From the Headmaster’s Study
The Exeat weekend provided valuable space for us to reflect on the School Play that took place at the end of last week and provided those of us who were lucky enough to see it with such an uplifting experience. Firstly, thank you to everyone who was able to support the pupils’ performance of “What a Knight!” It was an overwhelming success with the cast (and staff) demonstrating such commitment and teamwork – not to mention skill and ability – to produce 2 truly memorable performances. Whilst it was a team effort from the staff’s perspective – Monsieur Latteur and Barnaby Williams on sound; Mr Spencer on the lights; Mrs Sabin-Dawson on costumes; Miss Brown on make-up; Mr Beaman backstage; Mrs Spencer as musical director – we offer extra-special thanks to Mr Longdon and Miss Wallace for their determined, skilful and passionate Directing.
As for the pupils on stage, they were quite simply outstanding. For me, it is the whole process that the cast and crew have been through that is of the most importance – although, we all of course enjoyed the outcome or product as well. There is something truly special associated with the emotions and feelings of being part of a cast that builds through many hours, days, weeks, months (or in this case, years!) of rehearsals before climaxing in live performances in front of a packed house. It is these such opportunities that we strive to provide for our pupils at Wellesley and make our community such a special place of which to be a part. I hope that you enjoyed the play as much as I did and well done to everyone involved.
Gavin Franklin
School Last Week
Mark Reading
The second marks of term have been given and the standings are as follows:
- 1st – Danes
- 2nd – Romans
- 3rd – Vikings
- 4th – Saxons
Special mention goes to the following pupils who have achieved the highest set of marks for their year: Clara Montgomery, Tillie Spanton, Freya Ralph, Grace Flowers, Margot Grand, and Gracie Lawton.
The most improved pupils in each year group were Reuben Young Gadd, Rex Long, Harriet Brooks, Sunny Zhao, and Xandy Long, while the highest scoring tutor group was a tie between JL and 1W. Well done.
Team Photos
Details for ordering your copy will be emailed to parents this week.
Pre Prep
News from Pre Prep
Continuing the theme of celebrations, last week the Early Years children spent the week preparing for a birthday party for Fred the Frog. The children wrote invitations and cards, made party hats and cakes and on Friday they were treated to food and games and lots of singing!
As part of anti-bullying week and to mark Children in Need the children all took on the challenge of “One kind word”. They have produced some really wonderful cards that will be delivered to the Rainbow children’s ward at the QEQM hospital.
It was great for Pre-prep to form part of the audience at the school play on Friday – there was a lot of laughter and appreciation for the fantastic cast!
Pre-Prep Individual Photos
Pre-prep individual photos will be available to purchase shortly. Please keep an eye out for the order form in your child’s book bag or rucksack.
Year 3 to Canterbury Cathedral
Year 3 are looking forward to a visit to Canterbury Cathedral this Friday. They will take part in a number of workshops and have a tour of the cathedral to support their history topic exploring the relationship between Henry II and Thomas Becket.
Indian Day (Yr 1 & 2)
As part of their India topic the children in Years 1 & 2 will have an immersive day on Friday. They are looking forward to an Indian tasting menu at lunchtime!
School This Week
Team of the Week
The ‘Team of the Week’ is announced at each Monday’s assembly.
Congratulations go to JL and 1W as the highest scoring tutor groups in Mark Reading. They will be rewarded with homemade treats and juice with the Headmaster in the library during Thursday morning break time.
‘The Next Step’ – Block 4 Parents – choosing a Senior School
On Saturday 27th November Block 4 parents are invited to join us to hear about the application process to senior schools. Parents in other year groups who may have missed previous talks should also attend. The talk takes place at 2pm in the library and please complete this google form to confirm your attendance. Please note that there is a possibility that this meeting will take place remotely but we will confirm with all affected families later this week. Thank you.
Christmas Fair – Please spread the word and bring family and friends- Sat 4th Dec
The Friends of Wellesley are looking forward to seeing you at the Christmas Fair on Saturday 4th December in the Old Hall. The Fair will run from 11am – 2pm with the Pupils in Block 4 and above running their stalls between 11am – 12pm. Amongst all the exciting stall holders that we have joining us there will also be a Christmas Cafe, carols from the choir and much merriment all round.
Tombola items needed – any donations for this will be gratefully received. They can be left with the school office. Items in the past have included toys, craft activities, games, books, stationery, soft toys, chocolate and sweets or anything that you can think of that the children might like to win! Thank you to everyone who has already contributed.
Anti-bullying week
This week will be anti-bullying week at Wellesley Haddon Dene. Activities will happen across the school and specifically in PSHE and well-being lessons. This year’s anti-bullying week is focused on the positive effects of “kindness” (one of our Wellesley values). Some students have prepared an introductory video that was shown in Assembly today. You will also be able to see the fruits of their work on the windows of the cold corridor in the next two weeks.
Film screening “Wonder”
On Thursday afternoon, the whole school from JL to Block 1 will enjoy a screening of the film “Wonder” followed by a discussion revolving around “Kindness” in the film in their specific PSHE lessons, as part of anti-bullying week.
Block 2’s French film reviews
Last week, Mme Laurans’ Block 2 group wrote film reviews in French as part of their studies. They spent quite a bit of time and effort on it and created a mini-magazine of all their reviews as you can see here.
Choir – Broadstairs Lights Switch-on
On Saturday, at 3pm, the choir will be singing a short set of Christmas songs in Pierremont Park in Broadstairs. Please do come and hear us if you are at a loose end.
Monday Music
This morning we were treated to a stunning performance from Rose Symington-Mills on the harp. She played ‘Drink to Me Only’ by Ben Jonson. Well done, Rose.
Informal Concert
The Informal Concert scheduled for this Thursday has now been moved to Tuesday 7th December.
School Examinations
Blocks 4, 3, 2 and 1 will be sitting their end of term assessments next week. They have a Google Revision Classroom with lots of resources to help them in their preparations.
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.
Matches This Week
Wednesday 24th November
Hockey v St Edmund’s, Canterbury: U11 (h)
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 |
| Soccer v Dover College: 1st XI | Drew 2:2 |
| Soccer v Dover College: 2nd XI | won 4:1 |
| Soccer v Dover College: U9 | Won 5:0 |
| Soccer v Dover College: Colts A | Cancelled |
| Hockey v Duke of York: U13 A | Won 4-3 |
| Hockey v Duke of York: U13 B | Won 4-2 |
| Hockey v Northbourne: U9 | Won 5:0 |
| Hockey v Lorenden: U11 | Won 1:0 |