National Hockey Champions!
If you think the girls above look drenched you’re right. Absolutely soaked – and cold – but very happy indeed! That’s because when this photo was taken, they had just won the U12 National Prep Schools Hockey Finals, a competition for the top 28 sides in the UK. The appalling weather did not deter our team from performing consistently well throughout the day, beating Bede’s, Cranleigh, Twyford, Bromsgrove, Hazlegrove and drawing with Downsend in the group stages. Then followed a fine win over Bishop’s Stortford in the quarter final and a tense semi-final against Millfield, which our girls eventually won on penalty flicks. The final itself was against Foremarke Hall (Repton Junior School) which our girls won comfortably, 2-0. Our coaches, Mr Thompson, Mr Welch and Miss Wacey were thrilled (and also soaked to the skin) and commented, ‘We are so proud of the girls. They fully deserve this title as they have such an excellent work ethic in training and superb team spirit.’ I would like to congratulate the girls on this fantastic achievement and thank our brilliant hockey coaching staff for guiding our players to another national title. It is remarkable that in Year 7, both our boys’ and girls’ teams are the current national hockey champions.
National Gym Champions!
It was a great deal drier and warmer in the Kent College Sports Hall last Saturday, when our gymnasts collected an incredible 10 titles in the National Prep Schools Championships. The U13 girls, U13 boys, U11 boys and U9 boys all won their team competitions, with Emily H, Viraj S, Max B and Kit W gaining their respective individual titles. Connie T also excelled by achieving the highest scores in the U13 floor routines. The details in the index of this newsletter show how well all of our 7 teams performed, with every St Faith’s competitor gaining a medal. Many congratulations to all our talented gymnasts and thank you once again to our dedicated coaches, Mr and Mrs North and Miss Butler.
Drama
It is a busy time of the year for Drama. On Tuesday, Miss Tucker led the Tea-Time Drama Recital, an opportunity for many of our young actors to perform pieces in preparation for their LAMDA exams today. On Wednesday, the Year 3 ‘Bravo!’ Drama Club performed a delightful version of ‘The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me’, to their parents and teachers. Both events showcased our children’s developing skills and confidence on stage.
Year 8 pupils have just auditioned for their production of ‘Guys and Dolls’ and both Year 4 (mini-pantomimes) and Year 6 (Mary Poppins) are deep in rehearsals for next term’s productions. I am sure many of you are looking forward to the Foundation and Year 2 productions next Wednesday, a real highlight of our Christmas celebrations. On Tuesday there will be the chance to see ‘Us and Them’, a short play produced by DramaWorks, an after school activity for Years 6, 7 and 8.
Drama is such a key part of our all-round education so it is wonderful to see it thriving across the school.
Christmas Fair
Much to the delight of hundreds of young children, Santa Claus called in to the Christmas Fair last Friday to meet and greet the large gathering of St Faith’s pupils, eagerly waiting in the Ashburton Hall. According to the bearded man himself (to whom I spoke briefly before he returned to Lapland on Friday evening) the most popular items on the children’s Christmas lists this year are unicorns and lego. The Maths Department were delighted to hear that several children asked Santa for a geometry kit. The Fair itself was a great success thanks to the work of our SFPA Committee members, particularly the main coordinators, Dan Thompson and Susana Monforte, who have been planning and organising this event over the past term.
Christmas Events
The final two weeks of term will see a flurry of festive events. Yesterday, Mr Mageean sent a message to all parents detailing the major Christmas events coming up, which we hope you find useful in your planning. It is a special time of the year and we hope that you will be able to join us for at least one of the events.
Please note that all parents and family members are invited to the Carol Services on the final day of term – 14th December. The Pre Prep Christmas Service will take place in the morning (11:00-11:30) and two School Carol Services in the afternoon (Latham and Newton at 13:30, Bentley and Chaucer at 14:40).
Speaking of Christmas events, next week our catering team will be busy making lots of delicious foods for the German Christmas Market in the Dining Room during breakfast on Friday 7th December. I am rather partial to Stollen, so will be definitely calling in.
Rugby
It has been a most successful week for our rugby teams, with the U9, U10, U11 and U12 teams winning almost all of their matches at the Midlands Festival last Sunday. The Rugby Football Union no longer permit traditional competitions in these age groups, so there were no placings of the teams. Nevertheless, our boys thoroughly enjoyed the Festival and I am grateful to the eight members of staff who accompanied the teams and the many parents who went along to support. On Wednesday our U10 side (pictured) continued their excellent season by winning all their matches at the IAPS Festival at Brentwood. Once again, no medals or trophy were awarded but our boys gained the satisfaction of playing superbly against some strong sides.
Finally….
Three beautiful pumpkins arrived in my study this week, generously presented by William, Hannah and Pippa (pictured here). Inspired by Kate Malone’s work, our Year 5 pupils have been creating their own pumpkins in Art and Design lessons over the past few weeks. They now sit proudly on my coffee table for guests and visitors to admire.
With all good wishes,
Nigel Helliwell
