Dear Parents and Carers,

What a brilliant week it’s been! Year 5 have been away on their residential trip to Brenscombe Farm in Dorset, and by all accounts they’ve had a wonderful time, looking at the geography of the Jurassic Coast, as well as enjoying high ropes, canoeing and Corfe Castle! Hopefully, they’ll arrive home on time later this afternoon with plenty of stories of adventure, fun and friendship. Year 1 also enjoyed their science trip to Wisley earlier in the week learning all about plants; Year 2 are out and about today in Guildford, learning about local geography; and 3N have immersed themselves in learning about the importance of the home front in the Second World War at Henley Fort, with the other year 3 classes looking forward to their turn next week.

Meanwhile, back in school, all the children in Year 6 have impressed us with their conscientious and determined approach to their SATS tests. Together with all the Year 6 children across the country, they’ve worked hard each morning with first English and then maths papers that demanded real concentration. It was excellent to see children making the most of every second, correcting mistakes right up to the final minute, and proudly grinning to themselves when they successfully struggled on to find an answer. They should all feel very proud of themselves, and their fun day out at Horseshoe Lake is well deserved!

For those of us back in school today, we’ve benefited from the expertise and dedication of a team from Emmaus Road Church. This weekend is Pentecost, and Christians celebrate God’s Holy Spirit being poured out on earth, bringing hope and transforming lives. As an organisation, Emmaus Road help others to pray in creative and accessible ways and they turned our music room into an inspiring and beautiful prayer space with different themes and ideas for how to pray. The different stations helped us reflect on the comfort, hope, power and joy that the Holy Spirit brings, as well as inspiring us to pray for each other and the wider world. Some classes enjoyed time there today, and others will have an opportunity on Monday.

Next Friday is Fluffy – do remember to pay £1 to help us keep running this action-packed and fun day. And if you’d like to join us, we always welcome extra volunteers; just get in touch with your child’s teacher, or let the office know that you’re available. I’m leading a group who have all chosen to be “headteacher for the day” so they’ll be helping me write the newsletter next week! Until then, have a great final week before the half term break!

With much love,

Clare

Thought of the week: Bee satisfied! Are you too materialistic? “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.”

Whole School

Vacancies

We have 2 vacancies advertised on our website; we're recruiting to replace 2 much loved members of staff to whom we will be sad to say goodbye. Firstly, Nidhi who has been a strong presence in the Office. We will very much miss her when she leaves at the end of June. If you think that you might like to explore what the role entails, do have a look at our vacancies page and feel free to contact Bev Reed (bevr@htpd.surrey.sch.uk) if you think you may be interested in the role and would like to explore it further.  

In addition, we are looking for a new Clubs+/PUPs manager. Sam has done an excellent job looking after our extended school provision for many years now and we'll miss her when she moves on to pastures new. This role may suit someone who would really like to work with children and wants to make a difference to our wider school community, supporting families and continuing the tradition of making our after-school care the best it can be. If you know someone outside of our school network who may relish this role, please contact Bev to explore further. She would love to hear from you!

Bee Aware Week

This half term opportunity fits in "bee-autifully" with this term's assembly theme which involves us learning from the life of the honey bee!

From Saturday 25 May through to Saturday 1 June (May half term school holiday), Tunsgate Quarter in Guildford invites visitors along to ‘Bee Aware Week’; an exciting week-long event aiming to raise awareness amongst local people of the importance of bees, our local biodiversity, and looking after the environment.

There will be activities on each day of the event supported by a range of local environmental organisations such as Guildford Beekeeper’s Association, Zero Carbon Guildford and Guildford in Bloom, each offering workshops, talks and demonstrations. There will also be a variety of children’s arts and crafts and entertainment on offer such as face painting, films, and storytelling, plus the chance to ‘Meet the Bees’ with a transparent beehive on display in the centre and beekeeper suits to try on and take photos in! Please see the flyer below.

Clubs

If your child attends after-school clubs, do check the notices below by clicking on the junior or infant section.