ℯNEWS NOVEMBER 17, 2023

As the bright autumn sky embraces us, we reflect on the events of the tenth week of the Autumn Term. Our week commenced with a thoughtful whole-school assembly, marking the beginning of Anti-Bullying Week. Children were urged to "make a noise about bullying," discussing its various forms, locations, and appropriate responses. The children shared their thoughts on recognising bullying, how to act quickly, and how to avoid misidentifying bullying. The assembly, featuring mature and kind reflections, particularly resonated with our Key Stage two pupils but we were also pleased to hear encouraging suggestions from our younger classes. 

Wednesday World Kindness Day and Core Ethos Reinforcement

Throughout the school, World Kindness Day was observed, with each pupil contributing individual wooden disks adorned with supportive and inclusive messages. This activity served as a poignant reminder of our school's aim to develop a "considerate awareness of our peers and promote an inclusive community spirit.” Children were encouraged to share words of kindness and encouragement throughout the school with peers and teachers alike.

Norovirus Alert and Well-Deserved Weekend Break

Regrettably, Wednesday also saw the unwelcome arrival of Norovirus in our school. We remind all parents to adhere to the necessary rules by keeping their children off school for 48 hours after their last bout of sickness. As we approach the weekend, we anticipate a thankful break and much-needed recovery time for everyone affected this week.

Festive Decorations and Community Spirit

Friday afternoon has seen the transformation of our dining room into a festive decoration room by Mrs Larke and has brought a touch of festive cheer throughout the school. She has been guiding senior pupils in crafting individual decorations whilst the junior classes enjoyed decorating theirs with their teachers. These will adorn a Christmas tree, in the window of 10 Porchester Place, in time for Christmas in Connaught Village, on Wednesday 22 November. More information can be found attached.

Continuous Development: New Phone System Implementation

In the realm of continuous development, our IT Technician, Mr Wightman, has successfully implemented a new and improved phone system for the school office. Parents should be aware that calls to the school will now be directed through a reception system, facilitating smoother communication.

Upcoming 

Whole School Assembly and Visitor from The Royal Parks 

We are looking forward to an exciting whole school assembly on Monday morning with guest speakers from The Royal Parks. More to come in next week's e-news.

Village Lights and Children's Art Exhibition

In Connaught Village, excitement abounds as our Senior Choir prepares for carol singing on Wednesday 22 November. Additionally, a pop-up art gallery at 10 Porchester Place will feature the superb artwork crafted by our children throughout 2023. Parents, grandparents, family, and friends are warmly invited to view these creative masterpieces. Special mention to Miss Cho, who has created a CHS art brochure, to accompany the work. 

Supporting the Local Community: Festive Lights Switch

The annual Christmas in Connaught Village festive lights switch on is an opportunity for our CHS families to revel in festive spirit within local shops, cafes, and boutiques. Expectations include mulled wine and mince pies, with a 12 Days of Christmas theme promising a delightful treat. A stamp card will be given to all CHS pupils attending the event, with additional ones available at 10 Porchester Place, to collect stamps and stickers provided by participating local shops.  

Daunt Book Fair - Thursday 23 November 

Our annual book fair will take place on Thursday 23 November, all of our pupils will have the opportunity to browse the best children's reads of the season. There will be plenty of opportunities for the children to spend their pocket money (maximum £20) on early Christmas presents. Parents are also invited and encouraged to peruse the books, asking for suggestions and reviews from the very knowledgeable sales team and our own Head of English team, Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Walsh. Parents will be able to purchase books before, at 8.15 am – 9.00 am and after school at 3.30 pm – 4.30 pm.

Penfold Community Carols - Friday 1 December 

Mrs Wells, along with a select choir of children from Forms Three, Four and Five have been practicing ahead of their performance at Penfold Community Hub in December. Our relationship with the community hub, for local residents over the age of 50, has brought comfort and joy in recent years and we hope that the addition of carols, alongside our tradition of writing and sharing Christmas Cards, and homemade Christmas decorations with the community, will bring plenty of cheer.  

Important Changes to Clubs next week:

Monday Art Club and Senior Baking Club

Miss Foster will be busy preparing artwork for display at the pop-up exhibition in 10 Porchester Place. In her absence, Ms Pluskowska and Miss Moreno have graciously agreed to lead a Senior Baking Club next Monday.

Wednesday AFA Football Club and Baking Club cancelled

As we encourage all our families to support the senior choir, view the children's artwork at 10 Porchester Place, and engage with our local community, both the AFA Football Club and Baking Club on Wednesday will be cancelled. Mr Taiwo will be in touch to arrange an alternative date for AFA.

Winter Wonderland Lights and Safety Reminder

As Winter Wonderland lights illuminate our surroundings signalling the start of the fair in Hyde Park, we urge caution regarding increased foot traffic. When leaving bicycles and scooters, please do ensure they are securely locked, and it is advised not to leave them overnight.

Artwork of the week

Thyra in Form One, for her beautiful use of lines and shapes as well as, warm and cool colours to create architecture, inspired by Paul Klee. This sunny building even includes a special children’s balcony, well done Thyra!

Dates for the diary: 

22 Nov - CHS senior Choir to switch on the Connaught Village Christmas lights  
23 Nov - Daunt Book Fair at CHS 
1 Dec - Penfold Community Hub - Community Outreach 
7 Dec - CHS Senior Choir to sing at VSC 
7 Dec - CHS Christmas tea parties 
12 Dec - Juniors Christmas Play and whole school Carol Concert at St John’s Church - children to be collected directly from the church following the event. 
13 Dec - Last day of Term, early collection at midday. 

Wishing you a healthy weekend.