So, it appears that there was more than one reader who missed the blog on 19th June, so thank you to all five of you! Despite not being in school on Friday afternoon, I have made sure this week that everything is set ready to go, which is an obvious statement, given that you are reading this. Including this week’s, there are only three blogs to go. Three, which will take the total over the thirteen years to 513.
Phase returned on Monday for their final visit of the year to work with our two Year 6 classes. This final visit looked at transition and as referenced last week, transition is something we take very seriously at Whitehill. Phase are useful on this front, as they will be very visible in all three Hitchin secondary schools when the cohort move into Year 7.
Transition was also on the agenda for our incoming Year 3s on Monday and Wednesday afternoon. These after school ‘tours’ allow our future Year 3 cohort to come and have a tour with their parents, take some photos, and see their classroom for the first time. Mr Wathen was also on hand to meet and greet as he looks to welcome his first Whitehill cohort.
I have to admit, it was a little strange acting as ‘just a tour guide’, but I did enjoy chatting with the Year 2s and hearing about what they are looking forward to from September.
Miss King was out with a cricket team who were taking part in the first league match. The weather hasn’t been on our side this term but it was good to finally get another game. Well done to all who played and congratulations on an impressive win.
We were out again on Tuesday evening, this time playing William Ransom. The result didn’t go our way on this occasion but there was some impressive play across the board.
My Tuesday afternoon was spent enjoying the singing concert courtesy of the pupils who have been learning with Miss McConnell Smith. Miss McConnell Smith has been associated with Whitehill for some six years now, teaching singing to numerous pupils across that time and for me, captures what learning music is about; having fun whilst sharing the progress made. This concert did just that. Well done to everyone who took part and thank you to family and friends who were able to attend.
I enjoyed a ‘Biscuits with the Boss’ on Wednesday when four Year 4s joined me for one last time. Penelope and some friends came along, and we chatted about holidays, the future and, very sweetly, there was one last attempt to stop me leaving! I have two or three more sessions booked in before the end of term.
Mrs Vernon, Mrs Burniston and Mrs Winter were out again at lunchtime on Wednesday sharing positive vibes through our Poetry Post Club. This is such a fun and well-received extra-curricular activity, and I always look forward to seeing what feedback we receive from our neighbours.
Our Year 5s were at Hitchin Girls’ School on Wednesday afternoon to watch the matinee of this year’s Gym and Dance display. Although our Minion Dance didn’t perform at this show – we were missing Gru – they did perform in the two evening shows on Wednesday and Thursday.
Following Wednesday night’s performance, I received an email from a parent of an HGS student who was at the show stating, “Their performance was so upbeat, energetic and enjoyable to watch. It was my favourite performance of the night. The confidence they showed at that age on stage was amazing, and they should all be incredibly proud of themselves. It was such a lovely opportunity for them to be part of the event, and they were a real credit to your school. It was a pleasure to watch them perform.” You can’t ask for more than that.
I was there on Thursday evening and couldn’t agree more with that HGS parent! A huge thank you to the teaching staff and of course the pupils for all their hard work with this project.
We had a lovely assembly on Thursday courtesy of Mr Ingham and Hitchin Girls’ School’s Junior Choir. When I last visited HGS as the music department’s link trustee, I mentioned that it would be awesome to have Mr Ingham visit and share some of the music-making they do at HGS with our pupils. Not only did they come and sing two songs for us, but Mr Ingham got the whole school singing in parts; something that most impresses me about quality choral music.
I hope his visit will inspire our Year 6s to continue with music when they move onto their secondary schools. All three Hitchin secondaries have amazing music departments.
On Friday morning, the Year 6s performed High School Musical for the first time to an audience.
I wasn’t able to be at this Year 6 dress rehearsal, but I have heard great things already. Having been banned from all other rehearsals as usual and never having seen the films, I am really looking forward to seeing the show in all its glory. Mr Mills Junior has really pushed the budget this year too!
At the time this blog going live, we have an athletics team competing at the district competition and so look forward to hearing how they all get on. My trustee ‘chief correspondent’, Mrs Richards had one last assignment from me.
Looking ahead to next week, as already mentioned, we have the three performances of the Year 6 production.
Our Year 4s are out for one last time on Tuesday at Bhaktivedanta Manor as part of their RE curriculum. It is always a highlight of the year for the staff as we are always looked after so well.
On the same day, the Year 5s are having their ‘Caribbean day’ which was moved from this week.
Mr Wathen is in for one last handover day on Wednesday, with several meetings already listed in his diary. I hope to be attending the orchestra concert which is taking place in the morning.
Thursday is transition day. A day where the Year 6 pupils venture off to their new secondary schools and become ‘little fish’ again whilst we welcome our incoming Year 3s and the remaining pupils get to spend the day with their new teachers. This all happens during the school day and so there are no additional arrangements or timings for parents and carers to worry about. The school day ends as usual.
The other big event next week is the Friends’ Association Summer Social on Friday 10th July. The weather looks like it will be great and that always ensures a fun-filled evening and, of course, a lucrative evening in terms of the fund raising. I hope to see as many of you there as possible for what will be my last Friends’ Association event.
Have a lovely weekend.
Best wishes,
Steve Mills
Headteacher
