Dear Parents and Carers, 

What a joyful day today has been. Our first Fluffy Friday of the year saw children across both sites immersing themselves in one of more than twenty different activities, making new friends, developing new skills and embracing new experiences. There was certainly something for everyone! Children enjoyed quilling, chalk art, macramé, eco-art, football, a giant marble run challenge, a Harry Potter-themed day, a group from Holy Trinity visited Pewley, the Guildford History Trail and much more. It has been wonderful to see so much enthusiasm, creativity and collaboration, and to witness our vision of a ‘zest for learning and a love of life’ in action. 

A gentle reminder that these enrichment days are a valued and important part of our curriculum. Please avoid booking holidays or family days out on Fluffy Fridays and only keep your child off school if they are genuinely unwell. It is always disappointing when children miss these special opportunities. Former pupils often tell us that Fluffy Fridays are among their fondest memories of their time at HTPD, and we want every child to have the chance to be part of them. 

As always, there has been the usual HTPD mix of exciting learning and opportunities throughout the week. Our Infant children took part in their first House event of the year, Potted Sports. The field was transformed into a series of fun and active challenges, all designed to encourage teamwork, participation and movement. The sounds of laughter, cheering and encouragement could be heard throughout the event. Well done to everyone who gave it their all and joined in with such enthusiasm. 

Competing against other local schools, teams made up of two boys and two girls from Years 4, 5 and 6 represented HTPD in a cross-country relay fixture yesterday. The children showed fantastic teamwork, determination and resilience, as well as excellent sportsmanship. We were thrilled that both teams won their races, returning to school proudly carrying two trophies! It was a brilliant event, and we are incredibly proud of them all. 

On Wednesday, Kayleigh took a team of budding engineers to a SATRO STEM Challenge, where they were tasked with designing and building a structure capable of withstanding a simulated earthquake. Working brilliantly as a team, the children showed impressive problem-solving skills and creativity, finishing in an outstanding third place. Their success has secured them a place in the competition final this December. Congratulations to everyone involved. 

Our Year 5 historians also enjoyed a fascinating live learning session from the British Museum on the Bayeux Tapestry. As well as discovering the story told by the tapestry itself, they explored the concept of historical bias and considered stories may have been left untold. It was a thought-provoking reminder that what is missing from historical records can often be just as interesting as what remains. 

It was also a pleasure to welcome so many of you into school for our Harvest Assemblies this week. Together, we sang our thanks to God for His generosity and provision. A heartfelt thank you for your extraordinary generosity. The harvest displays at both sites were truly breathtaking and reflected the kindness and compassion of our school community. In addition, thanks to your support, we raised £335 for Real Change Guildford through ParentPay. All food donations will be delivered to Guildford Food Bank on Monday. We may need a convoy of cars to transport it all! 

It is hard to believe that we are already approaching half term. The weeks have flown by since September and the children have accomplished so much in such a short time. Staff are looking forward to our INSET days on Monday and Tuesday, but please remember that this year families have a two-week half-term break this year. School will reopen for all pupils on Monday 2 November. 

If I do not have the opportunity to see you before the break, I hope you have a wonderful half term when it arrives. The children and staff have worked incredibly hard this term and a chance to rest, recharge and spend time with family will be well deserved before the excitement of November and December begins. 

Best wishes, 

Vicky