No. 294 - 24 March
Dear Parents and Carers,
On Wednesday evening, I enjoyed one of my highlights of the year, the Guildford Primary Schools Music Festival at G-Live. This year, our performers were exceptional! With over 50 children from HTPD joining the massed choir and orchestra from ten Guildford primary and junior schools, it was a night to remember. The quality of musicianship was stunning, and the “feel good” positivity that resulted has kept me smiling ever since. Our children behaved impeccably and I hope that all the singers and instrumentalists enjoyed it as much as I did. Huge thanks to our music teachers, Lilja and Linda for their inspirational efforts in both rehearsing over the recent months, and then coordinating the final performance – we are so lucky to have their talents shared so generously; Lilja arranged all the orchestral music and then conducted splendidly, and Linda played piano to accompany the superb repertoire.
Music has the ability to bring people together. It has such a positive influence, building links between us whatever our individual circumstances, and it helps us put any worries or sadness in perspective. While sport and other activities do this too, there is something special about the lack of competition involved in a musical collaboration. Everyone taking part shares together in the creativity and inter-dependence in a mutual partnership. Next week, you’d be welcome to join us in our Easter service at Holy Trinity Church (9.45 on Wednesday 29th) when all seven year groups will be celebrating another great term and joyfully singing together about the hope of Easter.
On Thursday, I had the opportunity to reflect again on the power of partnerships – this was the title of the annual leaders’ conference hosted by Guildford Diocese. All of the speakers inspired the gathered headteachers from across the 83 schools to work together and think creatively with others rather than in isolation, remembering our shared ethos of providing opportunities for children to flourish. In a week where the press has been full of news about school leaders under pressure, it was good to be encouraged to continue to serve the schools in which we work. I am always so grateful that at HTPD, the power of partnership extends right across the school community, with parents, staff, and governors all working together to enable families and children to live life in all its fullness. Thank you for being such a collaborative and hopeful school.
Do remember that the spring term finishes next Friday (1.30 at PD, 1.45 at HT). We’ll have time next week to pause and reflect on the Easter story, as well as completing topic work and finishing off a successful few months. Have a lovely weekend, before the final finish!
With love,
Clare
Thought of the week: The Magic of Peace. How do you stay calm? Miracle: “The Garden of Gethsemane”
Infant
Easter Service, Wednesday 29 March
If you are able to help walk the children to and from Holy Trinity Church on Wednesday morning please let your child’s teacher know.
World Down Syndrome Day
Thank you for your donations in aid of World Down Syndrome Day on Tuesday - we raised £72.
Lost
Gold ring (adult size) with clover leaf design, possibly dropped outside school.
Menu: week 2 beginning 27 March.
FOPS News
Hi everyone,
We hope you’ve all had a good week.
Sponsored Bunny Hop
This week you received a ParentMail about the sponsored bunny hop, which will take place at school next Friday. Your child should have come home with a letter and sponsorship form. It should be lots of fun for the children, who will all receive a small prize and certificate too. The online collection is now open for those who would like to contribute in advance www.collectionpot.com/pot/3086021/ Thanks so much to those who have already sponsored their bunny!
Bake and second hand uniform sale
Next Friday after the early pick up, there will be a bake and second hand uniform sale, organised by year 2. The sale will start at 1pm in the playground. Bakes will be £1 and we would appreciate payment in cash please.
Coronation Party
You will have received a ParentMail about the Coronation party, which will be held at the school on Saturday 29th April, 3-5pm. Tickets will go on sale next Wednesday for this fun family event.
Summer Fair
We have started thinking about the Pewley Summer Fair, which will take place on Saturday 17th June. Please save the date! If you would like to be involved in the planning, please contact us directly or chat to your class reps.
Rainbow Room
This weekend the final renovations will be taking place in the reception Rainbow Room area. A professional decorator will be working hard to paint, spray and fill the remaining walls ready for our reception children to enjoy the all new and improved area!
Have a lovely weekend!
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
- 17th June – Summer Fair
Junior
Dates for the Diary
- Monday 27 March – Y6 Fundraising Easter Hop for Y5 + Y6 4:45 – 6:15pm
- Tuesday 28 March – Y6 Wintershall visit
- Wednesday 29 March – Easter Gardens (see below)
Easter Gardens next Wednesday 29th. Bring natural materials to create the Easter story in a miniature garden, working together with friends:
Suggested items: (see download below)
- A small recycled shallow tray, dish or lid (a foil tray or a plastic garden tray is ideal).
- Small, bright, flowering bedding plants or plugs e.g. primroses, pansies, crocuses or daffodils
- Garden soil or potting compost
- Moss or sand
- Dried twigs
- Gravel
- Small stones or pebbles
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.
Lunch - Week 2 Menu for week commencing 27 March
Sports Fixtures
Wednesday 29 March - Y4 Netball Tournament at Holy Trinity
The teams have been sent out via ParentMail.
Other Notices
Yvonne Arnaud Easter Workshops
We have an exciting range of workshops for ages 5-18yrs taking place at the theatre during the Easter break including a free Easter Family Fun Day.
We also have free bursary places available for the workshops for young carers and families with children who are eligible for pupil premium or who are struggling to access creative activity for their children due to financial circumstances.
https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/by-genre/workshop. See PDF's below.
Parent courses on anxiety and mental health
Eikon Charity are running a series of webinar courses for parents, The webinars last for about an hour with time for questions and answers. The webinars are free to attend and are open to all parents living in Surrey or with children attending school within Surrey. The website link for these courses are Parent Webinars - The Eikon Charity
St Nicolas' CE Infant School Vacancy
HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) + ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) + Midday Supervisor - See PDF below.