ℯNEWS June, 5 2026
Ms Galligan led the Jigsaw PSHE Assembly, which focussed on helping the children understand the journey of growing up and navigating the many transitions from childhood into adulthood. We discussed how change is a natural, constant part of life, though some changes are naturally more significant than others. The children explored a wide range of future life milestones, including moving on to senior school and later on to university and careers.
We discussed how change can bring up a mix of excitement and nervousness. Over the next few weeks, you might want to use this as an opening to chat with your child about their own thoughts on growing up, or share some of your own favorite memories of major milestones you've experienced!
Form Six Debating Team in Cambridge
On Tuesday, the entirety of Form Six headed to the Cambridge Union to take part in the national finals of the Cicero Cup debating tournament. From an original total of three hundred teams, the class progressed to the final eight. There was high tension in the Union as the teams were separated out into two groups and the debating competition got underway with Connaught House being the first team in action. Led by captain Lara, they had to propose that the Government should stop funding the Arts. The three team members, including Mikayla and Atia, were given three minutes each to put across their viewpoints.
At lunchtime, they were then plunged into their second motion where they had to argue against this debate: This house believes that co-ed schools are better than single sex schools. This time, Lara, Mariam and Elena took to the lectern. When the scores were added up, we discovered that we were sadly not one of the two teams to go through to the grand final. Having said this, the team, which included Kira and Maxine as well, had performed to an incredibly high standard. Amazingly, Kira had also contacted the Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, to ask for her opinion about our opening debate, receiving a considered reply. I think these debaters have a great future in Oracy ahead of them.
Walk for MLA
During the recent half term, Mr Garvey travelled to the north of England to take on the challenge of walking Hadrian’s Wall which stretches from Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend, near Newcastle. This National Trail is 84 miles long, but with some extra excursions for accommodation, it ended up at being 95 miles across four and a half days. The walk was in aid of the MVA Society which is a charity set up by a parent at Connaught House School to help fund research into a rare genetic condition affecting fewer than 50 people in the world, including one pupil at CHS. Mr Garvey would like to thank all of the generous families who have contributed to the sponsorship, but it’s not too late. The link for his sponsorship form is:
www.justgiving.com/page/stephen-garvey-1772439561035
Mr Garvey will be taking on a second walking challenge for the same charity in August, walking part of the Comino trail into Rome.
PSHE Parent Feedback questionnaires - Form One to Six
Before the half term you would have received an email on the PSHE parent feedback questionnaire. We would appreciate if you could provide us with some valuable feedback on how you feel the Jigsaw PSHE curriculum lessons at CHS benefits your child and how well CHS provide you as parents with information and guidance on Relationships and Sex education too. This will support and inform the planning for the coming academic year.
Readathon
Well done to all pupils across the school for excellent reading throughout our Readathon. It has been great fun! It is commendable that all classes participated with great gusto in rising to the challenges set and the children are rightly proud of the money they have collected for Read for Good. They are delighted that they have helped brighten the day for sick children in hospitals, who will have new stocks of exciting books delivered to them as a result of the money raised. Monday 8th June is the final day for submission of sponsor money to Read for Good. readforgood.org/sponsor
To date, the children have raised the princely sum of £726.30. A huge thank you to the parents and families who supported the children and made this an enjoyable and successful venture.
Upcoming
Form Two & Three Trip - The Wallace Collection - Monday 8 June
On Monday 8th June, Forms Two and Three will be visiting The Wallace Collection to take part in a Powerful Portraits workshop. This will be a fantastic opportunity for the children to encounter inspiring and intriguing portraits by renowned artists such as Rembrandt. They will also develop their confidence in discussing art and practise producing creative work, exploring ideas, and recording their experiences, in a museum setting.
Form Five and Six Trip - Hever Castle - Wednesday 10 June
The pupils in Form Five and Six will be visiting the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and will also wander the vast grounds which include three mazes.
Form Four, Five and Six - Open Swim - Friday 12 June
For their final swimming lesson at Kensington Leisure Centre for the year, the children will showcase all the swimming techniques they have learnt for parents to see at the Open Swim session on Friday 12th June. An email highlighting the details of what time this will take place has already been sent out from the school office and a reminder will follow at the beginning of next week.
Parent Fundraising Committee
The end of year School Fête will now take place on Wednesday, 8 July, from 2:30-4:30 pm.
House Points
Clifton = 1109 Sussex = 1044
Artwork of the week
Danny in Form One, for a fantastic nest drawing. Excellent textured mark-making with oil pastels and chalk. A strong and cosy nest, well done Danny!
Upcoming Dates for Your Diary
June
Monday 8th - Form Two and Three Trip
Wednesday 10th - Form Five and Six Trip
Friday 12th June - Forms Four, Five & Six - Open Swim
Tuesday 16th - Form Three Trip
Friday 19th - Sports Day
Tuesday 23rd - Parents Meetings
Wednesday 24th - Parents Meetings
Friday 26th - School Play
July
Wednesday 1st - Junior One Open Dance
Friday 3rd - Whole School Trip
Monday 6th - Form Six SECRET Trip
Wednesday 8th - School Fête
Thursday 9th - End of term (HALF DAY)
