22 November 2024
On Monday, as part of their history topic learning about The Great Fire of London, Year 2 enjoyed a trip to London to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral. They climbed over 200 steps to visit the Whispering Gallery and learned there were four previous versions of the cathedral. The children found out about how fire has played such a huge part in the building's history. They had a brilliant time and represented the school superbly.
Last night Danni hosted the first HTPD ‘DT Evening’. Junior children signed up with a parent and were presented with an exciting challenge, to design and create a new assembly chair for me. To fulfill the brief, teams had to ensure the prototype or model of the chair was functional, comfortable and visually impressive, as well as meet specific practical requirements and represent my interests and hobbies. The teams rose to the challenge and the chairs were showcased in assembly this morning. Wow – what structures and creativity! The ideas generated were fantastic, all were different, and I loved the practical additions such as cup holders for my coffee, book storage for my lonely planet guides and one even had somewhere for me to keep my yoga mat! The embellishments continued with cushions, goggles for my swimming sessions and even my own aquarium! Everyone had a fantastic evening; DT skills were certainly put to the test and the task really demonstrated some of the benefits of play - problem solving, communication, collaboration and best of all fun – all without a screen!
Last Friday, our fantastic Year 6 netball team competed at Surrey Sports Park in the Wey Valley Guildford Schools Netball Tournament. The team played exceptionally well, winning all their group-stage matches and advancing to a thrilling final against Queen Eleanor's. With the score tied at 2-2 at the final whistle, the game went into extra time, where we secured a dramatic winning goal to emerge as the overall champions. It was a fantastic event, and the entire team displayed wonderful spirit and determination throughout.
Just a reminder, school uniform should be worn at all times. Details of the school uniform can be found on the website here. Plain navy leggings can be worn for PE but not as a replacement for school uniform. During cold weather, plain leggings may be worn instead of tights under a school skirt or trousers; however, not instead of.
We are sad to announce that Bridgit, HSLW at Pewley, has resigned from her post. We know that many of you have been helped by Bridgit over the years and will also be sad to see her leave. We wish her all the very best as she pursues other interests.
Huge congratulations to our very hardworking teams in the school kitchens! Both school kitchens were inspected this week and retained their 5 star hygiene rating.
If you are collecting your junior child/ren either during the school day or after school from Clubs+, please could you let the office staff know that you are a parent collecting your child along with your child’s name, when requesting that the gate is opened. This helps us keep our school safe and keep track of who is entering the school site – many thanks.
Next week, we look forward to our House Cross Country events at the juniors. I hope you can join us next Friday 29 November, for the Holy Trinity Christmas Fair at The Spike, starting with the choir and carols at 16:40.
Have a wonderful weekend, keep warm!
Vicky
Thought of the week: ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ Martin Luther King
WHOLE SCHOOL
Parent Governor Election We currently have two parent governor vacancies on the HTPD governing body as the terms of office of our previous parent governors (Sam Ludlow Taylor and Dave Harris) have come to an end. We are therefore inviting nominations from parents of pupils in both schools. One parent governor will be elected by the parents of pupils at Pewley Down, and one by the parents of pupils at Holy Trinity. Please see the ParentMail coming out this afternoon. Further information on the governor role and the nomination process is also available on the website following this link.
Infant
Parking
Unfortunately, I am receiving repeated communication from residents on Semaphore Road that their driveways are blocked and parents are parking on pavements. Please could Pewley parents avoid parking on the pavements at drop-off and collection times. Blocking the pavements is very dangerous for pedestrians, including other parents who are walking children to and from school, particularly if they have prams or buggies. The school operates an informal 'one way' system for parents driving to school to ease traffic congestion in Semaphore Road. Please could you drive down Semaphore Road from the Pewley Hill end and avoid driving up from the Pewley Way end. This will also greatly ease traffic congestion at the beginning and end of the day - many thanks. Vicky
Sandwich choice form - reminder
Children will be having a packed lunch at Holy Trinity Church on the day of the Christmas Play, 10 December. If your child usually has a school lunch, please complete the ParentMail sandwich choice form by 9.00am next Tuesday 26 November.
Ballet Club Show, Thursday 28 November
Parents should arrive at 3.30pm for the Christmas ballet performance of the Nutcracker.
Christmas Play, “Born in a Barn“, Tuesday 10 December, 2.00pm
This year the Christmas play will again be performed at Holy Trinity church. The children will rehearse in the morning at the church and will have a packed lunch, provided by school. The performance will finish before 3.00pm and children can be taken home from the church. There is more information in the ParentMail sent out yesterday.
As usual, tickets are limited to two per family. A ParentMail will be coming out next week for you to order tickets (either one or two for 10 December). If we have further availability, we will let you know.
School Christmas lunch, Wednesday 18 December
If your child usually has a packed lunch but would like a school Christmas lunch on the 18th, please let us know by Monday 9 December. Christmas lunch menu.
Menu: week 3 beginning 25 November
See below for FOPS News.
Junior
Dates for the diary
- Monday 25 November – 3N Swimming
- Wednesday 27 November - 4SJ Swimming
- Friday 29 November – HT Christmas Fair and Choir Performance at The Spike – (please see ParentMail for details)
- Monday 9 December - Christmas Play “A Christmas Carol” at HT Church - A matinée (1.30pm) and an evening performance (7pm) for Keller and Mandela
- Wednesday 11 December - Christmas Play “A Christmas Carol” at HT Church - A matinée (1.30pm) and an evening performance (7pm) for Shackleton and Nightingale (please see ParentMail for details)
Cancelled Clubs
- Monday 25 November – Y5 netball cancelled
Menu: week 3 beginning 25 November
Sport Fixtures
We are hoping to have our House Cross County races next week but Storm Bert may have other ideas. It is forecast to rain a lot over the weekend and we will make a decision about whether to go ahead with the races on Monday morning.
Please can your child bring in to school with a spare pair of shoes on the day of their race, and please ensure they don't wear trainers you do not wish to get muddy.
Monday 25 November: Y5 & Y6 House Cross County - during the school day.
Y5 Netball Club - cancelled
Tuesday 26 November: Y3 House Cross Country - during the school day.
Wednesday 27 November: Y4 Netball v St Cats - After school. The teams have been sent out on ParentMail.
Thursday 28 November: Y4 House Cross Country - during the school day.
Friday 29 November: 3N & 3L to Guildford County 11-12.30pm.
PTA
FOPS News
Keep an eye out next week for more information on the Pewley Down Infants Christmas fair, which is on Saturday 14th December, 2-5pm, plus raffle tickets and Story Time with Santa bookings.
These events need your support! A volunteer sign up form will also be live next week, but please do reach out if you’d like to help or have any donations for raffle prizes, via fops@htpd.surrey.sch.uk,or your class WhatsApp/reps.
Thank you, Your FOPS Team
HTSC
DT Night
Thank you to everyone who came along to the DT night on Thursday. It was so much fun, and raised over £400 for new DT equipment for the school! Keep an eye out for similar evenings in the new year.
Christmas Fair
The HT Christmas Fair at The Spike is this time next week! Kicking off at 4:30pm with a performance from the choir, you can collect your Christmas tree and enjoy some festive food, drink and games.
Tokens will be available to purchase to allow your kids to roam the fair freely without cash :) We'll be selling these in the playground after school next week. If anyone can help do this for 20 mins at pick up one day, please let your rep know!
We are still looking for a few more volunteers, and will be asking for donations of festive cakes and cookies next week so keep an eye on the Whats App groups. And please keep the Christmas jumpers coming.
Christmas movie night
HT children are invited to an after school festive screening of Elf in the Chapel on Friday 6th December. Christmas jumpers and festive accessories welcome!
Booking details will follow next week and be allocated on a first come, first served basis as numbers are limited, and all proceeds will go towards the Y6 leavers activities.
New Uniform
As some of you are aware, we have had major supplier issues this year with new uniform. We are currently resolving this, but ask that we halt all new orders coming in until we have a handle on realistic time lines and pricing structure.
For those who have outstanding unfulfilled orders, we are working very hard to get those items in ASAP. If you no longer require those items, please email Ashley Givens at ashley@cloudvacancy.com, and we will work out how to refund you.
Good news! We will be selling second hand uniform at the Christmas Fair next week, so if you have any urgent requirements, you might be able to get it there!
Thank you for your patience, and we aim to have this back up and running very soon.
Other
Kickstart Xmas Holiday Club – flyer below.