In the Classrooms
With term well and truly underway this week in the classrooms, Year 2 have been following the Power Maths scheme and gaining confidence performing a range of calculations. Year 2 have also spent some time reflecting on their time since they returned to school earlier this month. They talked about a wide range of positive experiences they have enjoyed across the curriculum and anticipated the events they can look forward to in the coming weeks. Elsewhere, pupils in Year 6 have been adding up in Binary in their Computing lessons while pupils in Year 8 have been studying how to harness solar energy in their Engineering class. Meanwhile, Year 7 pupils have been learning about the concept of melodrama in their Drama lessons and in particular, how to exaggerate emotion and action. They have also been engaged creatively in observational drawing of their shoes in their Art lessons.
Music Lessons
There has been much excitement around the resumption of instrumental Music lessons, with children carrying their instruments to lessons with quiet purpose and keen anticipation – whether beginners or looking to build upon skills learned last year. As we continue to settle into the rhythm of term, parents are informed of the lesson times each week, but pupils can also check with their Tutor, or any of their teachers, if they cannot remember their lesson time.
Year 7 Performance Poems
In English lessons, all Year 7 pupils start the academic year with an enriching programme of study on poetry. The pupils have been duly rehearsing their poetry recitals in class in readiness for the department’s annual poetry recital after school on Friday 29th September. Memorably, one pupil had independently written a poem entitled, ‘I’m Not Gonna Write a Poem!’ for this occasion! Looking ahead to next Friday’s recital, parents of those children who will be performing have been contacted with further details. We are all very excited to see their public speaking talent on stage!
‘Engage’ At Lunchtime
Engage is an enjoyable friendly lunchtime activity for pupils in Years 5 to 8. Pupils eat lunch together and chat, play some games and delve into a short story from the Bible. These optional sessions are open to anyone from any background and give any pupils who are interested an opportunity to engage further with the Christian faith and ask questions. Last year, with an enthusiastic and inquisitive group, they covered aspects of the whole Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Engage is definitely one of the highlights of the week for staff and pupils alike!
Playground Committee
At the start of the new school year, pupils in Years 3 and 4 are invited to nominate a Tutor Group representative to attend the Playground Committee. Over the past two years the children have recommended some specific improvements to the Years 3 & 4 play areas. They have met with members of the Senior Management Team to share their vision. Last year the committee requested solid tops for the picnic tables and this year they are setting out to decide what small supplies should be bought for pupils at playtime, using the money raised from their Teddy Tombola. The Playground Committee is one of an important number of opportunities available to pupils to share their vision for our school and bring about positive change within their own community.
U11 Girls’ Hockey County Cup
Turning to Sport, last Friday our U11 girls travelled to The Perse Prep to compete in this year’s County Cup. Whilst the competition was earlier in the term than usual, the team rose to the challenge, having had a great pre-season. The girls played some superb flowing hockey and finished the tournament unbeaten. Their match against The Perse Prep was a great game, which finished in a highly entertaining draw. The tournament has given our team lots of pointers and a very positive feeling about the season ahead.
IAPS Football
On Tuesday and Thursday this week. football training sessions were back underway for selected Year 7 and 8 boys in preparation for the forthcoming IAPS U13 tournament in October and our teams are really looking forward to taking part in this keenly anticipated competition.
SFPA Coffee Mornings
The SFPA coffee mornings continued this week with our gatherings taking place in the beautiful outdoor surrounds of Tom’s Garden. It was a pleasure to welcome parents from Years 7 & 8 on Monday and Years 3 & 4 on Wednesday. Today, Friday, it was the turn of the Foundation parents, whose children have made such an excellent start in our Pre Prep.
Mrs Moses, Chair of the SFPA talked about the range of work that the SFPA does and shared information about the forthcoming events for this term – which include the Scavenger Hunt for Foundation and new Pre Prep children on the 30th September, the Fireworks Evening on the 3rd November and the Christmas Fair on the 8th December. Mrs Moses also introduced the Year group representatives who were in attendance for their relevant Year groups. If you are interested in supporting the work of the committee on a regular basis, or just occasionally, we would be most grateful – and please do contact Mrs Moses at sfpa@stfaiths.co.uk.
The final parent coffee morning of the Michaelmas term will be held next Tuesday for Years 5 & 6 parents and I look forward to seeing as many of you who are able to join us.
Join Us On Instagram!
Thank you to all of you who are now following our official Instagram account (@StFaithsCambridge) We warmly invite members across the school community, including parents, alumni, and governors, to join us and keep connected with daily school life, highlights of our pupils’ achievements, and wider curricular pursuits. If you have older children over 13 years who are now OFs, it is a great way for them to stay in touch with St Faith’s.
We are very keen to encourage more people to join a growing school community. Please remember to tag us in your posts and stories, stay connected and share the vibrancy of St Faith’s. We aim to build an Instagram community together, one photo at a time! #StFaithsCambridge #SchoolCommunity #FollowUs
Website Focus Groups
Thank you to parents who have been in touch already to join the focus groups for our upcoming website redesign. Your insights and opinions matter greatly to us and we invite parents, alumni and governors to be part of this exciting journey. The aim of the project is to create a school website that is accessible, usefully informative and naturally intuitive to use, and one which inspires people find out more about what St Faith’s has to offer.
It is anticipated that focus group involvement will require only an hour of your time and if you are able to help, please contact marketing@stfaiths.co.uk. The Marketing team will then be in contact with some suggested days and times.
And Finally….
Looking ahead to next week, there will be plenty of sports fixtures to enjoy, as well as the Poetry recital for Year 7 and the Scavenger Hunt for our youngest pupils. With many exciting events to come, before then I wish you a happy and restful weekend.
With all best wishes,
Dr Crispin Hyde-Dunn
