ℯNEWS may, 16 2025
Dress Up Day - Junior One, Form One, Form Two
On Tuesday, the school came alive with the colourful arrival of caterpillars, ladybirds and butterflies (J1) fluttering through the doors, joined by a regal procession of kings and queens (F2), along with roaring dinosaurs and brave explorers ready for adventure(F1). The corridors buzzed with activity as the children fully embraced their characters for the day.
The morning saw the explorers and minibeasts head off to the park, where they went on a thrilling hunt for creatures great and small, armed with magnifying glasses and notebooks to record their discoveries. Meanwhile, the monarchs stayed behind to learn a traditional Tudor style dance, gracefully stepping in time to the music. In the afternoon, the royals took centre stage, delivering grand speeches full of regal flair before gathering for a celebratory banquet. The minibeasts rounded off their day by baking and decorating bee and ladybird biscuits, which looked almost too good to eat.
Form Six Trip to the Houses of Parliament
Politics was the order of the day for Form Six on Wednesday. They headed east to
Parliament, where they saw democracy in action. The class had a personal guided tour of the Palace of Westminster. This incorporated a visit to the House of Commons, standing where Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch spend some of their political lives. The Prime Minister was in residence, preparing for PMQ’s which take place at midday each Wednesday. The class also got to stand by the monarch’s throne in the Lord’s and absorb the palatial surroundings of both houses.
Later in the morning, they learnt how to assemble a petition and how to engage with their Members of Parliament. Then, right on cue, the Westminster MP, Rachel Blake, arrived at the end of the session to answer the pupils’ questions. Democracy in action throughout, and hopefully, twelve pupils who will be inspired to become our future leaders.
Form One & Form Three Trip to The Natural History Museum
The Form One and Three children recently enjoyed an exciting visit to the Natural History Museum, where they embarked on a journey through Earth's natural wonders.
The Form One children were full of curiosity as they roamed around the dinosaur section, discovering the different features of various dinosaurs and learning about the many types that had once lived on Earth. They particularly enjoyed comparing these prehistoric creatures with modern-day mammals, which we also managed to explore. The children were wonderfully engaged throughout the day and represented the school beautifully.
For Form Three, the day began with a fascinating Earthquake and Volcano show, where the children learned about the power and impact of natural disasters through interactive demonstrations. After that, they rolled up their sleeves for the Dino Dig workshop, uncovering fossils just like real palaeontologists!
One of the highlights from the trip was the ride up the museum's enormous escalator, leading to the earthquake simulator. Here, the children experienced what it feels like to stand in a shop during an earthquake, giving them a firsthand sense of the forces that shape our planet.
It was a day of discovery, adventure and plenty of questions.
Junior Maths Challenge
The Junior Maths Challenge is the latest in the annual competitions set by the UK Maths Trust to enthuse and invigorate pupils for excellence in this key topic. Aimed at Year Six to Year Nine students, the JMC is pitched at a high level and comprises twenty-five questions which are sure to stretch the abilities of all participants. And so it proved last week when the entirety of Form Six, together with a couple of fortunate Form Five pupils, took the 45 minute paper. Questions ranged from Algebra to Geometry as well as a variety of eclectic everyday problems to solve. When the results were added up, we learnt that Maia had achieved the bronze standard, Maxi and Izzy reached silver and Mimi accomplished gold with an impressive 117 points out of 135. This latter score will see Mimi through to the next stage of the Challenge.
Proposed Cycleway
We have recently been notified that, once again, a cycle lane has been proposed for Stanhope Place that may have consequences in displacing traffic heading from our area towards Bayswater Road and Park Lane.
As this is an issue that may affect all of our CHS community, we are asking you to take an interest in the proposal and should you have any objections to it - or other representations about it - please contact the Council’s agents, WSP Traffic Order Team, 3rd Floor, WSP House, 70 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1AF, or by email at tmo.westminster@wsp.com quoting reference 8141-A/LH. The deadline is 21st May.
Friday 16th May Second-Hand Uniform Sale
Thank you to the Parents’ Fundraising Committee for arranging and organising the Second Hand Uniform sale.
Parent Fundraising Committee
You should all have heard from your class representatives by now regarding volunteering to be a class rep for the next academic year, 2025/26. If any parents are interested but are not currently part of their class parent group, please email the Chair of the Committee directly at: Parentscommittee@gs.connaughthouseschool.co.uk
Upcoming
Junior One Open Dance - Wednesday 21st May
On Wednesday, Junior One will showcase all they have learnt during their dance class with Miss Ellie for an Open Dance session at school. Junior One parents are invited to come into school at 1.55 pm to watch our youngest pupils perform.
Virtual Coffee Morning with Mrs Hampton - Form Five: What Parents need to know ahead of 11+
This meeting will be for Form Five parents only, where we will get into the nitty gritty of the 11+ assessments. Don't forget to bring a notepad and a large cup of coffee.
Perry Uniform
As we approach the half term and begin planning for the new academic year, Perry Uniform has asked us to share an important reminder with parents. To ensure that the correct uniform arrives in time for the start of the new school year, please place your order by 27th June 2025. You can find further details in the attached document: Perry Uniform Reminder 2025.pdf.
Artwork of the Week
Talia in Form Two, for a fantastic effort with practising drawing eyes for a self-portrait. Lots of resilience and careful pencil work. Well done, Talia!
Dates for your diary
MAY
21st - Junior One Open Dance
22nd - Virtual Coffee Morning F5 with Mrs Hampton - What Parents need to know ahead of 11+
26th - 30th HALF TERM
JUNE
5th – Virtual Coffee Morning F6 with Mrs Hampton – Transition to Senior School
16th - School Play
20th - Sports Day
24th - School Photo
30th - Whole School Trip
JULY
1st - F6 Secret Trip
4th - School Fetê
10th - Last day of Term, Midday collection
