Francis Holland School Newsletter July 2015 Chamber Choir at the Royal Albert Hall
From the Headmistress Dear Parents, It was lovely to see so many of you informally at the tennis courts in Regent’s Park for the “hit and giggle” barbecue and tennis evening for parents and daughters organised by Mrs Laurel Rafter and the Parents’ Association Committee on Friday 5th June. Bespoke red and grey FHS m&ms were one of many inspired touches that made the evening so enjoyable! As ever, the second half of the summer term has been brimming with extracurricular activity and the main highlights are detailed in this newsletter. This week, the Hall and the stage have been transformed (or “trashed”?!) into the set for Skellig, this term’s school play, which is being produced and directed by Mrs Kate Oakley. Extra-curricular activities are co-ordinated by a senior member of staff, Miss Clare MacDonnell (clare.macdonnell@fhs-nw1.org.uk). Please do not hesitate to contact Clare should you ever have any queries about any club or extra-curricular event. Each term’s extra-curricular schedule of clubs before, during and after school, is available on the school website. FHS/ RP students are expected to attend at least three extra-curricular activities or clubs per week – many choose to attend far more than this. The Upper Sixth leavers' evening is always a happy and nostalgic event – for teachers, parents and the Upper Sixth themselves! We wish all this year’s Upper Sixth leavers the very best of luck in their adult lives and thank them for the exceptionally strong contribution they have made to all aspects of school life during their F r a n c i s
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The Chamber Choir performs at the Royal Albert Hall: story continues on page 4
seven years at FHS. Particular thanks go to Danah Cred (Head Girl), who led an outstanding Head Girl’s team: Saskia de Borchgrave Niblett; Estella Macchi di Cellere; Sarah Kehoe; Stella Moore; Ayesha Mukherjee; Reem Satti; Olivia Turner. During the summer holidays, several areas of the school will be redecorated and refurbished. Work on the new school swimming pool is progressing well. The new pool is due to be completed and available for use towards the end of next term. There will be a formal opening event in late spring 2016. Mr Mark Chiverton and Mr Adrian Smith will be leading FHS Summer Camp 2015, accompanied by Miss Kay Hotchkiss and Ms Flora Barton. This year marks the tenth anniversary of FHS Summer Camp, which was established by Mr Mark Chiverton (Head of Thirds). As usual, a group of children in “looked after care” with Westminster Council will have an all expenses paid week’s holiday at Sayer’s Croft, organised by a team of Sixth Form volunteers and FHS teachers. My sincere thanks to all colleagues who lead by example
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in volunteering holiday time for this annual charitable activity. Ms Alessandra Spera (Head of French Department) will lead a French language trip to Montpellier at the beginning of the holidays, accompanied by Mme Marjorie Gustave: we wish them sunshine and good luck for the trip. As you will see on page 2, Mrs Kate Oakley (English and Drama Department and Head of Careers) who joined FHS/ RP in 1985 and Ms Jane Orr (Head of Art Department) who joined this school in 1990 were both congratulated on their outstanding service by Mrs Marie Winkler, Chair of the FHST Governing Council in the main summer term meeting of governors. Details of the next term’s calendar can be found on the school website www. francisholland.org.uk With best wishes for the summer holidays,
Mrs V M Durham
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