From the Headmaster’s Study

At the end of this week’s Headmaster’s Assembly, Miss Wallace and Mr Waldie led an inspirational presentation to promote Science week, outlining several areas of extension work in which the pupils can be involved. Last week, Mrs Sabin-Dawson led a hugely successful and enjoyable celebration of World Book Day (with some superb costumes from both pupils and staff). Over the weekend, under the eye of Mrs Spencer, the Wellesley Young Voices performed brilliantly at the Thanet Music and Drama Festival – with over 20 pupils involved in this choir – achieving one mark off a distinction for their two performances. On Wednesday, our Block 3 pupils enjoyed listening to the incredible Dean of Canterbury and meeting the captain of Kent County Cricket Club in the stunning setting of the Cathedral. All of these events were in addition to the full and varied day to day happenings at Wellesley Haddon Dene. My every day thanks go to our pupils for their enthusiasm, effort and good company and to our team of staff for their passion for education and commitment to Wellesley. I wish you all a good week.

Gavin Franklin

 

JDRM Gavin Portraits-2

Upcoming Events

NEXT STEPS: THE BOARDING OPTION

A chance to discover how modern independent schools
prepare young people to be the next business leaders
Saturday 21 March, 10.30am
Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ,
King’s Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 4RY
Info and booking: www.benenden.school/next 

Denne Hill Cross Country – Saturday 21st March

On Saturday 21st March our annual Wellesley Haddon Dene cross country will be taking place at Denne Hill farm, Womenswold, CT4 6HD. The cross country event will start at 2.45pm and afterwards hot tea, hot dogs and cakes will be served in the barn. All children in JL and above are expected to run, wearing their set coloured polo shirts, navy blue PE shorts, white socks and trainers. Younger pupils and siblings who wish to join in are more than welcome. The cross country course is approximately 3km. For your information Denne Hill operates a No Dog Policy due to Livestock. We look forward to seeing you there.

Easter cricket course

After the huge success of last year’s course, we are delighted to announce the dates for our Easter Cricket course – Monday 20th April and Tuesday 21st April 2020. This follows the news that Wellesley has been recognised by the internationally renowned magazine, “The Cricketer”, as one of the top 50 cricket playing prep schools in the UK. The full article can be downloaded here. The course is for boys and girls of all levels, aged between 6 and 13, and will be led by Wellesley’s team of qualified and experienced coaches. Please click here for full details on the course.  The booking form can be found by clicking here.

The Friends of Wellesley Quiz

The Friends of Wellesley Quiz will be held on Friday 20th March at 7pm. Once again Jean Latteur and his team will host the evening, accompanied by delicious curry and fizz. Team tables can be organised for between 10-12 guests. Tickets are £20 per head. Please contact Belinda Wakeling, belindawakeling@hotmail.com, with your team name, details and money if you would like to take part.

School Last Week

A Service of Thanksgiving at the Canterbury Cathedral

Kent County Cricket Club is celebrating its 150th anniversary and a special programme of events is scheduled throughout 2020. The first was a Service of Thanksgiving at Canterbury Cathedral on Wednesday and Mr & Mrs Franklin, Mr Spencer and the Block 3 pupils attended, representing Wellesley Haddon Dene. Aside from enjoying an excellent service that combined beautiful music, rousing hymns, an engaging history of cricket in Kent and a wonderful address from the Dean of Canterbury (who visited Wellesley earlier this year for the celebration of our amalgamation with St Peter’s Court), the pupils enjoyed the opportunity to meet and talk with the current captain of Kent, Sam Billings. Following the service, the pupils have been invited to write a report on their visit and the piece favoured by the judging panel will feature on the Kent Cricket website.

World Book Day

From Pre prep to Block 1, Wellesley Haddon Dene (staff included) came alive with book characters on Thursday in a celebration of World Book Day. Pre prep had focused specifically on the works of Julia Donaldson and shared some fabulous costumes (and even a Stickman) in a special assembly with the whole school.
During the afternoon session pupils went in various directions around the school to sample some exciting book related activities: Ms Moosuddee and Mr Martin taught some groups of pupils how to make a simple animation, Mr Latteur held a book quiz, Mr Nichol looked at mapping a story, Mdme Laurans explored European stories, Mr Parfitt and Miss Wallace helped pupils to make mini books and Mrs McDermott and Mr Waldie held a bookmark making session in the library. The pupils all went home with a £1 book voucher, which we hope they will all use to purchase a fabulous new book.

Thanet Music and Drama Festival

Well done to all of those who took part in the Thanet Festival. Specific mentions go to Raf Cable, Archie Butterfill and Luna Sarafoglou who all placed in the top three of their categories! A fantastic achievement.

Young Voices at Thanet Music Festival

On the morning of Saturday 7th March, during the exeat, the Young Voices had their very first public performance as they took part in the choral section of the Thanet Music Festival. Their performance received some wonderful comments from the festival adjudicator, and their score was just one mark from a Distinction. Mrs Spencer could not be more proud of the singers. Their commitment and hard work towards this festival has been incredible and they have achieved a very high standard of singing this year. Thank you to all the parents for giving up your exeat Saturday morning and for all your support and lovely messages over the weekend. We look forward to a repeat performance from the Young Voices at this week’s Junior House Concert.

School This Week

Parent/Teacher Meeting

There will be a parent/teacher meeting for Block 1 parents in the Sports Hall this Saturday 14th March at 10.15 am, prior to the Lenten Service. As per last year, and as is the case at a number of Senior schools, the pupils will have the opportunity to be present with their parents / guardians during the appointments with the teachers.

Lenten Service

Our Lenten Service takes place on Saturday afternoon. Please note the start time of 12.20 pm. Parents and families are warmly invited to attend. 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.

British Science Week

British Science Week is taking place all over the country to celebrate ‘Our Diverse Planet’. At Wellesley children are taking part in a series of special lessons to celebrate the diverse spectrum of disciplines within STEM. Lessons include creating our own mini farms, forensic science; examining fingerprints, military engineering; camouflaged creatures and microbiology; culturing bacteria and astrophysics; exploring the experiments Tim Peake conducted aboard the ISS. Block 3 are heading to Wildwood Animal Park to learn more about evolution and adaptation in some specially tailored lessons led by zoologists. There is also a series of competitions throughout the week in the Prep and Pre-prep to inspire the children and enable the children to learn more about our diverse planet and develop their understanding of science.

Play Rehearsals

Final preparations are under way for the Middle School play. Further rehearsals take place throughout this week and next, with the Technical Rehearsal taking place next week on Thursday afternoon, and the Dress Rehearsal the following afternoon.

Team of the Week

The ‘Team of the Week’ for this week are the Young Voices. They will be rewarded with cookies and squash in the Headmaster’s drawing room during Friday morning break.

Revision Guide for parents

Ms Moosuddee has created a revision guide aimed at parents. Some pupils will have had an introduction to Study Skills already and others are planned for next term. During these sessions we will be looking at learning styles, good revision techniques and how you can best prepare for exams and tests. You can download your copy here.

Everest in the Alps Ski Touring Challenge

Described as the toughest four days on skis, current Wellesley parents, Colin and Camilla Norton will be joining illustrious team members who have completed this monumental ascent and face the height of Everest for the ultimate winter endurance challenge. Fighting their way up 2200m vertical per day for four consecutive days they will be driven onward by the desire to raise funds for the Silas Pullen Fund and the Everest Centre, both of which work to raise awareness, fund and carry out research to find cures for brain tumours. Please click here for further information.

Sunday Outings

This Sunday’s trip will be a trip into Margate to Lost Island Adventure Indoor Golf.

Menu

This week the kitchen will be serving Menu 3.

Matches Last Week

 

Netball v Dover College: U13 (h)

Won 10-8

Netball v Dover College: U9 (h)

Won 4-0

Netball v JKS: U11 (a)

Won 9-0

Rugby v Duke of Yorks: U13 (h)

Won 6-5

Rugby v Northbourne: U10 (h)

Won 12-10

 

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.

Wednesday 11th March

 

Wellesley Haddon Dene Netball Tournament: U11 (h)

(Note: 1.30 pm start)

Rugby Tag Festival @ Dover College: U9/U8 (a)

CANCELLED

Rugby v Northbourne: U13 (a)

 

Saturday 14th March

 

Rugby v Northbourne: U10 (a)

 

Sunday 15th March

 

Rugby IAPS Small Schools 7’s @ Sherbourne: U13 

(Note: 10.30 a.m. start)

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