HM Letter to Parents December 2017

HEADMASTER’S LETTER DECEMBER 2017

T0 PARENTS

Dear Parents I realise that this has been another amazingly busy half term with a whole host of activities involving pupils right across the fourteen year groups of the School.

Added to this the vast majority of pupils have been working very hard to achieve the very best they can in each of their subjects. What follows are just a few of the highlights of the last few weeks.

Contents Page 1

Girls’ Sport

Page 2

Girls’ Sport Boys’ Sport

Page 3

Boys’ Sport Mock Medical Interviews

Page 4

Cricket Firework Display

Page 5

Remembrance Howard and Mitchell Essay Competitions

Page 6

Music

Page 7

Tech Control Duke of Edinburgh

Page 8

Art Exhibition

Page 9

School Shop Royal Parks Half Marathon for Cancer Research UK

Page 10

Drama

Page 11

Epping Forest Debating Admissions Events Twitter O.C. Mitre Careers

Page 12

University Offers Contact Numbers Bad Weather

Page 13

Staff News And Finally

Page 14

Message from the Chaplain

Page 15

Message from Mrs Beverly Frankle

Girls’ Sport

Girls’ hockey in the Senior School

The U15s have taken big strides in their

This term, however, has been one to

that if you work together as a team,

performances this season, demonstrating

experienced its best ever season last year.

then you can achieve so much more

rebuild, with the hope of preparing the

than results. Next year will see many of

next crop of talented players for future

these players push for 2nd, and potentially

success. The 1st XI have really developed

1st, XI spots.

as a group, becoming fitter through their

Junior School hockey has continued to

grow. This has been excellent to witness and there are some future hockey stars in

the making. The U11 girls have enjoyed a

good season and have established themselves as a top local team. Our new

intake has strengthened the current strong crop of U12s. Players such as

strength and conditioning training and

Alice Rowlands and Danielle Metcalf

working hard on key principles. They

have made great contributions. They

have experienced mixed results, missing

went to the U12 IAPS Finals in Ipswich

out on qualification for the regionals in outdoor

and

indoor

hockey

and competed well in all their pool but

but

narrowly

performing well in fixtures against local

rivals. Their attitude and desire to improve has been excellent, exemplified by the captain Penohole Iiyambo. She has led from the front, being a diligent

performer but also an approachable leader. We will miss her bubbly, upbeat

personality and sense of humour but wish her all the best and every success for the future.

1

missed

out

on

further

Girls’ Sport qualification. The U13s are a stoic bunch

and, despite not enjoying the success they would like, have always worked hard.

To all those staff and pupils that have been a part of it, thank you very much

and we hope you enjoy a restful Christmas break.

Boys’ Sport

Chigwell School hosted the annual U11

AD St Pascual de Montpellier and

from local primary schools taking part.

games were the impressive 13-0 win by

Sporting Hortaleza. Highlights from the

football festival with twenty-four teams

the U13s and a hat-trick from U12 George

The event was a festival of football in

Stride against Sporting Hortaleza. Oliver

which all played the same number of

Irow finished top scorer on tour with nine

matches. There was an excellent relaxed

goals, U13 Jordan Erratt with four goals

atmosphere which allowed the boys and

and George Stride with three. The squad

girls to play in a suitable environment for

also visited the main tourist attractions in

their development. Needless to say, there

the city as well as Santiago Bernabeu,

was plenty of good football on show and

Real Madrid’s stadium. The group were

some very happy players.

the first English school to visit the Wanda

We took fifty pupils on this year’s football

Metropolitano Stadium, Athletico Madrid’s

development tour to Madrid. U13 and

new state-of-the-art home. The group

U12 boys took part in two training

were complimented on their behaviour on

sessions at the Real Madrid academy as

many occasions during the tour and were

well as a training session with La Liga side,

great ambassadors for their school. Finally

Athletico Madrid. The four squads played

a huge thank you to all staff that gave up

two matches each against local club sides,

their time to support this amazing tour.

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Boys’ Sport

The annual Eren Pars football match was

term. Notable results were the draw

2012, was a keen footballer and the match

against both Hampton and Kimbolton. The

against Brentwood and significant wins

played recently. Eren, who died in May

squad has included a large number of

is played in his memory each year

Upper Fifth boys which bodes well for the

between two Chigwell sixth form teams.

future. The U16s are now in the ISFA Small

This year, the excited crowd of pupils,

Schools Cup semi-final, having beaten

staff, parents and friends of Eren saw a

King Edward’s Witley 3-0 and The Hall,

closely fought game which the Lower

Wimbledon 7-0. The U13s qualified for the

Sixth, for the first time in the history of

IAPS finals at King’s College, Taunton.

the match, beat the Middle Sixth. The Eren Pars trophy was presented by Eren’s

There have been a large number of

mother and father to the Lower Sixth

nominations for ISFA, Herts and Essex

captain, Alex Barnes. In addition, they

teams, and we would like to congratulate

kindly made a generous donation to

them and wish them all good luck.

Smiles with Grace which was the chosen

We would like to thank all the staff,

charity of the victorious side.

parents and students for supporting what

It has been a successful season for the 1st

has been another successful football

XI. They have only lost one game this half

season at Chigwell school.

Mock Medical Interviews

Middle Sixth candidates for medicine,

dentistry and pharmacology took part in mock

interviews

with

working

professionals in these fields. Thank you to

all the parents who offered their time to provide this valuable preparation for the students in advance of their university entrance interviews.

3

Cricket

Firework Display

and Hilary Howson (U11) who have been

friends gathered on Top Field for the

Congratulations to Sally Chapman (U13)

Over twelve hundred parents, pupils and

awarded Essex County Cricket Club Player

annual Friends of Chigwell (FOC) firework

of the Season. In addition, Haaris Usman

display.

has been awarded a place in the Essex County

Cricket

Emerging

The weather was kind, the

fireworks were stunning and the food and

Player

stalls provided an excellent evening of

Programme, as have Sally and Hilary.

entertainment. The whole event was

During last season, Haaris hit two brilliant

organised by the volunteers on the FOC

centuries with 150 not out against

and we are very fortunate indeed to have

Highgate School. Oliver Irow took a hat-

such a committed team of parents who

trick against Loyola. Well done to all

are prepared to support us in this way and

concerned.

give of their time so generously.

4

Remembrance

Once again, the School community came together for the annual act of remembrance.

At 11 o’clock pupils and staff gathered for two minutes’ silence with the Last Post

played by Sixth Form trumpeter Christopher Antoniou. Separately, Junior School and

Senior School remembrance services were held in St Mary’s Church, supported by the excellent Chapel Choir, and during these the names of all the Old Chigwellians who fell

in the two World Wars were read out. Pre Prep pupils had an assembly about the reasons behind remembrance and the significance of the poppy.

Howard and Mitchell Essay Competitions Congratulations to winners Yasmin

medical student Stuart Innes O.C.

gave presentations on their essays in

influenced his studies.

spoke about how his essay had

Antoniou and Tomasz Cienkowski who

front some eighty pupils and parents.

Yasmin described the placebo effect in medicine, and Tomasz outlined how Jeff Koons' sculpture ‘Metallic Venus'

responds to some classical sculptures.

Both Yasmin and Tomasz answered a

series of thoughtful questions from the

audience. There was then a dinner after

which 2012 Mitchell winner and current

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Music It has been a highly frenetic, busy and

The Lower One and Upper One

opportunity to connect with music

participation, provided a fitting showcase

productive half term giving pupils the

Christmas Concert, along with audience

through live performance in school and

to parents with some imaginative singing

in the wider community.

and direction from two of our vocal

coaches, Mr Matthew Duncan and Mr

There have been notable successes in the

Alex Garziglia.

candidates sitting for external music

players in the School performed in their

exams with Trinity Board and the

own ensemble as the Stringlets, with Mrs

Associated Board of the Royal Schools of

Sue Spicer-Winand as their coach,

Music and we praise pupils’ efforts in their attitude

and

perseverance

in

playing Silent Night and Frostie the

the

Snowman. Our young soloists, Suryan

preparation for their exams. As always, a

Tank, Mily La and Grace Copsey

huge thank you to our twenty-five vibrant

displayed a variety of musical talent.

and committed visiting music staff.

The choristers in the School are in the

midst of a busy season with the School’s

We have had two wonderful Prom

Advent

Concerts provided by the Fourth Form

participated

in

a

School. full

school

the 5th December and at St Margaret’s,

Pupils

variety

three

work; singing at the ICAP Charity Day on

the breadth and fervour of the musicthe

the

as well as their continuation of charity

Junior School Concert which exhibited in

Service,

Christmas services on the last day of term,

and Removes and a highly flourishing

making

Our youngest string

Westminster, on the 20th December.

of

ensembles including the Musical Theatre Group, Junior Jazz Band, Rock Band,

Ukulele Group, Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs as well as classical works played by the

Flute Group, two String Quartets, Stringles, Cello Group and Junior Orchestra, and a variety of soloists.

6

Tech Control

Pupils’ use of social media, the addictive nature of smartphones and reports of very

interrupted sleep because they are checking messages through the night, continues to be an issue in many schools. Please separate your sons and daughters from

phones and laptops when they go to bed and agree the amount of screen time that is appropriate each day. Undoubtedly, pupils work better when they are not looking at phones at the same time. HMC produced this short video in the summer which

you may have seen already but which tries to make the point that pupils should control their tech, rather than the other way around.

Duke of Edinburgh

Congratulations to the sixth form students who completed their gold D of E training expedition on Llangorse Lake

and the Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal in half term. Their final expeditions will take place in the summer.

7

Art Exhibition

The School Gallery has been displaying an exhibition of paintings and drawings

by the artist Steve Dowson. In 2012 he won the East of England prize in the National Open Art Competition and in

2014 he took part in the Sky Arts Portrait

Artist of the Year Award. The exhibition

hosts a total of thirty five pieces, in various scales, styles and media.

Collectively the exhibition spans over

almost thirty years of his career, with

one continuous piece being a project that will take him over ten years to complete.

Steve

Dowson

commented

that

“Whatever I paint and draw the essential

subject is always the ultimate ground of being, and how this is manifest in the everyday. Drawing and painting are ways

of looking outwards and engaging with the world while also being the observer.�

8

School Shop As parents know, the School shop is to close on

13th December following Mrs Beverly Frankle’s retirement. I should like to pay tribute to both Beverly and Mrs Anne Padwick for their

excellent work in the School Shop over many years, in turning the shop into a warm and welcoming hub of the School and in

maintaining and improving the standards of uniform and sportswear for pupils.

collected after 2pm the following day from any

From 1st January, parents will be able to buy all

John Lewis or selected Waitrose store. In

school uniform and kit from the John Lewis

addition, the School will stock certain small

Partnership. This service will be available online

items in limited quantities, such as sports socks,

with a full range of samples and sizes available

trousers and mouth guards that may be sold to

to try at John Lewis, Westfield. John Lewis will

pupils on request.

offer free standard UK delivery on all orders over

More details will follow shortly in a separate

£50 and, with their Click and Collect service, any

Chigwell Post.

online orders placed before 8pm may be

Royal Parks Half Marathon for Cancer Research UK

Congratulations to all the parents, staff, Old Chigwellians and friends who ran in October to raise funds for charity. So far, the group has raised £83k in sponsorship.

9

Drama

Since half term, the Lower Fifth GCSE Drama students have been working hard on their showcase. This is a series of

extracts from their set text, “Blue Stockings” by Jessica Swale. The play explores life at Girton College, Cambridge,

in 1896 as women struggled for the right

to graduate. On 6th December at 5.30pm in the Drama Centre, students acted out

the key roles but also offered lighting, set

design, costume and make up. This was an

excellent event that enabled students to fully understand not only the acting but

also the design involved in this text and was of great benefit to the Upper Fifth who watch the showcase and are studying the same set text at GCSE.

The Lower Sixth A Level drama set went

to the Playhouse Theatre in London on 7th December

to

watch

a

matinee

performance of David Mamet’s acclaimed

play, “Glengarry Glen Ross” starring Christian Slater and Robert Glenister. This

was an outstanding performance that gave food for thought to all students.

Don’t forget, next term will be the staff

panto! Get ready to book your tickets for

“Puss in Boots” playing on 11th and 12th January, 2018.

10

Epping Forest Debating Congratulations to Ziyad Chaudhary

and Christopher Collins who gave

excellent performances in a closely fought debate at the Epping Forest Schools

Parliamentary

Debating

Competition. Christopher was awarded 'Best Performance' of the evening.

Admissions Events

Twitter

This term we have had several open

There are now some 1,650 followers of

their children at all entry points. I am

them to see regular news of events from

the School Twitter feed. Please do join

days for families seeking admission for

across the school. @chigwellschool

very grateful for the pupils and staff who have met with families or run displays in classrooms.

O.C. Mitre

Time and again, I have

Each year we publish the O.C. Mitre

received comments about how helpful,

which is sent to Old Chigwellians. This

polite, confident and welcoming our

magazine is available online here and you

pupils have been.

might be interested to read news and achievements of former Chigwell pupils.

Careers

We are very grateful to the parents who help with mock interviews, by providing

advice at the annual careers convention,

and who offer work experience to older students. If any other parents would be willing to help in this way, please contact me.

11

University Offers

Chigwell students have been receiving some really good offers of university places and I hope these will continue to come through. Please encourage your sons and daughters to keep tutors and Mr Simon Coppell informed of offers, even if the news comes during the Christmas period.

Contact Numbers

Please could parents check that we have an up to date contact number for their son or daughter. It is important that we are able to make contact in the case of an emergency. If you think your contact numbers may be out of date, please let us have your revised details.

Bad Weather

In the event of heavy snow or ice, please consult the school website (www.chigwellschool.org) for confirmation of arrangements for the school day. We would be very reluctant to close the School but we are mindful of the safety of pupils and staff.

I am very grateful to the Grounds and Maintenance teams who got in so early this week to enable us to open as normal.

12

Staff News

Following the departure of Miss Sarahjane Grimshaw, Learning Support Co-ordinator, after half term, we are delighted to welcome Mrs Elana Peebles as Deputy Learning Support Coordinator. Mrs Lucy Standen will be joining us in January as Learning Support Co-0rdinator.

And Finally

I sense that the School is ready for a rest and I hope that the holidays provide a

really well-deserved break for all Chigwell

families. Have a very happy Christmas and may you have a prosperous and peaceful

New Year. I look forward to seeing you

again in 2018. We begin the Lent Term on

Thursday 4th January which will be a Week A.

With best wishes Yours sincerely

Michael Punt

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Message from the Chaplain It’s remarkable just how much can be crammed into a very short period of time. The second half of this term has been only a few weeks long but as always school life fills every minute.

of students’ work which will stand behind the altar. This is being designed to allow images and artwork which will change through the school year.

Christmas is now frighteningly close and I have been talking to classes about the Christmas story and the origins of the season’s traditions. The original St Nickolas was a 4th century Bishop from Turkey (there must be a joke in there somewhere). We don’t know much about him other than he was a good man who cared for his people and had a reputation for being concerned about what happened to children. Its worth remembering over the next few weeks that the fat man with a red costume at the garden centre isn’t just there to get us to spend money. He represents a man who lived in the spirit of the child, born in a manger, who came to care for this world and to love everyone in it.

Chapel has had a busy programme of student led talks during our services.

Alex Gurtovoi introduced an inspiring UTube clip of a military commander’s thoughts on ‘how to change the world’ and Tamazeir Chowdhury spoke movingly about living with terminal illness. Abi Whelan gave some thoughtful insights into issues of mental illness and Max Humphries spoke to the whole upper school in St Mary’s Church about The OLLIE Foundation. Bravest of all our speakers perhaps was Oliver Smyth who sang ‘I need a dollar’ as a chapel solo during Charities Week.

The Chapel Praefects are essential to the smooth running of all chapel activities and spent several hours one afternoon clearing out the vestry.

Among the bags and boxes they discovered some long-forgotten school altar silver which has now been refurbished and looks splendid back in its rightful place. It is important that the chapel reflects the life of our community and over the past term it has been home to exhibitions of students’ work focusing on Harvest and Divali. The Art Club is currently working on a Triptych

I hope you have a happy and blessed Christmas. Enjoy the madness, celebrate the people and have a great time. And in the spirit of St Nickolas see if you can also make it great for someone else.

With all blessings The Chaplain

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Message from Mrs Beverly Frankle

The School Shop will be closing its door for the very last time on the 15 December 2017.

Both Anne and I would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year and we would like to thank all our marvellous volunteer ladies for all their help.

Wishing you all continued success.

With our very best wishes Beverly & Anne

15

TERM DATES 2018 Lent Term Staff meetings and INSET on Wednesday 3rd January First day: Thursday 4th January Half term: Saturday 10th February to Sunday 18th February

2018 Trinity Term (Easter Day is 1st April) First day: Wednesday 18th April Half term: Saturday 26th May to Sunday 3rd June INSET Day Monday June 4th

Term ends:

Term ends:

Wednesday 28th March

Wednesday 11th July