Message from the Head
Dear Parents,
Thank you to Friends of Hollygirt and Miss Nisan for a fabulous disco neon ending to last week. It’s not often you’re invited to pump up the volume amidst a haze of neon in the assembly hall on a Friday night and the neon disco was a wonderfully positive event -so much so -we feel there may be more.
We seem to be full speed ahead towards the Christmas word! A moment to bring us to the New Year and Y11 mocks start immediately after the Christmas Holidays when the students return on Thursday 6.1.22. Year 11 students need a rest over the holidays but they also need to recall their learning – revision. The best way is to test themselves. Read their notes or exercise books, the content and then try and remember – look up what they can’t remember and test themselves again. We will be going over recall /revision strategies with Y11 before we break up.
You should have received your end of term dates list and we hope you find this helpful. We are looking at our parent communications and seeking ways to improve so watch this space.
The toast at early morning supervision has been well received and again we are looking at ‘what else’ we may be able to do. We are also looking at the tuck shop and what we provide. All work in progress.
Mrs Howlett has asked for items for the Christmas hampers for the Christmas Fair. In a change from previous years, we are asking the whole school community for items (not just the new Y7 and new starters) and where possible -items in the house colour of your son or daughter. …. a slight challenge perhaps there?
Assemblies this week included a Duke of Edinburgh assembly and further details about this will roll out to Year 10 soon. We also sang a hymn for the first time since Covid in assembly today; we were well ventilated! We are getting some practice in for the Carol Concert. I took the opportunity to let the students known how wonderful they are and also how well supported by wonderful staff. I do know most of the senior students now and many juniors but need to get to know a few more juniors’ names; the difference a term makes.
A reminder that we are not in school next Friday 3.12.21 and wrap up warm this weekend.
To end – Hollygirt students – as we know -are ever resourceful and display community spirit at all times so thank you Oliver for representing the school in a positive way this week when you assisted a local farmer to herd 33 cows back to the farm; we know this made you a little late for school but we appreciate your representing the school in such a positive way.
Best Wishes,
Helen Barsham
Head
Message from the Head of Juniors
Dear Parents,
Last week, the Junior School raised an amazing £344.24 for Children in Need. A fantastic effort – well done to everyone who baked cakes, purchased merchandise and donated money. Thank you to Mrs Keyworth and Year Six for co-ordinating these events.
Earlier this week, Years 4, 5 and 6 competed in the Sports Hall Athletics Final. Some superb performances and the whole team came home with bronze medals. A special mention to Lexi who has been selected to receive the Spirit of the Games award.
For Junior children, today is our Minimal Technology Day. We are really looking forward to hearing about the activities the children choose instead of using technology tonight. Thank you in advance for helping to collect sponsor money which will all be donated to Cool Earth.
Nursery and Reception are very excited about ‘Story Week’ next week. They will be sharing lots of their favourite stories so please feel free to send in a book for them to read. Children in Nursery and Reception should bring pyjamas or onesie, torch, favourite teddy and book for their bedtime afternoon on Wednesday.
Next Thursday 2nd December, there is a ‘Coffee and Catch Up’ information afternoon for current Year 6 Parents at 3.30pm in the Friends’ Room, no 9 Villa Road.
A reminder that school is closed next Friday 3rd December for our annual Prize Giving holiday.
You will have received a summary of events and Christmas activities through December. For the Carol Service on Tuesday 14th December, all children in Years 3-6 are expected to attend. This is optional for the younger children who are very welcome if they wish to attend and sit with parents. Please note that due to an additional INSET day, after the Christmas holidays, the children will return to school on Thursday 6th January.
If you have any luxury food items (no nuts or sesame) which could be donated for hampers for the Christmas Fair, please bring these into Main School reception for the attention of Mrs Howlett.
Next week, the Christmas post box will be arriving in Junior School. Please make sure Christmas cards are clearly labelled with names and year groups.
This week’s Stars of the Week can be viewed here.
Have a lovely weekend,
Mrs Wright
Head of Juniors