ℯNEWS February, 6 2026
On Friday afternoon, the children in Form Six joined Mrs Hampton for a surprise afternoon tea, to mark the end of the 11+ season. There were a lot of smiles and a lovely bubble of anticipation. We look forward to sharing their results with the CHS community after the half term. What ever happens, we are proud of how hard they have worked throughout the process.
Form Two Assembly
The Form Two children have been learning about the tragic events of 1666 in their history lessons and were delighted to share their knowledge with the whole school community. During assembly this morning, they retold the story of the Great Fire of London. All of the children gave a wonderful performance, confidently taking on significant roles such as Samuel Pepys, King Charles II and Thomas Farriner. Bravo Form Two!
Cicero Cup Debating Competition - Monday 2nd February
On Monday afternoon, the Form Six cohort headed off to Francis Holland Preparatory School for the opening round of the prestigious Cicero Cup Debating competition. This event is now in its third year, with last year's CHS team achieving an impressive run to the finals, standing out among 400 teams.
This year, we were up against Eaton Square School and Francis Holland in our opening round. The format consisted of one prepared debate and another impromptu one.
The topics included:
This House believes we should introduce compulsory military service for all school leavers;
This House believes junk food should be taxed;
This House believes E-Sports should be introduced into schools' PE timetables.
Plenty for the pupils to be considering.
Lara captained one team and was commended for a skillful and eloquent performance. The team of Rafeeq, Mikayla and Elena were judged to have been the most persuasive team in the heat and have won a place in the semi-finals. These will take place later in the spring. Both teams were superb.
Poetry Competition - Wednesday 11th February
This Wednesday, we are looking forward to our annual poetry competition. Guest judges will visit the classes to hear each child recite their poem. A selection of commended performances from each class will be chosen to recite their verse, in addition to whole-class performances, at the Poetry Recital in Carisbrooke Hall after half term. We would be grateful if you could encourage your child to practise their poem over the weekend.
Sadly, we will not be welcoming Miss Gloria as previously planned, as we were notified this week that she will be unable to attend. However, we are delighted that Alex Norris, from St John’s Church, who has frequently complimented our children’s productions at Christmas, has agreed to step in and judge our junior performances. Mr Robert Garvey, from Wetherby Senior School, will be judging pupils from Form Three and above.
Carnival Day - Friday 13th February
Carnival Day will take place on Friday 13th February. The theme is the Winter Olympic Games. On this day, the children may come to school in a winter themed jumper or may choose to be dressed as a winter athlete or they could even come as an Olympic mascot.
They will not have usual timetabled lessons on this day but instead work in small cross -year groups taking part in some science, design and technology and creative workshops over the course of the day.
House Points
Clifton = 935 Sussex = 913
Parents Meeting (J1 - F5) - Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11 February
The Spring term parents' meetings have been scheduled for Tuesday, 10th and Wednesday, 11th February. By now, parents will have had the opportunity to book meetings with their children’s teachers. If, for any reason you are unable to attend, please contact the school office.
Parents Meeting (F6) - Friday 13th February with Mrs Hampton
The Spring term parent meetings for Form Six have been scheduled for Friday, 13th February with Mrs Hampton. Further details have been sent out from the school office. If you are unable to attend, please contact the school office.
Parents Fundraising Committee
Trivia Night
The Parents Fundraising Committee have arranged a CHS parents Trivia night, taking place on Wednesday 25 February. Please find attached a save the date for the trivia night. For further information, please contact your class reps.
Artwork of the week
Oliver in Form Four, for fantastic work designing and making a sculpture inspired by Ancient Egyptian artefacts. Excellent use of cardboard to create relief, well done Oli!
Uniform
Finally, a reminder that children should still come to school dressed for the weather. While the school is well heated, we have noticed many icy cold fingers when we shake hands in the mornings so please make sure children have their hat, scarf and gloves with them please.
It is also useful, particularly during this rather wet period, for children to have a change of uniform/ games kit kept in school in their green bag as it is quite muddy in the park.
Upcoming Dates for Your Diary
February
Tuesday 10th Parents Meetings (no after school clubs)
Wednesday 11th Poetry Competition (in school, pupil event)
Wednesday 11th Parents Meetings (no after school clubs)
Friday 13th Carnival Day
Friday 13th Form Six Parents Meetings with Mrs Hampton
Monday 16th - Friday 20th Half term inclusive
March
Friday 6th POETRY RECITAL (1pm - 2.15pm followed by a preloved book sale at 2.15pm - 2.45pm) - (Parent event and no after school clubs)
Monday 9th F4, F5 and F6 trip to the British Library
Wednesday 18th Form One Open Dance - (Parent event)
Wednesday 18th and 19th Easter Egg collection for St John’s Hospice
Friday 27th OPEN DAY - Parent in school event in the morning (no school in the afternoon)
