Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been another wonderfully busy week across the school, full of ‘zest for learning and a love of life’—with trips, sport, engaging practical maths, opportunities to perform, and even a year group ‘flight’ to Hong Kong!

Yes, you read that correctly! On Tuesday, Year 2 embarked on their long-awaited trip to the faraway land of Hong Kong. With bags packed and dressed smartly in their holiday clothes, they boarded Pewley Airways’ morning flight from Pewley Airport. It was a slightly bumpy journey, but Captain Lilja guided them safely to their destination! On arrival, passports and luggage were checked before the children learned to write their names in Chinese characters on rice paper. Armed with maps, they then navigated their way around “Hong Kong” (the playground!) in an orienteering activity to learn more about the city. Before returning to the UK, they created beautiful Chinese dragons to decorate their classroom once they were safely back home—just in time for pick-up. What an incredible day!

On Wednesday, a group of Year 2 children represented the school at the INSPIRE Mini Tennis Festival at Shalford Tennis Club. The children were fantastic ambassadors as they rotated around a carousel of tennis activities led by young leaders from Broadwater School. Both teams had a wonderful afternoon, finishing in 1st and 3rd place—an excellent achievement.

Also on Wednesday, our infant children were treated to a delightful performance as the HT choir went on tour. The junior choir sang beautifully, entertaining their audience while also showcasing one of the many opportunities that await them in the junior school. We look forward to hearing more from the choir and our other music groups as the term continues.

On Thursday, a group of Year 5 boys competed at Normandy Cricket Club in the Guildford Cricket Tournament. Despite less-than-ideal weather, the team played superbly, winning all of their matches and securing a place in the county finals later this month. They represented the school brilliantly—we wish them the very best for the next stage.

It was also a delight to welcome our new Reception children to Pewley for their initial visits this week. It is always a joy to see how quickly young children grow in confidence, and we feel privileged to begin this journey of Learning to Live with the next generation of HTPD children.

I also have some staffing news to share. As you know, Sheena Preston will be retiring at the end of the academic year after many years of dedicated service to the school. Frances Clixby has been successfully accepted onto a highly competitive NHS training programme to become a Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist—we wish her every success as she begins this exciting new chapter.

Theresa Sherry, Reception Teaching Assistant, will also be leaving at the end of term to join the Royal Surrey and begin an Operating Department Practitioner apprenticeship. We wish her all the very best in her studies and new role. Carolyn Ganski, Teaching Assistant, will be leaving us at the end of term too, although she will still be a familiar face at the HT breakfast club.

We are delighted to announce that Joey Sheath will be joining the teaching team in Year 1. I know you will all give her a very warm welcome.

More exciting news—there are two babies on the way! Laura Morris is expecting her first child, and Catherine Finnier is expecting her third baby this summer. We send them our very best wishes and look forward to welcoming their new arrivals into the HTPD family.

We are now beginning our preparations for September and can now share our teaching teams for the new academic year:

Alongside this, we will continue to have members of the Senior Leadership Team and several part-time staff working across the school. We will now begin the important process of carefully allocating each child to their new class. Please be assured that we take a wide range of factors into account to ensure the best possible match and a smooth transition for every child. If you do have any serious concerns, please direct these to me rather than to your child’s current teacher. Thank you for your understanding as we consider the whole picture.

As I write, our own Year 3 evacuees are making their way to school—I hope they have had a wonderful day—and we wish Year 6 a safe and memorable trip to Shropshire next week.

Have a lovely weekend—hopefully with some drier weather ahead!

Best wishes,

Vicky

Thought of the Week: Coping with hurt. Parable – The Prodigal Son: Who do you need to forgive?