Wellesley Weekly 18th October 2021

School Last Week

News from Pre-prep

Congratulations to Tinks Moore and George Waldie who have been commended for their artwork in a local art exhibition. The children enjoyed making fatballs for the local wildlife during an outdoor learning session and there has been lots of pumpkin soup role play. We have been making use of some of the kind donations from the Friends of Wellesley including using our new hammock and den making kit.
I am sure you will join me in wishing Mrs Chiaramello best wishes as she leaves Wellesley to continue her academic studies at University. She has been a brilliant addition to our team, with her kindness and expertise in Forest School and swimming!
It has been a really busy and successful first half of term and I wish all Pre-prep families a restful break!

OW Golf Day at Royal St George’s

We were delighted to welcome nearly 30 people for the legendary roast lunch at Royal St George’s in Sandwich on Sunday for our annual OW golf day. There was much merriment as Old Welleslians (both new and old) and their families enjoyed each other’s company in advance of the golf competition, which truthfully played second fiddle to the opportunity to the social side of the afternoon. Nonetheless, 18 golfers competed in pairs against each other for the coveted prize of OW golfers of the year. Honorary OW Philip Woodhouse and Kieran Wardman took the honours, narrowly pipping Andrew Fox-Pitt and Rupert Harmsworth by one point in the stableford competition. Last year’s winners Hugo Loudon and Andrew Cox found this year’s competition far stiffer. It was particularly pleasing to welcome a number of younger OWs who took part in the competition and Edward and William Norton (Tonbridge and Sherborne) and Eleanor Felton (Beneden) and Eliza Fox-Pitt (King’s Canterbury) performed especially well. Freddie and William Evans (Tonbridge), Archie Hammond (Eton) and Gabe Barlow (Eastbourne) and Fergus and Jonjo Wylie (Stowe and Claremont) all produced moments of brilliance without securing a spot on the podium. We were delighted that Tessa Sale, the widow of former Headmaster, Bill Sale, was able to join us for lunch.

Year 6 to Dover Castle

In Block 3, the children learn about England from 1066 onwards. The invasion by the Normans led to huge changes in Britain, and for the Anglo-Saxon people living here at the time. One aspect of this change was the appearance of huge strongholds around the country – castles. One such castle was built at Dover, and although it’s been upgraded over the centuries it is well worth a visit to get a feel for what life was like during this time.
The Block 3’s visit was well worth it with the children getting to meet Eleanor de Montfort, sister to King Henry III, who took them on a very detailed tour of the castle. They learned much about daily life, rules of etiquette and the different rooms of the Keep. It was certainly very interesting and entertaining.

School This Week

Team of the Week

The ‘Team of the Week’ is announced at each Monday’s assembly. Congratulations to the Colts football team and the senior 2nd football team for their brilliant efforts in matches last week. They have demonstrated such commitment, resilience and spirit throughout the first half of term. They will be rewarded with cookies and juice with the Headmaster in the library during a break time this week.

Music

In the Headmaster’s Assembly, Grace Flowers (Block 2) played “Waltz in A Minor” on the piano. It was a stunning performance – very well done, Grace.

Thanet Schools Art Festival 2021

As mentioned above, we were delighted to hear that two Wellesley pupils have won a commendation at the above exhibition. If you would like to view the art work, it will be on display at The Margate School from Monday 1st November until Sunday 7th November. Opening hours are:

Monday: 12pm to 4pm
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10am to 4pm
Friday: 12pm to 4pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 4pm

Staff News

This week we say goodbye and good luck to Shahla Rushworth, Marketing and Comms Manager. Shahla is off to pastures new, working with a new start up childcare company based in London. During her time at Wellesley Shahla has worked tirelessly in promoting the fantastic Wellesley brand and we will miss her enormously.

Boarders’ weekend activities

On Sunday, our boarders enjoyed a trip to Richborough Roman fort. After a visit to the museum, to see lots of Roman artefacts; learn how Thanet had once been an island and why Richborough was so important to the Romans, everyone enjoyed exploring the ruins. Mr Parfitt also led the boarders in some observational sketching.

Bonfire Night

We are looking forward to welcoming back parents, families and friends to celebrate Bonfire night at school on Friday 5th November with a fabulous firework display. The evening will begin outside the dining room at 5pm with the offer of a mulled wine to warm you up! The firework display will start at 5.15pm followed by hot dogs kindly donated by the Friends of Wellesley. Following the fireworks, if you require the day bus service, please contact schoolbus@wellesleyhouse.net.

Half-Term

On Wednesday we will be finishing for half term.
Pre-prep children will be ready for collection at 1pm from Junior House.
Pupils in Year 4 to 8 will be ready for pick-up at 1.30pm at the usual collection points.
Boarding pupils (with luggage to unpack) should please return to school on Sunday 31st October at 6.30pm. Boarders will have a hot supper in the evening before bedtime. Boarding pupils (without luggage) may return to school on Monday 1st November at 8.10am.

Menu

This week the kitchen will be serving Menu 1.

Senior School News

Tonbridge

This term, Tonbridge School has a range of dates where families can attend an Open Morning.  Please click here for further information.

Benenden

Benenden is hosting a series of Open Days throughout the Michaelmas term and for further information please click here.

On Social Media