ℯNEWS June, 20 2025
It’s been a wonderfully eventful week, filled with excitement, new experiences and plenty of memorable moments for our pupils!
National Cicero Cup Debating Competition
A team of four intrepid Form Six debaters headed to Greenwich last Friday for the grand final of the national Cicero Cup. The competition is now in its third year and started this season with 120 teams from schools all over England. Our cohort of Maxi, Alma, Kira, Mimi and Ilia had already won through two rounds of competition, and they were now down to the final eight schools who went head to head at the National Maritime Museum. The topics for discussion were many and varied, including arguing for the investment in nuclear energy to debating whether Arts subjects at school should have equal footing with the Sciences. The team were imperious as they reached the Grand final where they met St Stephen’s Primary. We had to argue that exploration of the oceans should have equal standing as that of Space. Ultimately, we were beaten by a better team, but runners-up was a significant accomplishment for the team who proved themselves to be among the best of their age in this noble art.
School Performance of The Wizard of Oz
On Monday afternoon, pupils presented a thoroughly enjoyable performance of The Wizard of Oz. From the youngest members of the junior choir to the accomplished lead actors from Form Six, every child contributed to an entertaining and polished production.
Particular highlights included a striking solo from our fantastic Wicked Witch and a brilliant typhoon dance from Form Three.
Our thanks to Mr Butcher and Mrs Deshayes for the excellent props and backdrops, to Mrs Klyuvgant, Mrs Deshayes, Mrs Meschoulam, Mrs Fransson-Michaels and Mrs Coltart. who assisted with hair and make-up, and to the parents for providing such creative costumes.
Sports Day
Sports Day was phenomenal this year, providing an exciting day of competition. The children showed incredible effort and sportsmanship throughout, making each race and event a joy to watch. The lead changed hands several times during the day, with each house taking turns at the top after each race — often with just one or two points separating them.
Sussex House pushed hard throughout the event, but it was Clifton House — aiming for their first Sports Day win in three years — who clinched victory in a thrilling finale. A dramatic sprint finish in the relay race secured the overall win and the coveted Sports Day Cup for Clifton.
A highlight of the day was the spirited participation of parents in the parents' race, with Mrs Hampton giving a valiant effort, cheered on enthusiastically by all the children. The Mini-Me race also brought plenty of smiles, with siblings putting in a heroic effort and adding to the fun and excitement of the day.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Sports Day such a memorable and exhilarating occasion!
Maths Success
Hot on the heels of the Form Six Maths team reaching the final of the Quiz Club national championships in July, there was more success for one of the group this week. The results were revealed for the Junior Kangaroo tournament, which is organised by the UK Maths Trust. This event was only open to students who had reached the gold standard in May’s Junior Maths Challenge. Remarkably, Mimi scored an outstanding 113 points out of 135 for the Kangaroo, getting 21 out of 25 questions correct. The questions were multi-faceted, comprising modules from Key Stage 3 and 4. Her points score ensured Mimi claimed a second gold in this competition – a truly amazing achievement.
School Photos - Tuesday 24th June
School photos will be taken on Tuesday, 24th June 2025. Please ensure that children are dressed in their smart uniform and ready for their photos.
With the heatwave expected to continue next week, children will not be required to wear their blazers to school. Please ensure that your child has long-lasting, high-factor sunscreen applied before school and comes with a sun hat (preferably one of the school versions – the green cap or the older white cricket hat) in addition to their water bottle. For anyone who suffers from hay fever, please bear in mind that the warmer weather usually brings a high pollen count.
Summer Fête - Parents’ Fundraising Committee
The Summer Fête will take place at the Carisbrooke Hall on Friday, 4th July, from 2 pm to 4 pm. It will be a wonderful afternoon packed with fun activities for the children, and a lovely chance for parents, carers, and teachers to come together and enjoy the day too. Form parent reps will soon be reaching out about donations for the tombola and to request a song from each child for the disco, so do please keep an eye out for this. Following a request from the Pupil Voice earlier in the year, towards the end of the Fête there will be a school disco in the adjoining room starting at 3.15 pm to 4 pm. Throughout the event, the children will be in the care of their parents, helping to keep everyone safe and happy. We will have a teacher stationed at the door as a precaution.
Parent-Teacher meetings
Parent-teacher meetings will take place on Tuesday, 24 and Thursday, 26 June. The booking links have now been provided. As always, siblings will have priority for same-day appointments, so thank you for your patience as we work through the bookings.
Clubs cancelled on the following dates
As the various events and activities begin to pick up in the final four weeks of the summer term, please be reminded that there will be a number of days when clubs will not take place. This will be reflected in the final Clubs invoice at the end of term.
These will be:
Art Club: Monday 30 June and Tuesday 24 June
Drama Club: Tuesday 24 June
Comic Book Club: 26 June
Sports Club: Friday 20 June & 4 July
Whole School Outing
Junior One and Form One are in for a treat as they head off to Godstone Farm on 30th June! The children will have the chance to meet friendly farm animals, explore the adventure playground and enjoy the fresh countryside air. It promises to be a wonderful day of hands-on experiences and exciting outdoor fun.
Meanwhile, Form Two to Form Six will be visiting the Wetlands Centre on the same day. With beautiful nature trails, fascinating wildlife and the chance to spot rare birds, it’s set to be an unforgettable trip. The pupils will learn about the importance of protecting wetland habitats while enjoying a brilliant day out in nature.
Upcoming School Trips and Events
Tuesday 24th & Thursday 26th June - Parent Teacher Meetings - no clubs
Tuesday 24th June - School Photo
Monday 30th June - Junior One & Form One - Godstone Farm.
Monday 30th June - Form Two to Six - Wetlands Centre
Tuesday 1st July - Form Six - Secret Trip
Artwork of the Week
Ari and Ilan in Form Three, for fantastic 3D work in Junior Art Club. Two excellent boat sculptures created as part of the Take One Picture project. Well done Ari and Ilan!
Dates for your diary
JUNE
24th - School Photo
24th - Parent Meetings - NO CLUBS
26th - Parent Meetings - NO CLUBS
30th - Whole School Trip
JULY
1st - F6 Secret Trip
4th - School Fête
10th - Last day of Term, Midday collection
