ℯNEWS November, 28 2025
During assembly, Mrs Hampton focused on two of our school behaviour codes, being kind and being respectful. Pupils were very quick to share their ideas and views on what kindness means to them and how we can treat our peers and the people in our community respectfully. Mrs Hampton tasked the children with a challenge to do five kind things for the people within our school and further community.
Junior Christmas Play and Senior Choir Performance - Thursday 11 December
The performance will take place at St John’s Church, a short walk from school, at 2.30 pm. As mentioned in the previous eNews, the Parents Fundraising Committee will also hold a bake sale after the whole performance has concluded.
We have arranged for a professional videographer to film the performance, and copies will be available to purchase. Please contact the school office if you are interested. There will be no after-school clubs running on this day.
A week in Literacy and Learning
Form Five Trip to Halcyon International School Literary Festival
On Tuesday, Form Five joined forces with another local Year Five cohort as guests at a very special storytelling event hosted by Halcyon International School as part of their Literary Festival. The children were regaled by the very accomplished storyteller, Chip Colquhoun. https://storytellerchip.com/
Led by Chip, the children participated as characters in a captivating story. He kept the children (and the teachers) on the edge of their seats, as the story moved through twists and turns, peppered with clever humour, to an unpredictable but satisfying ending.
Later that evening, in a professional development session with teachers, Chip emphasised the crucial role that reading plays in the development of children’s minds and characters, reminding us of the proven fact that children who read for pleasure perform better across all subjects. ‘Stories activate all the areas of the brain needed for learning’. This is the perfect note to end this week’s special focus in CHS on Reading for Pleasure.
Book Fair in collaboration with Daunt Books
Our Daunt Book Fair on Wednesday was a wonderful celebration of stories and imagination! Pupils explored tables brimming with brilliant titles, carefully choosing a wide range of books to really get their teeth into — from daring adventures to laugh-out-loud tales.
Not only did everyone discover exciting new reads, but every purchase also helps our school grow its own library. All profits from the fair will go towards buying brand new books for classrooms and the library, ensuring the joy of reading continues to flourish for all.
Virtual Coffee Morning with Mrs Hampton and co-heads of English, Mrs Wells and Mrs Walsh
Thank you to all the parents who joined our recent virtual coffee morning focused on reading. We hope the session offered a clearer understanding of the Read Write Inc. phonics scheme for our younger learners, along with ideas on how to continue supporting children as they move through the school, keeping their reading skills growing and their excitement for books alive.
It was lovely to share guidance, answer questions, and enjoy a friendly chat over a cup of coffee. By working together, we can help every child gain confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading.
We truly appreciate your ongoing support — it makes all the difference to our readers of today and the storytellers of tomorrow.
Form Five & Six Trip to Francis Holland School, Regent's Park
Francis Holland Regent’s Park invited CHS pupils to the theatre. Death and feuding were on the menu for Forms Five and Six as they watched an outstanding performance of Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare's classic love story was staged by the senior girls Forms 10 & 11. The acting was impeccable, the music masterful, and the choreography perfect. There was even a chance to meet up with former alumni Kira in Year 7 and Beth in Year 12.
Festive Postbox - Monday 1st Dec - Wednesday 10th
The festive postbox will be open from Monday, 1st December, and will close on Wednesday, 10th December, in the morning. When our CHS Form Six elves will help deliver the cards and festive cheer in the afternoon on Wednesday, 10th December.
Selection of Senior Pupils to Penfold Community Hub
On Friday, 5th December, our Form Five and Six pupils will visit the Penfold Community Hub as part of our ongoing community partnership. They will be singing a selection of Christmas carols and delivering festive cards created by pupils from across the school for the residents to enjoy.
This visit is a lovely opportunity for our children to connect with others in the community and to share some seasonal goodwill. We are pleased to see our pupils taking part and helping to strengthen these valued local links.
House Points
Clifton = 2009 Sussex = 1945
Form Six Open Dance
Form Six will showcase all they have learnt with Miss Ellie this term in an Open Dance Session, taking place on Wednesday 3 December. This will mark the end of their dance lessons with Miss Ellie for the term so we hope Form Six parents are able to join the pupils in their showcase.
Form Two and Three Open Swim
Forms Two and Three will dive into their Open Swim session on Friday 5th December to mark the end of their swimming lessons for this year. We are looking forward to seeing parents there to see the wonderful progress the children have made. In January Form Two and Three will join Mr Murray-White in the gymnasium when the children head to Kensington Leisure Centre.
Parents Fundraising Committee
Marylebone’s Women’s Project
On Friday, 5 December, the Parents' Fundraising Committee will be collecting canned goods and women's clothing for donation to the Marylebone Women's Project. Please drop off your donations between 8:30 am - 9 am outside the school.
Bake Sale
On Thursday, 11 December, there will be a Bake Sale after the Junior Play and Senior Choir concert. Last year's bake sale was a great success. Please drop off your baked goods at the start of the concert, and include a list of all ingredients (no allergens please; NO NUTS and SESAME)—more information to come.
Artwork of the week
Alan, in Form Five, for a brilliant effort with drawing a self-portrait. Fantastic use of tone to create the features of the face, well done, Alan!
Upcoming Dates for Your Diary
December
3rd F6 OPEN DANCE - Parents welcome (further details to follow)
5th Christmas Collection for The Marylebone Project
5th F2 & F3 OPEN SWIM - Parents welcome (further details to follow)
5th A selection of Senior pupils to Penfold Community Hub
11th Carol Concert & Junior Play, 2.30pm (further details to follow)
12th End of term
January
6th Start of Term
