From the Headmaster’s Study
Without doubt, the Remembrance service is one of my highlights in the school calendar. It is a great opportunity for us – as a community – not only to reflect and acknowledge the sacrifices that people before us made but also to attempt to understand more about our history. There are 3 war memorials at Wellesley that provide a constant physical reminder of the sacrifices that our predecessors made and current servicemen and women continue to make everyday. They are in the Old Hall, in the library and next to the organ. It is with real regret that I must send my apologies for absence at Saturday’s service and also at fixtures on Saturday afternoon. This Thursday, I head on a school visit to China – visiting current families and prospective families – and I will return early next week. Mr Spencer will preside over Saturday’s service and be in charge of the school in my absence. I wish you all an excellent week and look forward to seeing many of you at our eagerly-awaited School play.
Gavin Franklin
Dates for the diary
‘The Next Step’ – Block 4 Parents
There will be a meeting on Friday 15th November for Block 4 parents 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 12 noon in the library. Please contact the office to confirm your attendance.
Christmas Fair
The Friends of Wellesley would like you to Save The Date for the Wellesley Haddon Dene Christmas Fair. This will take place on Saturday 23rd November in the Old Hall, between 11.00 am and 2.30pm.
In addition to childrens’ stalls and the expertly run cafe with cake raffle and tombola, we are excited to announce we will be hosting 20 stalls this year which will amongst others include:
Bobby V Shirts Bobby V was an idea born in 2015 after a visit to India and a brief stop in Jaipur. On seeing the beautiful fabrics that are handcrafted with years of tradition the seed was sown. With a clothing business in the 90’s Bobby V has always had an eye for fashion and is sure that his shirts will become firm favourites in your wardrobe. As well as parties, festivals and holidays, these shirts can be worn every day and hopefully add a bit of colour into our lives.
Love – Live – Laugh
Chalk UK is a local wholesale company based in Thanet selling a range of loungewear and home accessories to independent retailers. A unique opportunity to buy our Christmas sacks, mums’ and children’s T-shirts, Cosy scarves and socks, scented candles and smells. See more on Instagram – chalkuk
Sable and Black Beautiful, unique and stylish homeware, prints and clothing designed to make people smile and influenced by the patterns and colours of fashion, art and design from around the world.
Chilli Ski Ski wear and kit for the whole family.
Hazelbank wines Fine wines from around the world.
Each week we will mention our different stall holders to build your excitement for what will be the best possible Christmas Shopping experience in Kent and beyond! Start saving now!
Coffee Morning
Do please join Mrs Franklin for her Coffee Morning in the Headmaster’s house (opposite the school office) after drop off on Friday 8th November. All are welcome and we look forward to seeing everyone who can make it.
Remembrance Service
Our Remembrance Chapel Service will take place this Saturday 9th November and we look forward to welcoming Rear Admiral John Roberts who will speak to the school. The service begins at 12.20pm; parents and families are warmly invited to attend what is always a poignant and significant service. Soup and sandwiches will be served after the service, so do please contact the office if you are planning to join us, so that we can make the necessary catering arrangements.
School Last Week
Parents Chess Match
This year’s pupil vs parent chess tournament was one of the best attended for a long time. A team of 12 parents signed up to take on their children and a few others. Matches were played in a competitive manner, but great sportsmanship was maintained throughout. This year, it was the parents who came away victorious. The children played superbly, but it would seem our parent body has a number of chess supremos of its own.
A lot of the matches went over the rather strict 20 minute time-limit which meant the results went down to points. Who knows what might have happened had they continued?
It is a testament to the spirit of the school how well this competition was supported not only by those who volunteered to play, but also by the crowds who came to watch. Should the current popularity of parents vs pupil chess continue we will definitely have to buy in more chess sets!
Fireworks Party
We were very sorry to have to postpone Saturday’s annual fireworks display due to high winds and driving rain. We were, however, determined to re-arrange and were pleased to stage the event on Tuesday evening. Despite it being a “school” night, we were delighted to welcome so many parents and families for an evening of great entertainment overseen brilliantly by Mr Latteur and his team of helpers. Thanks must also go to the Friends of Wellesley for their very popular lightsabers that our pupils. We are always grateful to those of you who contribute towards the cost of the display. Wellesley parents have always been very generous in supporting this event and it is never too late to donate if you wish to do so.
Scientist of the month
September’s scientist of the month was awarded to Jaime Gazulla in Block 2 for his excellent attitude towards his studies. Both Miss Wallace and Mr Waldie agreed that he had gone above and beyond what had been asked of him in class and with prep, setting a fantastic example for his Block 2 peers.
Sunday Outings
The outing for children on Sunday was to the cinema to see ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’.
School This Week
Team of the Week
The ‘Team of the Week’ this week are those who performed at the Music Evening last week.
They will be rewarded with cookies and squash in the Headmaster’s drawing room on during Wednesday morning break.
Music on Monday
Music on Monday was provided by Mandy Zhao who played 5th Melody of Night by Shi Jin on the piano. Also a massive well done to all the performers from last week’s Music Evening which was a great success and showcased a huge variety of musical talent at the school.
Block 4 Roman Day
Block 4 will have a Roman-themed day on Tuesday, during which their lessons will involve Roman-based activities. They will also be enjoying a Roman lunch. We especially look forward to seeing Mr Kearns and Mr Latteur patrolling the school in suits of armour.
Year 3 Trip to Pizza Express
On Friday, Year 3 are going to be making their own pizza, tasting some healthy ingredients and learning in a fun quiz!
Finian’s Rainbow
We are now into the full swing of rehearsals for the senior play. This week will see the Technical Rehearsal on Friday afternoon, with a dress rehearsal on Sunday afternoon (2pm-6pm) and another full dress rehearsal on Monday afternoon.
Please can those who have not done so either return the slip to the school office, or reply by email, if you would like seats for one of the performances. Please also confirm when you will be collecting your child on the Friday (i.e. before lunch at 12.20 pm, or after the play).
Sunday Outings
The outing for children on Sunday will be to Tides Swimming Centre in Deal.
Menu
This week the kitchen will be serving Menu 2.
Matches last Week
Monday 28th October |
|
Hockey v Sir Roger Manwood’s : U13A | Lost 1-4 |
Hockey v Sir Roger Manwood’s : U13B | Lost 1-3 |
Wednesday 31st October |
|
Hockey v Duke of York RMS: U13 A | Won 6-2 |
Hockey v Duke of York RMS: U13 B | Lost 1-3 |
Hockey v St Edmund’s U11 (h) | Drew 0-0 |
Soccer v Kent College (Junior): Colts A | Lost 1-6 |
Soccer v Kent College (Junior): Colts B | Lost 0-6 |
Soccer v Kent College (Junior): Colts C | Lost 0-2 |
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.
Tuesday 5th november
Squash v St Lawrence 1st V (a) 2:45 pm
Wednesday 6th november
Metherell Cup @ JKS (Colts) (a) 1:30 pm
Hockey St Lawrence Triangular : U11 & U9 (a) 1:30 pm
Soccer v Northbourne: 1st XI & 2nd XI (h)
Spring Grove Cross Country
Saturday 9th november
Hockey v JKS: U13 A & B (a)
Hockey v JKS: U11 A & B (a)
Soccer v JKS: 1st XI, 2nd IX (h)
Soccer v JKS: Colts A, B & C (a)