11 minute read
Meet the Head
Steven Cartwright
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St Edmund’s Prep School
Steven Cartwright, former Deputy Head and outdoor enthusiast speaks about his time as Headmaster of St Edmund’s Prep School over the last eight years.
When did you become Headmaster? I became the Headmaster of the Prep school in 2013, having spent the previous four years working as Deputy Head and teaching in Year Six. I had recently married and had a baby, and given the positive previous years’ experience as Deputy, I felt ready to take on the challenge of Headship and offer leadership and service to such a tremendous community. How would the students describe you? I asked two students from the Tea Time Club this question (one aged four, the other aged seven). They described me as kind, caring and fun. I am not entirely sure what they based the last adjective on, but I have got some pretty terrible jokes up my sleeve. What was it about the school that made you want to apply for the position? The faith and heritage of St Edmund’s College and Prep are huge motivators. Founding principles based on love, care and nurture really resonate with me. The mission statement ‘St Edmund’s aims to realise unique God-given potential, in body, mind and spirit… ’ is also genuinely reflected in the opportunities and curriculum here for the children. The staff are committed, vocationally so, talented and professional. The opportunities are near endless. During my time here, I have seen the children travel to India, Asia, America and various parts of Europe. They have taken part in more sports fixtures than it’s possible to count, exhibited work in art exhibitions and performed on stages to packed auditoriums of up to 500 adoring parents and grandparents. I spoke to one student the other day (in the College) who was off to fly a helicopter. Who wouldn’t love that! What inspired you to become a teacher and later, a headteacher? A combination of experiences and training. I have always enjoyed the study of leadership and the dynamic challenge. I was previously occupying roles in my youth, such as Headboy of my secondary school (John Henry Newman) and Chairperson of the Geography society at University (St Mary’s, Twickenham). I have also organised adventurous outdoor activities such as the Three Peaks Challenge for the Crohn’s and Colitis Association. In educational terms, I am blessed to have been inspired by some incredible teachers along the way – passionate pedagogists who reflect my own values; a love of children, a love of life and a love of learning. I should also mention that my mother, now retired, was a Catholic Headteacher of vast experience. Sunday dinner time conversations clearly left an impressive mark. What did you want to be when you grew up? A doctor… or a teacher! What have you been most proud of since joining St Edmund’s Prep School as Headmaster? Creating an environment within which children and staff are valued and appreciated for being who they are. The relationships that we have built with our parents and grandparents are also critical and highly valued in the Prep. Seeing the children happy in school each day and enjoying what they are doing – learning and growing in academic and pastoral terms – is a source of pride for me. Seeing our oldest daughter leave the school and go onto University as an articulate, confident, sensible young woman has to be the main highlight so far, though. There is no question in either my or my wife’s mind that St Edmund’s played a critical role in this respect.
Join Mr Cartwright, the staff and students at St Edmund’s Prep at an Open Day or for a private tour by visiting www.stedmundscollege.org. You can also find out more via their social media pages, @StEdmundsCollegeandPrep on Facebook and Instagram, and @StEdmundsPrep on Twitter. Address: Old Hall Green, Ware, Herts, SG11 1DS.
Ground, Grass and Sky Handwriting Guide
Help your child practise their handwriting and learn to make their letters the correct size with this activity from PlanBee. Download the instructions and practice sheets to get started.
Handwriting practice sheets
Use the example on the previous page to show your child how each letter should look in relation to the ground, the grass and the sky.
Get your child to write the letters of the alphabet using the dots below.
Handwriting practice sheets
Use these sheets for your child to practise their handwriting and learn to make their letters the correct size.
Below you can see an example of how each letter should look in relation to the ground, the grass and the sky.
Using this example as a guide, get your child to trace the dotted letters on the next sheet and then move on to writing the letters themselves on the final sheet.
Handwriting practice sheets
Once your child has joined the dotted letters on the previous sheet, let them have a go at writing their own on the ground, grass and sky lines below. Give them the example letters on the first sheet to help.
DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR KIDS HERE!
Show your child how to hold a pencil
Watch video!
Developing handwriting skills
By Catherine Lynch
The three main skills in learning to write are the physical ability to make marks on paper, knowing that print conveys meaning and knowing what to write. Before children start making marks on paper and learning to write, they need to strengthen their gross and fine motor skills. But how?
READ MORE
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IN THIS ISSUE What’s Ons & Days Out Guide to play centres Beat the January Blues
Winter’s a great time of year to enjoy some fantastic children’s fiction. Here are our recommendations.
Also
by E B Goodale Ages: 4-7
Little Horror
by Daniel Peak Ages: 8-12
Crocodile Hungry
by Eija Sumner Ages: 3-7
Invented by Animals
by Christiane Dorion Ages: 7-12
Rita Wants a Ninja by Maire Zepf Ages: 3+
Big Wig by Jonathan Hillman Ages: 4-8
The Smeds and the Smoos Board Book
by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler Ages: 0-2
Atlas of Amazing Migrations by Matt Sewell Ages: 7-10
Aaron Slater, Illustrator
by Andrea Beaty Ages: 5-7
PERFORM DRAMA, DANCE AND SINGING CLASSES
www.perform.org.uk Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class. Use code HE7022 for a £40 discount when you book before 7 February. Classes in St Albans, Harpenden, Welwyn GC, Bishop’s Stortford, Broxbourne, Hertford, Hitchin and Radlett. 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org. uk • Childminders • Day Nurseries • Out of School Care • Pre-School Playgroups and much more … HALF-TERM ART CAMP St Albans, St Peter’s School Harpenden, Roundwood Park School www.shedloadsoffun.com Book one or more days of fun with a different drawing and painting project each day. Children get lots of time for play and take home their very own painting on canvas or in watercolour. For ages 6-13. Cost: £38 per day (sibling discount available). More information at: www.shedloadsoffun.com
KMDT SELF DEFENCE CLASSES
St Albans, Hatfield KMDT is an all-inclusive, friendly club, encouraging families, juniors and adults to train together. Learn and train in the skills to keep you safe, including techniques to deter bullies. Call 07824883853 or email info@kmdt.co.uk for more information or to book a free trial.
BOOK YOUR 2 WEEK TRIAL NOW! STREET DANCE IS HERE!
Ever wish you could DANCE like Jason Derulo, BOP like Beyoncé or GROOVE like Bruno Mars? Well your wish may have just come true!
Ages 5-18
0800 0236 236 STREETDANCEACADEMY.CO.UK
BOOK YOUR 2 WEEK TRIAL NOW!
FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM Fun is an essential ingredient in all our nurseries where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them. T: 01707 392999 E: hertfordbarns.nursery@childbase.com Hertford Barns Day Nursery, Cole Green, Hertford, SG14 2NL T: 01582 792060 E: nurseryonthegreen.redbourn@childbase.com Nursery on the Green, South Common, Redbourn, Hertfordshire, AL3 7NGNow taking registrations WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU SPORTS ACADEMY 0800 0236 236 SPORTSACADEMYUK.COM Sports Academy UK coach a multi sports program that promotes athleticism, balance, speed and agaility. With less opportunity for emotional burn out, the children focus on a variety of sports which enables them to also improve their skill development. Ages 4-16 All equipment supplied 18 SPORTS A YEAR!
www.childbasepartnership.com
Find childcare in Hertfordshire
To find an Ofsted registered childcare provider near you and to enquire about spaces visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/childcaredirectory
Best skincare products for tweens
We asked our friends at wearetwixt for their round up of some of the best, tween-friendly zit-zapping cleansers that avoid chemicals that can be abrasive on young, delicate skin.
TROPIC Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum (£42) A gentle serum with pre-biotics builds the skin’s defences and fights acne.
Olivia (12) says: ‘I put this on twice a day. It cleared my spots completely. Absolutely amazing!’ Olivia’s mum says: ‘Pricey but a little goes a long way.’ LUSH Tea Tree Water (£6) and LUSH Grease Lightning (£8) Tea tree water cleanses and helps banish spots.
Grease Lightning cleanses and helps combat infection and further redness.
Olivia (12) says: ‘I love how fresh these products are and how clean they feel.’
Pixi Glow Tonic (£10) Lightweight, gentle exfoliating serum which hydrates and boosts radiance. 100% chemical-free and beautifully gentle for young skin.
Olivia (12) says: ‘I use this every evening and it makes my skin feel completely clean.’ Olivia’s mum says: ‘‘This has been brilliant for Olivia’s skin.’ TROPIC Clear Skin BlemishFighting Mask (£20)
Designed to control the levels of sebum in the skin, preventing spots forming. Kills bacteria, draws out toxins, closes pores and soothes sore skin.
Olivia (12) says: ‘My skin is sensitive and can get dry and this is so gentle and soothing. It lasts for ages too.’
Why Aiyven and Kirsten are Happier Every Chapter
Sisters Aiyven (12) and Kirsten (13) love writing stories and both published debut novels in 2020. Families talks to them to find out more.
What made you start writing stories?
Our parents read stories to us every night when we were young, which opened up whole new worlds to us. From around the age of 4 or 5, we were folding pieces of paper into cards and writing stories inside them - and just never stopped!
What do you like best about writing stories? The best thing is how in a few hours, a new universe can sprout out of thin air.
How many stories have you written? Interested in Aiyven and Kirsten’s advice on story-writing? READ MORE
FREE Mental Health Activity Pack from Storytime for your child*
14 pages of fun activities
Many of our early stories were on laptops we don’t have any more but every month we write short stories for our book subscription box, Happier Every Chapter. Over time, we’ve written at least thirty stories each. That’s excluding our books.
Do you make a plan for your stories?
HAPPINESS is... ACTIVITY PACK! One of the biggest challenges faced by parents, teachers and carers is helping children to talk about and deal with their feelings. That is why we created this activity pack! We recommend that you read it first, and then share the ideas and activities in it with your kids.
Inside this pack: Recognising Emotions ............................. 2 Feelings Are Like Rainbows ................... 4 Resilience Tool Box .................................. 5 Fun with Framing! ..................................... 6 Gratefulness Diary .................................... 7 The Pancake of Mistakes ........................ 8 Get Active with Emotions! ....................... 9 Talking About Feelings ........................... 10 30 Things You Can Do to Feel Good! ... 11 Awesome You! .......................................... 13 Your Jar of Happiness ............................. 14
How to Use This Pack... for Grown-Ups! .......................................... 15
Be cool. Be kind. Be you!
With © www.storytimemagazine.com 2021 On page 17-20, there is a special section about how you can help your kids build resilience and get comfortable with their emotions!
When we were younger, we often just typed whatever came to mind, which can result in an unusual plot and a storyline that doesn’t flow very well. Now, we plan the beginning, build-up, climax, resolution and ending. Once you have those five factors planned, it’s just a matter of connecting the dots.
APPLY HERE
