Welcome back to the second half of the autumn term. Seven weeks which will fly by and see the Year 3s put on a production. Mr Denney and Miss Smith are already starting to panic at the number of days they don’t actually have! It will be brilliant as always, I am sure.
Last Sunday, before we had returned to school, our trampolinists took part in the first round of this year’s national schools’ competition. I wasn’t able to get there this time around (blame the diary) but I was kept informed as to how the pupils did and of course, we celebrated the achievements in Friday’s assembly. For those pupils progressing through to the next round, usually early in 2025, we will keep everything crossed for you.
Whilst talking about sporting success, I would like to give a huge shout out to Leo (Year 6) who has been selected to swim in the South East of England championships being held in Watford later on Friday. This is a great achievement, and we are proud that Leo will be representing Team Whitehill in this gala. We wish him all the very best and look forward to hearing how he gets on.
I regularly mention how much I enjoy chatting with pupils and parents in the morning when I am on the playground. This could be with my fellow quiz enthusiasts, the Spiers for example or chats about theatre in the West End. On Monday morning, I heard all about Bailey (Year 4) and his exciting archaeological discovery near St Mary’s church. The 400-year-old ‘token’ (akin to a coin) has now been handed over to Hitchin Museum for others to enjoy. Well done Bailey – it must have been all that ‘Big Dig’ training from last year.
There was some great artwork being produced in Lamarr Class on Monday afternoon. Pupils are looking at the work of William Morris and have been producing some initial sketches based on some of his designs. I am glad I visited as it was very impressive.
The school football season won’t last for much longer with the nights drawing in. The game on Monday after school against Pirton did go ahead and there was some very impressive passing on display leading to another win. Kieran (Year 6) netted another three goals, and the clean sheet was maintained thanks to a wonderful one-handed save from Leo (Year 6).
Much of the talk on Tuesday morning was about the power cut which placed Hitchin and the surrounding areas in total darkness on Monday evening. If only the sky was a little clearer, it would have been perfect to get the telescope out.
We had several prospective Whitehill families tour the school on Tuesday afternoon. Some were looking to start their child’s educational journey and so will be looking at Highbury and Whitehill. Others were looking for a place at Whitehill for now. Mrs McConnell Smith and I shared the tours and when chatting after, decided that the message the pupils were giving when they talked to our visitors was that ‘learning is fun’. I couldn’t have put it better myself.
After school, our football team headed to Priory to take part in the first round of the ESFA national competition. It is always exciting to play under lights and this was a great opportunity for the team. Miss Gooderham and our trusty band of loyal supporters were keeping me informed as to how we were progressing, and it was exceptionally close. A 4 – 0 win in the final game meant the boys had to take part in a penalty shootout against Samuel Lucas to see who would be crowned champions and progress through to the next round. Jacob and Stanley (Year 6) scored their two penalties and then after an amazing penalty save from the in-form Leo (Year 6) in goal, Albie (Year 6) dispatched his penalty (unlike Haaland on Tuesday night) to seal the victory. This was a thoroughly deserved win.
Perhaps pause at this point to reflect on the fact that Leo (Year 6) seems to be having a particularly successful week given the number of mentions he has received in this blog!
On Wednesday morning, we held the first round of House assemblies led by our Year 6 captains. They had been given a title and had an opportunity to ‘rally the troops’ as a group. The assemblies were supported by the staff members from the respective Houses, and I could hear the rallying cry from Air House from my office! There will be another opportunity in the spring term.
A new art club started on Wednesday evening, run by local artist and Whitehill parent, Mrs Dent. I popped in on several occasions and it looked like great fun. I know places were limited but we hope to run it again in the future for those who expressed an interest and didn’t get a place this time around.
Two netball teams headed off to Samuel Lucas for a fixture on Wednesday with honours being shared, one win each.
I was hardly in my office on Thursday. First thing, I had another prospective parent tour to run which was very enjoyable. In fact, there were so many interesting questions that it went on slightly longer than planned which is absolutely fine. I enjoy showing off our school.
Just after break, we were joined by Mr Crowther, Headteacher of HGS, who spent time chatting with me; enjoyed a working lunch with our Junior Leadership Team and then toured the school. It was a really productive three hours and I was very proud of our school and with the pupils who chatted with our visitor.
I was in London form most of the day on Friday – not seeing a show for once – and so was unable to lead our Achievers’ Assembly. Mrs Burniston ran it for me and as you can imagine, there was plenty to celebrate.
The regular awards were handed out as follows: Water and Fire won the House Cup; Wilde Class won the Wombles and Kahlo won Class of the Week.
In addition to the sports reports already referenced, we celebrated Ted’s (Year 3) football trophy which by all accounts was almost as big as he is! Imogen (Year 4) shared here gymnastics awards and Leo (Yes… the same Leo!) showed his swimming medals from a recent championship.
Thank you to Imogen (Year 4) who sang for us at the start of our assembly.
Looking ahead to next week I have another four sets of prospective parent tours to lead and will also, hopefully, find some time to watch some of the football fixtures we have. The other sporting fixture next week is the district cross country and we know we have some very talented runners ready to defend their titles from last year,
Phase will be in to work with Year 5s on Tuesday afternoon for the first of several sessions across the year.
I seem to be involved in a number of meetings next week including one with the Director of Education on Wednesday. The diary is looking a little full – it is going to be a busy week.
And finally… a last minute addition to the blog. Everyone at Whitehill would like to say a huge congratulations to Mr and Mrs Lord who, this afternoon, have seen the arrival of their first child, Finley Andrew Lord, who was born at a healthy 9.1lbs. Both mum and baby are doing very well and Mr Lord is rightly, a very proud dad!
Have a great weekend.
Best wishes,
Steve Mills
Headteacher
Congratulations Mr lord on the birth of your baby boy 👶
congratulations to Mr and Mrs Lord on their new baby boy 👶