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News & Events

No. 313 - 6 October

Dear Parents and Carers,

Next week, we’ll be celebrating Harvest Festival at both sites (on Tuesday 10th at Pewley at 9.15am, and on Wednesday 11th at HT at 8.55am). You’d be welcome to come and join us; it’s not really a performance or a show, but we’d love you to join in with our usual whole school assembly – we’ll be singing and celebrating God’s goodness and our bountiful planet, praying and reflecting that we have so much to be thankful for. We’ll also recognise that not everyone has enough to eat, and we’ll be reminding ourselves of our responsibility to care for others.

This year, we’ll be collecting for Guildford Foodbank (see below for more info on what to bring), but we’re also hoping to raise a substantial sum of money to give to Real Change Guildford. This is an amazing organisation that’s been chosen by our juniors’ school council. Real Change work to support anyone facing homelessness in the Guildford area, and provides funds to give people a hopeful future. Take a look at their website to find out more (https://www.realchangeguildford.co.uk/) and feel free to send in a donation, or make a payment via ParentPay. Thanks in advance for helping the children understand that together as a generous school community we can make a positive difference.

I’ve really enjoyed showing prospective parents around at both sites on the first of this year’s parent tours in the last few days. It’s always a delight to talk about the school’s values and then show visitors the “zest for learning and love of life” that’s evident in all the classrooms. It was super to see the children in Year R confidently settled in, happily playing alongside new friends and busy learning. The children in Year 3 were so excited to talk about their trip to Marwell Zoo – what a super day out they’ve had this week! And in other classes, when asked to reflect on their time at HTPD so far this term, the children were great ambassadors, remembering all the different clubs, celebrating the school’s successes in sport and music, and enjoying explaining the benefit of belonging to a house, and, of course, taking part in Fluffy Fridays!

Next Friday 13th is our first Fluffy of the academic year. On this day, the children get to take part in all sorts of different activities beyond their own classroom, mixing across the year groups and trying something new, working with different adults and focusing on something for longer than just a single lesson. We do ask that you send in £1 to cover the extra costs of putting this day together; you can also pay on ParenPay. If you’d like to come and join in the fun, do let your child’s teacher know. We love to have parent helpers on Fluffy Fridays even more than on normal days! If you enjoy art, sewing, playing football or making fires, let us know – you don’t just have to limit yourself to your child’s activity!

I’m sure I’ll see many of you at tonight’s first HTSC event of the year – eyes down for the annual Bingo Night! And then I hope you have a relaxing weekend!

With love,

Clare

Thought of the week: Mr Impossible - ‘Ask the Lord to bless your plans and you will be successful’ (Proverbs 16 v 3). Believe in the impossible!

Whole School Notices:

This year at harvest, we’ll be supporting those most in need in our local community. As well as collecting food items for North Guildford Food Bank, we’ll be raising money for a local cause chosen by our School Council.

The children wanted to acknowledge World Homeless Day and have chosen to direct funds raised to Real Change Guildford – a local organisation that pays for practical items that individuals need to rebuild a life away from the streets.

You can donate by sending in cash, using the card machine at the office, or on Parentpay. We’re hoping to raise enough to make a significant impact on the local community.

We will also be collecting dry goods for our harvest assembly on Tuesday 10th at PD and Wednesday 11th October at HT. These will be passed on to the food bank, to help local families who may need our support. Items that are particularly useful are:

  • Tinned custard
  • Tinned meat
  • Tinned fish
  • Tinned fruit
  • Tinned vegetables
  • Laundry detergent
  • Washing up liquid
  • Biscuits
  • Shampoo/conditioner

Thanks for your support!

School Closures

  • Wednesday 18 October – Early Finish PD pick-up at 12:00, HT pick-up at 12:15
  • Thursday 19 and Friday 20 October – INSET days
  • Monday 23 – Friday 27 October – Half term holidays
  • Monday 30 October – Children back to school

After School Clubs

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

Infant

Harvest Assembly, Tuesday 10 September, 9.15am

Please see Clare’s letter above for details of the Harvest assembly and the charities we are supporting.

Fluffy Friday, 13 September

Children can come to school next Friday in their own home clothes. We are requesting a £1 donation to cover costs (which can also be paid via ParentPay). More details in Clare’s letter.

School uniform

Please ensure that you have named all of your child’s school uniform. If uniform is misplaced, it is much easier for us to return it to the correct child if it is labelled.

Menu: week 3 beginning 9 October.


FOPS News

Glow Disco, Friday 13 October, 5-6.30pm

Just a reminder about the disco next Friday. There are a few tickets remaining – available from the Pewley school office.

Diary date

  • Wreath Making - 30th November.

Junior

Dates for the diary

  • Monday 9 October – Tempest Portrait photos at HT for Y5, Y6 and HT + PD siblings. HT + PD Siblings should arrive at HT car park by 8:30am.   
  • Tuesday 10 October – Tempest Portrait photos at HT for Y3, Y4 and HT siblings.  HT siblings should arrive at HT car park by 8:30am.
  • Wednesday 11 October – Harvest Assembly and food collection. Please see Clare’s letter for details of the charities we are supporting and the contributions you can make.   
  • Friday 13 October – Fluffy Friday
  • Monday 16 October – Y5 Tower of London visit
  • Wednesday 18 October – Early finish 12:00 at PD, 12:15 at HT  

Thursday 16 November - Influenza (flu) vaccinations via nasal spray.

Please complete the e-consent form by 10am on Friday 10th November, by visiting: www.surreyimmunisations.co.uk and entering your school’s unique code SR125288. If you do not want your child to receive a vaccine, then please fill in the ‘No’ box.  Please see the ParentMail dated 18/09/2023 for details.

E-Safety Focus Group Meeting Monday 16 October

Following on from our Meet The Team Evening, we have had a very positive response to our plans to create a focus group to discuss mobile phone use and keeping children safe online. If you missed the evening, our aim for the group is to take on the range of views and expertise in our parent body and form an agreed path forward for our community. Please see the ParentMail dated 6 October for details about signing up to become a member of the focus group. We will be holding an initial meeting in person on Monday 16 October at 5pm at Holy Trinity.

Notice for Y6 Parents re Year 7 Secondary Applications
This is a reminder to the parents and carers of Year 6 children that applications for secondary schools close on Tuesday 31 October 2023. It is vital that you submit your application on or before this date. Please note that on-line applications are preferred by SCC, and e-Admissions forms together with further information are available on their website https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools/admissions/secondary/apply.

Should you require a hard copy, please e-mail schoolbooklets@surreycc.gov.uk or telephone 0300 200 1015. Paper copies should be returned directly to Surrey County Council.

Cancelled Clubs week commencing 9/10

  • Tuesday - Y5&6 Football
  • Thursday 3&4 Football
  • Friday Y5 Netball

Cancelled Clubs week commencing 16/10

  • Tuesday - Y5&6 Football
  • Tuesday - Y6 Netball

Sports Fixtures

Tuesday 10 October

  • Y5 Football and Y5&6 Girls Football v Boxgrove & Burpham - HOME at HT
  • The teams have been sent out on ParentMail

Wednesday 11 October

  • Y6 Sports Crew Training at Spectrum - 9am - 12pm
  • Y5 netball matches v QE - HOME at HT
  • The teams have been sent out on ParentMail

Thursday 12 October

  • Y4,5 & 6 Biathlon at GHS and Spectrum
  • Y4 Football v Boxgrove - HOME at HT
  • The teams have been sent out on ParentMail

Tuesday 17 October

  • Y5 & Y6 Football v Send & QE - HOME at HT
  • The teams have been sent out on ParentMail
  • Y6 Netball v QE and Wonersh & Shamley Green - Home at HT
  • The teams have been sent out on ParentMail

Lunch – Week 3 beginning 9 October

Family Bingo Night

We’re looking forward to seeing lots of you there this evening! Doors open at 5.30pm. Drinks will be available for purchase when you arrive. Don’t forget to bring a small gift for the prize table.


HTSC News

Dates for your diary

  • Year 5/6 Bake Sale - Friday 13 October
  • Year 3 Social - Friday 13 October from 7.30pm, the Boathouse 
  • Year 3/4 Bake Sale - Friday 3 November
  • Year 4 Social - Friday 10 November, Coppa Club
  • HT Winter Fayre - Friday 24 November
  • HT Christmas wreath making - Wednesday 6 December

Thank you for your support!

HTSC Team x

Other

Bikeability Cycling Instructors Vacancy - The Cycle Training Team at Surrey County Council are recruiting Bikeability Cycling Instructors.  If you are interested, please see the link for more information: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/jobs/search/details?id=29155

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre workshop - Yvonne Arnaud have an exciting range of workshops for ages 5-16 years taking place during the October half term. Please see the attached flyer and link for details: https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/by-venue/workshop

Holy Trinity Church Choristers: On Sunday 8 October (for boys, 6-11) and Sunday 15 October (girls, 6-13), children are invited to join the choristers of Holy Trinity Guildford, for a special afternoon of musical fun. (See flyer below). The youngsters will get the opportunity to:

  • Sing with the current choir
  • Play singing and theory games
  • Try on robes and medals
  • Learn about the organ
  • Perform for their friends and family in a special service of evensong at 6pm

The event is completely free to children, and places can be booked at HT-choristers-2023.eventbrite.co.uk. For more information, email music@holytrinityguildford.org.uk.

Parent Support Webinars

Webinars for parents and carers to explore ways in which they can support the mental health and well-being of their children and young people at home. Combining both theory and practical strategies, the webinars offer a range of accessible ideas for parents to choose from, and to find those that will best suit their family. 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. https://eikon.org.uk/parents-and-carers/parent-support-webinars/

Half-term family fun at West Horsley Place.

We have some exciting activities across the estate and historic manor house, including autumn crafts, storytelling, and a pumpkin trail. See flyer.

University of Surrey are celebrating World Space Week these days and tomorrow there will be many fun activities for children and families on the High Street in Guildford. See flyer.