Dear Parents and Carers, 

We’ve had a joyful and thought-provoking week in school, filled with meaningful assemblies and community spirit. 

Assembly Highlights: David and Goliath 

This week, the children enjoyed the staff acting out the story of David and Goliath in assembly. It was a powerful reminder that with inner courage—and God by our side—we can face even the most daunting challenges. The children reflected on how to stand up to their fears, respond to unkindness with strength, and show bravery during difficult times. We hope they’ve been able to share some strategies with you at home about what to do if someone is unkind, and how to support others who may be struggling. Please continue to remind them that they can always speak to any adult in school if they need help or support. 

Fitting in beautifully with our reflections on courage and standing up for what’s right, today the children took part in a live Picture News Assembly to mark the beginning of Black History Month. We were joined by BBC presenter Swarzy, who helped us explore this year’s inspiring theme: ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’. It was a powerful continuation of the week’s message, encouraging children to celebrate identity, speak up with confidence, and support one another. I had the pleasure of watching this with Year 3, where the children made some truly thoughtful contributions to the discussion. Do ask your child about what they learned and shared—these conversations are a great way to keep the learning going at home. 

Down Syndrome Awareness Week 

In line with our school values—’Everyone knowing that they are treasured and loved as a unique child of God’ and ‘imagining the journey in another’s footsteps’—we were delighted to welcome Stepping Stones DS to lead an assembly at the juniors as part of Down Syndrome Awareness Week. The children asked thoughtful and respectful questions, showing real empathy and curiosity. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about inclusion and celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. 

House System & Cross-Country Fun 

Our school’s House system continues to be a fantastic way to build community and foster a sense of belonging. It gives children the chance to mix with peers and staff they may not usually interact with, enjoy shared experiences, and engage in a bit of friendly competition! 

Both infants and juniors have already had House assemblies, learning more about their House heroes. We were blessed with beautiful weather this week for our House Cross Country afternoons at the juniors—the first of many exciting House events planned for this year. The children have already come up with some brilliant ideas for future activities! 

PTA Update: Friends of HTPD 

We’re excited to announce the formation of Friends of HTPD, a newly merged PTA group that will support community events and fundraising across the whole school. While we haven’t had a huge influx of volunteers, we’re incredibly grateful to those who have stepped forward. 

To formalise the group, we need to hold a brief AGM. This will take place in the Junior Chapel at pick-up time on Friday 10th October and will only take 5–10 minutes. We need a minimum number of attendees to make it official, so if you’re free, please do pop in. 

With Christmas approaching, we’re keen to ensure our much-loved community events can go ahead. We’ll be inviting year groups or classes to take on specific roles or stalls to help spread the load and encourage wider participation. Thank you in advance for your support! 

Harvest Celebration 

We’re looking forward to celebrating Harvest Festival next week—a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about sharing and giving back to the community. Feel free to join us! 

• Infant Assembly: Tuesday 7th October at 10:10am  

• Junior Assembly: Wednesday 8th October at 8:50am 

As part of the celebration, we invite families to contribute donations of non-perishable food items, which will be donated to North Guildford Food Bank - a local organisation supporting families all across Guildford who struggle to make ends meet. If you are able to contribute to what is always a fantastic display of the generosity of our community, please send these in with your child on the morning of their assembly. Any plastic bags that can be left with us would be really useful in transporting it all too! This year the food bank have particularly asked for the following items:  

• Dried Noodles 

• Biscuits 

• Cereal 

• Rice 

• Canned/Instant Soups 

• Laundry liquids/powders/capsules 

Any other non-perishable items are also very welcome! 

In addition to the food donations, the school council have also voted and decided that they would like to support a local charity this term - Real Change Guildford. In their own words: At Real Change, we help people to access the practical items and opportunities they need to build lives away from Guildford’s streets. It’s about providing the tools to start again after homelessness. Donations to this very worthy local cause can be made via ParentPay. Thanks in advance for your generosity in supporting these local charities.   

HTPD Playtime Revamp 

Thank you so much for your donations of card and board games for the HT playground!  They will be a wonderful addition for the children to enjoy after half term. This week, we’re kindly requesting donations of construction materials—always a firm favourite among the children for imaginative play and creative building. Please see Georgie’s flyer attached for more details. 

Have a wonderful weekend. 

Vicky 

Thought of the Week: God within. Who do you know who is brave and where do they get their strength from? 

Whole School Notices:

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