played the guitar and sang ‘‘Don’t give up on me” by Andy Grammer. Well done, Abraham.
Captain of Hockey
Congratulations to Amelia Lawton who has been appointed Captain of Hockey.
exeat
Exeat begins at 1.30 pm on Friday and boarders need to return to school by 8pm on Sunday evening or by 8.20 am on Monday morning. Please would parents ensure they have informed the school secretary of their child’s travel/collection arrangements. The office will be closed over the weekend and emails will not be seen, so please telephone the school with any important messages. The answerphone will be monitored.
Dates for the diary
Jeans for Genes Day
This Thursday 19th September we shall be taking part in Jeans for Genes Day, which raises money to help transform the lives of children affected by genetic disorders. We are doing it a day early because of our exeat weekend. The children may wear home clothes including jeans or another denim item. £1 will be added to the school bill so there is no need to bring any money in.
World’s Biggest Coffee Morning
We shall be taking part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday 27th September to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Please come along to the Headmaster’s house after drop off for coffee and pastries along with ‘a new game’!
Harvest Festival
Please remember to bring in your Harvest boxes on Monday 30th October. This year the pre-prep will be celebrating the Harvest festival on Wednesday 2nd October where we welcome Debbie Ellison from Foodlink food bank in Margate to tell us all about their good work. The prep school Harvest Festival will be in chapel on Saturday 5th October and we welcome Paul Worledge, Vicar at St Luke’s, Ramsgate. Soup and sandwiches will be served in the Library afterwards. We will be delivering the harvest boxes to Foodlink the following week.
Menu
This week the kitchen will be serving Menu 3.
Matches Last Week
Wednesday 11th September | |
Hockey v Dover College: U13 | Won 5-4 |
Hockey v St Edmund’s: U11 | Drew 0-0 |
Soccer v St Edmund’s: 1st XI | Lost 0-3 |
Soccer v St Edmund’s: 2nd IX | Lost 2-6 |
Soccer v St Edmund’s: Colts A | Lost 2-3 |
Soccer v St Edmund’s: Colts B | Lost 1-5 |
Soccer v St Edmund’s: Colts C | Lost 2-3 |
Saturday 14th September | |
Soccer v Junior King’s: 1st XI | Lost 0-1 |
Soccer v Junior King’s: 2nd IX | Lost 0-8 |
Soccer v Junior King’s: Colts A | Won 3-2 |
Soccer v Junior King’s: Colts B | Lost 2-3 |
Soccer v Junior King’s: Colts C | Won 2-1 |
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 18th September
Soccer v Dover College: 1st XI and 2nd IX (a) Map
Soccer v Kent College: Colts A, B & C (h)
Hockey v Dover College: U9 (h)
Future Additions/Changes
Wed 25th September
The U11 King’s hockey festival starts at 12:00 not 3:30pm as advertised in the printed calendar
Wed 30th October
U11 Girls v St Edmund’s (h)