From the Headmaster’s Study
Whilst scanning the newspapers over the Exeat weekend, I was reminded that Sunday was the anniversary of a key event. November the 22nd, in the historical context, is perhaps best known for being the day that President Kennedy was assassinated (in Dallas, 1963). The article that I am referring to, however, focused on a less symbolic moment but a proud one for our country nonetheless. It was, of course, the day that England won the rugby world cup (for the first and only time, to date) in Sydney, Australia. The journey that led to Sir Clive Woodward and Martin Johnson’s team lifting the Webb Ellis trophy is far from specific to just the rugby field. That squad of individual players demonstrated teamwork and commitment, courage and sacrifice, respect (for each other, themselves and their families) and a relentless desire never to give up. There are countless other examples of teams (in sport, business, education, healthcare and many other industries) achieving similar success – often success that goes unmentioned and that is not rewarded with front page headlines or a trophy at the end. One thing that is consistent, however, are the values and attributes that the teams and individuals display throughout. We continue to learn from and be motivated by these success stories and the process that led to them.
Gavin Franklin
Future events
Swimming lessons – We are running a course of 4 swimming lessons during the Friday afternoon activity slot for the remainder of term. If you have a child in JL, Block 3 or Block 4 and would like to sign up please let Mr Kearns know spk@wellesleyhouse.net
One of our qualified swimming instructors, Jasmin, will be running the course. The cost will be £25 for 4 sessions.
Jasmin may also be available for some private sessions. Please contact her directly if you wish to arrange a time but please note these slots are limited – jasmin.chiaramello@yahoo.com
Please note that swimming will not be available until Wednesday of this week as Jasmin is isolating at home. She will be back with us on Wednesday 25th November.
Activities on Wednesdays
In an attempt to maximise what we are able to provide for your children we have now made Wednesday afternoons an activity afternoon. For the last two weeks, the children from JH to Block 1 have been assigned to various activities and the afternoons have been met with great enthusiasm. The afternoon includes a variety of different activities including: Cricket, Media, Strategy Games and Yoga. Please note that these activities are not ‘optional’ due to the need to maintain bubbles.
Friends of Wellesley Christmas Fair
For parents missing the opportunity to browse and order from the usual array of stalls, we are delighted to announce our first Wellesley Haddon Dene Christmas Gift Guide. Do please take a moment to look at the lovely gifts and treats … there is something for everyone. Also, please remember Kit Lifestyle Store has set up a discount code of Wells10 – this gives a 10% discount on orders over £50 placed before midnight on 5th December 2020.
Children’s Christmas Fair – Saturday 12th December
Although a little different to last year, we are very pleased to be able to confirm that we will be holding a pupil only Christmas Fair on Saturday 12th December for pupils in JL upwards. The children will be designing their own stalls in their tutor groups and will set up on the day for each of the bubbles to try and win prizes. The ever popular Tombola will also be there.
Donations to the Christmas Fair Tombola would be gratefully received and 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!
Save The Children Christmas Jumper Day
We will be having a school Christmas Jumper Day on Thursday 10th December to raise money for Save the Children. Children are allowed to wear their home clothes to school on this day with a festive jumper or top. £1 will be added to the school bill for those that would like to take part.
School Last week
New member of the Wellesley family
Welcome to Wellesley Haddon Dene’s newest recruit, Coco Bear. She has already cemented firm friendships with staff and pupils alike, and cannot wait to meet nursery and reception pupils later this week. Her favourite pastime so far is chasing leaves on the outfield.
Primary Maths Challenge
All of Block 3, 4 and JL took part in the Primary Maths Challenge this week. This is a National competition designed to make pupils think outside the box. The questions are not heavily reliant on formal mathematical knowledge, but can be solved by logical reasoning.
Our highest scoring pupils may be invited for a bonus round in February. There will be certificates awarded for achievement once the results are all in.
Team of the Week
This week’s ‘Team of the Week’ is Block 2. Aside from performing very well collectively in the most recent “Mark Reading”, they also produced some fantastic media audio podcasts as part of their English lessons. With assistance from Mr Barnes in the recording studio, in four small groups, the pupils produced informative (and at times entertaining!) reviews of the term to date.
They will be rewarded with cookies and squash with the Headmaster during a morning break this week.
News from the Pre-Prep
It has been much quieter than usual in Junior House this week but the JH children have got on with their lessons, activities and sport and will be very much looking forward to seeing their fellow pre-prep friends later in the week. JR and Nursery have enjoyed twice daily online meet ups with their teachers and have shown a brilliant attitude to learning as well as delight at seeing one and other on screen. (They have also met an assortment of each others’ family pets and younger siblings too!)
We have lots to look forward to in the coming weeks including: our nativity, christmas jumper day, our christmas party (where there will be a very special guest) and a trip to the pantomime in Canterbury. Much to fit in during the next 3 weeks!
COVID-19
We thought that it would be valuable to share with parents our COVID-19 flow charts, which map out the necessary course of action, dependent on the situation for pupils and staff who are displaying COVID-19 symptoms in school.
Staff
Positive cases – children
Symptoms of COVID – children
School This Week
Mark Reading
The third 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, Joel Goncalves, Freya Ralph, Grace Flowers, Margot Grand, and Bonnie Dong. Well done.
The most improved pupils in each year group were India Ollivier, Freddie Southorn, Anaia Beckett, Alina Khiedorova and Scarlett Newman Cousins, while the highest scoring tutor group was JL. Well done.
Additional Support
We are able to offer bespoke 1:1 additional subject support for subjects such as English, Maths and French. All our peripatetic teachers are highly specialist in their subject fields, and can tailor the support whilst liaising closely with subject tutors. The 1/2 hr sessions can involve reinforcing skills being learned in class, discussing and re-visiting problems that may have occurred in lessons and provide opportunities for exam practice whilst building pupil confidence.
If you would like your child to receive any additional support, please contact Head of AEN Ms AH Moosuddee who will be happy to arrange this for you.
Securus chromebook monitoring
Internet safety is covered in ICT and PSHE. The children are taught about how to behave online and what to do if they experience bad behaviour or anything that makes them uncomfortable whilst using technology. They are encouraged to talk about their online lives both with teachers here and with parents at home. To help the staff keep pupils safe we have internet filters and procedures in place to minimise risk. No pupil would be given unsupervised access to the internet.
For the last few years we have also been using a product called Securus to monitor the computers in the ICT suite. Securus looks for keywords and takes screenshots on those machines that it thinks we might be concerned about. These captures are reviewed regularly and pupil use discussed with them when required. This technology has now extended to chromebooks. This means that any chromebook which is signed into with a Wellesley account will be monitored by Securus. At present this is either on or off and does not differentiate between locations. This means that Securus will monitor what Wellesley pupils do whilst logged into their home chromebooks if they are signed in with their Wellesley accounts. We are hoping that this can be altered in the future and will look to update you should this happen.
Marshside Wreaths and Garlands
With Christmas fast approaching, if you would like to tick one job off the list, please head to Marshside Wreaths to order your handmade Christmas wreath and garland. Available from 1st December, bespoke door wreaths and garlands are individually handcrafted by one of Marshside’s qualified florists. Each one is different and fabulous darling! Prices start at £25 (small), £30 (medium) and £35 (large) and to place an order, please contact: awakeling442@gmail.com
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.
Benenden is hosting a series of online Prospective Parent Open Mornings, please click here for dates and further information.
The King’s School, Canterbury is holding a live virtual Open Morning on Saturday 6th March 2021 and you can register and request a Digital Information Pack by clicking here.
Eton College has introduced a 45-minute webcast that they hope will serve as some form of a virtual visit; it includes an interview with the Head Master, a tour of the school given by a Y9 boy, an explanation of our admissions process for parents, and a broader video about the school. These are broadcast at specific times via Zoom, and interested parties are asked to email admissions@etoncollege.org.uk in order to book into a webcast. Their prospectus has now been significantly condensed into what they hope is a rather more user-friendly document (and certainly more geared towards Y5 boys and their parents). Do let us know if you would like hard copies of the new version, which is also viewable at www.etoncollege.com/admissions/entry-to-eton.
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.