19 September 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
It’s wonderful to be back in the rhythm of the new term! Our extracurricular clubs are now up and running, and there’s a real buzz of activity across the school as children dive into their new topics.
In true HTPD style, we’ve already been out and about on exciting trips. The junior school children enjoyed their Buddy Days in the Chantries, and Year 4 launched their history topic with a fascinating visit to Butser Ancient Farm. Dressed in period costumes, they stepped back into Iron Age Britain, explored a roundhouse and Roman villa, and even tried their hand at traditional crafts.
Our sports calendar got off to a flying start this week when HT hosted the local schools’ cross-country fixture on the Downs. The children showed fantastic determination and team spirit as they tackled a beautiful, albeit hilly course — we were so proud of their resilience and effort.
Our assembly series this term takes us on a tour through the life of King David, from the Old Testament; he was the Israelites' most loved king and known as ‘a man after God's own heart’. He shows us so many Christ-like attributes, but he was also fallible and made mistakes. We’re hoping that we’ll understand how God’s destiny and purpose for each one of us is unique and special. The term's theme also uses news articles and traditional tales to encourage us all to look at things from different points of view (what if the Big Bad Wolf was actually trying to check the three little pigs' dwellings for strength to withstand a storm, or if the little red hen had a helpful team right from the start of the story?). There’s also a weekly punctuation mark which connects the Bible story with the children's grammar lessons! The theme goes right up to Christmas time, linking in with the Christmas nativity carol ‘Once in Royal David's city’.
Finally, the forecast looks dry for the HTPD Fun Run at Stoke Park on Sunday afternoon. We hope to see lots of you there — whether running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines!
Best wishes,
Vicky
Thought of the Week: Be yourself – are you happy with who you are?
Whole School Notices:
Lunch: Week 1 Menu for week beginning 22/09/25
Dates:
Wednesday 22nd October – Early Finish PD pick-up at 1pm, HT pick-up at 1.15pm
Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th October – INSET days
Monday 27th – Friday 31st October – Half Term holidays
Monday 3rd November – Children back to school
Junior
Dates for the Diary
Monday 22nd September – 3AL Swimming
Wednesday 24th September– 4S Swimming
Friday 26th September – Y6 Wisley Trip
Thursday 16th October - Influenza (flu) vaccinations via nasal spray. Please complete the e-consent form by Friday 10th October, by visiting: www.surreyimmunisations.co.uk and entering your school’s unique code SR125288 . If you do not want your child to receive a vaccine, then please fill in the ‘No’ box. Please see the ParentMail dated 12/09/2025 for details.
Notice for Y6 parents re Year 7 Secondary Applications
This is a reminder to the parents and carers of Year 6 children that applications for secondary schools close on Tuesday 31st October 2025. It is vital that you submit your application on or before this date. Please note that on-line applications are preferred by SCC, and e-Admissions forms together with further information are available on their website https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools/admissions
Should you require a hard copy, please e-mail schoolbooklets@surreycc.gov.uk or telephone 0300 200 1004. Paper copies should be returned directly to Surrey County Council
Autumn Term School Clubs –
Message from Geraldine - if anyone has any old Warhammer pieces that they no longer want, we would love to have it for a club. Please email geraldinet@htpd.surrey.sch.uk
Cancelled Clubs:
Food Science Lab Club - Friday September 26th
Fixtures:
Tuesday 23rd September
Y6 Girls Tag Rugby Festival at Stoke Park
The team has been sent out on ParentMail
Monday 29th Sept - Thursday 2nd Oct
House Cross Country all week during the school day:
Monday - Y6
Tuesday Y4
Wednesday - Y5
Thursday - Y3
Wednesday 1st October
Y6 A & B Netball at St Cat's
The teams will be sent out on ParentMail
Thursday 2nd October
Y5 & Y5 XC at Rydes Hill Common
The team will be sent out on ParentMail
If your child brings snacks or a packed lunch in school, please remember HTPD has a No Nuts Policy
Infant
Long hair - A reminder that children with long hair should have it tied back at school.
PTA
Fun Run is on this Sunday!
We can't wait to see you all at the Fun Run at Stoke Park (Nightingale Road entrance) on Sunday.
Timings (all approximate):
· Briefings and Boogie Pumps warm ups 15 mins before each race
· Registration & event start - 1pm
· 5km - 1:30pm
· 1km - 2:30pm
· 2km - 3:00pm
· Toddler dash - 3:25pm
· Prizes - 3:30pm
· Event close - 4pm
Activities and games will run throughout the event so come along, cheer everyone on and enjoy the whole afternoon!
Key things to note:
· Parking will be very limited, so please try to walk/use public transport.
· Toilets are available.
· Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
· Pizza & ice cream vans will be there and accept cards.
· Other snacks and activities can be purchased using tokens available at the registration desk - cards are accepted but cash (£5 / £10) will be quicker & will help reduce queues.
· We don't have exclusive use of the park, you will be responsible for your children at all times.
· Race entrants will receive an email with full details.
Thanks again to all of our amazing volunteers and sponsors, and good luck to all the runners!
Other
October Half Term Camp - Seren Kids - see flyer
October Half Term Holiday Club at Onslow Infant School - see flyer