28 November 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
It’s official—the trees are up and Christmas has begun! Our Christmas play rehearsals are in full swing, the orchestra is sounding better every week, and the corridors are alive with joyful singing. We can’t wait to share these celebrations with you, starting with the HTPD Christmas Fair today! A huge thank you to all the parents and staff who have given their time to make this event possible. Don’t forget to book your ticket for Santa’s Grotto at Pewley next Friday!
This week has felt like the last of our ‘normal’ weeks before the festivities truly take over. One of my highlights was seeing the incredible Year 6 adaptation projects. The children compared two animals living in different habitats, and the creativity was amazing—cardboard structures, clay models, and even jelly and cake! These masterpieces were displayed for other year groups to enjoy too.
Reception had a wonderful time visiting the Year 1 Toy Museum, and we’ve also been making the most of our local community. Year 3 enjoyed the first of two visits to Guildford County School today. Half the year group spent the morning playing fun games led by Year 10 students working towards their Sports Leaders award. The other half will take part next Friday. Meanwhile, one of our Year 5 classes visited RGS to explore their Tudor building and take part in drama and art activities linked to the Tudor period.
We also had a first for HTPD this week! Our Sports Crew and some Year 5 children participated in a badminton festival at Guildford Spectrum—and it was a fantastic success. The Sports Crew did an amazing job running the event, teaching five different schools a range of badminton activities. Our Year 5 participants represented the school brilliantly and returned with stickers for determination, respect, honesty, passion, and teamwork.
A big thank you to our Sports Crew for kickstarting playground games too. Every lunchtime, they demonstrate brilliant leadership and are great role models for the rest of the school.
Finally, I’m delighted to share some wonderful news. We were thrilled to hear that Beccy Davison welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Jessica Olivia Hope! And more exciting news—Georgie and Lilja are expecting a baby in April! To ensure consistency of support for children and families, Lilja will be taking on Georgie’s SENDCo responsibilities during her maternity leave, so we are in very good hands.
See you at the fair, and have a fantastic weekend!
Vicky
Thought of the week: Don’t give in. Can you resist temptation?
Infants
Christmas Play, Thursday 11 December, 2pm (doors open 1.45): This year’s performance of “Knock, Knock!” will again be held at Holy Trinity Church. As a line in one of the songs says ‘you’re all invited’ but, as space in the church is limited, we need to restrict tickets to two spectators per family. If you are not able to come to the performance we will be putting some videos of the dress rehearsal on Tapestry.
Christmas Carols at St Mary’s Church, Tuesday 16 December, 9.45am: If you are able to help walk the children down to St Mary’s and join us for Christmas Carols that would be much appreciated.
Christmas Lunch, Wednesday 17 December: Any children who usually bring a packed lunch from home are very welcome to have a school Christmas lunch on 17 December. Please let the office know by Monday 8 December.
Ballet Club: Next Thursday 4 December is the last ballet lesson of this term.
Lunch choices: A reminder that the deadline for lunch choices for the week beginning 8 December is 11.59pm on 30 November.
Menu: Week 1 beginning 1 December.
Juniors
Dates for the Diary
Monday 1st December – 3AL Swimming (Last one)
Wednesday 3rd December – 4S Swimming (Last one)
Friday 5th December – Y3 Visit to County - 3D and half of 3L (warm PE kit suitable for outdoor activities, snack and a drink)
Monday 8th December – “Robin Hood” at HT Church for Keller and Mandela A matinee (1.30pm) and an evening performance (7pm)
Tuesday 9th December - “Robin Hood” at HT Church for Shackleton and Nightingale A matinee (1.30pm) and an evening performance (7pm)
Tuesday 16th December Christmas Lunch Y5 and Y6 (Y3 & Y4 to bring a packed lunch)
Thursday 18th December Christmas Lunch Y3 and Y4 (Y5 and Y6 to bring packed lunch)
**On the day of your child’s Christmas lunch, the children may wear something festive, Christmas jumpers, tinsel etc. **
Cancelled Clubs: Tuesday 2nd December - Y5 and Y6 football
Lunch: Week 1 Menu for week beginning 01/12/25
PTA
Story Time with Santa at Pewley Down, Friday 5 December, 3.15-4.30pm
We need volunteers to help us set up the event, man food, drink, craft and games stalls, and tidy up afterwards. Please sign up here - thanks for all your help!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CA5A82AABFDC25-60794063-story
🌿✨ Wreath-Making Evening ! 🎄❄️ 🍂
We’re delighted to host a Wreath-Making event for all HYPD parents.
Date: Thurs 4th December
⏰ Time: 7–9 pm
📍 Location: HT School Hall
Come and enjoy a cosy evening of creativity, mulled-wine aromas, and Christmas cheer as we craft beautiful wreaths to welcome the season.
It will be a lovely way to get into the holiday spirit — all while supporting our Yr6 fundraising efforts.
Tickets available here https://www.pta-events.co.uk/htsc/index.cfm?event=event&eventId=109180.
Hope to see you there!
Other
Bike donation - see flyer
Tech & Stem Camp running at Send Primary School - see flyer
Festive Fun at The Hive - see flyer
Chorister for a Day at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle Y2 and Y3 - see flyer