ℯNEWS January, 23 2026
We would like to extend our thanks to parents for your understanding following the burst pipe in the local area, which then affected the water pressure in the school in the afternoon. As a result, we were grateful for your cooperation in collecting the children slightly earlier than usual on Wednesday afternoon.
Mrs Hampton’s Assembly - Kindness
During Mrs Hampton’s assembly this morning, the children spent time thinking about kindness and what it looks like in everyday life. They were asked to share examples of kind actions, and their responses were both thoughtful and encouraging. These included:
“Saying good morning and asking others how they are, taking the time to listen and ask questions” - F3 pupil
“Giving compliments” - F6 pupil
“Asking others whether they had had a nice day” - F4 pupil
“Help each other and share toys” - J1 pupil
Staff Update
We are delighted to share the very happy news that our dear Mrs Wells is expecting a baby shortly after Easter.
With a gentle, expert hand, and a touch of magic up her sleeve, Mrs Wells has been engaging our very youngest pupils and supporting them as they adapt to life in their ‘big school’ environment since 2019. This year’s Form Six cohort was her very first Junior One class at CHS! During her time with us, Mrs Wells has continued to develop her career and is now a highly valued member of our Senior Leadership Team, leading both the EYFS and KS1 departments.
In her absence, Ms Galligan, who is already a member of the SLT as well as our PSHE & RSE Lead and DSL, will take on the role of Acting Head of KS1 until Mrs Wells returns in 2027.
We are also very pleased to introduce Ms Watson, who will be joining us later this term for a few days to allow for a full and thorough handover, before taking on the role of Junior One Class Teacher in the summer term. Ms Watson brings 12 years of teaching experience across both maintained and independent schools, with a particular specialism in EYFS, play-based learning and outdoor education, including Forest School. Amongst other roles, she has successfully led EYFS departments and overseen Computing and History curricula. As a mother of two daughters, she also brings a strong and practical understanding of young children.
Extremely kind, engaging and fun, with excellent classroom management and a real flair for teaching through play, we are very much looking forward to welcoming Ms Watson to our team.
I am sure I can speak on behalf of the entire school community in offering Mrs Wells our warmest congratulations. We are all looking forward to welcoming Baby Wells into school later in the summer and, of course, to seeing lots of lovely photographs in due course.
Visitors to CHS this week
This week, Mrs Hampton was pleased to welcome guests, Mr Nicholas Kaye and Head of Admissions from Sussex House School to visit CHS. During their visit, they were invited to spend time around the school and see first-hand the high calibre of work our children produce. The children confidently shared the knowledge they have gained from their teachers and proudly demonstrated the CHS behaviour code throughout the visit.
Virtual Coffee Morning with Mrs Hampton and Specialist Faye Aspill
Mrs Hampton was pleased to welcome specialist Faye Aspill to her first virtual coffee morning of 2026. Faye, has been running our annual sight and hearing screening at CHS for many years. During the session, Faye spoke to parents about the importance of early detection and explained how sight and hearing screenings play a vital role in supporting children’s development. The meeting notes are attached.
House Points
Clifton = 545 Sussex = 575
Term Dates for 2026/2027
The term dates for the academic year 2026/2027 have now been published on the school website. Please also find these attached for your information.
Form Four British Museum Trip - Wednesday 28th January
As part of their work in history and art this term, Form Four will be visiting the British Museum on Wednesday, 28th January.
They will be visiting the Ancient Egyptian Galleries. Their focus will be on the artefacts detailing everyday life, the tomb paintings, as well as looking at the Rosetta stone and some of the large statues. They will also have an opportunity to look at the Mummy cases.
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. Further details will be sent out from the school office in due course.
Parents Meeting (F6) - Friday 13th February
The Spring term parent meetings for Form Six have been scheduled for Friday, 13th February. Further details will be sent out from the school office in due course.
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
Leonardo in Form One, for fantastic work making a papier mâché pet in Junior Art Club! Excellent use of sculpture and painting to create ‘Fish’, the penguin, well done Leonardo!
Upcoming Dates for Your Diary
January
Wednesday 28th Form Four trip to the British Museum
February
Monday 2nd Cicero Cup Debating Competition (F6 Teams)
Thursday 5th Sight and Hearing Screening (in school - children only)
Tuesday 10th Parents Meetings (no after school clubs)
Wednesday 11th Poetry Competition (in school, pupil event)
Wednesday 11th Parents Meetings (no after school clubs)
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)
Friday 27th OPEN DAY - Parent in school event in the morning (no school in the afternoon)
