May 2009

Dear Parents,

It was good to be able to welcome parents to our Pre Prep Swimming Gala this week.  The competitive spirit was good to see and congratulations go to those pupils who received the "most improved" swimmer trophies:  Jasdeep Grewall and Bieren Ghateaura in Year 1 and Abigail Arkle and Blaine Rowe in Year 2.

Congratulations also go to the following pupils who recently took London School of Music Examinations - all passed with Grace Cameron-Douglas, Atamveer Chohan, Eleanor Ireland and Mandeep Rayat receiving Merits whilst Lucaya Darrall achieved a distinction for the flute.

The inter-house Netball took place last week with Page/Evans Houses being the jubilant winners of the shield.  Well done!

We have the following Sports Events to look forward to after half term.

Wednesday 3^rd June        3.00 p.m. Penn Area Swimming Gala

Thursday 4^th June           2.30 p.m. Pre Prep Sports

Thursday 18^th June         2.30 p.m. Nursery Sports

Monday 22^nd June           2.00 p.m. Junior Sports

Parents of pupils who attend Modern Dance are invited to attend the dance session on Wednesday 10^th June at 4.30 p.m. in the hall.  Pupils will be able to present to you dances on which they have been working during the last few weeks.

On Friday 5^th June we are to have a non uniform day with a sports theme.  This will be to raise money for the Air Ambulance.

Reports will go out to both Pre Prep and Junior department on Friday 19^th June.  Following this there will be a consultation evening, on Thursday 24^th June for parents of pupils in Years 3 4 & 5.

Junior School Speech Day and Prize Giving Ceremony will take place in the Chapel on Saturday 27^th June at 11 a.m.  All pupils in Years 3 to 6 are expected to attend.  Pupils should be dropped off at Junior School and they will then process across the road with their class.  A buffet lunch in Clarence House, will follow the Ceremony.

Many of you will already be aware that Mrs. Christine Fellows, the Schools Director of Music will be retiring at the end of term.  She has worked at the school for 23 years, becoming Director of Music in 1991.  I take this opportunity to thank her for her wonderful input to the life of the School and, in particular, for the wide variety of musical and drama events she has organised over the years.

Choir members from Years 4, 5 & 6 will be performing their pantomime "Puss in Boots" on Thursday 18^th June at 5 p.m.  Parents of those involved are invited to attend.

Miss Sarah Smith has been appointed to assist Ian Hackett in teaching music throughout the School.

Further dates:

Week beginning Monday                    22^nd June - Bookfair

Tuesday 30^th June 4 p.m.                  Meeting for parents of Nursery children moving into Reception

Tuesday 16^th June                             Reception & Year 1 to Ray's Farm

Friday 19^th June                                Years 2 & 3 trip to Tamworth Castle

Monday 29^th June                              Years 4 & 5 trip to West Midlands Safari Park

Tuesday 30^th June                             Year 6 trip to RAF Cosford

Wednesday 1^st July                            Nursery trip to Dudley Zoo

Yours sincerely,

Mrs. M. Saunders

Head of Junior School.