ℯNEWS OCTOBER 6, 2023
Happy Friday to one and all! We've reached the end of yet another fun-filled and bustling week at Connaught House School. Firstly, we'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your cooperation in ensuring that all our pupils are sporting their correct winter school uniforms. Mrs. Hampton and Mrs. Larke have had productive discussions with our uniform suppliers, Perry’s and have relayed the valuable parent feedback that you have shared with us, including those pesky delivery delays. We're actively working on improving our uniform and will be holding a parent consultation regarding uniform items after the half-term break.
Form Five & Six Football Fixture VS Hampden Gurney
Mr. Taiwo had an eventful Wednesday with his football squad taking on some of Hampden Gurney’s finest players. Although we had a strong 2 - 0 start, thanks to two spectacular goals from Oscar and Luca, with an additional goal later in the game from Oscar, our opponents emerged victorious this time leading 5 - 3. A special mention to Christina who was colossus whether playing in midfield or at the back.
Although the defeat may be disheartening, It was a valuable lesson for our young players, teaching them resilience and the importance of persevering until the final whistle. We eagerly anticipate supporting our budding football stars in their next match. Onwards and upwards!
Trip to Unicorn Theatre - The Tempest (Form Three to Form Six)
On Thursday, Forms Three to Six along with a handful of intrepid teachers boarded the coach to head off excitedly to the Unicorn Theatre to encounter Shakespeare’s Tempest. We were not disappointed. The performance presented the shenanigans of the island dwellers and visitors in a 75 minute kaleidoscope of colour, song, dance, jokes and philosophical commentaries on the foibles of humans. The children were enthralled. The Bard may have raised an eyebrow to see his Caliban raise a tumultuous applause, perhaps mainly earned by the character’s clever rapping? The performance was an experience the children will remember and cherish and it will continue to enrich our follow-on discussions and writing. We also hope to read some shipwreck tales where goodness triumphs over greed.
NSPCC - PANTS campaign
As part of our commitment to keeping children safe both online and offline, the children have been learning about the 'PANTS' rule in age appropriate ways over the last few weeks. This is a campaign run by the NSPCC designed to keep children safe.
Summarised the message is:
Privates are private
Always remember your body belongs to you
No means no
Talk about secrets that upset you
Speak up, someone can help
The children have been designing snazzy underwear that will be made into a display and the best design will be judged by a local designer shop, Eliza Jane Howell.
More information on how to have a conversation about the PANTS rule can be found here. Parents Guide to the PANTS rule
The NSPCC site also has a range of advice for parents that you may find useful https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/
We also would like to recommend this website which is from London Grid for Learning which is an organisation that provides support to schools on online safety amongst other things. https://parentsafe.lgfl.net/
New School Council
With our School Council now elected, Mrs. Wells introduced the children to their important roles during the first school council meeting this afternoon. Key positions such as chairperson and secretary have been filled, and we eagerly await the suggestions and developments that will emerge from these weekly gatherings.
New Form Council members:
Form Six: Eleanor
Form Five: Izzy
Form Four: Maxine
Form Three: Fayyadh
Form Two: Clara
Virtual Coffee Morning - CHS Mental Health & Wellbeing
Mrs. Hampton and Mr. McManus virtually welcomed numerous parents from across the school this morning for a discussion on Mental Health and Wellbeing, focusing on supporting our children through anxiety. The strategies shared by our school counsellor will undoubtedly bolster our school community's support network.
Winter Wonderland School Art Competition
This year, pupils from Junior One to Form Four are participating in Hyde Park Winter Wonderland’s first ever Art Competition. Entrants will have a chance to win free packages for themselves and their loved ones to enjoy on a day out at Winter Wonderland. Winners will also get to see their artwork on display at the event for all our visitors to enjoy.
Upcoming
Hello Yellow - YoungMinds Charity event, non uniform day - Tuesday 10 October 2023
We kick off next week with a whole-school assembly, led by Head of Key Stage One Mrs. Wells, introducing the local charity YoungMinds. This sets the stage for our second school charity event of the year on Tuesday. We invite every pupil to wear something yellow to symbolise their support for mental health and wellbeing. This could be in the form of subtle accessories such as yellow socks, hair ribbons, a top or even full yellow outfits. Please ensure that children are dressed in clothing appropriate for the weather and an active school day. (Footwear must be comfortable and suitable for stairs and running about). Don’t forget to bring your donation for the charity YoungMinds in support of World Mental Health Day 2023. We're looking forward to a sunshiny day at 47!
In other news
Mrs. Hampton has an incredibly busy week planned, with visits to both Frances Holland North and Queens College, where she looks forward to meeting former pupils and fellow Head Teachers. In alumni news, we're thrilled to share that Audrey, now in Year 9, was recently selected by the City of London School For Girls to sing in their Chamber Choir at the Guildhall. What a wonderful achievement and something that Dr. Ashworth was very proud to hear about.
Parent Meetings Monday 16 & Tuesday 17 October 2023
You should have all received your invitations to in-person parent meetings on Monday, 16th, and Tuesday, 17th October. We are well aware that we tend to be chatterboxes, often running over our allotted 15-minute meeting slots. To keep things on track, we've decided to take stricter measures this year regarding timekeeping. Please note that once your 15 minutes are up, our fabulous assistants, Miss Pluskowska and Miss Moreno, have been instructed to step in and usher in the next set of parents. We sincerely hope these measures will ensure a smooth and enlightening evening for everyone.
Nasal Flu Vaccination - Thursday 19 October 2023
A quick reminder that nurses from Central and Northwest London NHS Foundation Trust will be on hand to administer the nasal flu vaccine from 9:30am on Thursday, 19 October 2023. Please make sure to complete the necessary paperwork well ahead of the day. Please remember that, your children will not receive the vaccine without your permission and completed paperwork.
Half Term - INSET day
Finally, a friendly reminder that Friday, 20th October, is a staff INSET training day, and there will be no school on this day before the start of Half Term.
Artwork of the week
Freya in Junior One, for creating a fabulous sunflower in art club. Brilliant use of oil pastels, inspired by the work of Vincent Van Gogh. Well done Freya!
Dates for the diary:
10 October - Hello Yellow YoungMinds Charity event
16/17 October - Parents Meetings
19 October - Nasal Flu Vaccine
20 October - 27 October - HALF TERM
Students break up on Thursday 19 October 2023 at regular dismissal times.
29 October - Clocks go back 1 hour
30 October - First day back to school after Half Term
News in the area
For those that live close to Connaught House School, we share the following news on upcoming event, protests and demonstrations that may cause congestion and delays to your journey.
• Race for Kids, Hyde Park, Saturday 7 October 8am-3pm
• Pro Imran Khan Protest, Avenfield House, Dunraven Street, Saturday 7 October 4pm
• Anti Pakistan Government Protest March, Parliament Square to Dunraven Street, Sunday 8 October 2pm-4pm
• Royal Parks Half Marathon, starting and ending at Hyde Park, Sunday 8 October 6am-6pm
