Harvest Festival Service
On Monday, Reverend Simon Coleman, Chaplain for the Foundation, led our Harvest Festival assembly. The word ‘harvest’ is derived from an Old English word for ‘the season of Autumn’ and we were reminded of the vital role that our farmers play in growing and harvesting the food that we eat. Based on the parable of the feeding of the five thousand from the New Testament, Reverend Coleman spoke of the importance of sharing what we have, no matter how small it may seem.
On behalf of Major Martin Cordner of The Salvation Army here in Cambridge, Reverend Coleman thanked the children for their generous harvest gifts of food, which have been collected this week by volunteers from The Salvation Army for onward distribution to food banks in the local community.
Welcome to Early Years Presentation
On Monday evening we welcomed Foundation parents to Ashburton Hall to learn more about their children’s first year at St Faith’s. The presentation covered the curriculum and how parents can support their children at home. For those unable to attend, the presentation is available on My School Portal.
Foundation Scavenger Hunt
The weather remained fine last weekend for families attending the Foundation Scavenger Hunt. The St Faith’s Parents’ Association had put together a series of 12 ‘stops’ around the school site to help children show friends and family members around, and also learn about the history of our school. At each site, pupils collected one piece of a jigsaw puzzle, which they assembled to reveal a picture at the end. I hope you enjoy this selection of photos from the morning.
Inside the Headmaster’s Study
Last week, the children in 3N were given an insight into the daily life of a Headmaster. I invited them into my study for their very own ‘question time’. They were very keen to ask questions, with topics including the various meetings I have each day in my office and also the stories behind some of the pictures on the wall with ‘Fred the Cat’ attracting particular attention, plus Yoda! The children listened attentively and were also very excited to learn more about the opportunity to earn kindness certificates, which are collected from my office.
Year 7 Poetry Recital: Celebrating Creative Expression
In last week’s newsletter, we featured the Year 7 poetry recital, which took place on Friday after school. This was a very popular event and performing in front of a warmly appreciative audience, the pupils recited some familiar favourite poems, introduced us to some newly discovered poems and even shared some original poems which they had written themselves. Well done to all the pupils who took part and thank you to the teachers of the English department for helping them prepare for this recital. I hope that you enjoy this gallery of photos from the event.
Year 8 Graphite Portraiture
Year 8 have been exploring portraiture this week, through the medium of graphite. The pupils have been thinking about how to draw standard facial features in proportion, whilst using graphite pencils and blending tools to add tones to their drawings. They have also worked on the transitions between the light, medium and dark tones. I am very much looking forward to seeing more of their work as the term progresses.
U11 & U13 IAPS Boys’ Football
On Monday and Tuesday our pupils travelled to Bishop’s Stortford College for the IAPS U11 and U13 boys’ football tournaments. The boys were wonderful ambassadors for the school and full reports are available to read below.
U11 Match Report
U13 Match Report
U13 Girls’ Hockey County Cup
Mr Thompson wrote “On Monday, our U13 Girls’ hockey team competed at Wilberforce Road in the County Cup. The top 9 teams played across two pools to qualify for the East of England Tournament and for the honour of being the best side in a very competitive Cambridge County. Our talented team played 6 games, scoring 32 goals, and conceding 0. It’s fantastic that they won the cup, but even more impressive was the quality of their hockey, where every team member contributed to the success. The staff are very proud of their achievement”.
U10 Rugby Tournament
The U10 rugby teams made a superb start to the season at Oundle. They learnt a huge amount through their games against Belmont, Cothill, Laxton House, Stoneygate, Redhill and Bedford. They were great ambassadors for the school and should be delighted with their first school fixtures in this age group. They have great potential and were terrifically successful!
World Mental Health Day
Next week we will be recognising World Mental Health Day in school on Tuesday 10th October, supporting the charity Young Minds in their #HelloYellow campaign.
As part of World Mental Health Day, the children are welcome to wear any yellow accessories such as socks, hats, scarves, hair clips and scrunchies. This is entirely voluntary and there is no expectation for the pupils to take part unless they wish to do so. We politely request that any accessories do not impact on the rest of their day and they should be worn along with their usual school uniform/ sports kit. We will not be asking for individual donations from pupils, but if you would like to find out more about the work of Young Minds and their #HelloYellow campaign, or you would like to make a donation to this very important cause, please follow this link: #HelloYellow | World Mental Health Day | YoungMinds
Foundation Play Sessions
Looking ahead to next year’s Foundation class, on Wednesday, we welcomed two more groups of prospective pupils for Foundation 2024. They spent some time with the Early Years team, enjoying a variety of activities, whilst their families joined us for refreshments in Tom’s Garden.
2024 Application Deadline
Please note the deadline for applications for Years 1-7 for September 2024 is 30 November 2023 and the entry assessments will take place in January 2024. We are holding a Prep Open Morning on Wednesday, 1st November 11:00-13:00. As the event is now almost full, if you wish to attend, we would recommend registration as soon as possible to avoid disappointment www.stfaiths.co.uk
Next week
As well as being World Mental Health Day on Tuesday, it will be the first of three ‘Books and Biscuits’ events, as Foundation families are invited into the library to share story books with their children, whilst chatting to our Librarian, Miss Johnson, and enjoying a biscuit. Many St Faith’s families are also preparing for our ski trip in the Christmas holidays to Sestiere in Italy, and on Tuesday evening there will be a Ski trip meeting for both parents and pupils.
On Wednesday, the Year 2 pupils will be visiting the Scott Polar Museum in Cambridge, and next week also sees a number of sporting competitions involving our pupils, including the Year 8 IAPS Girls’ Hockey regional competition, being hosted by Oundle School. We wish all our teams the very best of luck.
And Finally….
Year 7 have been studying Newton’s Laws of Motion this week in Engineering, and in particular, their application during a rocket launch. Continuing on the space theme, some of our budding astronomist pupils may be casting their eyes skywards in the upcoming evenings, for the Draconids meteor shower, set to peak between the 8th and 9th of October.
Whether you are attending sports matches or stargazing, I wish you a peaceful and relaxing weekend.
With all best wishes,
Dr Crispin Hyde-Dunn
