From the Headmaster’s Study
As we come to the end of a busy and fulfilling first half of term, I would like to thank everyone for their efforts at this time. The pupils have been superb, adapting to new procedures with such apparent ease and making such impressive progress and positive contributions to our school. Of course, we remain grateful for the on-going trust and respect of all of our parents. My final thank you is to our team of staff for their supreme efforts since our re-opening. I wish you and your families a wonderful and safe half term together.
Gavin Franklin
Future events
Individual Pre-prep photographs
These photos will be taking place on Tuesday 3rd November at 9am for children from Nursery to Year 3.
Christmas Cards for Schools – Nursery to Block 3 parents
Pupils from Nursery to Block 3 will be bringing home their own sample Christmas card design and a parental order form this week. If you would like to order any cards, gift tags, coasters or mugs in your child’s design then please fill in the order form with quantities required and your child’s details. Please return all forms after half term to the school office and latest by Friday 6th November. Cheques can be made payable to Wellesley Haddon Dene School and can be attached to the form or the amount will be added to your school bill.
Polite Reminder
May we kindly remind people that whilst we welcome dogs onto the school grounds, we would respectfully ask that owners ensure they are kept on a lead at all times. Thank you.
School Last week
News from the Pre-Prep
The Pre-prep have had a really busy first half of term. JH have enjoyed their weekly football sessions and regularly play at break times; Mr Longdon and Mr Franklin have spotted some real talent. The rest of the Pre-prep are now experts at completing the obstacle track that runs along the length of the pitches.
Many children have also completed a half term of individual drum, dj or piano lessons. It’s hard to believe, but we have already started rehearsals for our nativity play – apologies to Pre-prep parents who will have to listen to the songs for at least another seven weeks!
It was great to meet with so many of the Pre-prep parents last Thursday and to be able to share the progress of the children, as well as illustrate the wonderful opportunities the children enjoy on a weekly basis.
We were very grateful to have received a pot of honey to use in our cooking club and will be enjoying some Wellesley honey biscuits soon.
Half term begins this Wednesday and children in Pre-prep should be picked up at 1.15pm to allow parents time for pick ups at the middle and senior bubbles too.
Sunday Outing
The boarders enjoyed an outing to Manston Adventure Golf this week with Mrs S-D and Mme Laurans. The weather was kind and the children, in two groups, were competitive and showed increasing skill as they progressed (socially distanced) around the course. Reuben’s mental maths skills were also put to the test when totalling up the scores.
Old Welleslian Golf Day
The Headmaster was delighted to be present at the Old Welleslian Golf Day, played at the prestigious Royal St Georges on Sunday. Despite the tightening Covid restrictions, 12 OWs enjoyed the challenge and competition that foursomes golf at the world-renowned Open Championship course provides. Whilst the age range was varied, the conversations out on the course were rarely focused on golf and more focused on talking about JET cup success, hiding in the cricket pavilion roof instead of attending prep, the legendary form plays, brilliant teachers and other such fond recollections of days gone by. Experience prevailed and Hugo Loudon and Andrew Cox (both leavers in 1992) emerged worthy winners pipping the pairings of Freddie Evans (2018) and Rupert Plumptre (2016) and Ed Roberts (2015) and William Fenwick (2013).
School This Week
Mark Reading
The second marks of term have been given and the standings are as follows:
1st – Saxons
2nd – Romans
3rd – Danes
4th – Vikings
Special mention goes to the following pupils who have achieved the highest set of marks for their year: Greta Grand, Freya Ralph, Grace Flowers, Archie Brown, Stanislav Shatokhin and Bonnie Dong. Well done.
The most improved pupils in each year group were Henley Shaddick, Lottie Southorn, Teegan Pretzlik, Stanislav Shatokhin and Reuben Okotie, while the highest scoring tutor group was JL. Well done.
Music
As this week is half term please do remind your children to bring any music and/or instruments that they may need home. We have had a fantastic first half of term with many new students taking up an instrument for the first time. Should you wish to know more about music lessons then please email the Head of Music jhb@wellesleyhouse.net
Half-Term
Half-term begins at 1.30pm on Wednesday 21st October. Boarders return by 8pm on Sunday 1st November and day children at 8.20am on Monday 2nd November.
Senior School News
Wellington College very much hopes to be able to welcome visitors soon, however, in the interim please view their Virtual Visitors Day via this link. At half term they will be offering slots for people to visit Wellington for a self-guided wander around. Please contact admissions@wellingtoncollege.org.uk for further details.
Benenden is hosting a series of online Prospective Parent Open Mornings, please click here for dates and further information.
Menu
This week the kitchen will be serving Menu 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.