Headmaster's Welcome
Headmaster's Weekly News, Friday 5th October, 2018
Oct 5, 2018
5 October 2018
Dear Parents
2E Topic Assembly
Thank you 2E for a fascinating Topic Assembly all about the Fire of London. We enjoyed your accounts of the fire as well as your letters to the King, informing him about what you had witnessed. Here is an account of the fire and a letter to the King from today’s Assembly.
3rd September 1666
Your Majesty,
I write to tell you of a great fire burning its way through London. We need your soldiers to pull down the houses to stop the massive fire from spreading even more. We need to save our city and your people.
Your loyal servant,
Lyla
3rd September 1666
I was asleep when I heard a sudden noise, an old man was shouting “Fire! Fire!” I ran down the stairs, nearly slipping. I went outside and I was shocked with fear. Flames were licking the houses. I was very worried. I ran back upstairs and packed some belongings and raced downstairs. I went outside into the street. I felt like I was going to die! The grey smoke made me cough. The fire was burning my whole street. The flames were humongous. It was the hottest thing I have ever felt. I ran straight to the boats at the river and I set sail to safety.
Violet
Out and About with Year 3 in HPSED
I caught up with Year 3 on Thursday in their first term of HPSED lessons. The children had each brought in an object that was important to them. Eliza had brought in a book by Beatrix Potter. ‘The Tale of Pigling Bland’. She told the class that the book had been dedicated to her Great Grandmother Cecily and her brother Charlie. They were the children of Mr Townley, the farmer who sold Beatrix Potter the little pigs upon whom she had based the Pigling Bland story. Fantastic, Eliza! Leo brought in a little World War 2 action figure which he said was very old and used to belong to his father. Anoush had a statue of the Eiffel Tower. He talked about how tall it was and how he wanted to visit it and go up the tower one day, maybe next year! At the end of the session, Hollie was awarded Listener of the Day for the questions that she asked. The next group then arrived and they checked their appearance in the long mirror before presenting themselves to Mrs Duke for a house point. They had to stand up straight and look smart. Thomas P really rose to the occasion and was described as a Beefeater outside the Tower of London by Mrs Duke. Diya was up first to speak. She spoke confidently about an Elsa figure from Frozen that was on top of her birthday cake. She said it reminded her of the fun time she had had on her birthday. She then revealed that it was edible and confessed to nibbling a little corner! Manavi asked if it had been a themed party and Diya replied that Frozen was the theme. Bethan asked who had made the cake and Diya replied proudly that it was her mum. Muhammad then stood up and talked about a very interesting instrument he had brought in that had been made in Africa out of a butternut squash. He demonstrated how to play it before telling us that his Uncle bought it for him when he visited Africa. I was very impressed with the start made by Year 3 to their HPSED lessons. They spoke with real confidence, trying hard not to fidget and showing real potential for the future. Make sure you listen to all of Mrs Duke’s feedback and I look forward to watching your progress in this subject in future weeks.
Year Five visit Speke Hall by Arjun, Tia, Nandini and Sienna
On the 2nd October, 5M visited Speke Hall to investigate Tudor History in more depth. After an hour’s journey by coach, we walked for the last part as the magnificent Tudor building appeared around the corner. Then we met our guides, Holly and Mary. Firstly, we went into the courtyard of Speke Hall. There were two trees Adam and Eve. Adam was 900 years old and Eve was 400 years old. The building was made of wattle which is like straw and daub which is cow dung! The guide told us that Speke Hall was built by William Norris and finished by his son Edward. The family was Catholic and during the time of Queen Elizabeth I, who was a Protestant, they had had to hide their religion. They had created spy holes to warn them of visitors and a secret room where the priest would hide. The most amusing part of the day was learning a Tudor dance with Saimah in the Great Hall. The Hall had a big fireplace with beautiful patterns on the mantelpiece, a suit of armour followed by a painting. After a tour of the house, we went outside. We went to the moat. The owners of the house put fish in the moat and ate the fish as part of their diet. There was also a cage where they put the birds to eat as well. In the afternoon, we did a few practical activities and Hamza and Brooke dressed up as Tudor people. The guide told us that the boys clothes were more expensive because at that time boys were seen as being more important than girls. Even though they were Tudor clothes, they suited Hamza! We enjoyed the trip very much and we are looking forward to the next trip.
Thank you Arjun, Tia, Nandini and Sienna for your account. I am sure it well help with your understanding of the Tudor period which you are studying in class this term.
Under 11s Football and Netball v Oakhill
Wednesday saw the senior boys’ football team compete against Oakhill. The B team played with great spirit and commitment. It was very pleasing to see Bomi make some fantastically timed challenges. William has been working on his handling skills and it paid dividends with numerous excellent saves. The A team produced some sparkling football and were very fluid going forward. They created numerous chances and were the deserved 3-0 victors.
We also entered the Preston Indoor Football competition on Thursday. The boys played well, showing a lot of skill in very fast-paced matches. The style of play was a joy to watch with some very impressive passing. Well done to all the boys involved.
Congratulations to Joshua A who has been selected to play for Preston City Football team.
Seventeen of our U10 and U11 netballers were in action against Oakhill on Wednesday. The games were very fast paced with the ball travelling from end to end. Oakhill took an early lead in the first match however the Highfield spirit shone through as the girls went into half time only one goal down. The very experienced Oakhill team however dominated the 2nd half and ended up eventual 9-3 winners. Player of the match was Sophia.
The second match was again fast paced and our players dominated the centre court. It was neck and neck at half time and only 2 goals separated the two teams. Once again the Oakhill team’s experience showed and they dominated until the final whistle. The score was 7-1. Player of the match was Daisy.
Open Day on Thursday
We had a very successful Open Morning on Thursday with a number of prospective parents visiting the school. They were very impressed by the standard and variety of work on display. They also commented on the level of work and the in-depth conversations and answers that were taking place in classes around the school. Our Year 6 children were excellent guides and all the visitors talked about how eloquent and passionate they were about Highfield Priory. If you know of any prospective parents who were unable to come to our Open Day, please ask them to arrange a tour of the school with the office.
New Staff
I would like to welcome Lucas Hampson who has joined Highfield Priory as Apprentice IT Technician this week.
Data Protection
Attached to the newsletter is a copy of the privacy notice we are required to send out each year, under the General Data Protection Act Regulation.
Dates for the Diary
Monday 8 October - HPPTA meeting, 8.15am
Tuesday 9 October - Family and individual photographs.
Wednesday 10 October - LEP Reception photo
Friday 12 October - Coffee Morning
Merit Awards
RB: Harriet RH: Shomi 1D: Samira 1W: Wei Ann 2E: The Whole Class
3J: Lily 3M: Thomas E 4D: Sam 4S: Isa 5M: Saimah 6H: Archie 6P: Daisy
Monitor of the week: Sasha
High 5 Award: Josh D - 6P
Thought for the Week
An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. Benjamin Franklin
Yours sincerely
J M Duke
Headmaster
