BEHIND THE STUDY DOOR
Two events have resonated with me this week. The first was the Pumpkin Party, organised by our wonderful PA, and held in St Katharines Hall on Friday, 4 November. A full report follows along with many pictures of the event, but if there was ever to be validation of what a special school community St Leonards is, it was demonstrated in the event which saw parents, children, our PA, sixth form students and staff come together to provide a wonderful evening for everyone. The teamwork and dedication shown by our parents, in the setting up, running of and clearing away of the event is evidence of the support, loyalty and affection shown towards the school.
The second event was entirely pupil led. In our Armistice Day Assembly and Act of Remembrance, they did their teachers, parents and themselves proud. From Year 1 upwards, they all contributed to a very moving service and responded with appropriate decorum to the importance of the event.
Two very different events, but both requiring collaboration, compassion and a willingness to contribute to a community.
I shall be in London over the next two days at the Independent Schools Show in Battersea, joining 200 other Independent Prep and Senior Schools showing off all we have to offer. What makes my marketing role easier is the sheer pride I have in being involved with this community, not least with these two events fresh in my mind.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
William Goldsmith, 11 November 2016
The annual Junior School Pumpkin Party took place on Friday evening and was a resounding success. Over 100 children attended, over a hundred doughnuts were eaten and lots of apples were dooked for! Mr Goldsmith was a very busy quiz master for the evening.
The Fancy Dress competition was again very popular with children wearing a wonderful array of costumes, some quite topical.
Without the help of parent volunteers the evening would not have been possible. A very special thanks goes to the team who ran the stalls and also importantly those who helped behind the scenes.
A number of IB students also worked really hard and were invaluable in making the evening a success. Head Girl, Linsey Scott and Head Boy, Justus Imkampe judged the Costume and Pumpkin Carving competitions.
VISIT FROM CERES FOLK MUSEUM
On Tuesday Year 2 were visited by two volunteers from Ceres Folk Museum who allowed us to handle a huge variety of artefacts that would have been found in homes and schools in days gone by. Our favourite artefacts were the train set, the carpet cleaner and the handwriting booklets. We are really looking forward to setting up our own museum in our classroom next week!
YEAR 4 VISIT CDR
Year 4 visited the CDR on Wednesday as part of their Unit of Inquiry – Our physical health is influenced by the choices we make.
Laura Paterson invited us in to the back of the school kitchen where we were given an insight into all that goes on during an average day – from the arrival of the fresh, local produce early in the morning to the clearing up after the boarders have had their evening meal at 6.30. We learned that even the daily waste is weighed and recorded – providing important information to help with future catering.
The dry store is one massive pantry – home to sacks of sugar, rice, pasta, large tins of tomatoes, beans, cereal for boarders’ breakfasts, tins of exotic fruits and much more. It was in this store that Laura answered many varied questions posed by the pupils.
We found out that nearly 600 people are fed at lunch time every day, in under a minute per person. There are seventeen members of staff, allowing the department to run smoothly. There are 53 special dietary requirements to be taken into account each time.
A highlight for many was being led into the walk-in fridge, where we saw the fresh meat and vegetables and trays of eggs. The pupils could not believe that it was big enough to accommodate two classes and three adults, with room to spare! A quick visit into the freezer was more than long enough.
Moving into the kitchen itself we were amazed by the size of all the equipment. The two ovens, with twenty shelves each, would be taller than Mr Goldsmith. The meats or vegetables are mixed in a huge container using a paddle, an implement like an oar.
When we reached the serving area, the pupils finally recognised where they were – and just in time for their morning snack.
It was a really worthwhile visit. Year 4 learned a lot about how the catering department do their best to provide us with healthy, nutritious meals. Thank you, Laura. You have given us much to reflect upon.
There was a sense of poignancy this morning, as the Pupils, Staff and Parents of St Leonards Junior School gathered for our Armistice Day Assembly and Act of Remembrance. Paying tribute to the five St Leonards Seniors who gave their lives through conflict, pupils from all year groups participated in the service of readings, poetry and music. Our Year 7s led the Act of Remembrance in front of Hepburn House to remember all those who have given their lives in war, especially the 400,000 British soldiers who died in the Somme a century ago.
The Pupils are to be congratulated for their composure this morning.
ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME
7C were fortunate to welcome Dr. Gillian Thomson to their Latin lesson earlier this week. Having spent half-term in the Eternal City, she was kind enough to share her family photos and experiences with us.
We were treated to a whistle- stop tour of Italy’s capital from the Vatican and St Peters, to the Coliseum and Parthenon via the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.
Dr. Thomson enthusiastically delivered an entertaining mix of fun facts, anecdotes and historical information, ably assisted by her daughter, Faye. A big thank you to both of them. Year 7 were left debating whether a school expedition to Rome might even top the French trip!
WOODLAND CLUB - CAMBO ESTATE, KINGSBARNS
We have received information from Chris Childe, a freelance Environmental Educator specialising in Forest School and Earth Education. For the last four years he has been successfully running woodland clubs at Cambo Estate.
He will be running an outdoor woodland holiday club for 6-12 year olds at Cambo Estate on Thursday, 29 - Friday, 30 December.
Bookings made before Wednesday, 30 December will receive £10 off the normal booking price of £50.
If you would like to hear more, please contact Chris directly on: chris.childe_education@yahoo.co.uk.
The School has no experience of this club, so cannot give a personal recommendation.
PARENTS ASSOCIATION FUNDRAISING FOR ST LEONARDS
The Parents Association is pleased to let you know that we have raised enough money to fund 3 items on the Headmaster’s Wish List!
1. Modular Staging worth £5,536 requested by the Drama Department.
2. New Plasma Screen in the Junior School needed for presentations to students and parents for £1000.
3. New Junior School play equipment for £1000.
A very big thank you to all of you for all your support at all our events and and fundraising activities this past year!
The Parents Association
ON BEHALF OF THE SCHOOL, WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE PARENTS ASSOCIATION FOR THEIR GENEROSITY IN DONATING ITEMS WHICH WILL MAKE SUCH A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE SCHOOL.
BAKE SALE IN AID OF CHILDREN IN NEED
On Friday, 18 November, Katie, Millie, Sophie and Eva and will be selling their home made cakes to raise money for Children in Need. The sale will take place during afternoon break and from 4.00-5.30pm. Their delicious cakes will cost 50p - £1, and all money raised will go towards this very worthwhile cause. Don't forget some money to be able to enjoy their tremendous efforts!
MANY HAPPY RETURNS TO... Jamie and Joe
A COMPETITION FOR THIS WEEK'S THEME
I challenge you to come up with eight ways to make your brain flourish, using the letters: F L O U R I S H.
Please email me your answers, and the best ideas will be used in Assembly next week and displayed in the atrium.