From the Headmaster’s Study

I could not have been more delighted with the positivity and energy in which all pupils and staff (and parents!) have approached the start of this term and as you will see from this edition of the WW, there have been a plethora of activities in play already this term. My congratulations and thanks go to all in our community for such a positive start.
Equipping our pupils with the skills to thrive in life after Wellesley is a key aim of ours and aside from our far reaching activities programme and positive philosophy towards education, helping to guide pupils on their journey into senior schools is something of which we are quite rightly very proud. This week, we are delighted to welcome to Wellesley Henry Faber from the highly regarded and respected Oppidan education group. Henry will be meeting a number of our Block 3, 2 and 1 pupils who have upcoming interviews at Senior Schools. We hope that they benefit from the experience.
I hope the pupils all enjoy the extended (Exeat) weekend when it comes.

Gavin Franklin

 

JDRM Gavin Portraits-2

Independent Schools of the Year Shortlist

Having been shortlisted for this prestigious award last term, we are delighted that we have recently received confirmation that we have been selected as a finalist in the “Pre-prep” category. The winner is announced later this term – we will keep you informed!

Future events

Harvest Boxes
Please remember to bring in your Harvest boxes on Monday 28th September or during this week.
The harvest boxes tend to be shoe boxes/small cardboard boxes made to look like small hampers which contain non-perishable / dried goods. Sometimes they also include toiletries like soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes etc. As the boxes may not be distributed for a week or so, please note that they should not contain any perishable items such as fresh fruit or vegetables.
This year The Salvation Army has asked us for our support again. We have always been overwhelmed by your generosity so we thank you in advance for your harvest offerings. When we have collected all of the boxes they will be delivered to those in need.
Macmillan Coffee morning
It is with enormous regret that we will have to cancel the school Macmillan coffee morning this year due to new Covid restrictions. A collection pot will be left on a table outside the office at drop off and pick up times if anyone would like to donate as they are driving past.

Six of the Best

This half term’s Six of the Best is shared between Bruno and Ralph Wainman. Both have been learning to paint with their grandmother over the Summer. They produced two wonderful watercolours – Bruno’s the red leaves; Ralph’s the landscape. The paintings will hang in the Headmaster’s study for this half of term. Very well done, Bruno and Ralph.

School Last week

Wellesley Biathlon

All pupils from JL to Block 1 (inclusive) took part in the Wellesley biathlon on Wednesday 16th September. Pupils had to swim as far as they could in 2 minutes and run as far as they could in 3 minutes with points being awarded for distances achieved (1 point per 10m swimming; 1 point per 50m running). In true Wellesley style, the pupils approached the opportunity with much enthusiasm and vigour and all pupils should be congratulated for their efforts in taking part.
Well done to the following pupils who achieved the winning scores in each group:
JL – Tilly Spanton (19 points)
Block 4 – Freddie Southorn (21 points)
Block 3 – William Franklin (27 points)
Block 2 – Alexander Long (25 points)
Block 1 – Archie Butterfill (24 points)
Individual scores were added together to form results of the Set competition which are as follows:
1st – The Saxons (112 points)
2nd – The Vikings (109 points)
3rd – The Romans (101 points)
4th – The Danes (99 points)

Heptathlon on Saturday

All pupils inclusive from JL to Block 1 enjoyed 7 skills-based events around our playing fields on Saturday afternoon. Much fun was had by all, with the added excitement of scores counting towards a set competition. Pupils enjoyed scoring netball goals, frisbee goals, hockey golf, penalty kicks, throw for accuracy, roll for accuracy and ping pong bounce. Well done to all for taking part with such enthusiasm.
Year group high scores were:
JL – Bruno Wainman and Joel Goncalves (18 points)
Block 4 – Kaspar Lear (20 points)
Block 3 – William Franklin (23 points)
Block 2 – Alexander Long (24 points)
Block 1 – Henry Barker (26 points)
Individual scores were tallied together to provide the following set scores:
1st – The Saxons (32.1 points)
2nd – The Romans (29.4 points)
3rd – The Danes (27.9 points)
4th – The Vikings (26 points)

News from the Pre-Prep

During the first Pre-prep assembly the children in JH reminded everyone about the Wellesley values and Suri, Florian and Phoebe were awarded golden stars for their excellent attitudes to learning. All the children have been to Beach School and enjoyed their first pre-prep choir session with Mrs Spencer and are looking forward to swimming lessons starting this week. The nursery children very much enjoyed their cookies and drink with Mr and Mrs Franklin for team of the week. JR have made a wonderful scarecrow that you can see in the pre-prep garden and JH have been learning all about pirates; earlier in the week they completed a treasure hunt around the Wellesley grounds. Well done to all the children for a brilliant start to term.
All Pre-prep children should be collected by 1.15pm on Friday for the start of the exeat weekend.

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, crabbing, some logic-based competitions 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 with Mr Waldie to Broadstairs for a round of minigolf and an ice cream. There were several holes in one on display!

School This Week

Team of the Week

For truly displaying the Wellesley values, this week’s ‘Team of the Week’ is Block 4. Awarded for their superb focus and efforts during their team building activities last week. They will be rewarded with cookies and squash on the field during Monday morning break.

Senior School Preparation

Oppidan Education are visiting Block 3 (and some of our senior pupils) 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, Mr Henry Faber and Mr Walter Kerr will spend time with some pupils individually, discussing interview techniques.

Team-Building

Children in Block 4 will be taking part in a Team-Building day on Friday led by Mr Longdon.  This will include plenty of fun and solving various problems requiring the children to work together. We wish everyone a very enjoyable day.

 

Music

We have had a fantastic first full week in the music department with over 60 instrument lessons taking place! We are also very excited to announce that singing lessons are now available from Mrs Spencer, please contact jhb@wellesleyhouse.net for any music enquiries.

    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. We regret that we cannot allow parents of boarders into the school at this time. Boarders should be collected from their “bubble” 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.

    Pick up for Middle School

    Thank you all for adapting so quickly to the new regime with regards to pick up and drop off. For middle school parents at pick up, if you do need to drive through the barrier onto the field for parking, please do so very slowly and very carefully. Thank you.

    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 and a live virtual Q&A with James Dahl and pupils is also planned for Saturday 10th October. 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.

    On Saturday 3rd October at 10am, The King’s School, Canterbury is hosting a virtual Open Morning. Booking is essential and please click here to book your place.

    Tonbridge School is hosting two virtual Meet the Headmaster sessions where James Priory will speak live and respond to your questions. The sessions are at 10am on Saturday 17th September and Saturday 3rd October. Please click here to book your place.
    St Edmund’s, Canterbury is hosting a virtual Open Morning on Saturday 3rd October at 9.30am. Please click here to book your place.

    Menu

    This week the kitchen will be serving Menu 3

    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.

    All fixtures cancelled.

    On Social Media