Weekly Newsletter 19th November 2021
Dear Parents
This has been a very strange week, for me and Mrs Oldroyd, having to stay away from the public side of school life. Thank you for all your messages of advice and support as we have lived our lives with Covid; it has been a week of ups and downs as it leaves one quite exhausted at times. Fortunately, for me, I will be back in person on Monday morning as my isolation ends this weekend and Mrs O will be able to join me the week after.
Over the previous weekend, it was wonderful to read about how well the bonfire and firework evening had gone and I am hoping that today’s Christmas Workshop proves fun for all the children. The run up to Christmas is now well and truly underway and I am looking forward to the Carol Service and all of the other end of term events.
Another event that I have missed was the first of the consultation evenings for the older children that was held yesterday, but I will be there for the second evening next Tuesday. Reports that have come my way, mentioned that the evening went well with many constructive conversations to guide the children on their journey of assessments that they will experience in the coming months.
Last weekend Barrow Hills and King Edward’s exhibited at the Independent Schools Show in Battersea, showcasing all that both have to offer. Many London families are interested in relocating to the beautiful Surrey Hills and we look forward to showing them our school.
Next week, I am looking forward to Monday’s and Friday’s assemblies, both of which will have a ‘Bridewell’ theme. The governing body of Barrow Hills and King Edward’s has historic origins, dating back to 1553 and on Friday we will welcome the Treasurer, Beadle and Principal of Bridewell Royal Hospital to help me explain a little more about its history and relevance today. Before that, on Monday, we will be recognising the Bridewell Choir by presenting them with their badges and also hearing them sing. The choir represents the school alongside pupils from King Edward’s at various prestigious events, including venues such as St Bride’s Church in the City of London.
I understand it was a lively assembly this morning with staff, children and parents enjoying a rousing performance from the fantastic Year 7 band, ‘Skull Splitters’. Thank you to Mr Hooker and Year 7 for encouraging us all to keep being curious.
Finally, I am sending my best wishes to all of the children taking part in the various sports tournaments being held today and tomorrow. Good luck to all and hope you enjoy yourselves!
Best wishes for a lovely weekend.
Kind regards
Philip Oldroyd
Head
Pre-Prep
Pre-PrepDear Parents
Pre-Prep has had a busy week practising their songs and lines for our Nativity in only a couple of weeks time; the children are really looking forward to performing it to you.
Hedgehogs seem to be a common theme in Pre-Prep this week. I have seen some super clay hedgehogs in Reception. I was very impressed with the children using the forest to make their own paintbrushes and ‘paint’. It was wonderful to see their obvious enjoyment and how they adapted to the task in hand. Mrs Wilson really knows how to encourage the children to enjoy the woods. We are having some longer Christmas Forest School sessions in the last week of term with a fire, s’mores, Christmas forest activities and perhaps even a visit from a special guest!
Thank you to BHCC for the Christmas Workshop today, the children had a wonderful time.
I look forward to meeting our Parent Reps next week to discuss your feedback for Pre-Prep. It is always useful to know what we are doing well and what could be ‘even better if…’.
Have a lovely weekend,
Mrs Rachel E Harris
Head of Pre-Prep
Weekly News
Awards
Bronze
Bertie (3G), Bea (3G), Kiera (3R), Christian (3G), Esme (3R)
Jasper (4G), Thomas (4G), Kit (4G), Philip (4G), Elliot (4G)
Alfie (5G), Eliza (5G), Milo (5G), Lexi (5G), Imogen (5G)
Level 1 Food Safety
Joel (7G), Gabriel (7G), Harry (7G), Josh (7G), Charlie (7G)
Bacon Butties
Can you help?
The BHCC relies on parent participation to ensure successful events. Every parent at Barrow Hills is automatically a member of the Committee and very welcome to come to meetings or pop an idea over. We hope that you continue to support us, beginning with the events planned for the rest of this term. If you feel you can help please contact your rep (see details below), David Brydon or if volunteers are needed you can sign up on Classlist when the event is published.
If you have any questions please contact David Brydon on davidbrydon1992@googlemail.com
What is next?
We have a packed autumn term. Please see below for ‘save the dates’ and some of the plans for the coming term. More information will follow before each event:
Tickets/bookings can be made via the above links or on Classlist.
Christmas Trees
Due to the popularity and quality of the Christmas trees sold last year, we are again partnering with Trees for Christmas. You will see a beautiful sample of their 7-8ft tree on the main drive. If you would like to place an order please do so here or via Classlist by Wednesday 24th November. These will be delivered to school ready for collection at pickup on Friday 3rd December.
The sizes and prices are:
● 100-125cm (3-4ft) – £28.49
● 125-150cm (4-5ft) – £30.99
● 150-175cm (5-6ft) – £35.99
● 175-200cm (6-7ft) – £40.99
● 200-250cm (7-8ft) – £51.49
● Cinco 7″ stands for trees up to 6/7ft £20.00
Class Reps
Nursery: David Cuthbert
Kindy: Katie Boulter and Alex Jenkin
Reception: Rebecca Foord and Kerry Poole
Year 1: Danielle Atkinson and Mark Todd
Year 2: Sara Pickard and Sandra Weeks
Year 3: Madelon Burnett and Michelle Sophocleous
Year 4: Emmah Klein and Marie-Claire Parker
Year 5: Rosemary Cresswell and Natalie Preston
Year 6: Rosie Aneja and Anthony & Lisa Tugwell
Year 7: Lucy Oldham and Liz Hughes
Year 7: Marja van Ravenstein
Year 8: Jane Hubble
If you shop online, please sign up to easyfundraising to support Barrow Hills School. Easyfundraising turns your everyday online shopping into free donations for your favourite cause.
It’s a really easy way to raise money for us – you just use the easyfundraising site to shop online with more than 3,500 well known online stores. Please visit our easyfundraising page here and click ‘support us’.
School Notices
Uniform Shop at King Edward’s Witley
By appointment only – Christmas Opening Hours
Monday 13th December – Friday 17th December open from 1.00pm – 4:30pm
Monday 20th December – Wednesday 22nd December open from 1.00pm – 4:30pm
The sewing room will then be closed from Thursday 23rd December and will re-open on Wednesday 5th January 2022.
Engines Running
When waiting in the car park please turn off your car engine; particularly as climate change is so high profile this week. Thank you.
Recording and Photography
Please may we remind you that recording or photography on personal devices is not permitted on the school premises.
Please clean up after your dog if you bring them to school. We may have to reconsider allowing dogs on site if this is not done. Thank you.
Whizz Pop Bang Magazine
Issue 76 – Surviving the Stone Age – may be accessed here
Families Surrey West
Nov/Dec Issue is accessed here.
Babysitter Available
Joe Unwin, our fabulous Barrow Hills Gap Student is available for babysitting. Please contact him on 07749 717490.
Absences on match afternoons
Please notify games staff of any absences on a match afternoon in advance when possible.
Absence Request Form
An Absence Request Form must be completed for any reason that a child is not in school, other than illness. These are found on the Parent Portal. Thank you.
Portal
Please can we remind you that the majority of the communications are sent via the parent portal on a Tuesday. Communications will vary for each child dependent on a variety of factors e.g. class, gender, sets. The Prep team sheet can be changed at any time therefore we encourage you to check the portal on a regular basis.
Posters Below
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