This Week at St Faith’s

Author Visit

Thursday brought a special treat for our Pre Prep and Years 3 and 4 pupils, as we welcomed children’s author—and St Faith’s parent—Mrs Elizabeth Peck to spend the day with us. She shared the story of her journey into writing and explained how she draws inspiration from everyday life to craft her books. Older pupils responded enthusiastically, developing their own creative pieces inspired by subjects about which they feel passionate.

In Pre Prep, pupils were captivated by a reading of Mrs Peck’s delightful poem, Table Manners. The book is a beautifully illustrated poem following the antics of a mischievous little girl who turns mealtimes into mayhem. Despite her parents’ best efforts, dinner descends into chaos – will they ever tame her terrible table manners? Mrs Peck spoke about the importance of good table manners and how opinions about what exactly constitutes good table manners can vary amongst different cultures. All profits from Table Manners are being donated to Jimmy’s Cambridge.

A childrens book titled Table Manners by Elizabeth A. Peck, illustrated by Alfonso Montellano López, showing a messy child with food and surprised adults on the cover. The book is on a wooden surface.

Cover of the book You Can Tell Me Anything by Elizabeth A. Peck, illustrated by Lois Cordelia, showing a child whispering to an adult, both painted in blue and purple watercolor tones.

Two women speak to a group of young students in a classroom. One woman sits in front of a large screen while the other stands and talks. The children, wearing red and white uniforms, are seated facing them.

Two women stand in a classroom in front of a large screen displaying the book cover You Can Tell Me Anything by Elizabeth A. Ford. Children are seated on the floor, and a window is visible in the background.

A woman stands in a classroom, pointing at a large screen displaying children’s drawings and text titled “My Writing Journey: I loved writing and playing with words from a young age.” Yellow curtains frame a window behind her.

A person stands with one arm raised beside a large screen displaying questions about writing, including “What would you like to write about?” and “What would you like to share with readers?” in a classroom setting.

A teacher sits beside a large screen displaying Table Manners as a group of young students in red plaid uniforms sit on the floor, watching attentively in a decorated classroom.

A teacher sits in front of a classroom of young students, pointing at a large screen displaying a slide titled Why Do I Write? Writing starts with reading! The students watch attentively.

A teacher sits beside a screen displaying a slide titled “Why Do I Write?” to a group of young students. The slide includes a handwritten note and text about loving writing from a young age. Classroom decorations are visible.

A classroom screen displays a slide titled Why Are Table Manners Important? with a cartoon of a girl eating neatly. The slide lists three reasons why manners matter, and classroom decorations and student drawings are visible around the screen.

A teacher speaks to a group of young students in a classroom, showing a slide titled Good or Bad Manners? on a large screen. The children, dressed in red uniforms, raise their thumbs to answer.

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Healthy Lifestyles

Mrs Parker writes,

“This half-term in PSHCE, Year 5 pupils are exploring various aspects of healthy lifestyles. Through discussions with their tutors, they have examined the terms “physical health”, “mental health”, and “wellbeing”, reflecting on the many dimensions of a healthy lifestyle. They are now halfway through their carousel of sessions, each aimed at deepening their understanding and engagement with different components of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

With Mrs Switsur, pupils have been examining what constitutes a nutritious diet, considering ways to improve their food choices and ensuring they incorporate the essential food groups outlined in the Eatwell guide. Mrs Scott has been guiding pupils through focused thinking exercises, helping them to develop awareness of their surroundings, managing stress, and fostering a sense of calm. Ms Krull’s engaging lessons have encouraged pupils to reflect on how screens are used in daily life, discussing both the practical uses and challenges of screentime. Meanwhile, Mr Clayton-Smith has been sharing his expertise and interest in the role exercise and sport play in promoting not only physical health, but also mental well-being.

It is wonderful to see pupils actively engaging in these sessions, learning from different teachers, and embracing the opportunity to enhance their understanding of healthy living through discussions and practical activities.”

Four young girls wearing school uniforms sit in a circle on the floor, looking at cards and discussing them. A colorful chart is placed on the floor between them, and educational displays are in the background.

Four children sit on the carpeted floor in a circle, playing a card game. Three wear blue shirts, one wears a red jacket. They are focused on their cards, with chairs and a table in the background.

Two young students wearing red jackets sit at a desk in a classroom, working together on school assignments with open books and notebooks in front of them.

A group of children in colorful uniforms place sticky notes on a whiteboard, sorting them under three headings. They are engaged in a classroom activity, collaborating and reaching up to the board.

Five children in yellow uniforms stand at a whiteboard, placing sticky notes under the headings conduct, content, and contact. A digital screen displays a list nearby. Classroom posters are visible on the walls.

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5 Pound Charity Challenge 2025

Our Year 8 entrepreneurs are back in action, launching their £5 Charity Challenge this weekend. Armed with business proposals and a £5 interest-free loan from school, they will be selling a range of treats and crafts at morning break on Tuesday. The pupils’ aim over the next five weeks is to turn a small investment into big impact, by raising as much money as possible. At the end of the project the loan will be repaid, and all the profit will be given to three charities: Cultivating Change, a familiar local charity encouraging gardening and interaction with nature for wellbeing, Lend With Care, supporting small business owners in developing countries, and a music project in Cambridge that helps children to access instrumental music for the first time.

The entrepreneurs will be selling cakes, cookies, brownies, popcorn, drinks, fidget toys and crafts on Tuesday. If you and your family would like to support the initiative, please do send your child in to school with some small change on Tuesday—it promises to be both delicious and worthwhile.

Appeal: The Year 3 and 4 Playground Committee Needs Your Help

Mrs North writes,

“Our Year 3 and 4 pupils have elected a group of 11 individuals who work each week on behalf of their classmates to ensure the best possible equipment, facilities and experience for our pupils during morning and lunchtime breaks is available. Inevitably equipment can become worn out with use, so more needs to be purchased. Our dedicated committee therefore organises fundraising events to bring in modest sums of money for this purpose. Two years ago we ran a teddy tombola, last year it was a treasure hunt and this year we are running a raffle.

The committee members generated a list of companies who stock items which children might like to win. Although letters were sent to 30 businesses by the children, explaining the purpose of the raffle, sadly, prize donations have been slow to arrive. Persuasive letters to parents have generated some prizes, but we are keen to encourage raffle participation by offering more prizes. Ahead of the launch of the raffle on Monday, 19th May and the draw on Friday, 23rd May, we would love to have an abundance of low cost prizes to encourage as much participation as possible. Please do consider donating a small prize which might be appreciated by someone between 7-9 years old. The value of the prize should not exceed £10 and can of course be considerably less. Vouchers, nut-free sweets, small toys, stationery, sports equipment are most appealing to this age group – however please could we request that all gifts be new on this occasion. If you can donate, Year 3 and 4 would be most grateful if you could drop your donations at the school office from Monday, 12th May please. We look forward to sharing our success with you and letting you know about purchases made with the money raised from the raffle.”

Playground Committee Video

SFPA Coffee Mornings

A group of people stands in a small room, listening to a woman speaking near a display board. Most people have their backs to the camera, and the atmosphere appears friendly and engaged. This week’s coffee mornings have been graced by beautiful sunshine and a strong sense of connection. Parents from Years 1, 2, 5 and 6 gathered informally with staff to chat, share news and enjoy time together. Mrs Moses, Chair of the SFPA, reminded everyone that our Summer Party at Barrington Hall is fast approaching—Saturday 28th June is firmly in the diary!

Reception Familiarisation Visits

Throughout the week, we have been getting to know the children and families who will be joining Reception in September. This first of three familiarisation visits, gave both pupils and parents the opportunity to start building friendships and explore their new surroundings. We look forward to the final two visits, which will take place in June.

Sport

Indoor Rowing Regatta
On Wednesday, 13 of our Year 7 and 8 pupils took part in an indoor rowing regatta alongside rowers from St John’s School. The pupils have been honing their skills on the rowing machines and were able to put those skills to the test as they raced side-by-side in a range of events including 250m sprints, 60 second time trials and 4 x 125m relays. The aim of the event was for the rowers to challenge themselves to beat their personal bests and to experience the excitement of racing – one of our rowers amazed herself by knocking 4 seconds off her personal best in the first event. The children really encouraged one another, showing determination and resilience. The future of rowing is certainly looking bright with these pupils showing such skill and potential at a young age!

Students in a gym compete on rowing machines, supervised by instructors. Some students are rowing, while others watch or wait nearby. The gym has a wooden floor with sports court markings.

A group of students in athletic wear use rowing machines in a gymnasium while others watch. A teacher in red coaches from the side. Basketball hoops and gym markings are visible on the floor.

A group of children use rowing machines in a gymnasium while others watch from the side. Two adults supervise the activity. The gym has high ceilings, wooden floor, and basketball hoops.

Children are using indoor rowing machines in a gym while others watch. A woman, possibly a teacher or coach, stands nearby. There is a basketball hoop and netting on the walls in the background.

A group of children exercise in a gymnasium, using indoor rowing machines lined up in a row. Some children are rowing while others stand nearby, waiting for their turn. A basketball hoop is mounted on the wall.

Children are using rowing machines in a gymnasium while adults supervise and take notes. In the background, other kids and adults observe. The gym has wooden floors, sports markings, and basketball hoops on the wall.

Three children and an adult sit on the floor of a gym next to a rowing machine under a basketball hoop. The children wear white shirts, and the adult wears red. The group appears engaged in conversation or instruction.

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U13A IAPS Cricket Cup Match
Mrs Fordham writes,“On Wednesday afternoon, our U13A girls travelled to Langley for the second round of the IAPS U13 Cup. Winning the toss, we chose to field first. Our opening bowlers delivered an exceptional opening spell, applying consistent pressure and restricting Langley to just 16 runs in the first six overs. Their disciplined line and length made scoring difficult, setting a strong tone of the innings. However, the momentum shifted as the innings progressed. A combination of extras and aggressive batting allowed Langley to accelerate their run rate. Despite some outstanding fielding, Langley’s opening batter showcased remarkable skill, finishing the innings on 97 not out. Langley concluded their innings with a formidable total of 170 runs.

Facing a challenging target, St Faith’s approached the chase with optimism. Our Openers set out with determination and one of the pupils provided an early highlight, striking a six in the third over, which bolstered her confidence. She continued her impressive performance, adding two more sixes and reaching a commendable 50-run-milestone.

Despite these efforts, the mounting run rate pressure led to the loss of several wickets. The team were eventually all out in the 18th over. While the chase fell short, the girls displayed commendable grit and teamwork throughout the innings.”

County Cricket Festivals
Mr Caven and Mr Clayton-Smith write,

“On Wednesday, the Year 11 Girls’ Cricket team took part in the county festival at Latham Road. Playing against five prep schools from Cambridge, the girls represented the school in fantastic fashion demonstrating the skills they have learnt so far this term. They showed continuous improvement throughout the day and can be very proud of themselves.

The U11 Boys’ Cricket team took part in the county festival on Wednesday, held at The Perse Prep School. This was a fantastic opportunity for the boys to play five matches throughout the day with plenty of opportunities to bat, bowl and field. The boys improved with each game, with our particular focus being on running between the wickets, calling and backing up. The day provided multiple opportunities to learn and gave them some strong foundations for the season ahead. They were excellent ambassadors for the school throughout the day, demonstrating high levels of sportsmanship and respect, showcasing the St Faith’s sporting values for all to see.”

A girls’ cricket team stands in a row on a grassy field, wearing white uniforms with red-striped jackets or ties, smiling at the camera. Cricket gear, including bats and helmets, is placed at the center. Trees are in the background.

A group of young girls in white cricket uniforms and pads smile and cheer while sitting and standing on a grassy field, with cricket nets and equipment visible in the background.

A girls’ cricket team, dressed in white uniforms and some with red caps, poses smiling on a cricket pitch with bats and stumps, under a partly cloudy sky with green trees in the background.

A group of six young girls in cricket uniforms and pads pose together, smiling and cheering, on a grassy cricket field with nets, bags, and trees in the background.

Six young girls in white cricket uniforms and protective gear pose together on a grassy field, smiling at the camera. Other players and equipment are visible in the background.

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BSGA National Finals – Gymnastics
Mrs North shares the excitement from the BSGA National Finals last weekend, where St Faith’s gymnasts represented the East of England with distinction. Highlights included a silver medal for the Under 11 Boys’ Floor and Vault team, a narrow miss for medals in the U11 Acrobatics, and a superb silver for the U14 Boys, including a standout vaulting display. With competitors from across the UK and Ireland, every pupil can be incredibly proud of their performance.

British School Gymnastics Association (BSGA) Floor and Vault and Sports Acrobatics National Finals
Mrs North writes,

“On Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May St Faith’s boys represented the East of England at the National Finals of Schools Gymnastics.

On Saturday two of the boys secured 4th place in the U14 Men’s Pairs Acrobatics competition. In addition, the U11 Boys’ team competed in the Floor and Vault competition and improved on their 3rd place position last year by taking well-deserved silver medals. A special well done to our new team members.

On Sunday in the U11 Men’s Pairs Acrobatics, pupils achieved a very creditable 4th place, narrowly missing out on bronze medals. The Year 8 boys, assisted by one Year 5 pupil, participated in the U14 Boys’ Floor and Vault competition. They nailed their vault landings and demonstrated outstanding floor routines taking silver medals and pushing the team champions, Royal Grammar School, Newcastle to a nail-biting finish.

The competition over the weekend was fierce and representatives from Ireland, Wales and all regions of England were on top form. It was fantastic to come away with a medal for every pupil from St Faith’s.”

Gymnastics Video 1 Gymnastics Video 2

Seven boys in matching red jackets and black pants pose indoors on and around gym equipment, smiling and wearing medals. The background shows a blue gym wall, basketball hoop, and sports hall flooring.

Seven boys in matching red sports jackets and black pants pose indoors in a gymnasium. Some sit on a wooden vaulting box, others stand in front. Most wear medals. A basketball hoop and blue walls are visible in the background.

Eight boys in sportswear pose in a gymnasium, with four wearing red jackets standing in front and four in white sleeveless tops sitting on a pommel horse. All are smiling and wearing medals around their necks.

Eight boys in a gymnasium, four sitting on top of a gym block wearing white tank tops and black pants, and four standing in front wearing red jackets. All are wearing medals and smiling at the camera.

Six young boys in matching red jackets and black pants stand together on a podium, each wearing medals. Balloons in red, white, and blue are in the background, along with a blue wall and banners.

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IAPS Clay Pigeon Shooting

Four of our pupils spent an amazing day on Thursday at the West London Shooting School taking part in the IAPS Clay Pigeon event there. They earned themselves bronze medals in both the team and individual competitions. Well done to them and thank you to parents for all of their support in making it such a memorable experience for the boys! For more coverage of the day, head over to @stfaithssport on Instagram.

Four boys in matching red sports tops stand together smiling in front of a hippo statue on a grassy field, with trees, parked cars, and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

Five boys wearing red jackets stand close together on a sunny grassy field, smiling at the camera. Trees, parked cars, and a blue sky with clouds are in the background.

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And Finally…

From mischievous fictional mealtimes to real-life rowing races, from writing persuasive letters for playground prizes, to crafting a business from five pounds, this week has offered a wonderful reminder of the variety and vibrancy of school life.

After such busyness, may I wish you all a restful and enjoyable weekend.

With all best wishes,

Crispin Hyde-Dunn

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