A Foreword From Mrs Parpworth
We are delighted to report that our Year 8 pupils achieved 100% success with their Common Entrance exams. The tremendous results (to a number of the county and country’s top Senior Schools including: The King’s School Canterbury, Tonbridge School, Sevenoaks, Bedales and Kent College) were shared on Friday afternoon of last week, much to the relief of our Year 8 pupils who had just returned from their action-packed camping trip to Dorset! This set of results, alongside our tremendous success with the Kent Test (with over 80% of students transitioning to grammar schools), not only highlights the quality and commitment of our teaching staff and pastoral leaders, but also of the work that the pupils put into the build up to their exams, and indeed throughout their time at our school. Congratulations to them all – they all have exciting journeys ahead.
Thank you to Mr Spencer and Mrs Murray for holding the fort last week whilst I ventured to Dorset with Year 8. We had the most memorable time and it reminded me of what a privilege it is to work closely with children on a daily basis. I want to thank Year 8 for creating so many opportunities for laughter.
We do hope that you are able to join us for our coffee morning on Wednesday morning in the Dining Hall from 9am onwards. This will be an ideal opportunity to catch up with the new leadership team and ask any questions you may have.
We are looking forward to our Bollywood Dance Workshop on Tuesday this week. Kalpesh will bring with him oodles of positivity, good vibes and energy which we will share with you in our final performance at 2.45pm on that day.
Finally, I will be issuing a letter to you all very shortly which will outline the teaching structure for September. Children will have the opportunity to meet their new teacher and visit their new classroom on our transition day scheduled on the 4th July.
Have a great week ahead.
Mrs Jo Parpworth
School Last Week
Year 6 Surf Day
On Monday, Year 6 had a very exciting day at Viking Bay where they had surf lessons. They took to the water with confidence and showed much skill on their boards. They enjoyed an ice-cream afterwards! Thank you to Mrs Crompton for organising.
Seniors Trip to Rockley
Year 8 had the most amazing time camping at Rockley (Dorset) last week. Whilst the weather was cold and windy, it didn’t deter the students from creating special memories and taking part in some very challenging activities. From abseiling to kayaking, paddle boarding to archery and axe throwing, they challenged themselves throughout the week and made the very most of this special social time together. During the week, they ventured off-site to a water park where they enjoyed time on the inflatables and afterwards they took part in a very muddy ‘tough mudder’ style activity. What a week they all had – much fun was had by all! Thank you to Max Parpworth for being such a great team leader!
Reception Trip to Monkton Nature Reserve
On Thursday, Reception went to Monkton Nature Reserve. After a quick snack, we headed straight to the pond to observe. Then it was to the museum to explore all the local and national objects/drawings. After lunch and a play outdoors, it was time for a craft activity about the life cycle of a butterfly. Reception then got their binoculars and clipboards on for a nature walk and to complete a nature bingo sheet! The last activity was planting their own cornflower to take home. Each child was also given a tomato plant to take away. It was an action packed day and the children were brilliant. Well done! Thank you to Marta for all of her help.
Safety Talk for Year 6
On Friday, Year 6 were given a presentation by Kent Police on transitioning into secondary school. The talk was an important introduction to secondary school and the experiences they may face and how to deal with certain situations that may arise. The children were very much involved in the presentation and included in discussions and different scenarios where they learnt coping strategies in order to make the children feel more prepared and comfortable about starting at new schools in September.
CE Results Day
Congratulations to our Year 8 students who collected their Common Entrance exams on Friday. Everyone achieved some very impressive grades and King’s School Canterbury, commented in particular about the excellent preparation the children had received in Latin. Well done to everyone for achieving their fullest potential and to the teachers for preparing them so well for these important exams.
Pre-Prep Big Green Picnic
Whilst the rain came down last Friday, we did not let the weather spoil our fun! We relocated to the sports hall where the pre-prep eco warriors set the scene reminding everyone about the importance of environmental protection as well as sharing our eco code. This was followed by a fabulous performance from Year 5 of ‘SOS From The Kids’. The children enjoyed the picnic before heading outside for a sensory, nature scavenger hunt with special reward after. Thank you to our eco warriors, Mrs Green and the PFA for making it all possible!
Top Up Shop
We opened up our shop last Friday and it was wonderful to see some repeat customers ready to stock up on household toiletries and cleaning products. We made a total of £35.50 on the day which will be added to our cash reserves to be spent on various eco projects. Thank you to the team and Mrs Sabin Dawson as always!
School This Week
Bollywood Dance Workshop – Tuesday 18th June
We are looking forward to welcoming Kalpesh back to WHD this week for our Bollywood extravaganza. The children will be invited to attend a rehearsal workshop during the day followed by a performance at 2.45pm on the field and Holi Festival experience which everyone is invited to watch. A letter has been posted on Dojo detailing the equipment the children will need. We hope to see you there.
Coffee Morning – Wednesday 19th June
Please join Mrs Harries and Mr Buss in the Dining Hall at 9.00am for an informal meet and greet session.
Funeral March for Nature – Saturday 22nd June
On Saturday 22nd of June at 10.30am pupils from Wellesley Haddon Dene will take part in a Funeral For Nature. This will be led by our Year 8 Leavers on Ramsgate seafront.
The pupils will dress in dark clothing and carry banners to raise awareness about the impact on nature of projects such as National Grid’s proposed Sealink through Pegwell Bay and Minster Marshes (see Save Minster Marshes for more details).
This will be to tie in with the walks in London on the same day for Restore Nature Now which is supported by many national nature and environmental organisations, including The Wildlife Trusts and RSPB.
If you would like to join the walk in Ramsgate then meet us on the Westcliff, by the Lookout Cafe, where we will process down the slope to the harbour, around the harbour and then back up the Jacob’s Ladder steps to the Westcliff. Wear black/ dark clothing and bring your voice for nature!
We aim to make a visual impact to raise the profile of nature and will share it with the press.
Future Events
Class assemblies this term (Old Hall)
Reception – Friday 21st June at 9am
Year 4 – Tuesday 2nd July at 9am
Year 6 – Tuesday 18th June at 8.30am
Seniors – Tuesday 25th June at 8.30am
Year 1 & 2 Trip to Wingham – Tuesday 25th June
An opportunity to go wild and explore nature for our amazing youngsters.
Year 5 & Senior Leadership Speeches – Wednesday 26th June
We will invite our Year 5 and 6 pupils to deliver their campaign as to why they should be selected as the next student leaders of the school.
Whole School Photo – Wednesday 26th June
Reception 2024 Transition Session – Wednesday 26th June
An opportunity to return for a second class-based activity to familiarise our pupils with their new classrooms and outdoor learning area.
Pre-Prep Sports Morning & Speech Day – Friday 28th June
Please save this date in your diary between 9.00am-11.00am. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our annual prize giving ceremony followed by a highly competitive morning of sport.
Year 6 Leavers’ Party – Friday 28th June
Save the date between 4-7pm. We look forward to celebrating Year 6’s time with us, reflecting back on many happy memories whilst having lots of fun.
Year 3 & 4 Archeological Dig – Thursday 4th July
These children will join Dr May and the Canterbury Archaeological Trust on a dig in Canterbury. Will they find some Roman coins? We are sure they will have lots of fun and learn lots of interesting facts during this step back in time.
National Transition Day – Thursday 4th July
Year 6 will attend their new secondary schools on this day. All children from Year R upwards will also spend the morning with their new class teacher.
Year 5 & 6 School Show – Friday 5th July
Please save the date. We will be holding two performances at 2pm and 6pm. This is set to be a spectacular production showcasing the amazing talents of these classes.
Prep & Senior Speech & Sports Day – Saturday 6th July
We look forward to celebrating the many achievements of our students this year and welcome everyone for an afternoon of family sporting fun.
Year 6 Leavers’ Speeches – Monday 8th July
Join us in the Old Hall where our children will speak of their memories and experiences with us.
Year 8 Leavers’ Dinner – Tuesday 9th July
Our senior leavers will be treated to a banquet in recognition of their time with us.
End of Term Chapel – Wednesday 10th July
Everyone is welcome to attend our final Chapel of this academic year.
Leavers’ Lunch for Years 6 & 8 – Wednesday 10th July
We look forward to welcoming all our parents in Years 6 to 8 to say a final farewell and goodbye to our wonderful school.
Reminders
Year 6 Crowdfunding
Year 6 are raising money for their end of term festivities to give them the send off they deserve. There are many prizes on offer by entering their free prize draw:
The order in which the winners are drawn will determine the order in which winners choose their prize.
- £50 bar tab at The Tap Room Cliftonville
- Voucher worth £80 for 2 hours karaoke for 7 people at Ginger’s Westgate
- £50 voucher for food and drink at Sea Shed Margate
- £30 voucher for The Pedaler in the Yard Manston
- Set of Signed books by author Ciaran Murtagh
- Family Ticket for Powell Cotton Museum
- Hamper of wines and delicious treats
Please click on the link here to support Year 6.
Business Networking opportunity
Have you previously heard about Business Networking, but aren’t sure what it’s all about?
As you may have seen, we intend to launch a WHD Business Club at the school. Following consultation with other parents, we have decided to start this up in September in the new school year. We have also agreed that 9:00am-10:00am works better for parents.
We are proposing a launch event entitled “What’s Business Networking all about?” which will be held in the School Library from 9:00am to 10:00am on Tuesday 25/6/24. If you are a business owner and would like to grow your business through networking, please get in touch to reserve your place. Refreshments will be provided.
Stephen Foster,
(07540) 047748
Foster41@hotmail.co.uk
School Values Awards
Pre-Prep
| Reception | James Gutierrez for progress in his sentence writing this week remembering his capital letter, finger spaces and full stop. Jacob Flockhart for being such a fantastic class member, for working hard and being a good friend. |
| Year 1 | Margot Watson for always working hard in lessons and being a kind friend, making sure that others are included in games during playtimes. Tilda Hempstead for her kind-natured spirit and demonstrating all of the key values of the school. |
| Year 2 | Freddie Tipping- Freddie has shown a great deal of kindness towards his peers this week, he is always ready to support, offer advice and has shown us what a truly lovely and caring boy he is! Teddy Beattie- Teddy has been working really hard this week across all lessons, he has been taking time and care with his work. It’s lovely to see Teddy taking pride in his learning! Max Harper for working really hard this week and making an extra effort to maintain focus during our test week. Catalina Marsh- Gonzalez for all the continued efforts she makes in reading. She reads daily and often completes extra books at the weekend. |
| Year 3 | Lucas Alifrangis – for being a kind friend and helping Diego settle into year 3. Aziza Foster-Troy – for being a great role model for others. She is polite, kind and helpful to both adults and peers. |
Seniors
| Year 4 | Hugo Pettit for his continued effort in improving his work in Maths. |
| Year 5 | Lucas Qui – resilience when sitting his assessments for King’s. |
| Year 6 | Carlos Ortega – for courage in starting a new school in a new country. |
| Seniors | To the sixteen incredible students who joined Mrs Parpworth and Max at Rockley. Thank you for making it such an enjoyable, fun and memorable time. |
School Calendar
Please click here and scroll through for the most up to date calendar of events for the term.
Matches This Week
2.00pm start unless otherwise stated
Wednesday
Cricket v St Lawrence: 1st XI (h) 1.45pm
Cricket v St Lawrence: U13 A Girls (h) 1.45pm
Cricket v Rapid Cricket: Year 2 A & B (a) 1pm
Thursday
Canterbury Golf Competition: U13 A (a) 1.40pm
Cricket v Kent College: U9 A Girls (a)
Friday
Cricket v Aldro: 1st XI (h) 11.30am
Matches Last Week
| Fixture | Result |
| Cricket v St Faith’s: U11 A Mixed | Lost by 43 runs |
| Cricket v St Faith’s: U11 B Mixed | Won by 6 |
| Cricket v St Faith’s: U11 C Mixed | Lost by 49 |
| Royal St George’s Parents Golf Tournament | 1st: Team Loudon 56 Points |