ℯNEWS may, 2 2025
It’s been a sunny start to the summer term and a pleasure to see all our pupils, sun cream on, sun hats ready and looking smart in their summer uniforms.
Although slightly cooler weather is forecast for next week, all pupils should continue to wear their summer uniform for the remainder of the term. School blazers should now be worn instead of winter coats.
Our next second-hand uniform sale will take place on Thursday, 16th May, as usual in the Dining Room from 8:30 to 9:00 am. We welcome donations of uniform items in good condition on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 May, with the exception of the old-style white summer PE kit.
Parents Fundraising Committee
The week began for our Parents' Fundraising Committee with the first meeting focused on preparations for the Summer Fetê. We are sure this year’s event will be another fabulous occasion and we look forward to the whole school community coming together to support it on Friday, 4th July.
Class representatives will also be in touch with all classes shortly regarding new volunteers for the 2025/26 academic year. We are always grateful for the continued support of our parent community and warmly welcome anyone who may be interested in getting involved. You can communicate your interest via your class rep or directly to: parentscommittee@gs.connaughthouseschool.co.uk
Attendance Reminder
Thank you for your continued support in promoting excellent school attendance. Another reminder that attendance below 95% is considered a cause for concern by the Borough of Westminster, and schools must monitor and may report any pupil who misses 5 or more days within a 10-week period. Persistent absence (below 90%) can significantly affect both academic progress and social development. While we understand occasional challenges arise, we kindly ask that children attend school unless genuinely unwell. Let’s work together to aim for 100% attendance this summer term!
Form Three Trip
This week, Form Three embarked on an exciting journey across London, experiencing the city's vibrant landscape through a range of unique modes of transport. We started by gliding through the tunnels of the Tube, before taking to the water on an Uber Boat along the River Thames. Our adventure continued with a breathtaking ride on the cable car, offering stunning panoramic views of the London skyline. We then rounded off the trip with a journey on the DLR, where we got to experience 'driving' the train.
“I enjoyed the boat trip because I could see a lot of the sights” - Ilan
“I like the boat because I could see all the famous buildings” - Riley
“I liked the Central Line because the seats were comfortable” - Oli
Canalway Cavalcade 2025
This term, pupils in Forms Three to Six are taking part in the National Gallery’s Take One Picture project, exploring Canaletto’s Regatta on the Grand Canal. If families are looking for an outing over the long weekend, the Canalway Cavalcade in Little Venice offers a wonderful opportunity for children to gather inspiration for their creative work, complete with colourful boats, waterway festivities, and a touch of Venetian charm.
The Canalway Cavalcade 2025 In Little Venice | Londonist
Form Two, Four and Five GoBoat Trip
Children in Forms Two, Four and Five were excited to be invited to Paddington Basin by the Marble Arch BID partnership to explore the Grand Union Canal. As mentioned above, they were inspired by Canaletto's Regatta on the Grand Canal as part of the Take One Picture national programme by the National Gallery. The trip offered the children a unique perspective from the water as they travelled from Paddington Basin to Little Venice on GoBoats. It was a fantastic trip for children and teachers alike.
St George’s Day Assembly
Mrs Hampton and the children enjoyed a lively assembly this morning, learning about St George and England’s national day, celebrated earlier this week.
The children debated whether the story of St George slaying the dragon and saving the princess was fact or fiction. Luca (F3) reasoned, “We know dragons are fictional, so maybe St George is too,” while Clara (F2) replied, “He might have been real, even if the story about the dragon wasn’t.” Pupils from Form Five pointed out that St George was a Roman soldier from what is now Turkey, born in the third century AD.
All the children, especially Atia, Mariam and Mikayla, contributed thoughtfully to the discussion, which was both interesting and engaging. We hope all the children will now recognise the red cross of St George in the Union Jack.
Chess success for Grandmaster Ms Jackson
Over the Easter break, Grandmaster Ms Jackson, who teaches chess club on a Monday and Wednesday morning, represented England at the European Senior Team Chess Championships in Świdnica, Poland. Playing on board four, she helped the England Women 50+ team retain their European title and secure Gold medals. She scored 5/8—earning the best individual female result in the Open tournament—with highlights including a draw against Germany’s top-rated grandmaster.
Shortly afterwards, Ms Jackson defended her Women’s title at the English Senior Individual Championships in Kenilworth and was awarded the 2025 Championship Cup. She finishes the season with international rating gains, a European team Gold, and a national trophy.
Upcoming
Uniform
From Tuesday, 6th May, all children should arrive at school in their Summer uniform.
Compulsory: Summer dress, white ankle socks (or green tights if cold), school blazer and optional cardigan.
Or Compulsory: short-sleeved white shirt, school tie, grey Bermuda shorts, grey ankle socks, school jumper and blazer.
Virtual Coffee Morning with Mrs Hampton - What To Expect: 11+ Exams
Following feedback from the recent parents' questionnaire, Mrs Hampton is looking forward to welcoming parents from Form Three to Five to discuss the 11+ process. Mrs Hampton will be covering when to begin considering senior schools, identifying what is important and the different exam formats. This virtual event will be followed by a more detailed session for Form Five parents only the following week, focusing on summer preparation and next steps in greater depth.
Second-hand clothing collection - Thursday 8 & Friday 9 May
On Thursday 8 and Friday 9 May, children may bring in any non-uniform clothing they no longer need. Please note this is not a second-hand uniform collection, but rather a chance to donate good-quality used children's clothes to a local charity. Donations should be dropped off at school before 9:00 am on either morning. The Committee will collect and deliver all contributions on behalf of the school community.
Artwork of the Week
Eva in Junior One, for a brilliant collage, taking inspiration from ‘The Snail’ by Henri Matisse. A Fantastic spiral drawing and excellent use of cutting and sticking skills, well done Eva!
Dates for your diary
MAY
5th - BANK HOLIDAY
8th - Virtual Coffee Morning F3 - F5 with Mrs Hampton - What To Expect: 11+ Exams
8th & 9th - Second-hand children’s clothes collection
13th - J1, F1 & F2 Dress up day
15th - Form One & Three Trip
16th - Second Hand Uniform Sale
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
16th - School Play
20th - Sports Day
24th - School Photo
30th - Whole School Trip
JULY
1st - F6 Secret Trip
10th - Last day of Term, Midday collection
