From the Headmaster’s Study
Pupils in Block 4 and above are taking some internal examinations this week. The purpose of these is fundamentally two fold – to give the pupils the experience of sitting exams in a formal environment (for example, in the Old Hall, with an invigilator and under timed conditions) but also so that the pupils can gain a good understanding of their subject-specific strengths and any areas that require support, focus and improvement. As is the case with any form of assessment, the most important aspect is to approach the experience (and results) with an open mind and determination to learn from the process.
On another note, we are delighted to welcome Chloe Kingsland into the Pre-prep. With the growing numbers, Chloe will be joining Hannah Brown’s team, with a particular focus on our EYFS pupils. Chloe brings with her a great blend of youthful experience, positivity and a kind and warm approach.
Gavin Franklin
Future events
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
Media Club
 | The media club meet on Wednesday afternoons and have been engaging in a number of projects this term. We have created timelapse footage using the GoPro and learnt how to create our own websites using Google sites. Last week we experimented with using very slow shutter speeds to create these fantastic light paintings. These are so easy to do at home with a smartphone – perfect project for a dark lockdown afternoon! See more examples here.
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Team of the Week
This week’s ‘Team of the Week’ is those pupils who received awards in the Primary Maths Challenge (details below).
They will be rewarded with cookies and squash with the Headmaster during a morning break this week.
News from the Pre-Prep
It’s been a busy week in Pre-prep with nativity rehearsals, advent preparations and the usual activities including: coding, hockey and swimming. The nursery children loved meeting Coco the puppy whilst on a walk. Coco proved very helpful collecting sticks that the children in Early Years are going to use this week in outdoor learning to make some christmas star decorations.
Dates for the diary:
Festive jumper day: Thursday 10th December (children can wear home clothes with a festive jumper)
Nativity live streamed to parents: Friday 11th December 9am
Pre-prep christmas party: Tuesday 15th December (children may bring in party clothes to change in to)
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
Primary Maths Challenge
We are very pleased to announce the results of the Primary Maths Challenge that pupils in Blocks 3, 4 and JL took part in.
Congratulations to the following pupils for their mathematical achievements:
Gold certificates: Joel Goncalves, Felix Butterfill and Max Miller.
Silver certificates: Greta Grand, Freya Ralph and Arthur Huang.
Bronze certificates: Ralph and Bruno Wainman, Polly Reed, Tate Sheppard, Raf Cable and Grace Flowers.
Monday Music
An uplifting and energetic treat for Monday Music this week.
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.
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
Benenden is hosting a series of online Prospective Parent Open Mornings, please click here for dates and further information. On Tuesday 1st December at 5.45pm, an online briefing regarding Benenden’s new Day Boarding provision is planned.
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.
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 2
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.