No. 293 - 17 March
Dear Parents and Carers,
Last night, at our governors’ meeting, we celebrated Robert Cotton’s outstanding contribution to the life of HTPD. He has been our chair of governors for 27 years and he will be retiring and leaving Guildford later in the year; this was his last governors’ meeting and it was an opportunity to thank him for his loyalty, support, kindness and fantastic service. He will be celebrated by the children at our Easter service in Holy Trinity Church which takes place in the final week of the term (on Wednesday 29th March at 9.45am if you’d like to join us), as well as at a final assembly in May. He has a remarkable ability to communicate with both children and adults in ways that are memorable, amusing and full of depth and wisdom – we will miss him so much.
Fortunately, I am very glad to announce that two of our very experienced and skilful governors, Deborah Pepper and Helen Murray have been elected as co-chairs – we’re very lucky to have such a strong board of governors who will be more than capable to manage the transition to new leadership, once Robert retires to Bristol to spend time as a grandad!
The Year 4 science exhibition provided a wonderful occasion to demonstrate the children’s “zest for learning and love of life” – it was great to see so many parents coming in to school to share in their success. We’re really grateful to you for your partnership!
Then, on Wednesday evening, I attended a meeting for parents of children in Year 6 which explained all the events coming up in the summer term: their participation in national SATS tests, their residential visit to Shropshire, day trips, leavers’ parties and plans for moving on to secondary school. It was great to see so many people there and it reminded me again of how many rich and varied opportunities the children have at HTPD – I love our motto of “Learn to Live” and I hope we never lose sight of this important ethos that sits at the heart of an HTPD-education.
Today has been a very joyful time in school – Red Nose Day brings us an opportunity to have some fun, and to think of others. The children have loved wearing red, telling jokes, sharing talents with their classmates, wearing funky socks, completing Red Nose Orienteering, and working out who the mystery noses belonged to. Thank you so much for your amazing generosity; I’ll let you know the final amount raised, but it’s looking like we’ve collected around £900.
With love,
Clare
Thought of the week: The Magic of Truth. What are you certain of? Miracle: Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.
Infant
Red Nose Day
Thank you all for your donations today. If you would still like to contribute to Comic Relief you can now do so via ParentPay.
Teacher-led clubs
The following clubs are cancelled next Thursday 23 March: Sing Along with Lilja, Ball Games with Georgie and Games with Jo.
Battery recycling
The Eco-Team’s latest challenge is battery recycling. There is a collection point upstairs in the reception area and we can accept AA, AAA, C, D, 9 volt and button batteries. When we send in the batteries there is also a chance that we could win a voucher for more books for the school.
Joggers
Please return any joggers which your child may have borrowed in the recent snowy/wet weather. If you have any outgrown joggers at home, we could make good use of them at school.
Menu: week 1 beginning 20 March.
FOPS News
Hi everyone,
Here are the updates for this week:
Coronation Party
Plans for the Coronation Party are coming along well so please make sure you save the date! It will take place on Saturday, April 29th between 3 – 5pm. Games, crafts, a baking competition, activity trail, food and drink will all be on offer – it’s going to be a really lovely celebratory afternoon so watch out for the Parentmail next week with all the details. Tickets will be on sale from March 28th.
Sponsored Bunny Hop
As mentioned last week, on March 31st there will be a sponsored bunny hop during the school day. Sponsorship forms will be sent out next week for those who would like to sponsor their ‘bunny/bunnies’ on the number of laps completed or for completing the course. The children will get a small prize and a certificate for completing their hop about!
Bake and pre-loved uniform sale
Also on March 31st, there will be a playground bake and second hand uniform sale, organised by year 2. So bring your cash and Tupperware ready for some tasty treats!
Have a great weekend everyone.
Eleanor and Sally x
Dates for the diary:
- 31st March – Sponsored bunny hop and bake/uniform sale
- 22nd April – Groundforce Day
- 29th April – Coronation party
Junior
Dates for the Diary
- Monday 20 March – Y4 Bentley Copse Information meeting for parents at 7pm
- Thursday 23 March – Y6 Fundraising Book Sale after school (see PDF below)
- Thursday 23 March – House Bake Off – House captains and house leaders will taste and vote for the winners from each house.
- Friday 24 March – Y6 Fundraising Book Sale and Easter Treats sale after school
- Friday 24 March – HTSC Quiz Night for parents
- Monday 27 March – Y6 Fundraising Easter Hop for Y5&Y6 – Forms with all the information being sent home with children today, last date to return form is Thursday 23 March.
Lunch balances on ParentPay
Please can I ask that all balances on pupil lunch accounts are cleared as soon as possible as it's our year-end. It would also be appreciated if other balances on Breakfast Club or Clubs+ and any trips as soon as possible are cleared. Thanks, Bev.
Lunch – Week 1 menu week commencing 20 March.
Sports Update – Clubs and Fixtures
Cancelled clubs:
- Thursday 23 March - Y5 Netball Club
Fixtures:
- Thursday 23 March - Y3, Y4, Y5 & Y6 XC at St Joseph's. The teams will be sent out on ParentMail. Please collect from Rydes Hill Common at 4.30pm.
- Wednesday 29 March - Y4 Netball Tournament at HT. The teams will be sent out on ParentMail. Pick up at HT at 5.15pm.
HTSC News
QUIZ NIGHT! 24th March
We have had a good response for the upcoming Quiz Night, but still have spaces left!
Get your tickets here by Monday, 20th March
The ever popular Radjoot curry house will be supplying delicious food: chicken curry, vegan curry, vegan daal, pilau rice and naan bread. Food will be served around 8:30pm. Not to mention a full bar or Wine, Beer, Prosecco and soft drinks AND a Raffle to benefit new books for the school library!
We are looking forward to welcoming you and don’t forget to sign up to help volunteer!
RAFFLE DONATIONS!
We will be collecting donations for the raffle on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning next week! Please leave donations at the bottom of the ramp.
We'd love it if you could donate any wrapped unused small gifts, wine or chocolates.
THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL!
Ashley and Fabiana, HTSC Team
Other
Turkey and Syria Fundraising campaign – Please see the flyer below for details on how you can help raise funds.