THE QUAINTON HERALD Issue 107– 13th December 2021
HEADMASTER'S MESSAGE Dear Parents, We have certainly had a busy and eventful end to the term. On Monday our Chamber Choir sang at the John Lyon Christmas Concert and complemented the John Lyon choirs superbly. I would also like to thank Clara B, our Deputy Head Girl, who opened the readings that evening. A great way to start the week of celebrations for the festive season. On Wednesday, the Pre-prep headed off to Watford to watch ‘Dick Whittington and his Cat’. It was certainly enjoyed by all and, as always, huge thanks to the Pre-prep staff for planning and running this fun event for the children. We were thoroughly spoilt last week with numerous children’s performances taking place. The EYFS were outstanding on Thursday and Friday morning, putting on their Christmas production - not an easy task for children so young. The Nursery certainly stomped to success and Shaun the Sheep made the Reception class and audience smile. A wonderful way to start our school concerts and productions. Next, in the afternoon, the Pre-prep took to the stage, for their performances of ‘I’m Gonna Shine’; and ‘shine’ is exactly what they did! Thursday’s performance was seamless and the children were well prepared and delivered their lines with a confidence that I have not seen in this age group before. The children deserve a lot of praise for keeping up their efforts again on Friday at the end of a very busy and tiring week. Friday evening was the Prep School’s turn as they filled Trinity Church with festive cheer for their Advent Concert. It is hard to find the words to describe just how special this event was and I can say with confidence that the audience was taken aback by the energy and sheer joy that radiated from the children performing that night. Whether it was due to it being the first chance the children have had to perform as a whole school since Covid began, or the fact that the music at Quainton Hall has taken a step up under Mr Haswell’s coordination, it was an evening that will stay with me, forever. Thank you children, Mr Haswell, Miss Shah and all those involved in what was such a very special and unique evening for our school community.
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HEADMASTER'S MESSAGE CONTINUED I would like to thank all the parents who volunteered to set up and run the FQHS Secrets’ Room. It was enjoyed by all and I know that many parents will be looking forward to opening treats on Christmas day that will be a complete surprise to them - that is, if the excitement doesn’t get the better of the children and they can keep their purchases ‘secret’ until then! Staff news: Ms De Mare will be leaving Quainton Hall at the end of term. Ms De Mare has been a central figure in the SEND department and has supported a number of children through the school. A very kind and caring member of staff and a valued member of our community, she will be missed by all and we wish her the very best. With COVID on our shoulder, we have just about got to the end of term. Many of our planned events have had to be cancelled as cases increase in school. Christmas jumper day and Christmas lunch will go ahead on Tuesday within ‘bubbles’. I would like to wish all those of you celebrating a very Happy Christmas and look forward to welcoming the children back into school in January. Please take care, enjoy the holidays and stay safe.
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ENGLISH DEPARTMENT News from the English Department: This week, we are delighted to share a few more examples of the ‘The Iron Man’ newspaper reports and the ‘Fortunately, the Milk’ alien descriptions created by the children in Year 4.
Dharsh's article
Nishi's descriptive writing
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Shiv's article
Muhammed's descriptive writing
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT As we look ahead to the holiday, here are a few Christmas themed Dingbats we thought you might enjoy trying to solve. We will post the answers in next term’s Herald.
House Reading Challenge – This term’s House Reading Challenge officially closed today and the winning House has been calculated. However, in light of the rearrangements to the last few days of term and pupil absence, we have decided to delay the announcement of the winning House, as well as the awarding of prizes, until the start of next term. All books read and recorded in reading diaries from today will go towards next term’s House Reading Challenge.
Wishing you all a very happy holiday!
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ART AND DT DEPARTMENT Year 3 to 6 Art This was a fun week in the Art room. Whilst listening to some lovely Christmas/festive songs, year groups 3 to 6 have made their very own baubles using an array of sequins, sprinkles and ribbon.
Srushti and Sanskruti making their baubles.
Zahra and Annabelle working on their baubles.
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Year 3 with their baubles.
ART AND DT DEPARTMENT CONTINUED
Ved’s traditional red and green
Riya’s bauble filled with interesting patterns.
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Veera’s blue and silver bauble.
Yug’s colourful bauble.
ART AND DT DEPARTMENT CONTINUED Hobby Art
Jasmine’s wonderful Christmas artwork….there’s Santa Claus with his presents
Hiya’s brilliant sketch of a fox.
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Aarden has been exploring sand art. Here’s his colourful Toucan.
Hiya’s cute cat sketch with amazing pencil shading.
ART AND DT DEPARTMENT CONTINUED
Guru’s acrylic painting of a Star fish
Guru’s seagull artwork with acrylic painting
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ART AND DT DEPARTMENT CONTINUED Hobby Art
Dharsha’s winter inspired Canvas.
Aida’s canvas painting with a gorgeous sunset.
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Meher’s brilliant winter painting….Santa is on his way!
MUSIC DEPARTMENT Our violin tutor Miss Trita held a magnificent event this week at Trinity Church, showcasing all of our talented violin players in an all-strings festive performance. It was a perfect way to celebrate the achievements of our current and ex pupils, and share some festive cheer. Well done to all!
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MUSIC DEPARTMENT CONTINUED
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MUSIC DEPARTMENT CONTINUED
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MUSIC DEPARTMENT CONTINUED
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EYFS CHRISTMAS SHOW I am sure all the parents, teachers and children who saw the EYFS Christmas Shows would like to join me in saying a huge well done to all the Nursery and Reception children for their amazing Christmas Show! The songs, signs and actions were all brilliant and I know this was the result of lots of practising and hard work. For most of the children, this was their first time on stage and it was very impressive to see how confident they were. Above all, it was clear that the children had fun and enjoyed performing. I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank all the Nursery and Reception staff for all their dedication and diligence behind the scenes. Merry Christmas! Miss Sherr
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EYFS CHRISTMAS SHOW CONTINUED
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YEAR 1 AND 2 SHOW On Thursday and Friday, Year 1 and Year 2 performed their Christmas show called ‘I’m Gonna Shine.' It has been a very long time since they stood on a stage wearing a costume and performing to an audience, so we thought they did incredibly well. We truly hope all that came to watch enjoyed the show! Here are some photos of the children.
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YEAR 1 AND 2 SHOW CONTINUED
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ADVENT CONCERT Our Advent Concert at Trinity Church on Friday 10th December was a huge success and the children performed their songs, scenes and poems with particular confidence and grace to a receptive and appreciative audience. Ms Campion devised a fantastic medley of songs for the Fun Choir entitled, 'Stars', which had the audience clapping and singing along with the finale song of 'Reach for the Stars'. Miss Shah choreographed and coordinated the fantastic opening for all of Years 3 and 4, 'Sleigh Ride' and finale for Years 5 and 6, 'I wish it could be Christmas every day'. 5JS performed a very funny scene, entitled 'Santa’s Grotto Auditions', which had the audience filling the church with laughter. Well done Miss Shah! A big thank you to Mrs Ford for her two scenes featuring pupils from Year 6. Firstly there was the poem 'Hard Frost', written by Andrew John Young, and then the exceptionally funny scene, 'The Twelve Days of Christmas Thank You Notes', which was one of the highlights of the evening’s concert. We would also like to say thank you to our Director of Music, Mr Huw Jones, who played the piano for the Year 6 performance of 'Ode to Joy' and the Year 5 rendition of 'Silent Night'. Thank you to everyone who attended this special event. Here is a selection of images from our Advent Concert 2021.
Years 3 and 4 with the opening 'Sleigh Ride'.
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ADVENT CONCERT CONTINUED
'Sleigh Ride'.
'Sleigh Ride'.
'Together at Christmas' performed by 3JC.
'Together at Christmas'.
6H Performing 'Ode to Joy': Ludwig Van Beethoven.
'Ode to Joy'.
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ADVENT CONCERT CONTINUED
Santa’s Grotto Auditions.
Santa’s Grotto Auditions.
Santa’s Grotto Auditions.
Santa’s Grotto Auditions.
4EK performing 'When Christmas comes to town', composed by Alan Silvestri.
3ZS Performing 'Let it Snow', composed by Jule Styne.
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ADVENT CONCERT CONTINUED
'Hard Frost' by Andrew John Young performed by Year 6.
'Hard Frost'.
5AA Performing 'Silent Night'.
Fun Choir performing 'Stars', devised by Mrs Campion
'The Twelve Days of Christmas Thank You Notes' adapted by Year 6.
4KB Performing 'Santa Claus is Coming To Town'.
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ADVENT CONCERT CONTINUED
'Santa Claus is coming to town'.
6Q performing 'Carol of The Bells': Peter Wilhousky.
Finale: 'I wish it Could Be Christmas Everyday' - Years 5 and 6
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QUIZ - WHO AM I? This week's Quiz Huge congratulations to all the pupils who successfully guessed Boris Becker as the answer to last week’s quiz. Special congratulations to Zynah (5JS) who was the first to email me with the correct answer and a certificate will be awarded to her.
One of his famous quotes “I’m not a naturally funny man. I find that I can only be funny, if I become someone else.”
He was born on 6th January 1955 in Durham, England.
He is listed among the 50 funniest actors in the British industry.
He wanted to be named as a vegetable.
He was test out on live audiences at festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe.
Please send your answer by Monday via email to Mrs Alwaheidi at arwa.alwaheidi@edu.quaintonhall.org.uk
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UPCOMING EVENTS
The new term will begin on Wednesday 5th January 2022.
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BIRTHDAYS
We wish the following children, who celebrated their birthday in the last few days, the coming week and in the Christmas holidays, a very Happy Birthday! Yashvi P Nursery
Kyron P Nursery
Yuvraj C Year 1
Ariya T Year 1
Maya T Year 1
Nischay P Year 1
Ayra D Year 1
Amelia N-G Year 2
Charlie C Year 2
Keertan S Year 2
Jena J Year 3
Alexander F Year 3
Kishan P Year 3
Anush A Year 3
Adam C Year 4
Devaditya D Year 5
Adam N Year 6
Clara B Year 6
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