ℯNEWS SEPTMEBER 22, 2023
As we embark upon the weekend, I trust that you have all had a positive and productive third week of the Autumn Term.
Senior PSHE Assembly
On Monday the Senior children had an important assembly with Ms Galligan. As part of the school’s ongoing commitment to self-improvement and well-being, a pupil questionnaire was given to the senior children who completed the Jigsaw PSHE pupil feedback questionnaire. The children were asked to share their thoughts on how they view their life at CHS including their friendships and learning. The children had to give their own personal feedback on how they felt about their enjoyment of their lessons, how they received feedback, their understanding of their own personal learning targets and their understanding and managing disappointment. They were asked to comment on managing resilience, and how they deal with stressful situations, such as exams or falling out with friends; as well as managing the transition from one year group to the next. The children were asked to rate each question using a linear scale and write a comment supporting their score. The children showed great maturity, as they all completed their questionnaires, taking time to concentrate and think about the seriousness of the questions. The questionnaire results will be analysed by Ms Galligan and Mrs Hampton, giving our school a good insight into how the children feel.
Uniform
With the brisk embrace of seasonally appropriate weather, we kindly request that all our children now don their complete school uniform, including their school blazer.
A reminder that this is the final week during which the option of wearing the summer uniform is extended, prior to the transition to our winter attire. Please note, that whilst the boys cap is still for sale, we will no longer be requiring boys to wear this cap. Sizes and production appear to have caused difficulty. Connaught House School Uniform.pdf
As we approach the coming half term, with the inevitable onset of colder weather, we shall anticipate the donning of Duffle coats by our pupils. In particularly cool weather, the Duffle coat may be worn over their blazers for added warmth. It is imperative that all Three-in-One coats be clearly named and remain within the school for easy access at park time and we do expect all children to have a change of clothes in school, at all times, in case they get caught in a downpour.
Punctuality
A gentle reminder, particularly for our children in Forms Three to Six, is that the school day commences promptly at 8:30am. Lessons are scheduled to commence at 8:45am, and any pupil in Key Stage 2 (Forms Three to Six) arriving after this time will be duly marked as late in the school register. Our younger pupils benefit from a gentler start to their day, with lessons commencing at 9am. However, the importance of providing adequate time to settle into the morning routine applies to all children. Therefore, those who consistently arrive promptly at 8:30am are to be commended, whilst those arriving at 8:45am or later are politely requested to adjust their morning schedules accordingly.
Early Drop Off Service - Breakfast Club
In response to requests from our valued parents, we are pleased to announce the introduction of an early drop-off service beginning at 8:15am from Tuesday to Friday, commencing next week on Tuesday 26 September. Parents will have the opportunity to register their children for this service. Our school cook shall provide a light breakfast, and the children will be supervised until 8:30am when the official school day starts. Please have a read through the attached Early Drop off policy. It is important to note that whilst pupils may be admitted at 8:15am, the school doors shall only reopen to all at 8:30am children arriving between 8:20am – 8:30am will have to wait for the official start of school day.
Wall Climbing Club
Mrs Hampton is delighted to start her wall climbing club this term. Some of the avid climbers who took part last year have joined her once again to take the walk down to Seymour Leisure Centre to take part in this challenging yet fun club. There are a few new additions to the club this term with a few empty spots remaining for those who would like to give it a go.
General News
Mrs. Hampton has had a busy week, which included an enlightening meeting at City of London School for Girls yesterday afternoon. Much discussion regarding the significance of teaching independence and the transformations experienced by eleven-year-olds as they embrace the responsibility of commuting to school for the first time was shared by the City teachers and a host of Primary school Heads. It was particularly lovely to see former CHS pupils, Petra and Nastya who were both looking very happy and well.
Upcoming
Virtual Coffee Morning with Mr Miller, Director of Admissions from UCS - Thurs 28 Sept 10:30am
Mrs. Hampton is eagerly looking forward to hosting the first Virtual Coffee Morning of the academic year, featuring guest speaker, the Director of Admissions, Mr. Miller from UCS, who is kindly stepping in for Mr Beard, who, regrettably, is no longer available. Parents of boys in Form Three to Six looking at UCS as a potential 11+ school. Please confirm your attendance with the office.
Virtual Coffee Morning - CHS Mental Health & Wellbeing
Our second Virtual Coffee Morning is scheduled for a slightly later time than previously circulated, at 11:15am on Friday, the 6th of October. Mrs. Hampton shall be joined by Mr McManus to discuss school counselling services at CHS and address any parental concerns. Topics to be explored will cover the preparation and emotional support ahead of 11+ exams, how to support your child during this process.
Trip to Unicorn Theatre - The Tempest (Form Three to Form Six) - 5 October 2023
Children in Key Stage Two will have the opportunity to visit the Unicorn Theatre for a performance of The Tempest - re-imagined for children. We expect the experience to be enjoyable, exciting and educational. In particular it will enhance the children’s understanding of dramatic expression and performance and it will enrich our discussions, our reading and our writing lessons.
According to the critics: ‘A whirlwind of fun, with an undercurrent of important messages about the world and its inhabitants’ (The Family Stage) Itwill be an enchanting introduction to Shakespeare.
Hello Yellow - YoungMinds Charity event
In support of World Mental Health Day 2023 we would like to invite students to wear yellow on Tuesday 10 October and donate £1 to the charity YoungMinds for World Mental Health Day 2023. For so many young people, when this happens, they don’t get the help they need, when they need it. Together we can create a brighter future for young people’s mental health.
Artwork of the week
Lara in Form Four, for completing a fantastic cushion design with embroidery, appliqué and sequin embellishment. Well done Lara!
Next week Junior One’s collection times are as follows:
Week Four: Full time (Week commencing 25 September)
As a reminder dismissal times are as follows:
Dates for the diary:
25 September - First OT/SALT sessions
28 September - Virtual Coffee Morning With Mr Miller at UCS
2 October - Winter Uniform to be worn
5 October - The Tempest Form Three to Six
6 October - Virtual Coffee Morning with Mr Mcmanus How to handle 11+ Stressors
10 October - Hello Yellow Charity event
16/17 October - Parents Meetings
News in the area
For those that live close to Connaught House School, we share the following news on upcoming protests and demonstrations that may cause congestion and delays to your journey.
• National Rejoin March, Hyde Park Corner to Parliament Square, Saturday 23 September, midday to 4.30pm
• World Wide Rally for Freedom, Hyde Park Speakers Corner, Saturday 23 September, from 1pm onwards
• Ethiopian Amhara Demonstration, Marble Arch, Sunday 24 September 11.30am-6.30pm
• #LetWomenSpeak, Reformers Tree, Hyde Park, Sunday 24 September 1-3pm - police will be in attendance
