From the Headmaster’s Study
I would like to highlight two events that took place at Wellesley that epitomised the strength of our community. The first was the Pre-prep open day, which was very well attended by a number of prospective parents and children, who all benefited from Morelli’s famous gelato and sumptuous pastries from Staple Stores (some of the staff also found their way to the treats!) that were stationed outside the Junior House on our playing fields. The sun shone and our Wellesley pupils conducted themselves brilliantly in being the best possible ambassadors for our school. The second was the Friends of Wellesley summer party, which took place on Saturday evening in (and outside of) our Dining Hall. My thanks go to everyone who offered raffle prizes, to all members of the committee who worked so hard to enable the event to take place and to all parents who were able to support via attendanding or buying raffle tickets. A special mention must go to our Chair – Anne Obee for her determined leadership. Whilst, of course, the aim was to raise money for specific projects for the Friends of Wellesley to support, the valuable by-product was a thoroughly entertaining evening in excellent company enjoyed by all who attended.
Gavin Franklin
School Last Week
News from Pre-prep
This week, it has been lovely for the children to enjoy the good weather and spend lots of time outside. Mrs Spencer began teaching the Harvest songs in Pre-prep choir and lots of children had their first individual music lessons of the term.
In Pre-prep assembly the theme was courage and the first golden stars were awarded to children demonstrating one or more of the school values during the week.
There was much excitement to hear which set had accumulated the most good marks. Although very close, well done to Danes who are this week’s leaders.
Reminder: Pick up for all Pre-prep children is at 1pm this Friday as it is exeat weekend.
Sunday Activity
The boarders headed to Detling Showground on Sunday morning to Paws in the Park for an exciting dog-themed day out. There they watched dog agility shows, training demonstrations, a K9 Aquasports display, search and rescue team demos and even entered Mrs Spencer’s dog, Charlie into a timed hurdles competition! There were plenty of shops where the children could buy a treat for their own dogs back at home and of course, plenty of opportunities to buy human treats, too. They returned to school in the evening in time for a delicious Sunday roast – a true Wellesley weekend tradition!
Jeans for Genes Day – Thursday 16th September
Thank you to everyone who took part in Jeans for Genes Day last Thursday. It was our first charity event of the term and we look forward to the School Council meeting in a couple of weeks time to discuss more charities we would like to support over the coming academic year.
Chapel
We had our first Saturday Chapel of the term last weekend and in his address to the congregation, the Headmaster spoke about the 20 year commemoration of the 9/11 attacks in New York, making specific reference to the memorial that was created in the footsteps of the Twin Towers in the form of two sunken pools called “Reflecting Absence”. Accompanied by a reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans (read by the Head Boy), the Headmaster spoke of the determination, courage, resilience and teamwork of people in reacting to moments of considerable challenge. The congregation enjoyed singing I Vow to Thee and Jerusalem and we were treated to a beautiful rendition of The Lord’s My Shepherd by our new look choir.
Friends of Wellesley Summer Party
The Friends of Wellesley Summer (or rather Autumn!) party took place on Saturday evening. Guests enjoyed champagne on arrival outside the recently refurbished dining hall, which was stunningly decorated for the evening, whilst listening to the quite wonderful Dukes of Swing jazz band who helped to create such a brilliant atmosphere. The Headmaster welcomed all guests on behalf of the Friends of Wellesley before leading everyone through a game of Heads and Tails. All guests enjoyed a sumptuous feast served by our brilliant catering team before some much needed and deserved thank yous took place and Monsieur Latteur conducted the raffle (with some truly outstanding prizes kindly donated by parents). It was an evening full of merriment – not least because of the opportunity for people to socialise – and enormous thanks go to the Friends of Wellesley committee who under the inspirational leadership of Anne Obee enabled such a fun evening for all.
Wellesley multi-sports event
Saturday’s games session gave way for a multi-skills team competition enjoyed by all pupils. Events included target throwing, kicking and hitting along with tests of power, strength and endurance. The Whale Sharks captained by Xandy Long (254pts) were the overall winners narrowly beating Thomas Solley’s Hammerheads. There were fantastic individual performances from Archie Brown, Anita Kheidorova, Margot Grand, Reuben Carss, Teegan Pretzlik, Jamie Montgomery, Lila Grady, Bruno Wainman, Tilly Spanton and Greta Grand. Well done, all!
Honey harvesting day
On Wednesday the pupils will be harvesting the Wellesley Haddon Dene honey. Just like last year, we hope to raise funds that will go towards our wildlife projects around the school. With last year’s money raised we have purchased new beekeeping equipment and a summer house from which our wildlife projects will be based.
Pupils will attend sessions throughout the day so the pupils get a taste of the process (and a taste of the honey!). They will be collecting the honey frames from the hives, extracting and filtering the honey and putting it into jars before labelling them ready for the sale for which details will follow.
Start saving up your pennies, this year is going to be a fantastic vintage year!
OW news
Congratulations to Jordan Cox OW for his match winning performance for Kent in the finals day of the T20 Blast at Edgbaston on Saturday evening. Aside from scoring a brilliant unbeaten half century, Jordan played a significant role in one of the greatest boundary catches ever seen. Well done, Jordan – we are all very proud of you!
Athletics County Success
Huge congratulations go to Gracie Lawton who spent the weekend competing in the Kent U13 Athletic Championships. In true Wellesley style, Gracie achieved five personal bests and is now the County Champion in javelin and discus. Well done, Gracie.
School This Week
Team of the Week
The ‘Team of the Week’ is announced at each Monday’s assembly.
Well done to the Chapel Choir for their beautiful singing during Saturday’s service. They will be rewarded with cookies and juice with the Headmaster on the front lawn during Tuesday’s break time.
Harvest Boxes
We are asking again this year for the children to bring a harvest box from home to be distributed to those in need amongst the local community. It would be hugely appreciated if the boxes could come into school after our first exeat this weekend on Monday 27th September. Harvest boxes can contain useful non- perishable food items or even personal items such as toothbrushes or toothpaste. Mr Harrison from The King’s School, Canterbury will be addressing the congregation at our Harvest Chapel Service on Saturday 2nd October. Further details will follow soon.
Exeat
Pre-prep: Pick up on Friday is at 1pm from Junior House.
Prep: Pick up on Friday is at 1.30pm from the usual collection points.
Boarders:
Boarders need to return to school by 7pm on Sunday evening or by 8.20 am on Monday morning. We regret that we cannot allow parents of boarders into the school at this time. Boarders who have things to unpack should return on Sunday rather than Monday so that they have time to do this. Boarders can be collected from their usual collection points on Friday (Seniors from the Cold Corridor, Middle School from the Red Covered Way) and ALL dropped by the Red Covered Way by the back of the school on their return on Sunday evening. 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.
Menu
This week the kitchen will be serving Menu 3.
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.
Canford
For further information regarding Canford’s Open Day on 9th October please click here.
Benenden
Benenden is hosting a series of Open Days throughout the Michaelmas term and for further information please click here.
Eastbourne College
You are warmly invited to join Eastbourne College’s Open Morning on 9th October. For further information, please click here.
Roedean
On 2nd October, Roedean is hosting their first Open Morning of the term. For further details, please click here.
King’s Rochester
King’s Rochester is now open for tours and you are invited to book an appointment at one of their Open Mornings. For further information, please click here.
Matches This Week
Wednesday 22nd September
Soccer v Northbourne: 1st XI, 2nd XI (h)
Soccer v Northbourne: Colts A&B (a)
Hockey v St Edmund’s Canterbury: U13 A&B (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 |
Hockey v Dover College: U13 A | Won 10:0 |
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