Dear Parents and Carers,

Eco-week has been an excellent finale to this first half of the spring term! My favourite outcome has been children working with other year groups, inspiring and supporting each other, working collaboratively and gaining in confidence as they move out of their usual classroom setting. I’m so looking forward to our summer celebration and exhibition on Tuesday 7th July when you’ll see all that’s been created across these four activity days. You’ll be amazed at the quality of work and the children have learnt so much about our local area! Do take a walk up on Pewley Down over the half term break to see if the children can remember any local history and geography or identify some of the flora and fauna!

Our Spanish visitors have also had a wonderful week, joining in with all the learning activities, as well as getting to know children across the school. We’re especially grateful to our host families who have been really generous in making the stay so positive for them all, and we look forward to a return visit in the summer term.

We were very concerned earlier this week to find a wrapper dropped in the playground at the juniors for a chocolate and nut bar. Even worse, a boy with a severe nut allergy was helping to keep the site tidy by picking up litter. We were so glad that he wasn’t hurt by this potential danger! Please keep all the children safe by not allowing any nuts to come into school. The children should not bring in any wrapped snack bars – the only snacks permitted at break time are fruit and vegetables.

As a staff, we’ve been thinking about our broad curriculum and considering whether our end of year reports give you the information that you need about your child’s progress across a wider range of subjects, rather than lots of detail about English and maths. We would love to hear from you about this topic – perhaps you could email me, or if you’d like to join a focus group discussion, we’d be really keen to hear your ideas. Let me know if you’d like to take part and we will endeavour to find a time that suits.

In case you like to plan ahead, I have an important date for your diaries. Our annual fun run will take place this year on Sunday 3rd May so do keep it free. This year we’ll be using both the adult and children’s runs to raise funds for the Pitch. Also, straight after the half term break we’ll be launching a crowd-funding website. If enough money comes in, we’ll be able to finalise a contract to complete the work over the summer! How exciting! Until then, I hope all of you have a really good holiday; see you all on Monday 24th February.

With best wishes, Clare

INFANT & JUNIOR

School is closed for half term next week (17-21 February) and re-opens on Monday 24 February.

Major Gas Works, Quarry Street, Guildford
Gas works will start in Quarry Street on Monday 17 February for a period of 16 weeks. More information at: https://one.network/?116247871

World Thinking Day, Monday 24 February
In celebration of World Thinking Day, Rainbows, Brownies and Guides are invited to wear their (brownie/guide) uniforms to school on Monday 24 February if they would like to.

INFANT

Lost:
Theo (Walnut Class) has lost his black hooded anorak, and his wellies (navy blue and white, Jojo Maman) in a beige cotton Topshop bag.

Menu: week 1 beginning 24 February

JUNIOR

Dates for the Diary

Monday 24 February
- Back to school
- Year 6 Bikeability Group II
- Writing Competition Deadline
- World Thinking Day (Rainbows, Brownies and Guides may wear their uniforms to school)
Tuesday 26 February - Safer Internet Day
Wednesday 27 February
- Y4 Visit to Science Museum
- Y4 Bentley Copse Info Mtg 7pm Parent Information evening
Saturday 29 February - HTSC Quiz Night 7pm
Tuesday 3 March - Parents Consultation Evening 6-8:30pm
Thursday 5 March - Parents Consultation Evening 4-6:30pm

Cancelled Clubs - W/C 24 February
Tuesday - Y6 netball (Everyone is playing in a match)
Wednesday - Hockey Club (Y6 hockey fixture v Guildford County School)

Cancelled Clubs - W/C 2 March
The following week is Parent Consultations week. The following teacher led clubs will not be running:
Tuesday - Early Morning Running Club, Making a meal of it, Shakespeare & Badminton
Wednesday - Girls Football, Origami, Cartoon Drawing, Knitting
Thursday - Y5 & 6 Football
Friday - Y6 Netball

Lost
A Zara Kids lightweight navy blue puffy jacket with a hood and pockets. Its length runs maybe a couple of inches above the knee. The waistline is emphased with extra cover stitch and there is a zip in the centre front of the jacket.

HT Sports

Registration for the 2020 Specsavers Surrey Youth Games opens on the 17th February. In today's assembly the children heard from Victor and Amelie who both attended the Games last year. Victor and Amelie gave a presentation explaining what the Games involve and how much they both enjoyed taking part. Look out for the leaflet that will be coming home in your child's bag this afternoon.

It was very sad that the girls who played football at QE and again at the Chelsea tournament the following day were unable to play in a HT football kit as there was none available to borrow. All kit needs to be washed and returned. Please don't keep hold of it thinking that your child will use it again.

Don't forget that there are a couple of changes to the clubs after half term.
Y5&6 tag rugby on a Monday will be replaced with Y3&Y4 tag rugby
Y5 badminton on a Tuesday will be replaced with Y6 badminton
Y3 dodgeball on a Thursday will be replaced with Y4 dodgeball.
Please email me (lauras@htpd.surrey.sch.uk) if you would like to add your child's name to the Y4 dodgeball as there are only 5 spaces left.

Fixtures

Y6 Netball v Tormead
Date: Tuesday 25th February
Time: 3.30pm - 4.30pm (Parents to help with lifts)
Venue: Cranley Rd, GU1 2JD
Teacher: Laura

Y6 Girls and Boys Hockey v Guildford County School
Date: Wednesday 26th February
Time: 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Venue: Holy Trinity
Teacher: Mary

Y5 Netball Tournament
Date: Friday 28th February
Time: 1.00pm - 4.00pm (Parents to help with lifts from 12.30pm)
Venue: St Cat's, Station Rd, Bramley, GU5 0DF
Teacher: Laura

Y3 & Y4 Football Tournament
Date: Friday 28th February
Time: 3.30pm - 5.30pm (Parents to help with lifts from 3.15pm)
Venue: QE, Queen Eleanor's Rd. GU2 7SD
Teacher: Toby & Nick

Menu - Week 2 w/c 24 February

FOPS News

Happy Valentine’s Day/Happy half term end! This week it's a shortish newsletter but one that it is quite full of information.

Top of the list is our thanks to everyone who helped at the Bedtime Stories on Wednesday including with the uniform sale and Pewley Knit. A special thank you to Anne McClave, Ashley Givens and Becky Srivastava who fabulously took on the organisation.

I have heard great feedback about the hot chocolate in particular ;)

And now, the events to look forward to:

All school events:
6th March - Phil the Bag, if you are clearing out over half term, please do put aside wearable clothes and textiles when you are clearing out. The collection is now booked so this is a confirmed date.

29th March - Bake and stroll

Sunday 3rd May - The HTPD Fun Run 2020 at Sutherland Memorial Park. Please save the date for this important fundraising event for the school. More information will follow in due course.

Year 2 Only: Year 2 are planning an afternoon picnic and overnight camp for your families at the Chantry Wood campsite. The Council are will not be able to confirm until April, but we have asked for the 27th June and we are first on the list so watch this space

Next cake sales:
25th Feb - Chestnut pancake sale
28th Feb - Walnut cake sale

Next coffee mornings/drinks:
Yr 2 Coffee: Monday 24th Feb at Cafe Nero on North Street (after drop off)

Please also remember if you are away this half term to bring in your spare/left over foreign currency for the collection pot (held with Ruth). Coins and notes welcome!

Thanks, Jo and Sam

HTSC News

Hope you have a lovely half term. Just a few things to remind you of before we break for the week.

Quiz Night
Our infamous quiz night hosted and compiled by the brilliant partnership of Geraldine (school librarian) and her husband, Michael, will be on Saturday 29 February. This event is for grown-ups only, so start gathering your teams together and brush up on your general knowledge. That thing your saw on Reddit might score you a point! There will be a fully stocked bar and a delicious curry will be provided by Raj Doot in Burpham. Tickets are £12.50 per person – please drop in exact cash or cheque payable to HTSC to the school office in an envelope with your email address/number of tickets by Weds 26th February. Teams of no more than 10 people please.

Phil the bag – 6 March
If you are thinking of having a spring clear out over half term, please bag up your unwanted clothing, shoes, curtains for a Phil the Bag collection. We get paid by weight, although items must be in good condition (not stained) as they will eventually be re-sold. You can drop your bags in the Atrium at HT from Monday 2 March.

HTPD Fun Run – Save the Date Sunday 3 May
This fabulous family fun event is back at Sutherland Memorial Park, Burpham – please pop 3rd May in your diaries. More details to follow later in the term.

Reminder - dates for your diary:
HTSC Quiz Night – Saturday 29th February (school hall) from 7pm
Cake sale (Year 4) – Friday 6th March
Cake Sale (Year 3) – Friday 13th March
Fun Run – 3rd May (TBC)
Summer Fair – Friday 12th June 6-8pm

If you have any questions, please email helen@thomasday.co.uk and I’ll endeavour to get back to you as soon as I can.

Thank you again for all your support - have a happy weekend!

Passion of Jesus plays - 11 April 2020 @ Wintershall
Live in Trafalgar Square 10 April - download flyer
Guildford 11 April 2020 - download flyer

 

Dear Parents & Carers

I’m so looking forward to next week in school. The teachers have put together a whole range of exciting and creative learning opportunities, all as part of this year’s Curriculum Week which, for 2020, has an eco-theme. This year, because it’s the centenary of Pewley Down open space being gifted to the people of Guildford by the Friary Brewery, we’re basing all the learning on this unique piece of beautiful countryside. During the mornings, the children will be working with their house group instead of their class; it’s a chance for them to mix across year groups, for some to work with their siblings, as well as to get to know other teachers and be inspired by older children. Each day will have a different focus, whether it’s local history, geography, science habitats or art and poetry. I’m sure that the week will bring huge benefits to all of us – we’ll be reminded of the importance of open spaces, how essential they are for our wellbeing, how they support wildlife and conservation of habitats, and how lucky we are to be so close to such a beautiful spot!

Then later in the year, we’ll be joining in with a community event and exhibiting some of the children’s work from this week. Save the date in your diaries now; on Tuesday 7th July, we’ll be marking the 100 years of Pewley Down with a special open-air assembly, and an exciting showcase of the best work from across the school. More details to follow.

For next week, the children can wear their house t-shirts and usual uniform. Keep an eye on year group information as many of the classes will be making use of the school’s proximity to this area of outstanding natural beauty with a walk to Pewley Down and a chance to enjoy the view from the sundial!

For years 2-5 there is an author visit to look forward to on Wednesday afternoon. We’re so grateful to Geraldine, our librarian for arranging this sort of extra opportunity. It will introduce the children to the work of Sam Copeland (which is sure to be full of laughs!), as well as hopefully inspire another generation of writers. Please do consider buying one of his books – he’ll be signing them at the end of the session.

Also next week, we’ll be welcoming children from our partner school in Aguilar da Campoo, Spain. We’re hugely grateful to our host families for volunteering to look after our visitors, but hope that all of the children at HTPD will benefit from this project, getting to meet children from another country and welcoming strangers into our midst with open-hearted kindness.

Then on Friday, it’s our second Fluffy of the year. Do come in and join us if you’re able to help out, and remember to send in £1 to cover the costs of running this event. It’s always such a highlight, and a fantastic way to round off an excellent half term! It promises to be an exciting week!

With best wishes, Clare

Thought of the week: “Whoever follows me will have the light of life,” John 8 v12. Whose paces do you pursue?

INFANT AND JUNIOR

World Thinking Day, Monday 24 February
In celebration of World Thinking Day, Rainbows, Brownies and Guides are all invited to wear their (brownie/guide) uniforms to school on Monday 24 February if they would like to.

Infant School Notices

Curriculum Week, 10 – 13 February
All year groups will be taking part in curriculum week (more details in Clare’s letter above).

Children should come to school in their house t-shirt with school uniform from Monday to Thursday.

They will also need to have a coat and wellies in school every day.

Year 2 will not be swimming on Wednesday 12th.

Bedtime Story, Wednesday 12 February, 5.15 – 6.00 pm
We look forward to seeing you at the Bedtime Story on Wednesday. Children (wearing their pyjamas, onesies etc) should go straight to their classrooms on arrival for a story with their teacher. Parents are invited to the hall where FOPS will be providing refreshments (see below).

Fluffy Friday, 14 February
Children may come to school in their own home clothes (mufti) for Fluffy Friday and bring in a £1 contribution towards resources for the day.

Club cancellations
There will be no Handwriting with Bridgit all next week (commencing 10 February).
Football Club with Georgie is cancelled next Tuesday 11 February.

Lost: Levi (Walnut) has lost his blue Sonic the Hedgehog hat.

Found (at the disco):
Black IA t-shirt – size 7-8
Girls’ bracelet – lots of pretty charms including a unicorn and rainbow cloud
Very small torch on a lanyard.

Menu: Week 3 beginning 10 February.

Junior School Notices

Dates for the diary
Monday 10th February - ECO Week & Year 6 Bikeability Group I (Mon - Fri)
Wednesday 12th February - No swimming 
Wednesday 12th February - Sam Copeland Author visit
Friday 14th February - Fluffy Friday - Please bring £1
Monday 17th February - Half Term (Mon - Fri)

Missing bag
Please do check that your child hasn’t picked up Harvey's bag (black Adidas 3 gold stripes with Real Madrid logo) from the Year 6 cloakroom. It is currently missing. 

French enrichment suggestion:
Louise, our KS2 French teacher, wanted to pass on her idea for a half term day out. During the break, ferry prices to France are quite reasonable as it’s off peak. You can get to Calais, spend a day in France (there is a great beach 20 minutes from Calais at a village called Wissant), have lunch in a French cafe/restaurant and do some shopping in Carrefour supermarket at Cite d'Europe. It’s a great day out and provides a terrific learning experience for children (return for 3 with car £45).

Author Visit
On Wednesday afternoon we are having a visit from Sam Copeland, author of three books the latest being"Charlie Morphs Into a Mammoth". Please remember to send in money if you want your child to get a book. We have secured a discount for this event, books are £5.60 each. All the titles will be available. Please see earlier parent mail for pre orders.

Menu - Week 1

HT Sports

Clubs
There are a couple of changes to the clubs after half term.
Y5&6 tag rugby on a Monday will be replaced by Y3 & Y4 tag rugby
Y3 dodgeball on a Thursday will be replaced by Y4 dodgeball.
Please email me (lauras@htpd.surrey.sch.uk) if you would like to add your child's name to Y4 dodgeball as there are only 24 spaces available.

Fixtures
Y5 & Y6 Football v Bushy Hill
Date: Tuesday 11th February
Time: 3.30pm - 4.30pm (Parents to help with lifts)
Venue: Bushy Hill Junior School, Sheeplands Ave, Merrow, GU1 2SG
Teacher: Toby

Guildford Primary Schools XC
Date: Thursday 13th February
Time: 3.30pm - 4.30pm (parents to help with lifts)
Venue: St. Joseph’s Primary School, Aldershot Rd, Guildford, GU2 8YH
(everyone meets and collects at Rydes Hill Common, which is approximately 400 metres from the school up Rydes Hill Road. There is a bus lay-by at the top of Rydes Hill Road, which marks the entrance to the common. Parking is available on Rydes Hill Road, Byrefield Road and Belmont Avenue. Please don’t try to park at St. Joseph’s)
Teacher: Nick & Laura
 

FOPS News

Most of this newsletter is dedicated to thank yous, and particularly related to last week's disco and this afternoon's Pewley knit stall.

Number 1) Thank you to all of the children who were at the disco last week, and a particularly a huge thank you if your parents were helping out - we recognise that you also have to share your family time. Without exception, the feedback from us/FOPs and also everyone who has spoken to us was that everyone was so well behaved, and made the event fun and really enjoyable.

Number 2) Thank you to the volunteer army! Thanks to those who set up, lent equipment, DJed, helped on the bar, cleared up, stood by the doors, and generally helped ensure everyone’s safety and entertainment.

Number 3) Thank you to everyone who spent money - we raised £1311 profit, which we believe is a record, and we limited the ticket numbers this year.

Number 4) Thank you to Pewley knit for your amazing efforts at crafting again - this time for our Valentine’s sale.

Bedtime Story: Wednesday 12th February 5.15pm-6pm
We look forward to seeing you at the bedtime story this Wednesday! Children (dressed in pyjamas / onesies) are invited to their classrooms at 5.15pm for a bedtime story with their teacher. Children at PUPs will be joining in the fun too, just make sure they bring in their pyjamas. Hot chocolate and a biscuit will be served by the Class FOPs Reps for all children (allergies will, of course, be catered for). Parents, should they wish to stay, are welcome in the hall for hot drinks and biscuits. There will also a second-hand uniform sale in the hall.

Other dates for the diary:

6th March - Phil the Bag, please do start putting aside clothes and textiles when you are clearing out. The collection is now booked so this is a confirmed date and we will send further details out soon.

29th March - Bake and stroll

Next cake sales:
25th Feb - Chestnut pancake sale
28th Feb - Walnut cake sale

Next coffee mornings/drinks:
Yr 2 Coffee: Monday 24th Feb at Cafe Nero on North Street (after drop off)

HTSC News

Hi Everyone,

Cake Sales
Cake sales are back for this term. Please donate cakes for your year group on the dates below (no nuts please). Your class/year reps will be in contact on your WhatsApp groups for volunteers for helping on the day.

Quiz Night
Our infamous quiz night hosted and compiled by the brilliant partnership of Geraldine (school librarian) and her husband, Michael, will be on Saturday 29th February. This event is for grown-ups only, so start gathering your teams together and brush up on your general knowledge. That thing your saw on Reddit might score you a point! There will be a fully stocked bar and a delicious curry will be provided by Raj Doot in Burpham. An order form will be sent via Parentmail this weekend. Numbers for this event are limited so please get your booking form in as soon as possible.

Outdoor Cinema Equipment
Does anyone have access to equipment that could be used as an outdoor cinema in the Summer term?

Reminder - dates for your diary:
HTSC Quiz Night – Saturday 29th February (school hall) from 7pm
Cake sale (Year 4) – Friday 6th March
Cake Sale (Year 3) – Friday 13th March
Fun Run – 2nd or 3rd May (TBC)

Summer Fair – Friday 12th June 6-8pm
If you have any questions, please email helen@thomasday.co.uk and I’ll endeavour to get back to you as soon as I can.

Thank you again for all your support - have a happy weekend!
Kind regards, HTSC

Passion of Jesus plays - 11 April 2020 @ Wintershall
The Passion of Jesus Guildford 11 April 2020 - download flyer

FISH Playscheme Job Opportunities
Guildford Borough Council have job opportunities for the FISH playscheme during the Easter holidays. Please download information here.

1st Merrow Scout Group - Table Top Sale 
Table Top sale as a fundraiser on the 29 February 2020, download flyer here.