No. 316 - 10 November
Dear Parents and Carers,
Despite all the challenges that have been thrown at the school this week, I’m so pleased to be able to describe how life is continuing to be “lived in all its fullness” at HTPD!
The infant children have so impressed us with how quickly they’ve settled at the juniors, finding their way around and enthusiastically continuing with lessons, making everyone smile with their cheery hellos. And the way the juniors are welcoming our younger students, again we’ve been proud of how kind they’ve been. They are all a real credit to you!
Early this morning, Year 2 were excited to head off to St Paul’s Cathedral in London where I know they will enjoy experiencing the majesty of one of the capital’s iconic landmarks, as well as learning about the historical context of the Great Fire of London, following which Sir Christopher Wren designed St Paul’s beautiful architecture.
Year 6 benefited from a super trip around town, learning about its different churches and comparing them to Holy Trinity Church. For 6J and 6D, a visit to Guildford County School was a super start to transition conversations about what it’s like in Year 7. Problems with the water supply meant that some of the children missed out when County had to close, but nevertheless it was a really useful day for them all.
We had already intended to prioritise class-based trips this year, rather than always doing everything as whole year groups and this week’s circumstances gave us a really good opportunity to put this idea to the test. 5K’s trip to Guildford Castle (which they’ll compare with Corfe Castle on their visit to Dorset in the summer), and an opportunity for them to perform Shakespeare in the town bandstand was just great. They also enjoyed meeting Father Neil Roberts at St Nicolas Church and the children’s team at Millmead just along the road; this really enhanced their learning in the RE unit they’re studying this half term. We’ve been so appreciative of the many people stepping in to help us out in this tricky time and we’ve really proved that learning isn’t confined to what’s done in classrooms!
It’s also been great to see so many parents and carers at the HT parents’ evenings this week – thank you for taking the time to find out about your child’s learning journey so far this year. I hope you found the conversation helpful; our teachers always find it so good to share ideas with you for supporting your child’s learning together. If you missed out on booking an appointment, do get in touch with your child’s teacher. Next week it’ll be the turn of our infant families and we’re looking forward to showing you around at the HT site; please feel free to park in the lower playground via the Cline Road entrance on the Tuesday evening session. For any Thursday appointments which are earlier in the day, I’m afraid there won’t be any parking on site as there are still children using the outside spaces at that time.
Just one practical notice that I need to pass on: On Monday and Tuesday next week, our car park will be out of bounds for everyone and the gate on Addison Road will be closed so that three cabins can be installed. If you need to access the school at any point during the day, please call the office so that we can come and let you in at the lower playground entrance.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership – I really am so grateful for your kindness, care and understanding as we navigate this tricky time together. I’m looking forward to a quiet weekend!
With love,
Clare
Thought of the week: Little Miss Twins – choose to be your best self. “Can anyone say their conscience is clear?” Proverbs 20 v9
Whole School Notices
If your child attends after-school clubs, do check the notices below by clicking on the junior or infant section.
Infant
Book Fair
The book fair is continuing in the library at HT next week. PD parents are very welcome to come and have a look during the parent consultations next Tuesday and Thursday evening. There will be books suitable for infant age children.
Spare uniform
If your child has borrowed any uniform over the last couple of weeks, please would you wash and return it (to the Holy Trinity office) as soon as possible. With thanks in advance.
Un-named coats left at Pewley Down:
- Black Zara coat, 3-4 years
- Pale Pink Primark coat (white fleece lining), 6-7 years
- Mountain Warehouse fluorescent pink coat (navy lining), 3-4 years
- Pandemonium pink quilted coat, 8-9 years (named Amelia Floyd, possibly pre-loved)
Please contact Ruth/Jane (01483 539033 or infants@htpd.surrey.sch.uk)
Menu: Week beginning 13 November
FOPS News
Year R parents' drinks social this evening at 8pm - Rogues Bar.
The Pewley Wreath Making evening will go ahead on 30th November but now at the Holy Trinity School Hall. If you have signed up for this event and not paid, please email Friendsofpewley@gmail.com
🎄🎄CHRISTMAS TREE EVENING 🎄🎄DECEMBER 1st – NEW VENUE! 🎄🎄
The venue of the Christmas Tree Event on Friday, 1st December will now be at The Spike at 4:30pm. We will have some warm drinks, carol singing and activities for all the family. Please join us even if you haven’t pre-ordered a tree, as this will be a great whole school/community event to get into the holiday spirit!
Save the date - Pewley Winter Fair will take place on Saturday 9th December 3-5pm at The Spike.
Junior
Dates for the diary
- Monday 13 November – 5HT RGS Tudor visit
- Tuesday 14 November – 5HT RE trip into Guildford
- Wednesday 15 November – 5S RE trip onto Guildford
- Thursday 16 November – Flu Immunisation Y3 - Y6
Cancelled clubs next week
- Tuesday 14 November – Judo (external)
- Thursday 16 – Early morning running club
- Thursday 16 - Dance club for Y3 and Y4
External club cancelled next week
- Tuesday 14 November – Judo
Sports Update
Thursday 16 November - after-school Girls Football Tournament at George Abbot
The team has been sent out on ParentMail.
Christmas Lunch
The deadline to complete the Christmas Lunch form is Friday 17 November. If your child would like to have Christmas Lunch and you have not completed the form, please could we request you to do so at the earliest.
Lunch – Week 3 menu commencing Monday 13 November.
HTSC News
As you will have read in the ParentMail yesterday, as we adjust to one school on one site, both the HT and Pewley PTAs (HTSC and FOPS) are working closely together for all the Christmas community events and fundraising. It is sad we are unable to host an HT Winter Fair this year due to the HT site being used to capacity this term.
HT Christmas Wreath making
Thursday 30 November, 7-9.30pm, St Mary’s Church (corner of Quarry Street and Mill Lane) £35pp. We are so excited to be able to host this wonderful festive evening which is always so special and Christmassy. You are welcome to bring a friend, your mum or your auntie etc! Please book your ticket here: https://www.pta-events.co.uk/htsc/index.cfm?event=event&eventId=71874
Christmas Tree evening - new venue! Friday 1 December, 4.30pm-6pm - The Spike Community Centre (Warren Road)
This HT community event is for everyone, even if you haven’t ordered a tree. There will be warm drinks, carol singing and Christmas activities for the children. This as a great chance to get in the Christmas spirit with other HT families!
Christmas Raffle Tickets
Although we are unable to host an HT Winter Fair this year, we are still holding a Christmas raffle with some brilliant prizes from local businesses, which will be drawn at the Pewley Christmas Fair on Saturday 9 December. All money raised will be split proportionally between the two schools. If you win a prize, you will be contacted after the draw (if you are not at the fair). Raffle tickets will be sent home with your child soon.
As ever, please contact your class rep if you want to get in touch.
Thank you for all your support!
HTSC team x
Other Notices
Kickstart Holiday Club – Please see the flyer below for their Holiday Club.
Free Festive Family Fun Day on Sunday 19 November 11am-4pm - Get ready for a free Festive Family Fun Day, with lots of activities and magical moments to enjoy across Guildford town centre all for free. With Christmas market stalls, cheeky elves, Bigmouth’s Christmas Disco, dance, choir and brass band performances, there’s so much to see. We also have a fantastic free photo opportunity as our very popular Giant Snow Globe makes a welcome return to Phoenix Court. Check out www.visitsurrey.com/whats-on/guildford-festive-family-fun-day-p2281991
