From the Headmaster’s Study
As I type, the vast majority of our Block 1 (Year 8) pupils are heads down in their final moments of preparation and revision for their Common Entrance examinations, which begin on Tuesday, in the Old Hall at Wellesley. Before the examinations begin, our congratulations go to our spirited Block 1 pupils, who have coped with the challenges of the past two years so admirably. So much has been debated about the future of Common Entrance and indeed, the value of terminal assessments, such as these. No matter what the opinion on this, and there are valid arguments on both sides, there are inevitable positives to the experiences of preparing for and sitting tests and exams, for example, the ability for an individual to “manage” their emotions, expectations and feelings throughout a period of “pressure”. Building character and resilience have always been (and will always be) an essential part of our aims here at Wellesley. In the meantime, we wish all of our Block 1 pupils the very best for their exams and hope that they grow and learn as a result of the process.
During the half term (like many of you, I’m sure), we thoroughly enjoyed some of the celebrations that took place in recognition of the Queen’s 70 years as our Monarch. The way in which she has conducted herself throughout a period of ups and downs and significant change is an example to all of us and we highlighted this in our weekly Headmaster’s Assembly.
Gavin Franklin
SATURDAY 11TH JUNE – FAMILY & FRIENDS BARN DANCE
We are very much looking forward to our Summer Barn Dance this Saturday at Grange Farm, Great Mongeham. The evening will begin at 6pm and will include dinner, dancing and a raffle. Carriages at 10pm. Please inform the Friends of any dietary requirements by Friday morning (latest) via the below email address. Tickets are still available to buy from the school office 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.
The Stowe Putter
We were absolutely delighted that Wellesley Haddon Dene was represented in the Stowe Putter (a renowned national prep schools golf tournament hosted by Stowe School) by one of our Block 3 pupils. Aside from playing with great skill and composure, Freddie Southorn was highlighted for his exemplary sportsmanship and conduct on the course – very well done, Freddie.
Wellesley Haddon Dene and Haddon Dene transition update
Thank you to everyone who took time to share your views on the proposed uniform options and on a suitable name for our merged school. We are very grateful for all submissions and further information will follow.
Jubilee BBQ (Years 4-8)
On Friday lunchtime, JL to Block 1 pupils celebrated the Queen’s Jubilee in style with a wonderful BBQ on a long table outside the dining hall. We were blessed with weather and aside from enjoying the sumptuous feast, courtesy of our catering team (with help from Mr Spencer) we stood to sing the national anthem together. The event was rounded off with the Head Boy leading the school with three cheers for Her Majesty.
Code Kids Minecraft Education: Earth Week 2022 (Wellesley Haddon Dene Winner)
Suri Lear (JL) participated in Minecraft Education: Earth Week 2022 Build Challenge through Code Kids Canterbury last month. Their team ‘Girls Empire’ was selected as one of the winners out of 100 plus global entries and are double celebrating; being the only UK winner at this worldwide competition. A collaboration between The Met Office and Minecraft Education Edition, the online competition called for inventions to improve the future for our climate. Well done girls!!
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
We had a very happy Jubilee tea party on the last Friday afternoon of term. The children made jellies, sandwiches and chopped up crudites to enjoy. There were Jubilee themed games to have a go at too.
Over the next few weeks we will be practising hard for our sports day events and enjoying some trips out of school. Lots to look forward to!
School This Week
Six of the Best
The final Six of the Best will go to Alina Kheidorova for her small but expertly crafted observational pencil drawing of the enormous still life in the art studio. Alina spent hours on this piece demonstrating both keen skills, resilience and a determination to produce her very best work. She has consistently made work of an exceptional standard throughout her time at Wellesley and can certainly look forward to a very bright future in the subject.
Common Entrance
We wish all of our Block 1 pupils the very best for their exams that they will be sitting in the Old Hall this week.
Thanet Young Artists Festival
As you know many of our year 4 and 5 pupils had artwork on display for The Young Artists Festival at The Margate School. The show was really impressive with over 600 pictures from 35 different schools!
Here is a photograph of Clara collecting her award for first place in the nine year old category. In addition to this many of our pupils received commendations, they were:
- Reuben Young Gadd
- Algie Moore
- Septimus Oduwole
- Rose Symington-Mills
- Greta Grand
- Ralph Wainman and Bruno Wainman
Team of the Week
Mr and Mrs Franklin very much look forward to seeing the Wellesley artists who were commended in the Thanet Arts Festival for their entries. Very well done to Clara, Bruno, Ralph, Rose, Algie, Greta and Reuben. They will enjoy squash and cookies on the front lawn on Tuesday break.
Matches This Week
Wednesday, 8th June
Cricket Dulwich Cranbrook Tournament: U12 Girls (a) – CANCELLED
Cricket v Junior King’s: U12 Boys (h)
Cricket v Northbourne: U9 A & B Mixed (a)
Cricket v St Lawrence: U11 A Boys (a)
Cricket v St Lawrence: U11 B Boys (h)
Friday, 10th June
Cricket v Simon Langton: 1st XI (h) 2:30pm
Saturday, 11th June
Rounders v Duke of York’s: U13 A & B (a) 2pm
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
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