HM letter to parents May 2017

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