Dear Parents and Carers,

It’s been a super sporty week at school – in Reception, I loved watching the children playing a game with Active Andy in the hall. The competitive fun was lovely to share: two teams trying to turn over a cone before the opposition turned it back - they were all so focused! At the juniors, we hosted a big football tournament and then, yesterday afternoon, it was the final Guildford schools’ cross country of the season. Despite the torrential rain, the children ran like the wind, still smiling and giving their very best – the atmosphere was wonderful. It fitted our theme of the week, following your passion and being enthusiastic. Huge thanks to our staff, and to the parent volunteers that helped out too. We’re excited that the summer term brings lots of different sporting activities; with the lines painted onto the pitch at HT and the grass neatly mown at Pewley, we’re ready for athletics!

As well as sport providing opportunities for living life to the full, Year 3 had a wonderful day dressed up as evacuees, out and about in Guildford learning about the lives of the town’s former residents from the time of the Second World War. It was an inspiring way to “imagine the journey in another’s footsteps”.

Our assembly series for this term is now well underway; the term’s theme takes the narrative found in the New Testament book of Acts, as St. Paul travels on his missionary journeys and brings the good news of Jesus’ love to the wider world. There’s also a weekly link to a species of tree – for example in this first full week, as we heard about the fire of Pentecost when God poured out His Holy Spirit on the disciples and made them bold and courageous, we also learnt that the silver birch makes a great fire starter, burning quickly and with a bright flame. It reminded us of living life enthusiastically and finding things that ignite our passion – much better than being negative and uninspired. We’ve challenged one another to “recycle our lives”, finding ways to become better people and recognising that “It’s Rubbish Being Negative”. As the weeks go by, each week we’ll be contrasting the negative ways that we sometimes live, and challenging each other to be more exciting and fulfilled.

We really benefit from the passions of our parent body too – if you are an expert in a particular field or you are passionate about a hobby or activity, do let us know. The children love to hear from grownups about ways to live life in all its fullness. You might even volunteer to run a Fluffy Friday activity – the next one is on Friday 26th May. Just get in touch if you’d like to help us out.

With so many opportunities at HTPD, we hope that you can encourage your child to take part in something new. At the juniors, do look at the clubs lists. Remember though that these free clubs provided by our teachers at both sites aren’t just child-care. They’re such a good way of making new friends, working with different adults and trying a new skill. Do make sure though that your child wants to stay at school. If they’re too tired or not really committed, it really can spoil the club for others. Make sure that your child wants to attend and understands that they’ll need to join in and participate well. I’ve asked the teachers to feedback to parents if a child seems unhappy or unable to manage these longer days. We’ve reminded the children to be purposeful, positive, peaceful and polite; thank you for your support in encouraging these four P’s in all aspects of school life.

I hope you enjoy the first of our May bank holiday weekends! See you all on Tuesday.

With love,

Clare

Thought of the week: It’s rubbish being negative – how can you be more enthusiastic?

Whole school

Reminder that school is closed on Monday for the May Day bank holiday.

Admission to Year R and Year 3 – September 2023

• If you have been offered a school place for Year R or Year 3 for September 2023 you must accept/decline the place by next Tuesday 2 May.