From the Headmaster’s Study
The pupils have settled smoothly and quickly back into life at Wellesley and have all started the new term in excellent spirits and full of holiday stories. Indeed, it is extraordinary to think of how much they have done since the beginning of term, some of which is highlighted in this edition of the Weekly. At this morning’s Assembly, aside from listening to Stas on the piano and reflecting on the start of term events, we looked ahead to a week full of activity and fun including – although not limited to – Scottish dancing rehearsals (!), beach school, a trip to Canterbury Cathedral, netball and rugby fixtures, music lessons and choir rehearsals. As always, our social media channels are the best way to keep abreast of what the pupils have been up to and the electronic calendar has details of all internal and external events. It is wonderful to have the pupils back in school and we wish you all the very best for 2022.
Gavin Franklin
School Last Week
Townsend Warner History competition (Round 1)
Once again a small group of Wellesley Historians have taken on the challenge of the Townsend Warner History Prize. Paper 1 involved History general knowledge. This year, Paper 1 entrants were: Mirabel Poulson, Max Miller, Georgie Carter and Hector Hulme. I thank them for volunteering to take this paper! Well done, them!
To give you some idea Question 1 below is taken from the paper:
- Explain the following. Try to be as precise as possible.
- Domesday Book
- Book of Hours
- Halberd
- Roundhead
- Spinning Jenny
- Stephenson’s Rocket
- Navvy
- Zeppelin
- Tommy Atkins
- Land girl
Wellesley Challenge 2022 – First Rounds
Vikings v Romans
This was rather a one-sided affair, with Romans dominating from the start. There was excellent answering from Hector, who scored 130 points for his team, but the stand-out member of the team was Raf, who added 230 points to the overall team total. For Tate and Rose, it was their first experience and I am sure we shall see more of them in future competitions.
For Vikings, there was some amazing answering from Septimus, who tallied 180 of the 275 points that the set notched up. He is a real asset and will feature much in the future.
Teams:
Vikings: | Gracie Lawton, Mirabel Poulson, Felix Butterfill & Septimus Oduwale |
Romans: | Hector Hulme, Raf Cable, Tate Sheppard & Rose Symington-Mills |
Score: Romans 435, Vikings 275
Saxons v Danes
This match was much more closely fought, but Danes kept their noses in front throughout the 30 minute match. For Saxons, Georgie and Freddie added 120 points and 130 points respectively to their set score, with some fine buzzing and answering and small, but important contributions from Stas and Tillie. For Danes, Grace and Ralph helped out hugely with their set score, making 90 and 110 points respectively. Margo and Freya played their part too, particularly with their answers to the Bonus Questions.
Teams:
Saxons: | Stas Shatokhin, Georgie Carter, Freddie Southorn & Tillie Spanton |
Danes: | Margot Grand, Grace Flowers, Freya Ralph & Ralph Wainman |
Score: Danes 320, Saxons, 305
The final rounds will take place on the last Tuesday afternoon of the term. Vikings and Saxons will place for 3rd & 4th places, and the final will be between Romans and Danes.
Well done to all the team members!
Six of the Best
I knew I wanted to choose a pupil from JL for the first Six of the Best of 2022, but which one, they have all worked so hard, with such enthusiasm and imagination? It was a near impossible decision, but in the end I chose Clara Montgomery for her terrific Picasso inspired portrait in oil pastel. Well done to Clara for your Six of the Best award.
Pre Prep
News from Pre Prep
It has been great to welcome everyone back to school. A special welcome to our new children and their families in the Lower nursery and Year 2. We are also delighted that Marta has joined the Pre-prep staff team. Every class came back buzzing from their first PE sessions with Mr Boyne ably assisted by the familiar face of our gappie Mr Beaman.
The nursery children have enjoyed exploring their new classrooms and teachers. Form JK have begun to investigate their new topic ‘space’ and Form JB have been introduced to Greek myths. There was some lively discussion about whether or not individuals would open Pandora’s box given the opportunity!
The children have a busy week that includes: Beach School, the first U9 rugby fixture, swimming, Codekids, ballet and Stagecoach.
School This Week
Team of the Week
This week 16 pupils will enjoy cookies and squash with the Headmaster during Thursday morning break to be taken in the library. Very well done to all participants from the Wellesley Challenge.
Monday Music
To start the term off Stanislav Shatokhin performed Tarantella by Sergey Prokofiev on the piano. Music lessons are kicking off this week and we look forward to welcoming the children back into the music schools. For more information about what lessons are available please email jhb@wellesleyhouse.net.
Next Step – Talk to Block 4 parents
On Saturday morning, at 10.45am we will be holding the ‘Next Steps’ session (via google meet). The session will be held remotely and all parents with pupils in Block 4 are invited to join. Parents with pupils in Block 3 and Block 2, who have not previously attended, are also encouraged to join. The session will give an overview on the Senior school selection process and following the briefing, parents will be invited to book a personal appointment with the Headmaster to discuss their child’s next school. Please email Geraldine (hmsecretary@wellesleyhouse.net) if you are able to join the Headmaster on Saturday morning.
Burns Night – Tuesday 25th January (pupils in JL and above)
We are all looking forward to our Burns Night celebrations on Tuesday 25th January, with a supper of haggis, tatties and neeps followed by Scottish dancing, as we see the fruits of this week’s rehearsals. Next week, all Tuesday evening activities are cancelled as a consequence and day pupils attending the event will be available to be collected at 7pm. If you have any queries regarding the day bus, please contact the office.
Senior School News
On Tuesday 18th January (7-8pm), Tatler’s Education Editor Tori Cadogan will be interviewing the Heads of two leading boarding schools – Samantha Price, Benenden School and James Priory, Tonbridge School. Amongst other topics, Tori will be discussing what boarding looks like in 2022… To join the online event via Teams live please click here.
On Saturday 26th February, Eastbourne College will be hosting a whole school Open Event. For further information and to book a place, please click here.
Throughout January and February, Lancing College will be hosting small group visits for those looking for Year 9 entry from 2022 onwards. If you would like further details on the programme, please click here.
Menu
We now include all 3 menus for you to see in the table below. This week the kitchen will be serving menu week 2.
| Prep menu | Menu 1 | Menu 2 | Menu 3 |
No Matches This Week
Wednesday 19th January
Rugby v Spring Grove and St Lawrence: U11 (h)
Netball v Dover College: U13 (h)
Rugby v Dover College: U13 (a)
Thursday 20th January
Rugby v St Lawrence: U9/U8 A & B (a)
Saturday 22nd January
Netball v JKS: U13 A & B (a)
Netball v JKS: U11 (a)
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 email you each Tuesday morning with information regarding the recommended pick up time from Wellesley.
Matches Last Week
| Fixture | Result |
Rugby v JKS: U13A | Lost 7-4 |
Rugby v JKS: U11A | Lost 12-6 |