Message from the Headmaster
A warm welcome back to pupils, parents and staff to what promises to be an exciting second half of the Autumn Term. It is guaranteed to be an actionpacked schedule with a number of performances and concerts planned over the months ahead.
On Friday, our focus was on the remembrance of those brave individuals who sacrificed their lives for others. Our pupil-led assembly highlighted the devastation of war and the impact that can be felt throughout the world. We prayed for peace, and hope that we can learn lessons from history and embrace the importance of unity, compassion, forgiveness and kindness.
Next week, I am looking forward to welcoming parents from Year 4 to Year 8 to the Senior School Information Evening on Wednesday. It will be an excellent opportunity to explain the exceptional educational journey, extracurricular provision and pastoral care in place for our pupils as they prepare for GCSE and A levels.
I know we are all eagerly anticipating the CPA fireworks on Saturday evening. Thank you in advance to all the organisers, volunteers and stewards who have worked so diligently to bring our community together. I look forward to seeing you all at the spectacular event.
Mr Everitt 4 NOVEMBER 2024
GCSE Geography Trip to Sicily
On Saturday morning we were informed that storms unfortunately meant that our mini-cruise to Volcano and Lipari could not go ahead. Instead we spent the morning sheltering from the rain by trying the traditional local treat of granita and learning more about the dramatic 2002 eruption of Mt Etna. We also had a chance to see the stunning cathedral and Baroque architecture of Avi Sant’ Antonia. In the afternoon we were treated to an authentic Sicilian street food experience including arancini, rosticceria and cannoli After this, we explored the city of Catania which burst into life in the afternoon sun despite having been submerged under a 1m-high flash flood in the morning. It was fantastic for the boys to see how communities continue with normal social and economic activities despite extreme weather events. We rounded off the day with a couple of rounds of bowling for the boys to decompress after a busy day.
On Sunday we were treated to some gorgeous Sicilian sunshine. This meant that we were able to ascend Mt Etna via the cable car and a specially designed jeep that is built to drive on ash. This allowed us to reach a peak of 2900m high to see the crater that formed as a result of the 2002 eruption. After a morning of snow and ash, we descended back down the volcano to enjoy a pizza lunch and an afternoon in the beautiful town of Taormina. Here we were able to see the traditional amphitheatre in the evening sunlight before heading back to the hotel for a geography quiz and some end-of-trip awards. A huge well done to all the boys that managed to keep spirits high despite flight delays and stormy weather - there's nothing quite like experiencing Geography in the wild!
Miss Bayley, Head of Geography
and Raspberry Pi Competition
Just before half-term, the Year 8 students are started planning and preparing for the Faraday Challenge which will take place at Gatwick Airport in the Spring Term. Pupils in Years 7 and 9 have been putting in a tremendous effort to develop their projects, such as the Wind Pi (Zero Mission), Raspberry Pi (enhancing air and water quality) and many more.
Mr Rahman, STEM Coordinator
STEM Faraday Challenge
Congratulations to our U14s and U16s rugby team who beat Thomas's Putney Vale before half-term. Also prior to the break, pupils enjoyed House Football. This week, our U15s football team have their National Cup match vs Howard of Effingham. Our U13 football teams had a block fixture against Shrewsbury House with no fewer that 7 teams in action.
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This Week
Bible Reading from St Paul’s Letter to the Romans
Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reflection
As we enter the month of November, the Church gives us time to remember those who have passed from this life. In this month we are encouraged to pray for our loved ones who have gone before us. Grief and loss are some of the most difficult things we have to face in our humanity but our faith in Jesus, our faith in His Resurrection must give us hope that nothing can separate us from the love of God.
Prayer
We pray for all those who nurse the sick and comfort the dying. Lord, make them strong to do their work, make them gentle as they look after the weak, make their hearts grow in love. Amen
“May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.” St Teresa of Lisieux
Soup
Monday
Soup of the day – Tomato & basil
Main Chicken & vegetable tikka masala with rice & naan bread
Vegetarian
Soup of the day – Carrot & coriander
Meatballs in a fresh tomato & herb sauce with rice
Soup of the day – Roasted butternut squash & sweet potato
Roasted chicken breast with Yorkshire pudding
Soup of the day – Leek & potato
Traditional beef lasagne with Italian style salad / Chicken wraps
Soup of the day – Roasted red pepper & tomato
Traditional battered fish fillet or jumbo fish fingers
Jacket potato & beans Plain pasta & tomato sauce
Jacket potato & beans
Jacket potato & beans
Jacket potato & beans
Fresh vegetable & chick pea curry with rice & poppadums
Sides Rice/ carrots
Additional
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Roasted butternut squash & red pepper risotto
Layered roasted vegetables & mozzarella bake
School council requestMacaroni cheese
Sweetcorn/ courgettes
Roast potatoes/ broccoli
Roasted Mediterranean vegetables/baton carrots
Stuffed peppers filled with wholemeal rice topped with tomato sauce
Chips/peas/ baked beans
Dessert
Steamed syrup sponge & custard
Fruit & summer berry pie with crème fraiche
Millionaire shortbread Apple crumble & custard Strawberry smoothie
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
