Behind the Study Door

Oh how the weather has turned! I write this on a Friday afternoon and the marquee opposite my study has played host to a number of different year groups today sheltering from the wind and rain, including the Year 6s who spent break time in there, and a few enterprising individuals galvanized the entire group to pass the time by singing some great songs. It encapsulated our spirit and it was lovely to see (and hear) them all together!

It's been another great week and it is terrifying how quickly we are hurtling towards Half Term. This week has been 'National Poetry Week', and I thought it appropriate to share a poem that Emma Adriano puts in the Pre-Prep Handbook, and one that I hope you and your children - whatever their age - will enjoy:

When I am building in the block room,

Please don’t say I’m “Just Playing.”

For, you see, I’m learning as I play,

About balance and shapes.

Who knows, I may be an an architect someday.

When I am getting all dressed up,

Setting the table, caring for the babies,

Don’t get the idea I’m “Just Playing.”

For, you see, I’m learning as I play.

I’m expressing myself and being creative.

I may be an artist or an inventor someday.

When you see me sitting in a chair

“Reading” to an imaginary audience,

Please don’t laugh and think I’m “Just Playing.”

For, you see, I’m learning as I play.

I may be a teacher someday.

When you see me combing the bushes for bugs,

Or packing my pockets with choice things I find,

Don’t pass it off as “Just Play.”

For, you see, I’m learning as I play.

I may be a scientist someday.

When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some

“plaything” at my school,

Please don’t feel that time is wasted in “Play.”

For, you see, I’m learning as I play.

I’m learning to solve problems and concentrate.

I may be in business some day.

When you see me cooking or tasting foods,

Please don’t think that because I enjoy it, it is “Just Play.”

For, you see, I’m learning as I play.

I’m learning to follow directions and see differences.

I may be a cook someday.

When you see me learning to skip, hop, run, and move my body,

Please don’t say I’m “Just Playing.”

For, you see, I’m learning as I play.

I’m learning how my body works.

I may be a doctor, nurse, or athlete someday.

When you ask me what I’ve done at school today,

And I say, I “Just played.”

Please don’t misunderstand me.

For, you see, I’m learning as I play.

I’m learning to enjoy and be successful at my work,

I’m preparing for tomorrow.

Today, I am a child and my work is play.

(Anita Wadley)

For parents of our older children, this poem caught my eye today:

A poem for someone who is juggling their life:

This is a poem for someone

who is juggling her life.

Be still sometimes.

Be still sometimes.

It needs repeating

over and over

to catch her attention

over and over,

as someone who is juggling her life

finds it difficult to hear.

Be still sometimes.

Be still sometimes.

Let it all fall sometimes.

(Rose Cook)

Next week is Dyslexia Awareness Week, and I shall post a series of videos and blogs to raise awareness of this.

Wishing all St George's families a happy weekend, wherever your adventures take you.

William Goldsmith

Golden Tree and Celebration Assembly

Kindergarten Bees

Luca S: for carefully making an amazing 'monster' out of playdough.

Yousuf T: for showing super enthusiasm when acting out the story of 'Room on the Broom'.

Kindergarten Ladybirds

Theo M: for showing great independence whilst getting ready for swimming. Well done!

Aarion K: for his big smile that makes his friends and teachers feel so happy!

Reception E

Cora A: for working really hard at everything she does and for joining in well with class conversations.

Alexander B: for being a very happy and polite class member and settling so well into his new school.

Reception P

Florence W-B: for using her sounds to blend and write words independently.

Saacha T: for being a kind member of class. She always plays nicely with her friends and demonstrates excellent sharing and turn taking.

1AG

Elliott B: for a great effort and always listening in Games lessons.

Millie C: for working hard in all lessons but particularly in Maths where she enjoys a challenge!

Maxi C: for always giving his very best in all lessons.

1JH

Jannah H: for always working hard and doing her best and for being so helpful in class.

Amaury A: for an amazing Windsor Castle fire picture in Art/History.

Summer D: for a big improvement in her reading and for doing her best in class.

2SS

Sanvir B: for super progress in Maths and working very well with a partner during practical lessons.

Judah H: for listening really well in lessons and making great progress with spellings in Read Write Inc.

Jonathan E: for showing a great interest in our History topic 'The Great Fire of London'.

2GA

Esmé M: for trying hard to work more independently in class.

Kourosh S: for brilliant work in Maths this week and for completing extension tasks.

Preet P: for trying hard with her work. She has been concentrating well in lessons.

3CH

Aarun D: for working hard in all subjects, especially in Maths, and wonderful manners.

Eloise A: for keen listening and good concentration, ensuring she completes all work set.

3ML

Harry L: for completing some outstanding Geography prep, researching the city of Athens.

Rosalie A: for focusing well in lessons and working very independently.

Special mention

Sebastian R: for making a fantastic video of himself making a fish trap for his homework.

HEAD MASTER'S COMMENDATIONS

Tomasz M: for writing a super 'point of view newspaper account on the Battle of Bosworth (a Ricardian point of view)

Joshan G, Ezrah H, Toby D, Kyan W: for teamwork when performing poetry aloud.

Aidan H and Thomas D: for brilliant, thought-provoking discussion on the class reader 'Street Child'.

Sarrinah S M B: for outstanding use of French and dedication to her homework.

Kimon L: for excellent effort and neatness in Maths.

Jonty O: for a mature and hardworking approach to all areas of his learning so far this term.

Sarrinah S M B: for helping to answer class questions on the Islamic religion so maturely during an RS lesson this week.

Toby C, Loïc C, George H, Tilly W and Leo M: for taking on roles in a class debate and presenting their arguments in a clear and articulate manner.

Seb H, Seb M and Inara H: for writing some excellent poetry this week.

Harry W, Max X and Mason S: for their fact-files on Charles Dickens.

Tomasz M: for showing consistent focus and effort in all tasks so far this term. He has made an excellent start to his time at St George's.

Savannah K, Harry W, Nefeli M, Owen H, Callum B and Isla M: for their positive contributions in Science lessons and excellent work.

Siena L: for listening well and always giving her best.

Baptiste A: for always having excellent manners.

Gracie M: for keeping positive and persevering extremely well to make excellent progress.

Poppy J: for planning and carrying out a quiz using emoji symbols to represent film titles which everybody had to work out.

Leo M: for thoughtful, wise and helpful contributions to class discussion in RS.

Celeste J-H, Harry M and Charlie W: for their driving games.

Nate M and Julian J: for their balloon pop games.

SPIRIT OF ST GEORGE'S AWARD

Sajan P an Oliver S: for showing great kindness and support towards their peers, always being polite and helpful to their teachers and demonstrating the excellent behaviour and manners expected of St George's pupils.

Thomas K: for always showing gratitude and good manners.

Eddie G: for kindness to others.

Kyan W: for politeness to staff and kindness to others.

Leo M and Max A: for really helping to get LAMDA off to such a great start this week.

Ben C: for getting fully immersed into boarding life and getting involved with everything on offer.

Tom V: for showing grit and determination in boarding.

VIEWS FROM THE SCHOOL THIS WEEK