Message from the Head
Dear Parents,
This is the last newsletter for this term and I look forward to seeing many of you at the Christmas Fair on Tuesday at 1.30 pm and later on that day for the Carol Concert at 5.30-6.45pm. The new guidance around mask-wearing means that we will need to wear masks in the church but we can take them off for singing. Please do a lateral flow test (Students and parents) on Monday evening and, of course, please don’t come if you test positive or have any symptoms. I have sent a separate email today to say that it is up to parents to make the decision as to whether you wish to attend or not.
Thank you to the wonderful catering team for fantastic Christmas lunches today – photos to follow on our social media channels.
In the New Year, our piano teacher, Alison Bailey is rejoining us and we look forward to Alison picking up where she left off (as a result of a serious injury) with our piano students and music scholars. I am sure Alison has been in touch with you if you are on her list but if not and would like to consider piano lessons (I have some emails which I will forward to Alison and Ms Seaton who manages our peripatetic teachers from my previous mention of piano lessons last week) – please do let Charlotte know on CharlotteSchmidt@hollygirt.notts.sch.uk, or Alison herself on: ali_1980uk@yahoo.co.uk
In addition, I am excited to announce the return of LAMDA to the senior school so if you would like more information about this superb opportunity please do email our lovely LAMDA lady karenstaylor24@icloud.com.
Also, in the New Year, we are launching a new behaviour policy in the senior school which will be sent to you. It aims to promote a culture of reward and kindness but where sanction is needed, it is quick, effective, restorative and personally tailored. To that end, I have this week appointed two new pastoral posts in the school. We are calling these positions Pastoral Heads of Key Stages and myself and the whole team are looking forward to working with Sarah Brimblecombe, Head of Key Stage 4 and Amy Hook, Head of Key Stage 3.
Watch out for my special Christmas message in our Christmas video which we’ll be sharing next week. I have so enjoyed meeting the Hollygirt students this term and meeting many of you. I am blessed with the best staff team in the world, an energetic SLT and supportive trustees. Thank you to you all for the hard work and aboveness and beyondness that you give. My mantra is, as ever – ‘with truth and communication, one can move mountains’ and I believe that some mountains have been moved this term.
Please park with consideration for our neighbours if attending the Christmas Fair and I wish you health and happiness this Christmas and hope that you enjoy quality time with your families once we break up at 12.30 (senior) on Wednesday next week.
Y11 please remember: study, test, test, test is 150% more effective than study, study, study, test.
Best wishes,
Helen Barsham
Reminder to lateral flow test on 5th January 2022 and we will test again senior students on 6th January 2022.
Message from the Head of Juniors
Good afternoon,
Firstly, thank you to everyone who came to support us on Wednesday when we were singing in the Victoria Centre – what a lovely morning it was. So many nice comments were made and the children certainly brightened up many people’s days.
Yesterday, Chef Julie served us a fabulous Christmas lunch. Thank you to her and her team – it was delicious and we were all very full! In the afternoon, Miss Nisan kindly hosted discos for all junior children and they had a fantastic time. I expect the children were quite tired last night!
Some amazing Christmas jumpers today to raise money for Save The Children. Thank you for your donations and for supporting this important charity.
Years 1 – 6 are currently at Nottingham Playhouse for this year’s pantomime, Beauty and the Beast. I am sure they are all having a great time and look forward to hearing all about it.
Extracurricular activities have now finished for this term. After School Club will continue to run until Tuesday 14th December (4:45pm). We will send out an ECA programme for the Spring Term on the first day back in January with a view to clubs commencing on Monday 10th of January.
On Monday morning, all junior children should go straight to St Jude’s. They can wear their own clothes – KS2 children need to remember to also bring costumes to change into. Lunch will be provided but children should bring morning snacks and a water bottle as usual. In the afternoon, you can take your children straight home after their performances. After School club will still run if you wish your child to attend.
On Tuesday, I am looking forward to visiting Nottingham Playhouse with EYFS children and staff to watch Little Red Riding Hood. We will be leaving mid-morning and will return to school for lunch.
On Tuesday afternoon, it is the Christmas Fair in the Senior School building. Parents are very welcome. The children will be brought to Elm Avenue just after 1:20pm and can be collected by parents from there. If you are not attending, staff will take the children over to the fair and you can collect at 3:30pm or children can stay at After School Club. If you arrive during the afternoon and wish to take your child home, please make sure you sign out with Form Teachers. Please make sure children bring their money in a named purse.
The Carol Service is also on Tuesday. This begins at 5:30pm. We are looking forward to seeing children and parents there, however, attendance is your choice. Children in KS2 should be wearing formal uniform (white shirt, tie and blazer).
Please could I remind you that you are required to wear a face-covering if you are attending school events this term. We also advise that Lateral Flow tests are taken in advance of these. If parents or children are unwell, please do not attend and if there are any covid symptoms, children will need to take a PCR test.
Wednesday is the last day of term and children can come to school wearing their own clothes. If you wish to bring any items to donate to a local food bank, please pass these to Form Teachers. School finishes at 12:30 and there is no After School Club on this day.
Please could I remind you that if you arrive early to collect children and are waiting in your car, please turn off your engines whilst you wait.
Thank you all for your continued support this term. Thank you also to staff who have, as usual, worked exceptionally hard, especially in the last few weeks, to make all these wonderful events possible.
I wish you all a very happy Christmas break and look forward to seeing you on Thursday 6th January when we return for the Spring Term.
Mrs Wright
Head of Junior