Dear Parents and Carers 

We are very fortunate to be so well supported by our local independent schools. Over the course of the summer term, Tormead are offering a series of Masterclasses across a range of subjects. This is a fantastic opportunity for our children to try something new or deepen their thinking in a particular area. This week, some Year 5 pupils visited Tormead to take part in an engaging computing workshop, while others remained on site for an insightful session on Government and Politics. 

During the Government and Politics session, the children considered their party’s key campaign promises and discussed why certain priorities matter more than others. It was particularly fitting to hold this discussion on Election Day! Meanwhile, our budding computer experts created their own websites using Google Sites, learning how to design pages and confidently link images. The children left feeling inspired and eager to continue developing their ideas. 

Tormead have very kindly provided a programme of masterclasses with sufficient spaces for every Year 5 child to take part in at least one. We are very much looking forward to the geography, biology and art sessions taking place after half term. 

This week, our sporting spotlight turned to the infants. On Thursday, Year 1 and 2 pupils took part in a friendly cross-country event with local infant schools at Boxgrove. The children ran brilliantly and thoroughly enjoyed their first event of this kind. HTPD continues to take a leading role in organising sporting fixtures across the Guildford area, and we are working hard behind the scenes to encourage greater infant participation from other local schools. 

Next week is set to be a busy one. Year 6 will be completing their SATs before enjoying a well-deserved day out to Shalford Park, and Year 5 head off on the first residential trip of the year to Brenscombe Farm in Dorset. The children will enjoy a fantastic three-night adventure, returning with many wonderful memories. These opportunities to grow in independence are central to our ethos of “Learning to Live”. It is always striking to see how much the children develop in confidence, maturity and friendship during these experiences. They return ready to embrace the future with hope and confidence. 

A gentle reminder about parking. Please ensure that you are parking safely and considerately around the school at drop-off and pick-up times. Parking on double yellow lines, zig-zags or across driveways is not permitted, and stopping in the middle of the road to drop off or collect children is unsafe. As the junior school is located on a public bus route, please ensure there is always sufficient space for buses to pass. 

For those using the Pewley site, residents of Pewley Bank have contacted us to report missed refuse collections due to cars blocking access. We appreciate how busy the roads can be, but we kindly ask that you respect our neighbours and the Highway Code. Please do share this message with anyone who regularly drops off or collects your child, including grandparents and carers—thank you for your support with this. 

Finally, you may have seen recent media reports about a viral trend involving children placing silicone “squishy” toys in the microwave to make them more pliable. This has resulted in serious burns both in the UK and the US. While these toys are safe when used as intended, this online trend presents a potential safeguarding risk. I have attached guidance from Safer Schools for your information should you wish to read further. 

Have a lovely weekend. 

Best wishes, 

Thought of the week: Who do you respect and why?