Dear Parents and Carers,

On Thursday this week, I took part in a training day for Surrey headteachers; we were learning about how to build an excellent school community, where every child flourishes and no child is left behind. I was delighted to return to HTPD in time for the end of the day, to see children doing just that! And then to share with the teachers an opportunity to meet our parent body at the junior school “Meet the Team” event. Thank you so much for giving up time to come – I hope you feel informed and excited about all that lies ahead. It was a sure sign of our vibrant home-school partnership that so many were there.

It was lovely to welcome in our new PTA committee at the juniors – HTSC (the Holy Trinity School Community). Do keep a close eye on their updates so that you can get involved in the fun events that are planned in the weeks and months ahead. We are so grateful to the team from last year for their phenomenal fund-raising efforts and are looking forward to the new team taking shape.

I also spoke about ways to give to our school fund; this supports us to purchase exciting curriculum resources, to undertake major renovation works and school heating repairs, and to support those that might not be able to afford it to take part in all the HTPD trips and wider opportunities. It was so encouraging to have so many generous donations. If you missed the chance to give, you can always donate via ParentPay, or call into the school office to use our newly acquired card reader!

Next week, on Tuesday 19th at 7pm, I’ll join the Pewley teachers at a similar event for those in Year R, 1 and 2. After that, I will let you know about some important training that I’ll be running for any parents and carers who are keen to volunteer and support the children’s learning in school (Tuesday 26th September, 2pm at Pewley and Wednesday 27th September 2pm at HT).

We are seeing a huge demand for our after-school paid child-care, Clubs+ and PUPS. It is so important to us to keep this provision safe and pleasant for the children. Sometimes the numbers of children are just too many and we then have to make the regrettable decision to limit the spaces. Please only use Clubs+ or PUPS if it is essential for your family arrangements. It isn’t really for play-dates; these are much more fun in your own homes. Thank you so much for your understanding; hopefully by thinking of others, we can share out the places fairly.

It was wonderful earlier in the week for our Year 3 children to meet their Year 6 buddies; they had a lot of fun together on the Downs and in the Chantries. We are so fortunate to be able to get off site so easily into such beautiful countryside, and working together with others is one aspect of life at HTPD that we prioritise. Year 4 and Year 5 are having a similar time today. The impact of these occasions on our school is immeasurable; respectfully learning from those that are older, and hopefully wiser, is a great way to find out about our school values. And learning beyond the classroom is a perfect reminder that there are opportunities for discovery and curiosity outside of school. For example, Year 4 had an amazing time on Monday, at Butser Ancient Farm, finding out about iron-age Britain and children at Pewley have enjoyed getting back to the Wild Place. With the children in Reception starting full-time school next week, it won’t be long before they’re getting their wellies on and heading outside too!

With love,

Clare

Thought of the week: Mr Clever and Little Miss Wise: “The word of the Lord gives life” Proverbs 4 v22 - seek true wisdom.

If your child attends after-school clubs, do check the notices below by clicking on the junior or infant section.

Whole school notice

Dogs

Please could all parents and carers be aware that no dogs are permitted in school, including the playground and outside areas. If you tie them up outside school, please ensure that they are away from the school gates. Finally, a reminder to tell your children not to approach other people’s dogs without permission.

Kidical Mass ride in Guildford on 24th September - car-free day and bike ride

Please do take a read about this important initiative that’s being organised by a group of local parents, many of whom are part of HTPD, later in the term:

The ride will be a slow-paced, marshalled, short route around central Guildford, suitable for all ages and abilities. We will be meeting at 10.45 on the green outside G Live, and the ride will finish up in Allen House Grounds, where the council is providing extra bike parking in the tennis courts for those that wish to lock their bikes up and go into town on foot to enjoy all that Car Free Day has to offer. We are riding to show that we want and need much safer roads in Guildford so that kids can cycle and walk safely. This would reduce the number of cars on the road, improve air quality and get children moving more. More information here:

• Full details on G-BUG Guildford Bike User Group
• Join the Facebook event for updates - Kidical Mass Ride on Guildford Car Free Day

If your child attends after-school clubs, please do check the notices below by clicking on the junior or infant section.