It’s been a lovely week weather-wise which is always a blessing and this sunshine started last Sunday when we had a number of pupils taking part in the charity football event at Hitchin Town. Other commitments meant I wasn’t able to lend my support on this occasion but those who did attend have reported a successful and fun (more importantly) afternoon. Huge thanks to Mr Ciepiela and all the parents who were there to allow our pupils to participate.
Monday was a very interesting day. For interesting, read different.
After lunch, Mrs McConnell Smith and I accompanied the Junior Leadership team as they headed into town to purchase the prizes for the World Book Day competition they have been running. In reality, we followed behind as they led the way, clear in their minds where they should look and what they wanted. Our only real responsibility was to stop Lillian venturing into Boots (twice) looking for lip balm!
After a successful visit to the only shop we needed, we found we had time for an ice cream in the old marketplace which also gave us the opportunity to watch them filming (what we believe to have been) an episode of Dr Foster. We are sure we saw Suranne Jones (and her stunt double) as they filmed a car chase across the pedestrian square. We are all going to watch with interest when the series airs later in the year.
After school, Whitehill hosted this year’s ‘A’ Team netball rally. This is the culmination of two term’s worth of hard work and great results all season. Although we didn’t finish in the top three, the team played very well and one goal either way could have made all the difference.
I was fascinated to listen to a conversation between former pupil Leo (now Year 7) and his mum about his HBS food tech lesson and how he had made couscous. Interested as to whether ‘made’ was a slight exaggeration for ‘poured boiling water over’, I did offer to try some, given his sister, Autumn (Year 6) wouldn’t. I will go on record as saying, regardless of the effort taken to produce the end meal, the placing of a quarter of a red pepper on the top took a great deal of skill and it tasted lovely! I still don’t believe Autumn had any.
It was the turn of the B Team to play in their rally on Thursday evening, this time at Highover school. The team played very well indeed, with a special mention to Mimi (Year 6) who stepped in at the last minute for her first netball matches for the school. The team placed third across a very strong field.
Tuesday morning was busy. I had my weekly catch up with the JLT followed by hot chocolate with Penelope (Year 4) and three of her close friends at breaktime. Interestingly, the drink of choice for the JLT was tea this week – anything they were able to dunk their biscuits into, I suspect.
I joined our cricket team on their first outing of the year at Purwell on Tuesday, after school. Despite it being the opening friendly of the season, there was some strong batting and bowling performances from both teams, and it was Sam (Year 6) who brought the win home, thanks to some big hitting – including several sixes – in the last two overs.
On Wednesday afternoon, I was in Kahlo Class teaching art. Teaching? Facilitating? Generally being impressed with the quality of the work the Year 6s were producing. The pupils worked well and I can’t wait to see the final pieces of work from this unit. We also joined with Wilde Class for the last half hour to run through a few of the songs from this year’s production. Again, quality work.
I had a wonderful day on Thursday. I cleared my diary so that I could enjoy both the Upper School and Lower School interhouse events. The sun was shining and it made for a fantastic atmosphere. Well done to everyone who took part in this day of competition and of course to the winning Houses. Thank you, also, to Mrs Flint, one of our governors, who was able to stay after her meeting first thing and enjoy the events.
I continue to hand out Headteachers Awards and this week a group of pupils from Mayan Class received theirs for some performance poetry. Further up the school, Julia, Isaac, and Eva (Year 6) received theirs for some wonderful extended writing.
Our Achievers’ Assembly started with Emmeline (Year 3) playing the drums and concluded with Kiraz (Year 6) singing.
Wilde picked up another Class of the Week award and Earth were back lifting the House Cup.
We celebrated Zoe’s and Emily O’s (Year 3) football medals, Oliver’s (Year 5) swimming success, and Calla’s (Year 3) skiing award.
In addition, the JLT presented the prizes for their World Book Day competition. A huge well done to all the pupils who were shortlisted; the year group winners – Jas (Year 3), Alfie (Year 4), Evie (Year 5), Oscar and Isabella (Year 6); and the overall winner Jas, who earned an extra prize for himself and also for his class.
At break on Friday, I had hot chocolate with the last group of Year 3s during Biscuits with the Boss. Given the weather and the fact my room is a bombsite at the moment, we made the best of the weather and had a picnic. I have now met with all 61 of them and enjoyed chatting about a whole range of subjects, some of which actually relate to school.
Looking ahead, by this time next week we will be in May. Before that, we have the boys’ netball rally on Monday, followed by the girls’ Wix Cup Final away at Wilshere Dacre on Tuesday. The boys’ football team is back in action for one last time on Friday, when they take on Samuel Lucas in the league playoff final.
The social event of the week might be the school discos on Wednesday evening hosted by the Friends’ Association. My last ever school disco!
The other key event for me, certainly, will be the first transition meeting with my successor, Mr Wathen, on Friday. I am sure it will be a full and productive day.
I am sure I will see some of you at tonight’s wine tasting event or at the marathon tomorrow. From there, Mr Mills Junior and I are heading to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final.
Have a great weekend.
Best wishes,
Steve Mills
Headteacher
