Weekly News - Friday 22nd November 2024

ISI Inspection Results

In September we welcomed the Independent School Inspectorate (ISI) into School and we are delighted to share their superb report which recognises the enormous passion, expertise and commitment of our staff to ensure superb outcomes for our pupils. 

In particular, we are extremely proud that inspectors recognised the exceptional oral communication skills of our pupils by awarding St. Helen's College an 'area of significant strength'. Commenting on the oracy skills of your children, inspectors said, 

'Leaders have high aspirations for pupils. The decision to prioritise oracy skills and to provide opportunities for pupils to use them, results in highly articulate, confident individuals. Pupils readily express their thoughts and opinions. This is a significant strength of the school. Pupils use verbal reasoning skills to explain their independent thinking. They are empowered to be dynamic individuals who lead initiatives that make a positive and impactful contribution to the school and wider community.'

A full copy of the 2024 report is available on Inspection Results page of the school website here.

Primary Maths Challenge

Over the past fortnight Years 4-6 have successfully completed the Primary Maths Challenge. This is a fun and exciting mathematical challenge organised by The Mathematical Association which aims to build children’s enthusiasm and resilience in maths. The children have participated in online problem solving puzzles and will each receive an individual score in due course. Once the results are published, bronze, silver or gold certificates will be awarded. This is a terrific exercise to develop competency and boost confidence in maths. Very well done to all of the children who took part!

House Art Competition

On Monday the winners of the House Art Competition were announced. The children were tasked with recreating a famous work of art and the standard of entries was extremely high. Ms. Drummond had the difficult task of judging the finalists and finally reached a conclusion. The winners were:

Upper School winner - Sammy H (Y6 Cambria) and highly commended Evie J (Y6 Windsor). 

Middle School winner - Zoravar D (Y2 Hibernia) and highly commended Naseeb D (Y2 Cambria).

All entries were awarded valuable House points, so well done to everyone for the effort that went into their submission. The winners earned 20 points for their House and the runners up 10 points.

Sports News

On Tuesday St. Helen's College U9 A and B teams participated in the Reddiford Football Festival. Both teams played four games in total against other local independent schools with neither team conceding any goals. Both the A and B team won two of their matches and drew the other two matches. Well done to all the players for demonstrating great progress and teamwork. 

Staff News

Sadly we will be bidding farewell to Miss Linton (6L) at the end of this term. Miss Linton has been at St. Helen's College for the past four years and has had a significant impact on the education of many pupils.  However, having moved house recently, her long daily commute is becoming unsustainable and thus she is seeking a position closer to home. 

It is also with sadness that we say goodbye to Mrs. Gallagher who will be leaving on the 29th November. Mrs. Gallagher has been with us at Lower School since 2022 and is a most valued member of the Nursery team. However, she too has a long commute and as such, she has made the difficult decision to leave. We wish both Miss Linton and Mrs Gallagher well for the future and thank them for making a valuable contribution to the school. 

We look forward to welcoming two new members of staff to the team at St. Helen's College. Mr Reilly will join as the new Year 6 form teacher and Head of Maths in January 2024. Mrs. Odeniyi will be joining as a Teaching and Learning Assistant in Robins on the 18th November. 

Music News

Congratulations to Zinnia M in Y6 who has been selected to sing the solo part in 'Once In Royal David's City' at the end of term Christmas church service. There was a very high standard in auditions this year, so well done to everyone who took part. 

PA Christmas Cards & Gifts

Personalised Christmas cards and gifts featuring the children's individual artwork are now available to order online. To place an order please use the login details provided here and to use the early bird discount please place your order in the next two weeks. Every child in Lower School has artwork ready to order, however in Upper School designs will only be available for the children who participated. Thank you to the PA for organising this for the school. 

Children in Need Fundraising

Last Friday the children enjoyed a fun day marking BBC Children in Need and came into school in bright yellow or spotty clothes in exchange for a charity donation. We are thrilled to have raised an incredible £935 towards this important fundraiser. Many thanks to everyone who kindly donated and to the school Charity Reps for supporting this.  

 

 

 

 

Speed Awareness Poster Competition

Please be reminded that the deadline for children to submit artwork for the speed awareness poster competition is next Friday 29th November. St. Helen’s College are working with Hillingdon Council to make the roads around the school safer and pupils are invited to enter a 'Design a Sign' competition to create new 20mph signage on Parkway. Children should use the template application form here to enter their design in the competition and should follow these guidelines:  

• Designs should be drawn (no computers or images)
• Designs must be bright and to the point
• The theme is 20mph, to encourage drivers to slow down
• Please assist and support your children with their designs where you can; however, please refrain from drawing the designs yourself.

The guidelines and an example design can be found here. The winning design will be chosen by the council and made into a formal 20mph sign for all to see! 

Black Friday Uniform Discount

Pullens (www.uniform4kids.com) are having a Black Friday online sale offering a 20% discount. The offer is valid for one day only on Friday 29^th November 2024. The 20% discount applies to all products including school wear, sportswear, footwear and accessories.  Please note this offer is available online only using discount code BLACKFRIDAY20 at the checkout. Please note a discount cannot be added retrospectively to an order already placed. Click & collect or delivery to school during this event will not be available; orders will be dispatched via courier and may take up to one week to process.

Next Week

Monday 25th November - Ducklings Individual Photographs
Monday 25th November - Nursery and Reception Nativity Photographs
Tuesday 26th November - Chamber Choir Barnardo's Recording 
Tuesday 26th November - Year 6 Netball v. Hermitage (H)
Thursday 28th November - Year 6 Netball v. St. Mary's 
Friday 29th November - 2S Coffee Morning & Class Assembly
Friday 29th November - Month End Music Recital