Dear Parents and Carers, 

What a brilliant but busy week it’s been! Year 5 have been away on their residential trip to Brenscombe Farm in Dorset, and by all accounts they’ve had a wonderful time, looking at the geography of the Jurassic Coast, as well as enjoying high ropes, canoeing and Corfe Castle! Hopefully, they’ll arrive home on time later this afternoon with plenty of stories of adventure, fun and friendship. Year 1 also enjoyed their science trip to Wisley earlier in the week learning all about plants. The children took part in a workshop with the Wisley staff, planted cuttings, enjoyed a range of activities with their teachers and enjoyed seeing the ducklings and goslings. Year 2 are out and about today in Guildford, learning about local geography. Before they left, they had the opportunity to quiz a group of visiting Headteachers from Australia to compare and contrast our locations.

Meanwhile, back in school, Reception have had an exciting week. On Monday, eggs arrived! They were being kept warm in an incubator and the children kept checking for any signs of hatching. There was great excitement when the first egg hatched. They next day the children arrived at school to find a further four had hatched. Some children wrote welcome letters and cards to the chicks and made posters on how to look after them. The children are looking forward to holding the chicks next week when the chicks have grown a bit and are stronger. At the other end of the school, all the children in Year 6 have impressed us with their calm and conscientious approach to their SATS tests. Together with all the Year 6 children across the country, they’ve worked hard each morning with first English and then maths papers that demanded real concentration. They should all feel very proud of themselves; their fun day out at Horseshoe Lake is well deserved! 

As well as the many examples of ‘a zest for learning and a love of life’ this week, there have been true moments of awe and wonder, or ‘Heaven in the moment’ too. From hatching chicks in Year R, the beauty of Wisley gardens to the stunning Dorset countryside basking in glorious sunshine and not forgetting the beauty of our local area – the Downs and town for us to explore. I am so grateful the children have this richness of experiences and education beyond the classroom. On that note, next Friday is Fluffy – please do remember to pay £1 via Parent Pay to help us keep running this action-packed and fun day.  

The PTA are busy organising the Fun Run, which will take place on 7th June. There are different races for all ages, only trainers and a smile are required! Please sign up here.

Have a great weekend and final week before the half term break!  

Best wishes 

Vicky  

Thought of the week: Believe in yourself. How do you know what is right? Who are your role models? Are you strong and decisive?

Both schools

Vacancy - we are looking for a new Clubs+/PUPs manager. Tilly has done an excellent job looking after our extended school provision and we'll miss her when she moves on to pastures new. This role may suit someone who would like to work with children and wants to make a difference to our wider school community, supporting families and continuing the tradition of making our after-school care the best it can be.  If you know someone outside of our school network who may relish this role, please contact Danielle DanielleB@htpd.surrey.sch.uk to explore further. She would love to hear from you!