Message from the Head
Dear Parents,
We’ve packed a lot in this week so it makes sense to start at the beginning!
In Monday’s assembly, we shared some key quotes from the recent inspection with the school. We shared the types of things they said to the inspectors – the feeling of being at ‘home’ at Hollygirt and being accepted; their excellent attitudes towards learning and behaviour. If you haven’t read the report yet, you can download it here.
We also introduced the new Year 11 Prefect Team and handed out some ties and some badges -waiting for one or two more to arrive. On Wednesday we had a photo too as you can see but I am aware that we are missing Olly A from there so we will do another one in the next week or two.
Congratulations to: () denote other prefect roles
Leo – Head Student (Well-being)
Ffion – Head Student (Academic mentoring)
Olly A – Deputy Head Student (Juniors)
Mila – Deputy Head Student (Well-being)
Marisa – Senior Prefect (Academic mentoring)
Angèle – Senior Prefect (Lunch)
Sophia – Senior Prefect (Juniors)
Niall and Liam – Sports Prefects
Ismail – Estates
Rubie -Events and Assembly
Kangala -Lunch
Hamna – Academic mentoring
Elsie -Well-being
Katy – Homework
ECA / lunchtime clubs- Rose
Breaks and Assemblies -Andrew
I’m really looking forward to working with this amazing team as we continue ‘levelling up’ at Hollygirt.
On Monday evening, we had a meeting for everyone lucky enough to be going on our Europe trip in July. The itinerary looks fantastic and I’m sure all will have a wonderful time. If you weren’t able to make the meeting, you can watch a recording here: https://youtu.be/flkOEr82pfw
Thank you to Josh’s mum for hosting some of our Year 9’s on a graphics trip as part of their Art lesson – we really appreciate the opportunity you gave to our young people. I believe 9B are visiting next?
From September, we are changing our free hours in Nursery to offer 30 funded hours for all eligible 3 and 4-year-olds, so please do tell your friends!
Thank you very much to one or two parents who have offered to be form reps in the senior school next year (see last week’s newsletter) – a way of communicating quick notices and reminders to all….really will be running a Whatsapp group for the form which some of you may do already but with a contact in school to give you even more heads up on ‘things’.
Thank you to Emily and Maisie from the charity IMARA who delivered an assembly today celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride month, individuality and diversity! It was interesting to see the different LGBTQ+ flags, the history of the gay pride march and a reminder to be thoughtful in our terminology. All monies raised today will go to IMARA.
We’re looking forward to the Friends of Hollygirt BBQ next Friday! Tickets are available to order online via Eventbrite or can be purchased at reception. They are priced at £10 per adult, £5 per child, or £20 per family (up to 2 adults, up to 3 children) and include food from the BBQ. If anyone would like to donate an item to the tombola please bring them to my office.
I am looking forward to some special visitors today as I believe Year 1 are coming in for Party Ring biscuits and a story!
Have a good weekend!
Best wishes,
Helen Barsham
Head
Message from the Head of Juniors
Good afternoon,
It has certainly been hot this week and whilst the temperatures do not look so high next week, on sunny days, all children need sun cream and a sun hat in school. It is a good idea to leave hats in desks so that they are there when needed. Please could you also ensure that children are bringing their water bottles to school every day.
On Wednesday, Years 5 and 6 visited Colwick Activity Centre where they took part in a number of activities throughout the day: canoe rafting, archery, climbing, high ropes and a fire pit session. The highlight for many was the opportunity to enjoy some wild water swimming- a chance to cool off from the sun! Toasting marshmallows and making popcorn over the fire was also a great way to end the afternoon. Mrs Keyworth said what a pleasure the children were to take on the trip and how well they worked well within their groups.
Our Year Three and Four children are currently camping at Perlethorpe. They have been extremely busy building boats, shelters, angel throwing, and last night, they took part in a bat walk, had a campfire and also sang karaoke (especially Mrs Maher!). I hear they slept well last night and this morning they have participated in river races which sounds perfect on such a hot day. The children have had an amazing adventure and I am sure they will be tired tonight! Thanks to Mrs Maher, Miss Cooper and Mr Deacon for leading this trip.
We have loads of events coming up in the next few weeks which you will have had letters about, or will shortly be receiving, and these will detail the events fully. Here is a short summary. Please note that the Year 5 Taster Day and Flying Up Afternoon are just for the children.
Monday 20th June, 1pm | Junior Sports Day (Years 1-6) | Highfields Playing Fields |
Friday 24th June | Year 5 Taster Day | Senior School |
Monday 27th June – Wednesday 29th June | Year 5/6 Trip | The Mill |
Monday 4th July, 12:30pm | Junior Productions | Trinity Church |
Tuesday 5th July, 9am | EYFS and Year 1 Prize Giving | Senior School Hall |
Tuesday 5th July, 10am | EYFS Sports Day | Junior Playground |
Thursday 7th July, 1pm | Junior Flying Up Day | Junior School |
Saturday 9th July, 10am | Junior School Garden Party | Junior School Garden |
Tuesday 12th July | Class Trips | |
Wednesday 13th July | End of Term | School finishes at 12:30pm – there is no After School Club on this day. |
Thank you for all the donations for the Garden Party so far. Please continue to send these into school. If you, or anyone you know, is able to donate a raffle prize, please let Mrs Wand know.
Some exciting news! From September, we will be offering 30 free hours to all eligible three and four-year-olds attending our nursery. If you know anyone who would be interested in joining our Nursery and would like to arrange a tour, please ask them to contact the school. In addition to this, our After School Club will run until 6pm daily for all year groups from September.
This week’s Stars of the Week can be viewed here.
Have a lovely weekend and I hope dads enjoy Father’s Day.
Victoria Wright
Head of Juniors