WHD Weekly 25th September 2023

School Last Week

Assembly – Southern Water

On Tuesday, we were visited by Southern Water who delivered a presentation on the importance of reserving water. The children learned important facts about environmental issues and how Southern Water provides clean water for us. Did you know:
70% of our drinking water comes from underground?
Over 2 billion people in the world do not have access to clean drinking water?
We use 80 litres of water in a bath compared to 36 litres during a 4 minute shower?
We use 250 litres of water washing a car with a hose compared to 30 litres using a bucket and sponge?
If you leave the tap running whilst brushing your teeth, you waste 24 litres of water?
The children were encouraged to think of ways they can reduce their water consumption to help combat unnecessary energy usage. The children asked some very insightful questions including why our local beaches continue to be polluted with sewage from Southern Water pipes and tanks. It was an interesting session and we encourage you to think of ways you can reduce water wastage at home.

Freya represents Kent

We are extremely proud of Freya in Year 8 following the news she has been selected for the U13 Kent Cricket Squad for the 23//24 season. Freya is no stranger to the cricket scene having played at Sandwich Cricket Club and of course representing our school. Freya has worked extremely hard for this opportunity and will be one of only 16 girls in the squad. Having been selected after only one trial session, we have no doubts that Freya is set for incredible things this year as she represents our county. She is the ultimate ambassador for sport and a fantastic role model for girls. Well done Freya!

Gian’s Road to Stardom

We are very proud of Gian in Year 5 who has been selected for a ‘voice acting’ role in a major film.  Gian has kindly shared his experience of hitting the limelight with us:

Voice acting has intrigued me for a while. I started appreciating this art since my growing interest in cartoons and animations. It’s fascinating how voice actors can give life to the characters with their voices!

At first, I was curious, but eventually, it became a goal – to be able to do a voice acting job since I had not experienced it before. I thought it would be nice to try out something different. Conveniently, an opportunity presented itself. My agent informed me that the casting director had chosen me to take part in an ADR project for an upcoming Hollywood film. I was ecstatic, though clueless of what it really was. After doing a quick Google of what it meant, I shouted, “YES!” Apparently, ADR stands for Automated Dialogue Replacement, which is a process of recording dialogues in a studio after filming to replace the initially recorded lines on set. Two days after, I was told to do another ADR project for a Hollywood feature film. “Amazing!” I thought. After my performance licences were issued, I was off to London; the location was Goldcrest Films studio. I entered the studio feeling very excited, as well as very slightly nervous (which I have not felt in ages). I skipped my way into the actual recording section of the studio, then encountered a kid (there were four others) that I have worked with in one of the tv commercials I had done. It was a relief! There was the director and three other technical staff inside. After a brief introduction, the director gave us instructions on how to go about with the recording. We were shown a few scenes of the movie which made us understand the mood of the scenarios, as well as what was required of us in terms of expressing different levels of emotions. The challenging bit was improvisation. I got a bit overwhelmed, so I took a deep breath and told myself, “You got this Gian, you’ve been doing this in LAMDA!” That pep talk with my inner self (while picturing Mrs. Bourne’s reassuring smile and remembering Mrs. Parpworth’s words of encouragement) did the trick. We had to work in groups, individually, then altogether, while improvising lines. Then it was a wrap! It was so much fun! We were all laughing as we left the recording studio reluctantly. I can’t wait for next week’s recording at Warner Bros! I am really glad that our school has a lot of clubs that enable us to develop new skills or improve them, while discovering more about ourselves, developing and strengthening friendships. I am very grateful to Mrs. Parpworth and all our teachers for always being so supportive in helping me achieve my goals.

Freddie and Remy set their sights for Charlton

We are super proud of Freddie and Remy in Year 2 who play for Football IQ which is a local squad and were selected to play in a development match against Charlton in London. Both boys scored 2 goals each and the final score was 7-1. They are very talented players and we are proud to have them in Team WHD!

Jeans for Genes Day

We supported this very important charity last week and we discussed why all monies raised are so important for future research and support for people with genetic disorders. We are very proud to say we raised nearly £200.

Curriculum Meetings

We held a series of curriculum meetings last week where we provided an overview of the educational journey ahead for the forthcoming year. If you were unable to attend the meeting, please visit Dojo where you can find a copy of the presentations/information shared.

School This Week

MacMillan Coffee Morning

Join us for our coffee morning on the 29th September from 8.20am onwards on the terrace (next to the swimming pool) where we will be selling refreshments and cakes in aid of MacMillan. We would be grateful for any cake donations to be handed into the Office (the day before) remembering that we are a nut free school.

BBC’s 500 Words Competition

The BBC are running their 500 word competition for 2023 which opens tomorrow.  BBC’s 500 Words 2023 is a competition we are encouraging all of our children to enter where they can express their creativity and imagination in a story of no more than 500 words.  There are some fantastic prizes to be won for the individuals and school.  All stories will be judged on the following criteria:

All stories will be judged on the following criteria:

• Characterisation
• Plot
• Originality
• Language
• Enjoyment

More information can be found here.

Year 3 Trip to Quex Park

Year 3 are off to Quex Park on Friday 29th. Our topics this term are the history and geography of Africa. We will be taking part in traditional African activities and viewing the exhibits in the museum. Remember snacks and extra drinks!

Reading Coaching with Alice Henry

Coaching sessions commenced this week with Alice enjoying the opportunity to spend quality time with many children across Year 6 to 8. Alice is really looking forward to encouraging children to develop their understanding of different types of literature in order to grow a lifelong love of reading.
If you are interested in signing your child up to reading coaching, please contact Linzi Crine at lac@wellesleyhaddondene.co.uk. The price per term is £100.
We do hope that you are interested in pursuing this additional opportunity to strengthen your child’s passion for reading.

Future Events

Harvest Festival

On Friday 6th October, we will be holding two Harvest Festival services.  Pre-Prep families (Years 1 – 3) are invited to join our 9am service and Prep (Years 4-8) are invited at 4pm. We will write to you closer to the time to ask for food donations.

Quex Park Cross Country

Years 3 – 6 are invited to take part in the annual Quex Cross Country on Saturday 7th October.  Mrs Crompton will be in touch with more details.

School Photographs

On Monday 9th October, we will be taking class and individual photographs.  Please ensure that children are in their smartest uniform for this day.

Parent Consultation Meetings

We are holding a series of Parent Consultations so that you are able to discuss how your child has settled in their new class and to ask any questions you may have.  

Reception to Year 3 will take place on either Monday 9th or Tuesday 10th October and class teachers will communicate time slots available on Dojo. 

Years 7 and 8 Monday 9th October at 3pm in the Library with the opportunity to meet academic subject teachers.

Years 4, 5 & 6 Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th 3pm – 4.30pm with form teachers. Booking for these will take place on the Portal and you will receive an email nearer the time with instructions on how to book your slot.

Wear it Yellow Day

On the 10th October, we will be wearing non-school uniform in aid of World Mental Health Day.

PFA Halloween Disco

On Friday 13th (spooky) we will be holding two Halloween discos, kindly organised by our PFA.  R-3 (3.30pm) and 4-8 (5.30pm).  More details to follow.

Half Term Holiday Clubs

We are pleased to announce that we are running two options for holiday clubs.  We will continue to run our own, exclusive, multi-activity club run by Mrs McBride’s team.  The cost per day is £35.  The links to book onto Holiday Club are:

Half Term:

https://forms.gle/jpPsgjpW5Lbw9iM47

Christmas:

https://forms.gle/j3QSUx3E5XwTfxEg6

Please note that Holiday Club charges must be paid in advance and no refunds will be issued should your child not attend for any reason.  Children must be picked up promptly at the end of each session. An additional charge of £10.00 will be added if any child is picked up more than 15 minutes late.

We are also delighted to announce that we have also partnered with Total Sports Coaching and Ocean Swim School where we will be running a Multi Sports Camp open to all children in primary education during October Half Term. To book, please click here.

End of Term

Half term ends at 3.30pm on Wednesday 18th October.

Open Day

We will be holding an Open Day on Saturday 4th November with a Fireworks Theme from Year 1 to 8.  We would like children to attend school on that day between 10 and 1pm.  There will be a variety of activities to enjoy and delicious food too.  More details will follow but please put this date in your diary and we would be grateful if you could share with any prospective families you know.

Reminders

Safeguarding Reminder

Please remember to adhere to the 5 mph limit on-site. Unfortunately, we have witnessed some vehicles entering our grounds at alarming speeds – please remember that this speed restriction is in place to safeguard everyone on site. We are also issuing a second reminder not to park in front of the white railings at Junior House during pick up time. We are dismissing children whilst people are reversing and this is not safe. Please use alternative parking spaces around the school grounds.

School Values Award

School Values Award

Pre-Prep

Senior

Team of the Week

Every week, a team or group of pupils are nominated for a special treat with Mrs Parpworth. This week, 6E have been nominated for working really well as a team in Latin and doing great work in the lessons. Settling quickly at their desks at the beginning of the lesson, ready to learn and being really engaged for the whole lesson, listening well, paying attention and as a result producing some really good results in their vocabulary tests and their class work. They are kind and respectful to each other, always willing to help and encourage each other. A completely delightful group to teach!

School Calendar

Please click here and scroll through for the most up to date calendar of events for the term.

Menus

This week the kitchen will be serving menu week 1

On Social Media