School News and Head's Blog
Posted on: 17/06/2022Weekly News - Friday 17th June 2022
PA Summer Fete
We hope to see you all at the PA Summer Fete tomorrow, Saturday 18th June, from 1.00 to 4.00 p.m. at our Upper School site. This is always a wonderful day for our St. Helen's College community as we come together to enjoy food, drink, fun and music.
Prep Sports Day
We braved the hot weather today for our Prep Sports Day at Hillingdon Sports & Leisure Complex with Years 3 to 6. It was wonderful to be joined by so many families to celebrate the children's efforts in their track and field events and the St. Helen's College values really shone through today: excellence, determination, kindness and courage, to name a few.
Singers' Concert
On Monday evening, we gathered at All Saints' Church for our annual Singers' Concert. There were fourteen performances including solos, small groups and, of course, our Junior, Senior and Chamber Choirs. It really was a celebration of the musicality of St. Helen's College, with the children singing beautifully and with confidence. Their enjoyment was clear to see.
Mrs. Crehan also performed, along with Kristina, Mr. & Mrs. Crehan's Ukrainian guest. Their rendition of 'For Good' from Wicked was very moving - there was hardly a dry eye in the church!
Live Chamber Choir Auditions
We warmly invite pupils from Year 3 to Year 5 to audition for Chamber Choir 2022-2023.
Auditions will take place next Wednesday 22nd June at 12.30 p.m. for Year 3 pupils and 1.00 p.m. for Year 4 and 5 pupils in the Upper School Hall.
The audition song will be "Let's Go Fly a Kite" from Mary Poppins, which can be found on the Music Google classroom and current Junior Choir Google classroom.
Selected pupils will begin Chamber Choir in September and members will be announced before the end of term. Best of luck to all!
Maths Quiz Club Semi-Finals
On Tuesday morning our Maths Quiz Club took part in the semi-finals of the Prep School Maths Quiz. Both St. Helen's College teams did well, with one team placing 5th overall. They have made it through to the national finals which will take place next week at the Light Auditorium in central London.
Team members were: Zakariya M (Y4), Zach F, Shruthi T, Aryan B (Year 6).
Wrens Class Assembly
The children of Wrens Nursery performed their final class assembly of the year on Thursday. They told us the poignant story of Billy the Bee, who had no buzz and no friends because he was different to the other bees. In the end, however, the bees learnt that it is good to be different and that we all have unique qualities. The assembly carried a very important message about friendship and the children delivered their lines and songs with confidence and enthusiasm. There was even a singing solo and duet alongside the many group numbers. Very well done, Wrens.
Year 6 Pupil Publishes First Novel!
Shakira V has completed her first book, a crime novel, which is now available for other pupils to read at the Upper School library. The Scandal of the Ruby Necklace is catalogued on the Upper School library system, which means that Shakira is listed as a fiction writer on the system, fully searchable, and fully loanable. Shakira says that seeing her name listed on the system as a fiction writer was the proudest moment of her life.
Charity Week
The Charity Reps have been working hard on planning ideas for Charity Week, which will commence on Monday 4th July. All proceeds from the week will be going to Cancer Research U.K. There will be fun activities arranged for that week.
On Friday 8th July the Upper School will all be taking part in a sponsored cross country run around Court Park. The children will be bringing home sponsor forms and we would be very grateful if you could help them to collect some sponsorship for the event.
The Lower School will be doing different events including a nearly new book sale, obstacle course and soak the teacher. Confirmation of dates and events will be sent out soon.
If your child has made a money box could you please send this into school on Monday 20th June.
Many thanks, as always, for your support.
Class Allocations and 'Move Up Mornings'
Parents have today received notification of their child's new teacher for next year. 'Move Up Mornings' for pupils are on the following dates, when the children will have an opportunity to visit their new classrooms and meet the new teaching staff.
Year 1 - Year 5: Monday 4th July
Nursery/Reception - Tuesday 5th July
Staff News
Mrs. Belvoir (2B) will be leaving us at the end of this academic year after 22 years of committed service to St. Helen's College. She will be very much missed as she has been such an integral part of our community and has worn many hats, including being a form teacher at both Lower School and Upper School and a member of the Senior Leadership Team. She has also, of course, been very involved with music and performing arts across the school. We wish her well as she looks forward to new adventures in her life outside of teaching.
Mrs. Beale will be retiring from her position as Welfare Assistant at Lower School at the end of this academic year. Mrs. Beale has been a part of the school community for 21 years. We are delighted that Mrs. Beale will remain with us in the role of Breakfast Club Manager, so she will keep in touch with us, albeit in a different capacity.
Ms Oakshott will take up the role of Welfare Assistant at Lower School as well as working as part of the Teaching and Learning Support team.
Ms Califano has worked at Lower School for the past three years and has been covering Miss Joiner's maternity leave since last year. We would like to thank her for her commitment to the school and wish her well in her next post.
Mrs. Neri has been a member of the Lower School staff for the last few years and is leaving us to spend more time with her young family.
Mrs. Chesworth is leaving her post as a Reception TALA as she and her husband retire and relocate.
Mrs. Purewal is leaving her post as a Ducklings assistant to spend more time with her family.
Mrs. Eirwen Smith is closing the chapter of one of her books in the library and is sadly leaving us at the end of this academic year. Mrs. Smith has inspired all of the avid readers at Upper School over the last nine years and will be much missed.
Miss Joiner will be returning to us following her maternity leave on 4th July and will resume her role as Owls teacher from September.
Mrs. Reid has been with us for several years working as a member of our teaching and learning support staff and we are delighted that she has now completed her teacher training and will join us as a class teacher next year.
Miss Boden will be working as a member of the Ducklings team from September and Miss Hasmukh will move with the Ducklings children to Nursery.
We will be joined in September by the following new staff:
Miss Gallacher will become a TALA in Reception.
Mrs. Songira will be joining the Ducklings team.
We will also be welcoming Ms Cosgrove to the SMSA team at Lower School later this month.
Pick Up and Go
Please note that the 'pick up and go' facility is only available at the Parkway entrance at the end of the day for pupils in Years 2 - 6. Parents collecting from the Windsor entrance must collect children from the door of the school building, not at the road end of the path.
Holiday Club
Holiday Club will run during the summer holidays from Thursday 14th July - Wed 31st August (excluding the bank holiday on Monday 29th August).
Bookings will open on Friday 24th June at 4 p.m. Please login to your SchoolsBuddy account to book places.
Summer Science Fun
The Royal Society are running a summer science festival with free interactive activities from 6th - 10th July. If you are interested in finding out more, full details can be found here.
Posted on: 10/06/2022Weekly News - Friday 10th June 2022
Pre-Prep Sports Days
On Thursday, classes from Nursery to Year 2 took part in their Sports Days at Court Park, and were blessed with some lovely weather. The children embraced all of their different sporting challenges and were delighted to receive rosettes to celebrate their achievements in both track and field events. There was some super sportsmanship on display and we felt very proud of them all!
Many thanks to all of the parents who came along to support the children.
You can see some photographs on our Galleries page.
Prep Sports Day
Parents of pupils in Years 3-6 must fill in this short Google form (one for each family) to let us know if you are planning to attend Sports Day on Friday 17th June and what your child(ren)’s lunch and going home arrangements will be. Please read the information below carefully first.
Sports Day will run all day and children in Years 3-6 will need to be dropped off by parents at Hillingdon Athletics Stadium between 8.00 a.m. and 8.40 a.m. on Friday 17th June. There will be no Breakfast Club available for Years 3-6 on this day.
Lunch will be from 12.00 p.m. to 12.30 p.m. Pupils will be able to sit and have a picnic with their families or with a nominated friend’s family at lunch, or a packed lunch can be provided by the school.
We anticipate finishing at approximately 3.00 p.m. Parents should take children home directly from the stadium after the prize giving ceremony. There will be no Funtasia After School Club available for Years 3-6 on this day. We hope very much that parents will be able to attend the event but, if you are unable to attend, please make arrangements for your child to go home with friends on this day.
The programme for Sports Day, with approximate timings of events for each year group, has been sent to parents today and is available here.
4L Class Assembly
Our 4L class presented a marvellous assembly today in which they illustrated the beauty and benefits of nature, including forest bathing and spending time in rural settings. They shared poetry and artwork to showcase the natural world around them and celebrated Sir David Attenborough's 96th birthday with an interesting quiz in his honour. They delivered their production with professionalism and enthusiasm, giving lots of inspiration and ideas about how to look after the environment too! They also celebrated the Maxwell Garden's bustling ecosystem and even held a short meditation practice. Well done, 4L!
Jubilee Celebrations
We had fun celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee at school on Monday, despite the rather gloomy weather!
Everyone dressed in red, white and blue and the school was festooned with bunting. We enjoyed special assemblies and a street party style lunch too.
At Upper School, the children were greeted by The Queen herself as they arrived! Can you guess who is under the mask?
Aanya B and Ivaan M were the winners of the Jubilee flag design competitions and their flags are now flying proudly at school!
Aanya's flag at Upper School
Ivaan's flag at Lower School
Year 2 Trip to Iver Environment Centre
Our Year 2 classes took a trip to Iver Environment Centre today to enrich their learning in science. While there, they went on a mini-beast hunt, had a great time pond dipping and made a visit to the rainforest. The children had a fantastic time!
Bushcraft Club
This term, Bushcraft Club have been busy learning how to use a compass, considering the Countryside Code and practising how to tie knots.
These new skills were put to good use this week when Bushcraft Club were tasked with building a shelter. The children had lots of fun using natural materials and tarpaulin to create a free standing tepee or a suspended tent between the trees.
The success of their shelter building was tested when Mr. Smith simulated a passing shower of rain. Some of the group did get wet!
Karate Success
Several St. Helen's College pupils, having been introduced to karate via after school clubs here at school, have now taken up the sport locally at Mr. Kumedzina's club. They competed this weekend and across the team they won 2 golds, 2 silvers and 10 bronze places. What a wonderful testament to the children's work ethic and attitude!
Year 1 and 2 Summer Plays
Our Year 1 and 2 classes will be performing their summer plays at The Compass Theatre in Ickenham on Thursday 23rd June. Children in the St. Helen’s College Nursery and Reception classes will attend the Compass to watch the dress rehearsal on Wednesday 22nd June, along with any children in Year 4 who have a sibling performing (since Year 4 children will be swimming on the afternoon of Thursday 23rd June). Children in other year groups at St. Helen’s College may be taken out of school by parents on the afternoon of Thursday 23rd June to attend the performance with their family if they have a sibling performing.
Tickets for the plays are now available and must be purchased directly from The Compass Theatre. Parents should purchase tickets and attend only the show in which your child is performing; if you have a child in both Year 1 and Year 2, please make sure that you purchase the ‘package’ option containing tickets for both shows so that you pay for one show only. Due to the size of the theatre, ticket numbers are limited to 3 per family. The booking links are here:
Parents of pupils only in Year 2, CLICK HERE to book The Emerald Crown tickets
Parents of pupils only in Year 1, CLICK HERE to book Stella the Starfish tickets
Parents of pupils in both Year 1 AND 2, CLICK HERE to book a package ticket to both Stella the Starfish AND The Emerald Crown
Please also note the following arrangements regarding drop off and pick up for rehearsals and the performances.
Tuesday 21st June
8.30 a.m. Year 1 parents to drop Year 1 pupils off at The Compass Theatre. Year 2 pupils to be dropped to school as usual.
3.30 p.m. Year 1 and Year 2 parents to collect Year 1 and Year 2 pupils from The Compass Theatre.
Wednesday 22nd June
8.30 a.m. Year 1 children to be dropped by parents at The Compass Theatre in their costumes.
All other pupils to be dropped off at school as usual.
All children to be collected from school at their usual end of day time.
Thursday 23rd June
All pupils to be dropped to school as usual.
1.30 p.m. Year 1 performance to parents at The Compass Theatre.
2.30 p.m. Year 2 performance to parents at The Compass Theatre.
All Year 1 and Year 2 children to be collected/taken home by parents from The Compass Theatre after their performance.
We look forward to seeing Year 1 and Year 2 parents at the performances.
PA Summer Fete
The Summer Fete is always a super day which brings the whole St. Helen's College community together to celebrate and have fun. Please be sure to add the date to your diaries now: Saturday 18th June, 1 - 4 p.m. at the Upper School site.
We are short of donations at the moment for the Summer Fete. Please bring donations of raffle prizes to any school entrance as soon as you can. Parents of each class are also asked to make donations for your class stall, as per the letters sent out earlier. If you are unsure what your class has been asked to donate, please check with your PA class rep.
Many thanks in advance for your support.
Cancer Research Relay for Life
Once again this year, the St. Helen's College community is supporting Cancer Research's Relay For Life. We encourage pupils, parents and staff to join our team and to attend the Relay itself which will take place on Saturday 16th July at Harrow School. This is a 24 hour event but you can come for as long or short a time as suits you. Our team and others will walk the track in relay throughout this time to show that cancer never sleeps, and nor does the fight against it.
We encourage you also to dedicate a candle of hope. Details are here. It is one of the most poignant moments at the Relay for Life when lit candles are placed around the track as night begins to fall. Everyone is invited to dedicate a candle to someone no longer with us, a friend or family member living with cancer, a loved one who has survived, or perhaps as hope for the future - a world where all cancers are cured.
There is also a link here if you would like to make a donation to the St. Helen's College team.
We thank you all in advance for your support.
Summer Netball Camp
Blaze Netball Club are running a summer camp at Bishopshalt School from 25th to 29th August. Information is available here.
Posted on: 27/05/2022Weekly News - Friday 27th May 2022
Year 6 Residential Trip to France
Our Year 6 pupils have had a wonderful time this week at the beautiful Chateau de la Baudonniere in Normandy, France, where they have taken part in an immersive week of French language and culture.
They have enjoyed meeting their penpals, making bread, visiting a market and goat farm and taking part in some challenging and fun physical activities, amongst other things. They return today tired and happy, filled with experiences they will never forget.
Year 4 Residential Trip to Flatford Mill
The Year 4 classes have spent the last three days in Flatford Mill, Suffolk. On the way, they stopped off at the village of East Bergholt for a whistle stop tour.
While at the centre, they have taken part in many activities including pond dipping, mammal trapping, shelter building and a twilight walk and enjoyed time around the campfire.
There is no doubt that the children have enhanced their independence, enriched their learning and had the most fantastic time spending time together too.
Robins Class Assembly
What a super assembly we saw from our Robins Nursery class on Thursday! They told us all about their topic of 'Mini-Beasts' and all that they have learnt. Did you know that butterflies taste with their feet, or that worms breathe through their skin? It was hard to believe, watching them, that these children are just 3 and 4 years old. They spoke their individual lines with confidence and projection, sang beautifully and acted out their parts with clear enjoyment, slithering like worms, crawling like caterpillars, buzzing like bees and fluttering as ladybirds and butterflies. There was even a spider! Very well done, Robins, you brightened up our morning and taught us so many things.
Nursery Trip to Bekonskot Model Village
Today, Wrens and Robins had a wonderful day stepping back in time at Bekonscot Model Village.
They made the most of the beautiful sunshine, were captivated by the tiny village and loved exploring the adventure playground. The highlights of the day were a ride on the narrow gauge railway and taking part in the time machine workshop. All agreed it was a great day out!
Pedestrian Training
Children in Years 2-5 undertook pedestrian training this week, led by the Hillingdon STARS Team (Safer Travel and Road Safety). The pupils were taught, and practised, how to stay aware when walking and how to cross driveways and roads safely by stopping, looking and listening.
We would be grateful if parents would reinforce the safety message at home with children, including the mantra: Remember - Stop, Look, Listen...THINK!
World Environment Day
World Environment Day on Sunday 5th June, hosted by Sweden, is the biggest international day for the environment. Led by UNEP and held annually since 1974, the event has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental outreach, with millions of people from across the world engaging to protect the planet.
“Only One Earth" is the campaign slogan, with the focus on “Living Sustainably in Harmony with Nature”.
Over 150 countries are participating, and the UN will engage governments, businesses, civil society, schools, celebrities, cities and communities to take action.
We encourage you all to follow the link below and watch the four short videos to learn more about the environmental crisis and how we can all help to overcome it.
https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/get-involved/earth-school-challenge
Jubilee Day
St. Helen's College will be celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee with a special day at school on Monday 6th June. Everyone is invited to wear red, white and blue for the day. The children will enjoy an outdoor picnic lunch, for which you can see the amended menu here. There will be special extended assemblies and some lessons and activities will have a Jubilee theme. Clubs will be on as usual.
Class and Whole School Photographs
On Tuesday 7th June, we will be having our official class photographs taken at school by Tempest and on Wednesday 8th June there will be a whole school photograph taken in Court Park. On these days, all pupils must come to school in full, correct, summer uniform. For children currently at Lower School, there will be no need for PE kits on these days. At Upper School, pupils should bring PE kits to change into if your class usually has PE or Games on that day.
Sports Days
Our Pre-Prep Sports Day (for Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) will take place on Thursday 9th June, with timings as follows. Please note the slightly amended start time for Nursery/Reception:
Year 1 and Year 2: 8.45 a.m. – 11.45 a.m.
Nursery & Reception: 12.30 – 3.00 p.m.
Full details about this event were sent directly to parents and can be found here:
Pre-Prep Sports Day.
Parents of children in Years 3-6 are reminded that you must let us know whether you will be attending Sports Day and providing a picnic for your child, as well as your child's collection arrangements on that day. Full details for the day, including the link to give your lunch/collection arrangements, are available below:
Prep Sports Day (Years 3 - 6).
Singers' Concert
The Singers' Concert will take place on Monday 13th June at 7.00 p.m at All Saints Church, Long Lane. Members of the Junior Choir, Senior Choir and Chamber Choir will be performing in this concert. All soloists performing will be contacted directly by Mrs. Fawbert or Mrs. Garnes. Parents are warmly invited to attend the performance.
Music Lessons
If you wish to request music lessons for your child or to add them to the waiting list for music lessons, please complete the following Google form to register.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejd_XZ8SXTClIyL4p4O8020hMoUVPbTVeu6vKzY4Z9crNZDA/viewform
PA Summer Fete
The PA Summer Fete will take place on Saturday 18th June from 1.00 to 4.00 p.m. at our Upper School site. There will be many, many stalls with entertainment, food, face painting and much more. We do hope that you will all come to join us on the day. Entry is free and the fete will be supporting Cancer Research UK. Details of class stalls, along with a chance to sign up for the rota for your class, have been sent out directly by SchoolsBuddy.
Parents are asked to bring donations for the Fete and Sports Day into school from Monday 6th June onwards. There will be donation bins outside entrances from this date onwards.
Parents are also encouraged to volunteer, via PA class reps, to help with setting up/clearing away/other jobs for the Summer Fete.
Many thanks to everyone, in advance, for helping out!
Posted on: 20/05/2022Weekly News - Friday 20th May 2022
Wellbeing Day
On Wednesday, we enjoyed our annual Wellbeing Day, during which children across the school took part in interesting, educational and fun activities to support their mental and physical wellbeing.
At Upper School, the day started off with an assembly in which staff showcased their 'talents'. The children were very entertained!
The day continued with parent helpers supporting sessions and Mrs. Patel leading activities in sign language to some year groups. If you would like to reinforce sign language learning with your children at home, the information used is here and here.
Activities throughout the day included a disco, mini-beast hunt, sports, meditation, mindful art and music, spiritual prayer activities, games for the brain, health and safety workshops and a PSHCE workshop led by Ms Lim, to name a few.
We are very grateful to all of the parent helpers and staff who contributed to make Wellbeing Day a memorable event for the children.
We have made a video showing some of the events and activities in which pupils take part regularly at school, and which support their wellbeing. The children enjoyed watching this in assemblies this week, and we are sure you will enjoy watching it too. The video is available here.
You can also see photographs from Wellbeing Day on our Galleries page here.
Musicians' Concert
On Tuesday evening, parents, staff and pupils gathered at All Saints Church for our annual Musicians' Concert.
It was wonderful to be able to hold this event again for the first time since Covid struck and what a celebration it was! There were stunning solo, group and orchestral performances with all types of instrument represented.
Very well done to all of the musicians who entertained and moved the audience so beautifully. You can see more photographs of the concert on our Galleries page here.
4T Assembly
The children of 4T presented a class assembly in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee this morning. They told us lots of interesting and important information about Queen Elizabeth II, from her birth right through to today, including acting out her coronation. There were some jubilee songs and a rousing rendition of the national anthem, as well as a quiz at the end to check on what the audience had learnt! Very well done, 4T, on your confident presentation of such an educational and entertaining assembly.
Singing Competition
Our annual Singing Competition took place at Upper School this afternoon and, as ever, this was a thoroughly enjoyable event. Our guest judge Yvonne Fawbert, Director of Music at Sherborne Prep School, was very impressed by the standard of the entries and the children performed their solo and group performances with super musicality and feeling. The winners were:
Year 2 Solo: Gurdaya J
Year 3 Solo: Inaaya S
Year 2/3 Group: Aaryav K, Ayush A, Rohan F
Middle School Overall Winner: Gurdaya J
Year 4 Solo: Samara P
Year 5 Solo: Anaya S
Year 6 Solo: Shruthi T
Year 4/5/6 Group: Layla O, Siyana M, Anokhi B, Kylah O-A
Upper School Overall Winners: Layla O, Siyana M, Anikhi B, Kylah O-A
Very well done to our winners, and a special mention too to Alyssa P, Diyan C and Kylah O-A, who were all highly commended by our guest judge for their performances.
We now look forward to our Singers' Concert on Monday 13th June, to which parents are warmly invited.
Junior Roadwatch
Our Junior Travel Ambassadors (JTAs) took part in the Junior Roadwatch scheme this week, working in partnership with the Metropolitan Police on this road danger reduction education scheme which aims to reduce speeding near schools.
As part of the scheme, primary school children take part in speed awareness sessions with the Metropolitan Police Service's Roads and Transport Policing Command in order to educate drivers about the dangers of speeding near their school.
Drivers caught speeding are pulled over by police officers and given the option of receiving a fixed penalty fine and points on their licence or attending a speed awareness course or, if drivers are deemed suitable, speaking to the children. If they take this option, the driver will receive an educational message from the children and the council staff member.
The primary school pupils ask drivers questions such as "Why do you think the speed limit is 20mph on this road?" and "Are you aware of the consequences of speeding?" The aim is to encourage the driver to reconsider their speed.
Bushcraft Club
Children at Upper School have been enjoying Bushcraft Club.
This week, the children were learning how to tie different knots and mastered a reef knot, clove hitch and bowline. This is in preparation for shelter building which they will soon be undertaking.
Cancer Research UK Marvellous Moneyboxes
Next half term, we will be fundraising for Cancer Research UK's Relay for Life. Please help your child to choose an empty container at home to turn into a Marvellous Moneybox. This can be an empty box or carton. Suitable examples include a small plastic bottle, take away tub, Innocent veg pot or small plastic Pringles tub. Children at Ducklings and Lower School should bring their containers into school where they will decorate them with their teachers, and Upper School children should decorate their containers at home. Your child can decorate them in any way that they like and then make a slot for coins or notes in the top of the container.
Please could you then encourage your child to fill their Marvellous Moneybox with coins or even notes.
On June 20th we will ask your child to bring their Marvellous Moneybox back to school. The moneyboxes will be displayed before they are emptied and all of the money collected will go to the St. Helen’s College RELAY FOR LIFE fundraising initiative.
We can’t wait to see what the children will make with their containers! Thank you very much for your support.
Scout Fun Day
Perseverance Scout Group are looking for new members and are holding a free fun day on Saturday 21st May in Sweetcroft Lane. If you would like to go along and try out some scouting activities, full details are here.
Lacrosse
Chiswick Lacrosse will once again be running summer camps to give a taster of lacrosse, which might be of interest to those with children transferring to senior school this year or next. Details are here.
Posted on: 13/05/2022Weekly News - Friday 13th May
UKMT Maths Challenge Success
The Year 6 children and Zakariya M participated in the UK Mathematics Trust Junior Mathematical Challenge for students in Year 8 and below. We had some fantastic results.
With only one missing answer, Zakariya M won a gold certificate and automatic entry to the Junior Olympiad. Aryan B also won gold and entry to the Junior Kangaroo round. A further nine children won silver and ten won bronze.
Owls Class Assembly
The children of our Owls Reception class performed their class assembly to parents and staff at Lower School on Thursday morning. They re-told the story of Little Red Riding Hood, with a twist, and considered the value of Forgiveness: what this means and how we can demonstrate it in our lives. There was much confident individual and group speaking and some excellent singing, including an accomplished solo performance! Very well done to the children of Owls for this super presentation which was much enjoyed by all.
Trips & Visits
On Monday, the Year 1 classes enjoyed a visit to Windsor Castle to support and bring alive their understanding of their History topic of 'Kings and Queens'.
On Tuesday, our Year 6 children took part in an online 'visit' to the Houses of Parliament, during which they were able to put questions to parliamentary representatives and learn about the parliamentary system.
Summer School - Bookings Open Today
Our Summer School will run this year from Monday 15th to Friday 19th August at PACCAR Scout Camp for children in Years 3 - 6. Details are here and have been emailed directly to parents.
Bookings go live at 4.00 p.m. today and are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please book your place(s) through your SchoolsBuddy account.
Singing Competition
Well done to everyone who entered this year's Singing Competition. We received so many high quality entries and it has been a very difficult task to select finalists this year. The following pupils have been selected to perform in the live final on Friday 20th May to our guest judge Sarah Hughes. Please can finalists also send an mp3 copy or a link to the backing track they will be using for the final to Mrs. Fawbert before Wednesday 18th May (cfawbert@sthelenscollege.com).
Year 2 Solo
Alyssa P
Armaan V
Gurdaya J
Year 3 Solo
Mia O
Zinnia M
Inaaya S
Middle School Groups
Alyssa, Shayla & Alana
Ashvika & Inaaya
Aaryav, Ayush & Rohan
Year 4 Solo
Ruby L
Samara P
Hana H
Year 5 Solo
Minaya W
Inaya S
Eshanvi A
Anaya S
Year 6 Solo
Kylah O-A
Shruthi T
Diyan C
Upper School Groups
Charlotte & Shruthi
Layla, Siyana, Anokhi & Kylah
Anokhi & Siyana
Maxwell Garden
We have had visitors this week to our ever developing Maxwell Garden and we know that the pupils will be delighted to welcome the addition of ducks to the Upper School grounds!
Wellbeing Day
As part of our Wellbeing Day on Wednesday 18th May, we will have Lisa from 'Mrs. Melts' coming in to school to sell her handmade candles and wax melts to the parents and staff. She will be based at the Lower School from 8.00 - 9.00 a.m. and at the Upper School from 3.00 - 4.00 p.m.
We have a slightly altered lunch menu for Wellbeing Day, which you can access here.
Sports News
Sports Days
Our Sports Days this year are scheduled for:
Ducklings - Friday 8th July
Pre-Prep (Nursery/Reception/Year 1/Year 2) - Thursday 9th June
Prep (Years 3 - 6) - Friday 17th June
Details for the Pre-Prep and Prep Sports Days have been sent to parents this week and are available at the links below. Parents are warmly invited to attend these events.
Pre-Prep Sports Day (Nursery/Reception/Year 1/Year 2)
Prep Sports Day (Years 3 - 6)
Cricket
Middlesex Cricket are offering free youth membership to children aged 0-8, and low-cost memberships for those aged 9-17. If your child is interested in cricket (or if you are, and would like to introduce them to the sport), you can find details here.
News from the PA
There will be a PA meeting on the 18th May at 7.30 p.m. at the Vine Inn in Hillingdon. All parents are most welcome to attend.
Hillingdon Guided Family Bike Rides
Hillingdon Council offer free guided cycle rides to encourage families to get out and about on bikes. The idea is for you to enjoy an easy, family-orientated, guided cycle ride with Hillingdon cycle instructors, with a stop for refreshments and a chance to enjoy the sights of Hillingdon.
None of the rides are a race so you can take them at your own pace. All routes will be fun, safe and interesting with the distance, duration and terrain of the ride varying according to the type of ride.
Ride leaders are passionate and keen cyclists, who have been trained to guide groups of people and are employees of Hillingdon Council. They also have been trained in first aid.
Upcoming family rides:
Northala Fields ride - Sunday 22 May
Starting from Hillingdon Leisure Centre at 10 a.m. and returning at 2 p.m.
Summer Reading Challenge-themed ride - Tuesday 26 July
Starting from Uxbridge Library at 9.30 a.m., going to Oak Farm Library and returning at 12.30 p.m.
Summer Reading Challenge-themed ride - Wednesday 27 July
Starting from Botwell Green Library at 9.30 a.m., going to Yeading Library and returning at 12.30 p.m.
Summer Reading Challenge-themed ride - Thursday 28 July
Starting from Ickenham Library at 9.30 a.m., going to South Ruislip Library and returning at 12.30 p.m.
Queen's Jubilee Celebration and Art Exhibition
Hayes End Methodist Church will be holding a Jubilee Celebration on Friday 3rd June from 2.00 to 5.00 p.m. There will be activities and entertainment for the family, a jubilee tea and barbecue. As part of the celebration, children from the local area are encouraged to produce a piece of Jubilee-themed artwork, which will be exhibited at the event. This is not a competition; every child who takes part will receive a Jubilee gift/memento and will have the joy of seeing their work exhibited! Details of the celebration are available here and details of the art exhibition are available here.
SparksArts Free Workshop Vouchers and Summer Shoots
SparksArts are offering St. Helen's College children vouchers for two free filmmaking workshops. These take place at Bishop Ramsey School in Ruislip on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. You can download your voucher here.
SparksArts also run Summer Shoots, filmmaking summer camps where children aged 5-18 produce their own movie production in a five day workshop. The young filmmakers work in small, peer age film crews to produce their own movie masterpiece. They devise an original storyline, direct their scenes, shoot their shots, crew their set, star in their movie and edit it too. At the end of the week, they proudly share their work with family in a special presentation and later celebrate with a red carpet premiere event too (in peer age 'studio' groups). Further information and booking is available here: https://www.sparksarts.co.uk/product/summer-shoots-2020/.
Posted on: 6/05/2022Weekly News - Friday 6th May
Year 3 Residential Trip
On Thursday our Year 3 children headed off on their first residential trip, to PACCAR scout camp. They have been blessed with gorgeous May weather and it is clear that Year 3 and their accompanying staff have delighted in the vast open air space that is PACCAR. They have shown admirable team spirit and resilience when tackling the exciting activities and fun and laughter has abounded. They return home today rejuvenated and exhausted in equal measure!
There are more photographs of the Year 3 children enjoying themselves on our Galleries page.
Kingfishers Class Assembly - May Day
Our Kingfishers Reception class presented a wonderful assembly all about May Day on Thursday to a very appreciative audience of family and staff at Lower School. They told us about - and even demonstrated - morris dancing, maypole dancing and the choosing of a May Queen. There was some really super singing and movement, and every child spoke lines with confidence, grace and real understanding of their words. Outside the hall, the sun was shining too! It was an uplifting and joyful start to our day and we are very proud of the children and their efforts. Well done, Kingfishers.
The Owls Reception class will be presenting their assembly to parents next Thursday, 12th May, at 8.45 a.m. There will be coffee served in the Lower School Hall from 8.15 a.m. and we look forward to seeing Owls parents then.
Music News
We are looking forward to the Musicians' Concert on 17th May at 7.00 p.m. All parents are warmly invited to attend and Mrs. Fawbert will be sending out further details to the parents of the pupils involved next week.
The Singing Competition entry deadline has been extended to 4.00 p.m. on Saturday 7th May, to allow more time for groups to rehearse and send their entries in. We would also like to encourage students to submit a solo performance as well as their group performance. Please note that entries submitted after 4.00 p.m. on Saturday 7th May will not be accepted.
Chess Team
Our chess team very much enjoyed their match against St. Bernadette's School this week. Each player received 1 point for a win, 0.5 point for a draw and 0 for a loss. At half time the score was tied at four points each, but in the end St. Bernadette's won by 9 points to 7. The score was close, reflecting how evenly matched the players were.
Well done to all of those who took part: Jacob N, Raiden B, Anna K, Eva J, Ruby L, Kamran-Cyrus A, Zakariya M, Verity S, Rian M and Jeena H.
Special congratulations to team captains Jacob and Kamran-Cyrus, who each won both their matches. They are in Year 5 and led by example for the other players, who are all in Year 4.
Cookery Club
Our Upper School Cookery Club had a great time this week making brownies and smoothies! There are certainly some budding chefs among the group.
Parents' Evenings: Years 1 - 6
Thank you to all of the parents who attended the in-school parent consultations this week. The teachers very much enjoyed talking to you about your children's work, activities and wellbeing. The next parents' evening for Years 1-6 will take place on Thursday 12th May from 5.00 to 8.00 p.m. Appointments on that evening will be held remotely.
Residential Trip Meeting: Year 6
It was great to see so many parents and pupils at the Year 6 French Residential meeting on Wednesday evening this week. It is clear that the children are very much looking forward to this exciting trip and we were delighted by the high levels of trust from parents too.
Year 5 Transfer Meeting
We will be holding a Year 5 Transfer Meeting (to discuss senior school applications/processes) on Tuesday 10th May at 7.00 p.m. in the Evans Hall. We look forward to seeing Year 5 parents there.
Sports Days
We are busy planning our Sports Days for later this term and will shortly be sending out information to parents about these.
If your child has a Sports Day trophy at home from 2019, or if you know of any family who does, please could these be returned to school as soon as possible now, so that we have time to collate them and prepare them for this year's Sports Days.
School Uniform
The current warm weather is set to continue, so please send your children to school now in their summer uniforms.
Holiday Club - May Half Term
Bookings for our May half term Holiday Club will open on Friday 13th May at 4.00 p.m. Due to the Jubilee bank holidays, the Holiday Club will run for three days only: Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st May, and Wednesday 1st June. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis so please book your child(ren)'s place(s) early.
Posted on: 29/04/2022Weekly News - Friday 29th April 2022
Year 5 Residential Trip - Isle of Wight
Our Year 5 children return from the Isle of Wight today where they have spent five days on a residential trip. They have taken part in many exciting activities including climbing and high roping, taken a trip to learn all about the Mary Rose and undertaken coastal studies to enrich their geography learning. Five days and nights away from home has also enhanced their independence and cemented already very strong friendships. They return tired but happy!
Maths Quiz Club
The school entered two teams into the Quiz Clubs Inter School Maths competition this week, and our teams performed brilliantly, finishing 2nd and 5th. Both teams have qualified for the semi-finals which will take place on 14th June, and we wish them luck as they prepare for these!
Sports News
The pupils of Year 2 have enjoyed their intensive swimming week this week at Hillingdon Sports & Leisure Centre.
The football team lost their quarter final 2-0 to Heathrow Primary School in a tough game on Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Harrington was pleased with the team's resilience and determination to keep going against tough opposition!
On Thursday, the U11 netball team played in a tournament at Newnham Junior School, progressing through the first round, which gave them some great experience and was very enjoyable too.
School at Work Open Morning
We ran a very successful Open Morning this week, during which our confident Year 6 guides enjoyed showing prospective families around the school. The families who came to look around were, as always, very impressed with our articulate, confident and enthusiastic pupils throughout the school.
Singing Competition
Our very exciting Singing Competition final will take place on Friday 20th May 2022 this year.
The semi-finals will take place like last year with video entries for solos, duets and groups, with finalists being selected to perform live on 20th May, to our guest judge Sarah Hughes.
Only one solo entry per child is permitted (one additional group or duet entry may be made) and submitted by only one email, please.
Please submit your video entry by no later than Friday 6th May 2022.
For Middle School entries please submit to all of the following:
cfawbert@sthelenscollege.com
sbelvoir@sthelenscollege.com
mgarnes@sthelenscollege.com
hhawkes@sthelenscollege.com
For Upper School entries please submit to all of the following:
cfawbert@sthelenscollege.com
mgarnes@sthelenscollege.com
hhawkes@sthelenscollege.com
The subject of the email should be clear, e.g. "Singing Competition: name of child, form group, name of song and composer" and it may be easiest to submit using your school Google drive (don’t forget to share the file).
The categories this year are as follows:
Middle School Competition: Year 2 Solo, Year 3 Solo, MS duet, MS group and Best Overall Performance.
Upper School Competition: Year 4 Solo, Year 5 Solo, Year 6 Solo, US duet, US group and Best Overall Performance.
Finalists will be chosen and announced by Friday 13th May 2022 on the school newsletter.
The following rules apply:
There is no set theme this year and we would like to hear songs from all different genres and eras. Singing in other languages is permitted, however we request a translation to be submitted with your entry.
All songs must be age appropriate, melodic and have appropriate lyrics and themes. If you are unsure whether your choice is appropriate, please check with Mrs. Belvoir, Mrs. Fawbert, Mrs. Garnes or Mrs. Hawkes.
We would like to see only simple gestures and appropriate movements relevant to the performance - no dance moves please.
A backing track is required (without words) for the performance. A child may play the piano/guitar etc as part of their performance.
'Harmony at Home' Parent Practice Course
Some parents may remember Elaine Halligan from The Parent Practice, who ran a parent workshop here at St. Helen's College a few years back. Elaine is commencing her next 'Harmony at Home' course on Tuesday 3rd May and some of you may be interested in signing up for this. The course runs remotely from 8.00 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. for 6 weeks.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/WhctKKXXFsDmcPFThVKFMccKwphRcHzGmHfBFcgpvxHZPqlgGHXpvMHsVTCTBmGVCXHLnsB
Free Parent Asthma Workshop
The Hilllingdon asthma nurses are offering another free parent workshop on May 13th from 4 to 5 p.m. We hope that many of you will take advantage of this opportunity to hear about asthma and its management. Full details are here.
Posted on: 22/04/2022Weekly News - Friday 22nd April 2022
Earth Day
Today is 'Earth Day', a day during which we are all encouraged to celebrate our Earth and explore how we can look after our Earth. Children have thought about this at school today and we hope that you will encourage them to keep exploring at home.
You can find out more about Earth Day by following these links:
https://www.earthday.org/
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/celebrations/article/earth-day
To celebrate Earth Day, our Nursery children children planted beans which they had grown from the bean.
They have also each created their own 'handprint' earth and made a pledge of something they are going to do to help look after Earth.
Plastic Free Schools - Objective Met!
We are pleased to announce that, in our quest to become a Plastic Free School, St. Helen's College has now successfully completed Objective 2: TRASH MOB!
Picking up plastic pollution from playgrounds, parks and streets stops it from getting into rivers and eventually into our oceans. With 12 million tonnes of plastic entering oceans each year, it is great that our Trash Mob has prevented even more from getting there.
We will now move onto Objective 3, which is Challenging the Government. Pupils will write and send letters to the local politician outlining their campaign, their findings in the school and asking the politician for help to tackle the issue.
Red Nose Day Fundraising
The final total raised by the St. Helen's College community in support of Comic Relief/Red Nose Day was a fantastic £1196.02! Thank you to everyone who supported the fundraising effort for this very worthy cause.
Our pupil Charity Reps were excellent in their work driving this initiative. They worked hard on making an exciting sports quiz for everyone and selling wristbands. A special well done to:
Year 2 - Shayna, Aakash, Shaylen, Avleen
Year 3 - Amelia, Isaac, Reet, Mufaddal
Year 4 - Roha, Arjun, Jeena, Nya
Year 5 - Matthew, Dylan, Albert, Anaiya
Year 6 - Ryan, Sahib, Avaani, Diyan
Year 4 Music
In music lessons, last term, Year 4 created artistic and poetic responses to a piece of music. They listened to "Storm" from Benjamin Britten's "Peter Grimes" opera, and created a stormy picture and a descriptive poem in response to the music.
You can watch and listen to their work here:
4L
4T
Year 5 Residential Trip to Isle of Wight
We wish our Year 5 children well for their trip to the Isle of Wight next week. They will be taking part in many exciting activities and we will report on their experiences when they return!
Co-Curriculum and PE/Games
There are spaces available in Karate Club on Mondays after school for Year 5 and 6 from 3.50 p.m. to 4.50 p.m. We are now also opening this club up to Year 4 as well.
We also have spaces in the Year 3 Taekwondo Club on a Tuesday lunchtime from 12.20 to 1 p.m.
Both clubs are run by fantastic experts in their field and provide lots of benefits for your children.
Please get in touch with Mr. Harrington if you are interested in your child attending either of these clubs. Remaining spaces will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. lharrington@sthelenscollege.com.
Year 6 Bikeability is starting this weekend and details have been sent separately to Year 6 parents. Please ensure that your Year 6 child is there, on time with the correct equipment.
Our Year 2 classes will undertake their intensive swimming programme next week.
For the summer term, please remember that your child should have the correct summer PE and Games kit (white PE technical polo shirt, no green shirts or socks to be worn this term).
Jubilee Flag Competition
With the Queen's Platinum Jubilee approaching, we have an exciting opportunity for three pupils to leave a lasting legacy here at St. Helen's College.
We would like pupils to design a flag in honour of the Jubilee. Flag designs may be themed around all things royal such as crowns, the Queen's portrait, corgi dogs, horses or a combination of The Queen and our school.
The only element that each flag must include is the fact that it is the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, or celebration of 70 years on the throne.
The winning designs (one for Ducklings, one for Lower School and one for Upper School will be made into a real flag and be raised above our three school sites!
Entries should be made on A4 landscape paper and be given to your form teacher or directly to Mrs. Pruce by Friday 20th May. Mrs. Drummond and Mrs. Hunt will judge the winning designs.
Good luck!
Pupil Fundraising
Congratulations to Grace O'H and Verity S (Y4) who held a bake sale on the day of our second hand uniform sale and raised £48. The money is going to an organisation in Kerala that promotes elephant welfare to prevent their torture and abuse. It is always wonderful to see our pupils embracing social responsibility.
Alumni News
We are delighted to share the news that Abhay K, who was Head Boy at St. Helen's College several years ago, has been named the new Head Boy of Royal Grammar School Wycombe. Congratulations to Abhay!
Posted on: 25/03/2022Weekly News - Friday 25th March 2022
Speech Recitals and Competitions
This week has seen another of the highlights of the St. Helen's College annual programme, with the school once again able to hold our poetry recitals and competitions in person.
On Monday, our Reception children recited their poems to an eager audience of parents and staff in the Lower School Hall. The Nursery children recited theirs on Tuesday in the same format. The children showed such confidence and bravery as they mounted the steps to the stage for their first solo recital performance (as the Reception children had been unable to do this in person due to the Covid lockdown last year). It was heartwarming to hear them and to see their obvious support for each other. Very well done, Nursery and Reception.
On Thursday we held the finals of the Junior Speech Competition for Years 1-3 and then the Senior Speech Competition for Years 4-6. Our guest judge, Nicola Isherwood, was hugely impressed by the very high standard of recitals. The children were extremely well-rehearsed and they spoke with wonderful clarity, projection and expression; these were the three criteria for judging. Their understanding of the meanings of their poems was clear for all to see and Nicola had an unenviably difficult job as judge. The winners were:
1C Class Winner - Eleanor G
1R Class Winner - Emerald S
2B Class Winner - Shayna C
2H Class Winner - Gurdaya J
3B Class Winner - Samuel H
3MB Class Winner - Rohaym U
Overall Junior Speech Competition Winner - Shayna C (2B)
4L Class Winner - Dylan C
4T Class Winner - Rian M
5A Class Winner - Lavanya B
5G Class Winner - Xavier B
6H Class Winner - Rivan K
6R Class Winner - Diyan C
Overall Senior Speech Competition Winner - Dylan C (4L)
We are so proud of every single pupil in the school for taking part in the recitals and competitions. Congratulations to our overall winners and a special thank you to Nicola Isherwood, who was a sensitive and educational judge for the children.
Y3 visit to Kew Gardens
On Monday, our Year 3 children enjoyed a day in the sunshine at Kew Gardens, where they had the chance to look at plants close up. They took part in a wonderful workshop where they had the opportunity to sketch plants, look at them under a microscope and do a seed sorting activity. Outdoors, they acted like plant scientists dissecting plants. The children thoroughly enjoyed looking at the plants in the Palm House and other areas in Kew Gardens.
Y5 visit to Bletchley Park
On Tuesday, Year 5 took a trip to Bletchley Park, where they learnt how code breaking helped to shorten WW2. They saw where code breakers such as Alan Turing worked and learnt about the Enigma code, the development of computers and computer science and the heroic efforts of men and women to bring the war to an end.
Planetarium visit to Reception
On Thursday, the children in Reception were treated to a visit from a planetarium as an exciting end to their topic 'We Are Space Explorers!'. Astronomer Zee presented a stargazing session, where he explained all about the Hillingdon sky at night as the children searched for the North Star, explored the stories behind the constellations and learned all about the craters of the moon. They were also treated to a wonderful interactive 'Sunshine' show with fun, games, colours and counting. It was out of this world!
Barnardo's Chamber Choir Competition
Our Chamber Choir has submitted their digital entry to the final of the Barnardo's National Choral Competition. You can view their entry here. We await with anticipation the results of this prestigious competition, which was sadly moved to a digital event due to the City of London's covid protocols.
Sports & Music Personalities of the Term
Well done to Natalia C, who was today named Sports Personality of the Term.
Congratulations also to Aanya B, who was named Music Personality of the Term.
PE Tracksuit
Years 3 to 6 will have a new PE/Games tracksuit from September. We will have a lead in period for the new tracksuit, so if your child's tracksuit still fits by September then you will not need to replace it. Pullens are planning to attend the PA Summer Fete on June 18th, so that parents may view the new tracksuit and place orders.
News from the PA
Second Hand Uniform Sale and Charity Bake Sale
Thank you to all of the parents who have donated uniform recently. The PA will be opening a uniform stall from 12 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. on Friday 1st April and Tuesday 12th April in the school car park on Parkway.
Grace O'H and Verity S from 4L will be running a bake sale in the car park outside the Parkway entrance to the school on Tuesday 12th April alongside the secondhand uniform stall. They will be selling all sorts of delicious treats including homemade cupcakes, macaroons, tiffin, rocky road, flapjacks and cookies. All money raised will be donated to support work that is being undertaken to protect elephants by battling the current surge in ivory poaching, thwarting traffickers and ending the demand for ivory.
If you're coming along to the uniform stall or picking up from Holiday Club, why not treat yourself on the run up to Easter whilst also supporting such a worthwhile charity.
Ukraine
We are fortunate in the UK to be looking forward to an Easter break and the onset of spring. But as the war continues, the situation in Ukraine remains desperate. More than 2.5 million people have already left Ukraine, while countless more are still trapped underground, taking cover from the shelling, and desperate for a safe escape. Hundreds of thousands of people still have no food, no water, no medical care, and no heat or electricity.
Red Cross teams are working around the clock to get critical care to those who need it most, both in Ukraine and its bordering countries. With recent freezing temperatures, and ongoing violence, an enormous number of people urgently need help right now. If you would like to make a donation to the Red Cross, you can do so by following this link.
Mrs. Smith is awaiting the arrival of a Ukrainian guest through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. She has written a blog this week about her experience of the process so far. If you are interested in reading this, you can do so here.
Minaya W (Year 5) has been putting her viola talents to good use. Last weekend she played in a charity concert at the Barbican to help raise funds for Ukraine. There is another concert this Saturday evening at St. Bartholomew's the Great in the city, which some parents/families may like to attend - information is here.
Well done, Minaya.
Tiya T (Year 4) has made a poster in support of Ukraine as part of a competition being run by The Week Jr.
This is excellent, Tiya, well done! We hope that others will be inspired to enter the competition too, or to find other ways to support Ukraine in these terrible times for the country.
Great Big School Clean
Back for its seventh year, our 2022 Great Big School Clean takes place 25 March – 10 April. From today, we have pledged as a whole school community to pick up one bag (or more) of litter over the Easter holidays as part of the Great Big School Clean. We would like everyone to pick up some litter in their homes and communities as it is hurting our environment and it is increasing climate change.
As you know we have had Cop26 and if we don’t try to stop plastic pollution and climate change then the world will be at risk. If we stop littering and start throwing our rubbish into the recycling bin it would make a big difference. Please start doing this now! Schools nationwide are actively encouraging this too, and we want everyone in this school to play their part. Join our #BigBagChallenge because your participation in the Big Clean over the three week Easter holiday will be a massive help to our ecosystem and communities. Thank you!
By Eshan N on behalf of the Eco team
https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/great-british-spring-clean/pledge-to-pick/school
Annual SATIPS Art Exhibition
Several members of our school community from Years 1 - 6 have had pieces of artwork selected to be exhibited at this annual independent school art exhibition. Invitations have been sent home with the children and we hope that many of you will be able to attend the exhibition at the Royal Masonic School in April.
IAPS iArt Competition - Final Reminder
After the success of iArt 2021, in which Arya A at St. Helen's College was a winner, IAPS will be running the competition again in 2022 and hopes to receive more submissions than ever. Shortlisted entrants will receive prizes of vouchers for local independent bookshops.
This year, the competition will have a theme and all submissions must in some way relate to this theme. The theme is my role model.
This theme has been chosen because IAPS is interested to see who inspires pupils, who motivates them, who they admire and who they would like to be like when they grow up. The role models can be anyone:
someone personal e.g. a family member, friend, teacher, coach, librarian, a member of the local community;
someone “in general” e.g. nurses, doctors, train drivers, farmers;
someone public e.g. a famous person, such as a sportsperson, environmentalist, singer
While IAPS encourages pupils to attempt a portrait of their role model, pupils – and particularly, younger pupils – should feel free to just paint / draw / create something which reminds them of their role model instead. For example, if a pupil’s role model is David Attenborough, they might choose to paint trees and animals, or if their role model is a parent, they might choose to draw a picture of their house.
Each pupil must write a maximum of 100 words in a sentence or two to accompany their piece of work, saying 'My role model is...because...'.
Entries will be judged on a) interpretation of the theme; b) creativity around the theme; c) overall design; d) and that ‘certain something’ that just draws you to the artwork! There is no set format for entries and artwork can be submitted in any medium. Submissions can be paintings, drawings, or models, any size, and use any art supplies.
There are five categories for the iArt competition: Years 1 & 2, Years 3 & 4, Years 5 & 6, Years 7 & 8 and Years 9 & 10. Each school may enter one piece of art for each category. For example, one piece of artwork representing the Years 5 & 6 category, not one artwork from Year 5 and one from Year 6.
Pupils who would like to enter this competition should submit their pieces of art and accompanying sentences directly to Mrs. Pruce or via their class teacher. The latest time to submit these will be in the first week of the summer term. Mrs. Drummond and Mrs. Pruce will judge which entries to put forward from St. Helen's College.
Good luck everyone and happy creating!
Cavaliers Basketball Easter Camp
Thames Valley Cavaliers are running a basketball Easter Camp at Uxbridge College for children aged 7-17. You can find details here.
Summer Term Menu
The summer term menu is now being finalised and will soon be published to the school website here.
Summer Term Co-Curricular Allocations
Co-curricular allocations were sent to parents yesterday.
Clubs will begin the week beginning 25th April.
If you have any queries over the co-curricular programme or would like to check whether there are still spaces available in any club, you may contact Mr. Harrington at lharrington@sthelenscollege.com.
Uniform & Equipment Reminders
Girls should return to school in full summer uniform from the start of the summer term. Please take the opportunity over the Easter break to check your child's equipment and uniform and ensure that everything fits and is clearly named.
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