A Friday Night Round Up and a Special Video!
Good afternoon,
What a busy few weeks! And with a whiff of Christmas in the air, it can only get busier!
Year 6 have delighted us with class assemblies over the last two weeks. Mr Gane’s class taught us about the importance of democracy and its origins in ancient Greece. We were also treated to a surprise visit from our local MP, Andy Slaughter, who helped us understand about the life of an MP. Miss Marchant’s class took us on a whirlwind tour of Japan! We learnt all about the culture and history of Japan. Miss Marchant even managed to include the facts in a Taylor Swift song! Two superb assemblies from Year 6 tinged with a little sadness as it’s their very last one at St Stephen’s!
Thank you to all those parents who were able to attend Open Classroom and Parents Evening this week – it’s always good to review how your children’s learning is progressing and to understand how we can work together. If anyone would like a follow up meeting, please contact class teachers directly.
Thank you to Mrs Pereira for organising such an amazing Hispanic Day. https://www.ststephensce.lbhf.sch.uk/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/spanish/ Year 6 were exploring and learning about Chile where my oldest son Ben is living so we organised a Zoom and they quizzed him about life in Chile. Parenthood is a journey which can sometimes be very tricky but I felt immensely proud of Ben as he confidently chatted away to the Y6 children. Now as for the other two…!
Sadly, Miss Rachel, our Music Teacher of some years now, will be leaving us at the end of the autumn term as she moves down to Cornwall for a well-deserved rest! I will gush more as we run up to Christmas! Music is such an important part of St Stephen’s so we are already looking for a replacement. If anyone knows an excellent music teacher, please could they get in touch with me at head@ststephensce.lbhf.sch.uk
St Stephen’s Got Talent with Alesha Dixon – a word from St the Britain’s Got Talent Judges
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22IY1aYQu-o
It’s drawing nearer…a night like no other…St Stephen’s Got Talent with Alesha Dixon on Thursday 21st November. We only have a few tickets left so look sharp! Please note this is an adult only show (!)
The brave acts have been working very hard and we would be grateful if you would show your support by sponsoring them. It is no mean feat performing in front of an audience of parents, carers, friends and family but they are doing it for our school. So, whether you are coming to the night or not, please do sponsor the acts if you can – any amount would be amazing (remember to check Gift Aid if eligible and remember that you don’t have to give an extra fee to JustGiving):
Please share this link with your friends, family and colleagues. https://justgiving.com/campaign/stsgt
I will be dusting off my dancing shoes. Miss Whiting will dazzle you with a very special performance whilst I work frantically to keep up with her – the cartwheel is coming out again but only if we reach a raise a certain amount!
The sponsorship will go to FOSS for the benefit of all the children in the school.
Neurodiversity
Last week, we welcomed Fintan J O’Regan to St Stephen’s for the day, to broaden our understanding of Neurodiversity.
Fin delivered some excellent workshops to teachers and support staff. In the evening, he spoke to the parents sharing anecdotes, useful tips and strategies. The day gave us much to reflect on and to be proud of as a school! If parents have any concerns and would like to discuss these further, please arrange an appointment with Mrs Bouwman as the SENCo/Inclusion Lead.
Sports Update
Mr Blair has returned from paternity leave and though slightly tired has completed a sports update – https://www.ststephensce.lbhf.sch.uk/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/physical-education/
Don’t tell anyone but Mr Blair is part of an act in St Stephen’s Got Talent – shhhhh!
Remembrance Day
On Monday, we remembered and honoured those who have lost their lives fighting for our country. We held a 2 minute silence at 11am in our classes and had a discussion about the importance of recognising Remembrance Day. As part of this discussion, the children learnt about the relevance of the poppy and how and why it is symbolic of the day. During Collective Worship, the children heard Year 6 read a selection of their Remembrance poems.
Anti-Bullying Week
This week, St Stephen’s has celebrated Anti-Bullying Week. This year, the theme was ‘Choose Respect’. On Tuesday, we had Odd Socks Day, which gave the children the chance to show their individuality and celebrate their differences. Throughout the week, the children engaged in discussions and activities focused on bullying, what it means, how we can work together to prevent it and how we can all make the choice to choose respect. Wednesday was also World Kindness Day and the staff were treated to a staffroom table of treats that were very gratefully received.
Peter Pan
Year 6 travelled to Latymer Upper School to see Mountview Drama College’s performance of Peter Pan. We had an excellent time though I did have slight theatre envy!
Kitchen Update
We have some really exciting kitchen updates but you will have to wait till next week for a newsletter from Jessie!
Road Safety
Year 2 and Year 5 enjoyed a Road Safety show, from the local authority, where they learnt all about the importance of road safety when crossing the road, scootering or cycling to school. When in doubt, remember the Green Cross Code was the motto of the day!
Please also follow us on Instagram – ststephensce_w12
Have a great weekend – I will be dancing my way through it!
Mr Schumm
