HEADMASTER’S LETTER MAY 2017
T0 PARENTS
Dear Parents Once again, the last half term has passed very quickly and the following pages describe some of the events that have taken place in the Senior School over that time. As I write this, I am carrying out jury service and the experience has emphasised just how fortunate we are to be at Chigwell. I am delighted that the majority of pupils take advantage of the opportunities here, involving themselves in positive and constructive pastimes which will serve them well for the future.
Contents Page 1
Mick Fenton Ken Goult
Page 2
Rotary Youth Speaks National Finals Thomas Ebden
Page 3
Chigwell Young Musicians of the Year
Page 4
Biology Challenge 2017 Road Safety Careers Convention UCAS Evening Summer Ball
Page 5
Drama The School Shop
Page 6
Cricket
Page 7
Cricket Speech Day
Page 8
Krakow and Auschwitz
Page 9
Krakow and Auschwitz
Page 10
Girls’ Rounders
Page 11
Girls’ Rounders
Page 12
Girls’ Rounders Girls’ Tennis
Page 13
Girls’ Tennis Sixth Form Induction Days And Finally
Page 14
Message from the Chaplain
Mick Fenton
Very sadly, Mr Mick Fenton passed away at the end of April. He had been ill for
some time but his plan had always been
to return to work in the maintenance department where he had worked
devotedly since 1987. He was a skilled
member of the team and a loyal member of the school community, and examples
of his work are all around the School. He will be deeply missed and several of us
attended a moving funeral with Mick’s family and friends on 5th May.
Ken Goult
Cricketers paid tribute to a much-loved
had with him. He was a great umpire
Goult passed away having umpired all
on to win the game.
and a true gentleman.” Chigwell went
former umpire recently. Very sadly, Ken levels of cricket for over thirty five years, including the Chigwell School 1st XI. He
was very well-respected and a key part of Chigwell cricket. Before the 1st XI fixture
against
Bishop’s
Stortford
College, Mr Frank Griffith, paid tribute to Ken and players from both sides remembered him during a minute’s
silence. As Mr Griffith commented, “It is
very sad that we have lost Ken, but we need to remember the good times we
1
Rotary Youth Speaks National Finals Teams representing regions across the
Christopher Collins, whose speech was
the Intermediate and Senior levels at
century, was adjudged best speaker.
on the role of the monarchy in the 21st
United Kingdom, participated at both this
year’s
Rotary
Youth
The other team members were Matilda
Speaks
Scarbrough, the chairperson and Ziyad
National Finals held in Shropshire. In a
Chaudhary, the vote of thanks. As Mr
closely fought competition, in which the
Roderick Lonsdale, commented “It was
Chigwell School team was the youngest
a great team effort - this young team
team in the senior section, they
has a bright future ahead of them.”
managed a very creditable third.
Thomas Ebden Thomas Ebden recently represented Essex in the U14 East of England regional finals. He played with great maturity and skill,
scoring three goals, guiding Essex to some impressive
wins,
including
beating
Cambridgeshire (the champions for the last few seasons) 5-2. Ultimately, a goal
conceded in the last seconds of the game, as Norfolk drew level with the overall champions Herts, was the difference between winning the tournament outright
2
Chigwell Young Musicians of the Year The Chigwell Young Musician of the Year
Alexandra Scott, Melody Dawson, Arthur
the musical calendar and this year thirty
the senior class Rowan Jones, Oliver
Easy and Rayn Ismail-Ahluwalia and from
competition is one of the highlights of
Jackson, Anika Jayanth, Lucas Abrami-
eight musicians took the opportunity to
Gill, Alice Melvin, Aaran Vijayakumaran
take the stage, each offering a mini
and Kate Hawes.
recital with the hope of being selected for the evening Grand Final.
The winner of the Junior Category was
Avantika Bharadwaj with the Highly
This year’s adjudicator, Mrs Sarah
Commended in that class being awarded
MacDonald, Fellow and Director of Music
to Alexandra Scott.
of Selwyn College Cambridge, offered
In the Senior
Category the Highly Commended was
significant advice and constructive
awarded to Oliver Jackson with the
criticism to all with specific challenges for
overall winner being Rowan Jones for her
the finalists in particular. All performers
performance of the First Movement of
rose to that challenge, the finalists in the
Brahms’ Sonata in F minor.
junior class being Avantika Bharadwaj,
3
Biology Challenge 2017
Careers Convention
by the Society of Biology for pupils in years
convention was a great success; thank
The Biology Challenge is an online quiz run
Once
9 and 10. Over 30,000 pupils took part in
Sixth Form students spent the evening
over the last few years. There were some
gathering advice from representatives
performances,
from a wide range of careers, some of
particularly from Aine Nikookam, Rebecca
whom also offered work experience. We
Morgan and Anwar Haaris who all Madeleine
Silver
Medal
McCormack
hope that this will have provided a
standard.
and
careers
an evening to attend. Upper Fifth and
tradition of success the school has enjoyed
achieved
annual
Chigwellians and friends, who gave up
of 6 from Chigwell, who continued the commendable
our
you to the many parents, as well as Old
the competition this year including a team
very
again,
useful insight as to where school and
Alice
university education may lead.
Chapman achieved Bronze Medals and
Julian Shanthiratnam’s performance was
highly commended. Congratulations to all
UCAS Evening
maintaining the School’s high status in the
Evening for Lower Sixth students and
who took part and well done for
As per the calendar, there will be a UCAS
competition.
their parents in the Drama Centre at 7.00pm on Monday 19th June.
As
always, this is a very important meeting with guidance about the university
Road Safety
application process.
Please can we remind pupils and parents to take care when crossing the road by the Drama Centre and generally
around the Junior School area of the
Summer Ball
and look carefully before crossing the
Summer Ball to be held on the evening
school site. Pupils should walk, not run,
A ticket order form and details of the
road. We would also be grateful if
of Saturday 8th July have been sent out by e-mail. This is always a very popular
parents could keep their speed down
event and tickets are selling fast.
when driving on site
4
Drama
This term in drama our main event has of
were very well received by parents, staff
“Snow White and the Seven Dwarves”
to attend an open dress rehearsal. Well
and fellow pupils, the latter being able
course been the Key Stage Two play
done to all involved in this exceptionally
directed by Miss Jamie Kershberg. Over
well-acted and well-staged show that
eighty students took to the stage
was a real tribute to the months of hard
costumed beautifully as mice, rabbits,
work and planning put in by Miss
squirrels, deer and cats. The cast played
Kershberg and her cast and crew.
to full houses over two nights in the Drama Centre and their performances
The School Shop
During the half term break, the School Shop will be open at the following times: Tuesday to Friday 10am – 3pm
Please bear in mind that the new intake 2017 fittings will be taking place.
5
Cricket
The 1st XI victories have been against
The U14s have worked very hard to
Bishop's Stortford College. Following
matches. It is a great achievement for
continue to win in the Essex U15 Cup
Enfield G.S, Colchester R.G.S. and
such a young team to punch well above
these successes we hope the team will
their weight and show so much presence
continue their winning streak during the
against older players, long may it
cricket week where they will play the
continue.
MCC, the XL Club and the Chris Gayle Academy.
The U13s have continued to improve, particularly
Although the 2nd XI have been a
has
opposition and bad weather. Their
the
started
to
show
in
their
performances. The U13s will now play
willingness to train hard is the reason
Forest in the next round of the Essex
why they have performed so well. The
Cup.
first school century was scored this year by Ryan Farrant, 107 not out. This was a which
of
shown plenty of commitment and that
been rather unlucky in terms of
achievement
terms
understanding of the game. They have
committed group of players, they have
great
in
A wonderful start to the season for the
was
U12s. This year's group of players have
performed by an Upper Fifth cricketer.
proved to be a very talented unit in both the A and B teams. We were pleased
The U15 have also performed well with
that many of them played at local clubs
three victories in the last five games they
and also showed commitment in turning
have played. The whole development of
up for school training. With this positive
the U15 team has been wonderful; they
attitude we can see why their skills have
have a great team ethic which also
improved throughout the term. Chigwell
continues away from the sports field.
U12s are due to play against Lammas
The highlight of the U15 season was their
School in the next round of their Essex
victory against Westminster where they
Cup campaign.
posted a total of 126 in 20 overs and then restricting Westminster to 125 for a nail biting victory.
6
Cricket
The grassroots cricket has been very successful with the U11s, U10s and U9s. They
have displayed plenty of enthusiasm and energy throughout the term and worked hard to improve their skills. The etiquette of cricket is very important and it applies
to other areas of life beyond the sport. Improving technically, learning tactics and
developing mentally is essential, but we also have to remember that learning how to win well and deal with failure is also very important.
Speech Day
The programme for Speech Day and its related activities will follow the usual format: Friday 7th July
2.15pm
3.30pm Saturday 8th July
9.45am
11.30am 2.30pm
Pre Prep, Lower I and Upper I Service in St Mary's Church
Pre Prep, Lower 1 and Upper 1 Garden Party Junior School Service at St Mary's Church
Senior School Service at St Mary's Church
Speeches and Prize Giving in the Marquee
The Guest of Honour at Speech Day this year will be Mrs Johanna Southern O.C.
Having studied Business at university, Jo has spent her career working in marketing in the U.K. and, for the last fifteen years, in California. Having had roles which included
being Vice President (Sales and Marketing) for Duchy Originals, Jo is now a consultant and a Board Member of the British Benevolent Society. She was also the first female Head of School at Chigwell between 1983 and 1984, and we very much look forward to welcoming Jo and her family back to Chigwell as our Guest of Honour.
The preacher at the services on Saturday morning will be The Reverend Canon Dr Christopher Collingwood who is Canon Chancellor of York Minster but was, until
2009, School Chaplain here. The preacher at the service on Friday afternoon is Reverend Christopher Davis, Rector St John’s Loughton.
7
Krakow and Auschwitz Forty-four Lower Fifth students spent
three days in Krakow and Auschwitz. An early start on the Sunday morning
ensured that the group landed in time for an afternoon walking tour of Krakow.
Stop one was the oldest synagogue in Krakow where we were told about the
Jewish presence in Krakow over the past centuries.
This
story
continued,
culminating in the lead up to, and then the carrying out of the Nazis ‘Final
Solution’, demonstrated by our visit to
what became the Jewish ghetto, taking in part of the original ghetto wall and
maybe more movingly, the main square where Jews were told to congregate
before being moved off via train to concentration execution.
camps
or
instant
The second day was centred on a visit to
Auschwitz I, a concentration camp and Camp.
will live long in the memory of all who
a museum, exhibited numerous moving
crematorium that were built on the site.
Auschwitz
Birkenau
Death
took it in, to the gas chamber and
Auschwitz I, which has been turned into
From there the group continued on to
displays, from the hair of inmates at the
Auschwitz Birkenau where they were
camps, a wall of faces of prisoners which
8
Krakow and Auschwitz struck by the sheer scale and size of the
and her mother managed to escape the
wagon used to transport prisoners and
were engrossed throughout and took
Krakow ghetto with her. The pupils
camp. They saw an original cattle
the opportunity to ask pertinent and
walked up the platform towards the gas
interesting questions. The last part
chambers as over a million Jews had
of the trip was to the factory of
during the Second World War. In the
Oscar Schindler, where they were taken
afternoon the group visited the last remaining
synagogue
and
through Poland at war and asked to
Jewish
think about the role of Schindler – was
cemetery in Oswiecim, which before the
he a ‘hero’ or was everything he did
war had had a large Jewish population.
simply to make himself wealthy and
The final day was truly memorable as
save himself? The students were a
the group was fortunate enough to
credit to the school throughout and it
meet Rena Rach who survived the
was clear that they found the entire
Holocaust in Krakow. She survived as
experience hugely worthwhile.
her father worked for Oscar Schindler
9
Girls’ Rounders The rounders teams have enjoyed much
with our B and D team winning their
sometimes playing in what can only be
and prepared the girls well for their
games. This was a good learning curve
success throughout the term so far,
tournament at St. Edmund’s that
described as ‘interesting’ weather, for
weekend. The A team, unfortunately
the summer. The U10s have only had
finished bottom of an extremely
one match which was against Forest
competitive pool, narrowly losing two
School. The Chigwell side was a mixture
of their games by a rounder. The quality
of the A and B team against a very
of their fielding was good, with some
strong Forest side. They played with great
spirit
and
enthusiasm
decisive fielding from Aoife Foskett.
but
However, they were out-batted by
unfortunately their decision making and
some powerful hitting from their
execution was lacking which resulted in
opponents. The B team were more
a loss. The U11s have similarly only had
successful and finished 3rd overall.
one fixture with the most recent against
Sehar Asim was a standout performer
Bancroft’s being called off due to pitch
making good decisions when fielding
conditions. They too played Forest
and
School’s A, B and C team. The results
batting
consistently
throughout the tournament.
were two losses and one win, with the B team beating their opposition with
well
The U13s started their rounders fixtures
some excellent stumping at 2nd base.
with two wins at home to Kimbolton,
fixtures calendar and began their
and the B team winning 14½ to 10
The U12s have had a more extensive
the A team winning 23½ rounders to 7½
rounders campaign with a match
rounders. A special mention must go to
against Forest School. On a lovely
Adrianna Kounnis who batted superbly,
summer’s evening, Chigwell and Forest
scoring a rounder almost every time she
shared the spoils with two wins apiece,
hit the ball. Having several fixtures
10
Girls’ Rounders under their belt, it was the U13s
rounders tournament at Haileybury,
which proved a very successful day for Chigwell. The A team, surpassing their own expectations, finished 2nd overall out of seven teams. Charlotte Rothera performed
brilliantly
being
commended by her teachers and peers alike for her excellent sportsmanship and good play. The B team finished
5th in their tournament and again a
special mention to Raniya Taj for her overall performance. The U13 A and B
teams finished their rounders fixtures with a tough match against Highgate School
in
some
very
slippery
conditions. The A team had numerous injuries but despite this had an
excellent first innings of batting and fielding to take the lead. However,
some well-placed and strong hits from Highgate meant that they won the game in the second innings, a fate
shared also by the B team. Overall a good rounders season for the U13s
whose enthusiasm and team spirit has been exemplary. The U14 are an
extremely talented year group but
their commitment and enthusiasm for
rounders has faltered. They have only
had a few fixtures and despite their lack of practice, they have been successful. The first of these was
against Haileybury away, where in a
very close game they won by some composed fielding to deny their
opposition the chance to score. There
were many highlights to this game;
several of the girls but in particular
Layla Cooper stands out for her diving, one handed catch at back stop and
Clementine Carr for her bowling. In their second game against Highgate the game was very similar but with the result going the other way, with Amy Fox stepping up from the B team to
play very well. I hope that next year this year group adopt a more
committed approach and reach their potential as a group in rounders.
The U15 team has been the standout
performers in rounders this year with the A team maintaining a 100% winning record beating St. Edmund’s,
11
Girls’ Rounders
Girls’ Tennis
Haileybury and Highgate. They show
Girls from U12 through to senior level
great team spirit, are really switched
fixtures so far this term. Our senior
excellent commitment to training, a
on in matches and play the game in the spirit that it should be played.
Each and every player has had their part to play in their team’s success but
a few special mentions go to Emma Jones for her consistency when
batting and Gia Fellows-Taylor for the variety and accuracy of her bowling.
Lastly to the Senior rounders team, who despite having a busy exam
preparation and exam schedule have had a good season. The 1st team have won all their games against Forest and Highgate School and the 2nd team
narrowly lost their only game by a
rounder. Thank you to Anna Gleadell who has organised both teams and captained the first team well.
To all those MVI and UV who will be leaving us, thank you to your
commitment to sport at Chigwell and all the best for your future sporting endeavours.
have enjoyed a variety of tennis
girls, Captained by Megan Whitehead,
played a combination of both singles and
doubles
Bancroft’s
and
matches
although
against
evenly
matched on most games, Bancroft’s won overall. The following week they
played Forest and came out on top. Rada and Rachel were welcome
additions to the squad as were the various Upper Fifth girls who have joined the senior squad this year.
Tennis has been extremely popular
from U12 to U15 with a large turnout of girls for both games session and after school practices. All age groups
have played a variety of matches with a combination of wins and losses. A special mention must go to Holly
Lawrence who has not only won all of her games, with Kitty Howson as her partner,
but
who
has
been
instrumental in terms of helping with squad organisation. It has been
12
Sixth Form Induction Days
Girls’ Tennis
• Tuesday 4th July – Academic Induction (all day). Students will meet with A level subject teachers and receive work to complete over the summer. They should wear uniform.
particularly pleasing to see girls with very little prior experience of tennis so keen to get involved and to represent the School, especially at U12, so we hope to see this continue for the duration of the term.
• Tuesday 5th September – Team Building (all day). This is a nonuniform day.
Chaplain Staff, Governors and friends gathered to say
And Finally
Paul who leaves us after nearly eight years at
I realise that many pupils still have ongoing
Thank you, as always, for all your support.
goodbye and thank you to Reverend Simon
exams and this can make for anxious times for
Chigwell. He and Jane have contributed a
them and indeed all the family. Please let us
huge amount to the Chigwell School
know if we can provide extra support or
community, always willing to provide support
advice. In the meantime, I look forward to
and help, particularly when individuals have
seeing pupils again on Tuesday 6th June and
parents at some of the many events that take
found life hard. It is testimony to Simon’s
place next half term.
success that the Chapel thrives here; we are
an inclusive, outward facing school,
Pupils return after half term on Tuesday 6th
concerned about the world and those less
June as staff have INSET on Monday 5th June.
fortunate. We will certainly miss both Simon
and Jane but appreciate that they are ready
With best wishes
happiness, and we hope they will stay in
Yours sincerely
for a fresh challenge. We wish them every
touch. Woodstock School, India, is very lucky to have them.
Michael Punt
13
Message from the Chaplain Eight years may seem a short time compared to the near
Chigwell School celebrates Speech Day. However, the
however, in eight years I have seen hundreds of pupils pass
Chigwell. It is a vision that draws people from across the
vision of Woodstock School is very much in line with that at
400 years that Chigwell School has been in existence;
world in order to educate young people into the
through the School. Over seven hundred have graduated
possibilities of a better brighter future. It is a vision where
and I have had the privilege of speaking to many times that
the rich help the poor and where God is worshipped in the
number in Chapel services. I calculate that, speaking six
midst of his most resplendent wonders, the Himalayas. It is
times a week to 950 pupils I have, over the eight years,
a vision where "gentleness and ingenuity" are prized!
given nearly fifteen hundred different talks!
But eight years is a very small part of the four hundred years
May God bless you and your families with gentleness and
the foundation on which the School is laid calls for "prayer
Chigwell School and Woodstock School, which are
ingenuity; and, may God prosper those institutions, like
of Chigwell School history. It is good to be reminded that
working for a brighter vision for the future of humankind.
and thanksgiving" to God; and that, "gentleness and ingenuity" should be the mark of those educated at Chigwell. Archbishop Harsnett bequeathed wise words to
Father Simon
the School. We are going to need ingenuity if we are going to solve the increasing problems that humans have caused
on the earth. The future holds amazing possibilities where renewable energy has the potential to create an abundant
pollution free future. Nanotechnology offers almost limitless possibilities in science and medicine. However,
these possibilities are nothing without gentleness. Gentleness allows us to reach out to others from the four
corners of the world, not in rivalry but in partnership. If Chigwellians leave with "gentleness and ingenuity" then there is hope!
For these reasons leaving Chigwell School is a difficult decision. It is with very mixed emotions that I write my last
article for the Headmaster's newsletter. On 3rd July Jane and I fly to Delhi before catching a train to Dehradun and then by car up to Mussoorie where Woodstock School is
based. The school is at 2000m, meaning a pleasant climate for most of the year. The academic year begins in mid-July so I will be up to my ears in new names and procedures as
14
TERM DATES 2017 Trinity Term Half term: Saturday 27th May to Monday 5th June (INSET Day Monday June 5th) Term ends: Wednesday 12th July Michaelmas Term First day: Wednesday 6th September Half term: Saturday 21st October to Sunday 5th November Term ends: Wednesday 13th December