From the Headmaster’s Study
This has been an extraordinarily busy first half for our pupils, and staff and I commend everyone for their positive contributions to our school over the past 6 weeks. Whilst the second half of term is no less busy, it is considerably shorter and there is much for pupils (and parents) to look forward to.
Later this week, we have the opportunity, as a community, to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. It will be a chance for us to recognise the quite remarkable service and dedication that Her Majesty the Queen has given to us, the United Kingdom and wider society. Working in schools, we often talk about role modelling positive and respectful behaviour – both from our staff and our pupils. It is surely harder to find a greater example of role modelling core British values than how the Queen has demonstrated during her 70 years of service.
When the half term arrives, we wish you all a happy healthy break with your families.
Gavin Franklin
SATURDAY 11TH JUNE – FAMILY & FRIENDS BARN DANCE
Tickets are available to buy from the school office on Wednesday mornings at 8.15am from a member of the committee or by emailing FRIENDSOFWELLESLEY@GMAIL.COM
Adult tickets are £25 Children’s tickets are £5.
Family and Friends are all very welcome.
School Last Week
Cricket
Follow our cricket scores online
This season (IT-permitting!), we will be live scoring 1st XI and Colts A (and selected other) cricket matches using the ECBs ‘Play Cricket’ scoring software. If you would like to follow the action you can do so by downloading the play cricket live app – instructions and links below.
Play Cricket Live app:
iPhone: https://appsto.re/gb/XR3Dlb.i
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.playcricket.live&hl=en_GB
Once you’ve downloaded the app click the button in the top left corner and search for Wellesley Haddon Dene. On the Wellesley Haddon Dene page, click the stars next to all of the teams listed. Finally click the home button in the bottom left corner and the available matches will appear.
Wellesley Haddon Dene and Haddon Dene transition update
We were delighted to welcome pupils (and staff) from the Haddon Dene nursery, reception, year 1, 2 and 3 classes for a morning of integration and learning activities with our pupils on Tuesday and Thursday mornings last week. It was an experience full of fun and enthusiasm and there will be further opportunities for our pupils to integrate with each other after half term in both formal and informal environments.
Kent Teacher of the Year Awards
Efren Alegre, our popular and charismatic kitchen assistant, collected his thoroughly deserved award at the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards ceremony that took place in Ashford on Friday evening. It is just recognition for his extraordinary contribution to Wellesley Haddon Dene that goes way beyond his work in the kitchen. Very well done, Efren.
Catering – Five Star Rating
We are delighted to report that our catering team has retained their five star rating for food hygiene. This is the highest rating and reflects compliance in food hygiene and confidence in management and control procedures. Well done!
Cake Sale – Monday 20th June – Morning Break
The School Council were so inspired by their visit from Rebecca Smith, author of ‘Super Daisy’, and the amazing work of The Little Princess Trust that they would like to hold a Cake Sale on Monday 20th June to raise some money for this important charity.
Pupils can bring their cakes and bakes into the school dining room on Monday 20th June at drop off. Please can we ask that cakes do not contain nuts and have a label to say what they are.
A small charge will be added to your school bill if your child chooses to buy any cakes.
Thank you for your support of this hugely worthwhile cause.
Pre Prep
Last week, we had two fabulous mornings meeting the children from Haddon Dene. Lots of fun, chat and team building. The U9 cricketers enjoyed Friday break with Mr and Mrs Franklin in the main school library as a result of their superb efforts in both training and matches.
This week our focus is Jubilee celebrations. We will be making jelly, cakes and sandwiches in preparation for our tea party on Friday. Children may bring red, white and blue clothes to change into on Friday afternoon.
It has been an action packed first half of term – thank you to all the children, staff and parents for making it such a success and enjoy the break when it comes!
School This Week
Parent Coffee Mornings
We very much look forward to welcoming parents from Haddon Dene and Wellesley to a series of coffee mornings that are taking place on our front lawn this week (on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday). Following coffee, parents will be given the opportunity to have a tour of the school. We look forward to seeing anyone who can make it.
Jubilee BBQ (Years 4-8)
On Friday lunchtime JL to Block 1 are looking forward to a Jubilee feast.The bunting will be out and hopefully the sunshine as we come together to celebrate our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Half-Term
On Friday 27th May we finish for the half term break. Children in Pre-prep should be collected at 3.30pm from Junior House and pupils in Years 4 to 8 should be collected at 4.40pm from their usual pick up points.
Please note that the return time for boarders on Sunday 5th June is between 5.30 – 6.30pm, or at 8.15am on Monday 6th June. Those using the boarders’ escorted train service to London have been emailed separately by Mrs Spencer with train times. Boarders needing to unpack on their return to school are kindly asked to return on Sunday evening rather than Monday morning.
Role Models
Role Models offer online and offline courses for 3-15 year olds that develop young peoples’ skills in leadership, confidence, resilience, creative problem solving, collaboration and growth mindset. Following last week’s mental health week, they are hosting a free parent webinar on Tuesday 24th May at 7.30pm (UK time) on ‘Helping children let go of perfectionism’. Please click here to register for the session.
Thanet Young Artists Festival
This year, pupils in years 4 and 5 have submitted entries to the Thanet Young Artists Festival. Organised by the Rotary Club of Margate this year the exhibition will be held at the Margate School of Art. The prize giving presentation will be held at 2pm on Saturday 28th May. For further information, please click here.
Kent County Cricket Club opportunity over half term
As a result of our close relationship with Kent CCC, they have kindly extended an offer of discounted tickets to a range of Vitality Blast T20 fixtures at the County Ground in Canterbury. If you fancy a day / evening out with the family, do make the most of this offer!
Matches This Week
Monday, 23rd May
Tennis v Kent College Pembury: U13A Girls CANCELLED
Wednesday, 25th May
Cricket v Sutton Valence: 1st XI (a) 2.30pm
Cricket v Sutton Valence: 2nd XI (h) 2.30pm
Cricket v Dover College: U13 A Girls (h)
Cricket v Northbourne: U9 A&B Mixed (h)
Cricket v St Faith’s: U11 A Mixed (h)
Cricket v St Faith’s: U11 B Mixed (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 |
Tennis v Harvey Grammar: U13 Boys | Won 12-0 |
Cricket v Kent College: Colts A | Won by 20 runs |
Cricket v Dover College: U11 A Girls | Won by 15 runs |
Cricket v Kent College: Colts B | Lost by 3 wickets |
Rounders v Duke of York’s: U13 A
| Won by 6.5 rounders |
Rounders v Duke of York’s: U13 B | Won by 3.5 rounders |
Tennis v Simon Langton: Boys | Won 12-0 |
Cricket v Junior King’s: 1st XI | Won by 66 runs |
Cricket v Junior King’s: 2nd XI | Won by 19 runs |
Cricket v Junior King’s: Colts A | Won by 45 runs |
Cricket v Junior King’s: Colts B | Won by 3 wickets |
Cricket v Junior Kings: Colts C | Won by 6 runs |
Cricket v Northbourne: U13 A Girls | Won by 3 runs |