Francis Holland School Newsletter December 2014 Malaysia Sports Tour 2014
From the Headmistress Dear Parents, As a busy autumn term nears its end, there is much to celebrate; this month’s newsletter depicts just some of the energy and creativity that characterises daily school life. The FHST Governing Council has given its full approval to the refurbishment of the swimming pool and the changing room facilities and this exciting building project is scheduled to begin within the next few weeks. Cricket has been added to the long list of extracurricular activities: any pupil wishing to join this after-school club, which is free of charge and open to pupils in all year groups, should contact Miss MacDonnell, Director of Extra-curricular Activities. On 28th November staff from both FHS schools will attend their joint annual professional development day, which this year will be held at FHS Sloane Square. Mr Barnaby Lenon, Head of ISC, former Headmaster of Harrow, will lead the main session of the day, focussing on the 2015 A level reforms. Sincere thanks to everyone who supported the school at the FHS Careers evening just before October half term. More than seventy professions were represented, enabling students in the Lower Fifth, Upper Fifth and Sixth Form to be inspired about the careers and opportunities that might suit them, beyond university. This important biennial extra-curricular event is a feat of organisation by the Careers Department, which is led by Mrs Kate Oakley, and expertly assisted by Miss Jo Hallett. At the annual Quondam AGM and lunch for former pupils and teachers on Saturday November 8th, Mrs Alison Edelshain, Chairman of the Quondam Committee, welcomed alumnae from F r a n c i s
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During October half term, the FHS Netball and Hockey teams set off to Malaysia for an actionpacked ten days of sport and cultural activities. For a full report please see page 13.
as far afield as New York, Moscow and Australia. Mrs Sue Drummond and Mrs Felicity Forde led the lively Quondam netball match in Regent’s Park, which has become a much enjoyed fixture, preceding the Quondam lunch. Details of Quondam activities can be followed on facebook. Please email news of alumnae to the Quondam Administrator, Mrs Helen Forbes at Helen.forbes@fhsnw1.org.uk.
the Parents’ Association Committee to its designated charitable causes for this year, which include FHS Summer Camp 2015.
This year’s annual Christmas Fair, organised by the Parents’ Association Committee under the aegis of its Chair, Mrs Laurel Rafter, was a wonderfully happy and festive event, which raised several thousand pounds for charity. Thanks to the exceptional hard work of a dedicated team of FHS parents and committee members, with help from many students and teachers, the school was transformed! Particular thanks go to all member of the FHS Parents’ Association Committee; to Miss Clare MacDonnnell (Director of Extra-curricular Events); Mrs Kath Whiteman (Deputy Head) and to the many FHS parents who helped tirelessly all afternoon in the café and on the stalls. The money raised by this year’s Christmas Fair will be donated by
Parents and relatives are most welcome to attend the School Carol Service at 3pm on Tuesday 16th December. For the first time, we shall be holding our annual Carol Service in St Marylebone Parish Church, Marylebone Road, NW1 5LT.
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Guys and Dolls is the main school production this term. Performances will be held in the Hall on Wednesday 10th December to Friday 12th December, inclusive. Tickets are currently being sold via the school office (020 7723 0176) at sue.gurini@fhs-nw1.org.uk.
My sincere thanks to the many FHS parents who have so much contributed to school life this term: social evenings, Oxbridge interviews, sixth form lectures, school concerts and plays and many extra-curricular events. As ever, your support is much appreciated.
Mrs V M Durham
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