School News and Head's Blog
Posted on: 7/03/2025Weekly News - Friday 7th March 2025
World Book Day Celebrations
School has been brimming with excitement and activity today to celebrate World Book Day. Our theme this year is non-fiction and the children have been very imaginative in their choice of costumes! Inspiring ideas included scientists, astronauts, animals, doctors, nurses, cooks and famous historical figures such as Albert Einstein, Amelia Earhart, Neil Armstrong and Coco Chanel. Lessons across school were filled with special themed activities to celebrate books and reading.
At Upper School there was a book-themed treasure hunt in the library and school grounds and a dedicated non-fiction assembly led by the English prefects. In lessons the children had a fun day making cupcakes from cookbooks, creating factual board games based on animal habitats, recording podcasts about space, and writing and presenting journalistic news reports on famous figures.
At Lower School the children made colourful bookmarks, wrote their own book reviews and enjoyed exploring the library. Kingfishers presented a charming themed assembly for parents to mark World Book Day. The children showcased the variety of subjects non-fiction encompasses and sang beautifully about the joy of books. Their final message was one we feel passionately about here at St. Helen's College: reading together makes us happier.
To see more pictures of World Book Day celebrations from across the school click here.
Out of This World Author Visit!
One of the highlights of World Book Day celebrations this week was a visit from the author and University College London astrophysicist Professor Raman Prinja. Professor Prinja shared a fascinating presentation with children in Years 3, 4 and 5 explaining some of the very latest exciting discoveries and thoughts on the Universe. The children were rapt listening to his explanation of black holes and dark energy, and tested Professor Prinja with some very searching questions!
Afterwards he generously made time for an informal question and answer session with a smaller group of children in the science lab. The afternoon finished with a book signing in the library where he dedicated copies of his books, Our Cosmos and Wonders of the Night Sky, for an enthusiastic queue of children.
Books are generally pre-order only, but for anyone who would like to order a signed copy Chiltern Bookshops have kindly offered to organise this, please order here.
Year 3 Porridge Production
Wow, what an amazing night! On Thursday evening the Year 3 classes performed their fabulous production of Porridge to an enthralled audience at the Compass Theatre in Ickenham. The children gave their absolute all in the fun musical comedy, with every child taking an acting part and participating in the song and dance routines. They displayed perfect comic timing and composure well beyond their years, and soaked up the thrilling experience of performing on the stage at a professional theatre.
Earlier in the day the children performed to Years 1 and 2 who were thoroughly entertained and had a glimpse of the fun that awaits them in the coming years!
Year 6 Junior Citizens Event
On Wednesday Year 6 visited Brunel University for Junior Citizen training. This event brings together many organisations including London Fire Brigade, the Metropolitan Police, Bikeability and TfL to equip children with vital life skills as they gain increased independence. The children thoroughly enjoyed participating in workshops and interactive activities to develop their awareness of travelling safely on public transport, fire safety, crime risk, safe and unsafe substances and staying safe online. The visit is part of our carefully managed transition programme for Year 6 pupils, to help to prepare them for the move to senior school with confidence and essential knowledge and skills.
Music Lessons
A range of one-to-one music lessons are offered at school taught by our team of specialist music teachers, many of whom work professionally in the music industry. There are currently spaces available for the following instruments: flute, trumpet and trombone. Please contact Mrs Fawbert for further information: cfawbert@sthelenscollege.com.
The waiting list is now open for all other instruments for September 2025 allocation, please complete this Google Form for further information and to register your child. Please note spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Online Safety Session
We are pleased to invite parents to an in-person online safety workshop in partnership with ECP, designed to help navigate the ever-changing digital world and keep children safe online. The event will be held on Tuesday 11th March at 6.30 p.m. in the Evans Hall at Upper School. This engaging session will cover a range of important and topical online safety matters, to equip parents with practical tips and strategies to support your child's digital well-being. We heartily encourage all parents throughout the school to attend this valuable session and look forward to seeing you there!
PA Mother's Day Gift Stall
The St. Helen's College Parents' Association will be running fundraising gift stalls at Upper and Lower School on Thursday 20th March from 8.00 - 8.30 a.m. Children will be able to purchase a range of lovely gifts priced between £1 - £5. Please note the stalls are cash only, please bring only small notes and change.
Pilates
Sarah Flemming's Pilates classes held in the Evans Hall on Monday evenings can now be booked online here. Classes begin on Monday 10th March and will run weekly at 6.30 p.m. Sarah's classes are open to all levels so whether you are new to Pilates or looking to deepen your practice, her goal is to leave you feeling challenged, energised, and more connected to your body. Classes are £12 each.
Next Week
Saturday 8th March - Year 6 Netball Tournament at Ryefield School
Monday 10th March - Year 3 Trip to Kew Gardens
Monday 10th March - Year 5 Trip to Bletchley Park
Thursday 13th March - Owls Coffee Morning and Class Assembly
Thursday 13th March - Year 4 Netball Event at Newnham
Friday 14th March - 6L Coffee Morning and Class Assembly
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