Weekly News - Friday 13th October 2023

As we reach the end of a very busy first half term of the academic year, we are feeling very grateful to the whole St. Helen's College community and very proud of all that has been achieved so far! We wish you all a happy, restful half term.

Reception and Year 1 Harvest Assemblies

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Lower School classes helped us to reflect on the importance of gratitude and sharing. 

Year 1 performed a super assembly on Tuesday, telling us about harvest time around the world. The children described how different cultures and countries celebrate and give thanks for the food they are able to produce and eat. We were also reminded of the importance of sharing with those less fortunate. The pupils sang with gusto and spoke individual lines with confidence. There was some wonderful dancing too!

The following day, our Owls and Kingfishers Reception classes presented their harvest assembly, themed around colours. Through song, choral verse and individual lines, the children explained how farmers use combine harvesters and other machinery to help grow, gather and prepare crops, before considering the 'rainbow' of produce we can eat. We remembered together that we are lucky to have plenty and to be able to help those who do not have enough.

After each performance, Reverend Ken Kingston told the children a short story to demonstrate how even the smallest contribution can make the biggest difference.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed food for our harvest collections during this half term. As usual, the St. Helen's College community has been hugely generous in supporting those in need, of whom there are many in our local community. All donations are being distributed to people in Hillingdon.

3M Class Assembly

The 3M class assembly on Friday looked at all of the connections between people: in our immediate and extended families, in our school and wider community, and around the world. The children reminded us all how important it is to nurture and enjoy these connections, and how we can all make a difference to others' lives by being mindful of the world that connects us. They took us to Antarctica, the Sahara Desert and the Amazon Rainforest, educating us on how important it is to protect these endangered places. We were asked to remember that it is possible for every single person to make a difference and that no difference is too small, because 'the greatest threat to our planet is believing someone else will save it.' Well done, 3M. You spoke your lines with great confidence, projection and clarity and gave us all plenty to reflect upon.

Sports News

Tuesday saw our U11 girls' football team take part in a tournament at Radlett Prep alongside five other schools. The girls really enjoyed the experience and made the most of the opportunity to compete and develop their matchplay against some tough opposition. The team lost their first game 2-0 to Radlett Prep, won the second 1-0 against Monksmead, with Alexia C the goal scorer, lost 6-0 to Manor Lodge, lost 1-0 to Quainton Hall and lost 1-0 to Cowley Hill. This put the team fifth in the league table which meant a fifth/sixth place play-off against Monksmead. The girls were excited to put their boots back on for the final game and they had saved their best performance until last, winning 3-0 with goals from Eva J, Riya S and Alexia C. Thank you to the parents who came along, both for the amazing support and with the help in transporting the girls to and from the competition.

On Wednesday, the U11 boys' football team travelled to Manor Lodge to take part in a tournament. The team produced a mixed set of results, losing their first game 2-1, then winning 3-0, losing 2-0 and losing the last game 3-1. They finished fifth out of seven teams. This was good preparation for the team as the league season is starting very soon. At times the team played very well and they certainly have a strong foundation upon which to build. Many thanks to those who came along to support them.

The netball team was also in action on Wednesday with a home match against St. Bernadette's, their second league match of the season. It was an exciting game from start to finish, with the teams being very well matched.

Unfortunately St. Helen's College lost 3-4 to St. Bernadette’s, but the girls all played brilliantly and made improvements on their match last week. Nya was awarded player of the match for her fantastic interceptions throughout.

 

Congratulations to Hana H (Year 6) and her brother Samir H (an Old Helenian), who were recently runners up in their tennis club finals at Dukes Wood Tennis Club in Gerrards Cross. Hana entered the U10 mixed competition and Samir was in the U14 boys' competition. They were both beaten by county players but enjoyed the challenge. 

 

News From The PA

Quiz night: Thank you to all of the parents and teachers who participated in Quiz Night. The event was a lot of fun with lots of new parents joining in. These events play a valuable role in fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the school. We appreciate everyone who attended. 

Uniform Stall: The uniform stall will be held during the half term on Tuesday 24th October from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Upper School car park, via Parkway. 

Christmas Party: The PA has organised two Christmas parties for St. Helen's College children on Sunday 26th November. Your child/children can attend either time slot together, despite being in different year groups. We are not holding parties for specific year groups on this occasion.

As spaces are limited, they will be provided on a first come, first served basis. Each party will consist of party food and soft drink, a disco and a gift from Father Christmas.

PARTY OPTIONS: Sunday 26 November 2023
PARTY 1: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
PARTY 2: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Please complete your booking here: PA Christmas Party 2023 (google.com)

PRICES:
£15.00 per child
£5.00 per adult

PAYMENT
Please make payment of £15 per child and £5 per adult using the Child 1 Name and Class as your reference.

Please note that payment must be made within 24 hours and is only accepted by bank transfer to:

Account Name: SHC Parents Association
Bank: Natwest
Sort Code: 60-02-60
Account No: 10315152

VENUE:
Yiewsley and West Drayton Community Centre, 228 Harmondsworth Road, West Drayton UB7 9JL

PARKING FACILITIES:
Some parking available on site.

Please ensure that you include all the information on the form as requested and make payment within 24 hours of booking. BOOKINGS WILL BE OPEN UNTIL THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER. Book early to avoid disappointment. If there are any queries, please email pa@sthelenscollege.com.

Parents' Evenings

It was good to see so many parents of our Lower School children at the second round of Ducklings, Nursery, Reception and Year 1 parents' evenings this week. We hope that you found the conversations useful. Please keep communicating with your child's class teacher regularly in order to support their progress.

Parents' Evenings for Years 2 to 6 will take place on:

Thursday 2nd November (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
Tuesday 7th November (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

To book appointment(s), please use the following link.
https://sthelens.schoolcloud.co.uk/  

Road Safety And Sustainability

Gold Kitemark

We are delighted to report that St. Helen's College has once again been awarded a gold kite mark by Transport for London to reflect the school's excellent work concerning road safety and sustainability. As usual, our JTAs (Junior Travel Ambassadors) have been instrumental in gaining this accolade. This keen and responsible group of pupils meets regularly to come up with new and inventive ways to reduce pollution and congestion in the area, as well as to promote the safety of all road users. Well done all!

Hillingdon's Active Travel Movement

This year the Hillingdon STARS team are offering Hillingdon schools the chance to be involved with their Active Travel Movement 2023 campaign. By being part of the movement, school communities can participate in active travel activities, reduce car use, improve air quality and improve the overall physical and mental well-being of everyone involved. There has never been a more important time for the young minds of today to help shape the fate of our environment and travel behaviours for the future. Watch the 2-minute video to get a sense of what it's all about! 

October Walk to School Month Competitions

The STARS Team will be running an October Walk to school month competition. There are different competitions for children up to Year 2 and children in Years 3 - 6. All entries must be handed into school by Tuesday 31^st October. Winners will be announced and contacted in November. Winners will be chosen from each key stage and will have their design digitally recreated and framed as well as receiving an Amazon gift card!

EYFS/KS1 Active Travel Art Competition (Early Years and Years 1 & 2)

Children are asked to create a piece of art to show a safe and sustainable way to travel to school. This could be walking, scooting, cycling etc. They should show in their drawing how they keep safe when travelling to school actively. 

KS2/KS3 Road Safety Invention Design Competition (Years 3 - 6)

Children are asked to come up with a new "Road Safety Invention Design" which could make roads safer. They should draw the design as well as explain how the road safety invention would work and how it makes roads safer. 

Thames Valley Cavaliers - Free Tickets

Thames Valley Cavaliers will be playing a home match against Loughborough Riders this Saturday, starting at 7 p.m. at Uxbridge College. All St. Helen's College pupils are welcome to attend free of charge! You can find details here.

Music Spaces

We currently have spaces available for flute, trumpet/trombone and singing lessons for children in Years 2-6. Please use this Google Form to register interest. Please note that there are currently no spaces available for piano lessons; however, the form can be used to add your child's name to a waiting list for any instrument. 

Upcoming Dates

The second half term promises to be as busy as the first, if not more so! Here is a reminder of upcoming dates/events for the first week back:

Monday 30th October - Year 5 pedestrian training (during school hours)
Monday 30th October - Year 5 and Year 6 netball v. Highgate (A)
Tuesday 31st October - Year 3 pedestrian training (during school hours)
Wednesday 1st November - Orchestra trip to Northwood College
Wednesday 1st November - Football match v. Laurel Lane (H)
Thursday 2nd November - PA coffee morning in Evans Hall (8.15 a.m.)
Thursday 2nd November - Year 2 - 6 parents' evenings (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
Friday 3rd November - 3B coffee morning/class assembly (8.15 a.m.)
Friday 3rd November - Nursery trip to The Play Train