Headmaster's Welcome

Headmaster's News, Friday 6th September, 2019

Sep 6, 2019

6th September 2019

Dear Parents

Welcome to the Autumn Term 2019
I would like to welcome you all back to the start of an exciting new academic year. This is now my tenth year as Headmaster of Highfield and I am looking forward to the year ahead and building on our successful Inspection report in the summer. An excellent team of staff and an inspirational cohort of pupils will ensure that the year ahead is fruitful, rewarding and a great deal of fun.

Our newsletter is now going to be issued fortnightly, packed with news and events from across our School and Nursery.

Composer and Artist of the Term
This year, we will be working with the children to improve their appreciation and understanding of the work of famous artists and composers. Our Artist of the term will be L.S. Lowry and our composer will be Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. I hope you will enjoy supporting the children in their learning by discussing their work and listening to their music at home; maybe even visiting a gallery or two!

Building Developments at Highfield

Front of School
We have created more space at the front of school to improve the flow of traffic and allow pedestrians to move safely around the front of school. The new pedestrian crossing also gives direct access to the front of the school.

Key Stage 1 Literacy Resources Room
This new room has been created adjacent to the Reception Classroom and will store all our Reading Scheme books.

Nursery Playground
Nursery’s outdoor play area will be gradually developed over the year. Mr Forrest has already constructed a covered outside area which has lights and can be used all year round. This was officially opened by the children on Wednesday with a presentation to Mr Forrest of a plaque which he will attach to the wall. He will now move on to develop the area surrounding this new construction.

School Construction Area
This is taking shape next to the new Nursery facility and will be an area where the children can use their imagination to build and create. The inspiration for this area has come directly from the children who have really enjoyed building mini villages and houses around the edges of the playground. This will be available to the children later this term.

Entrance Hall
The entrance to the school has been redecorated and now includes a TV screen which will be updated with pictures of the children and what they have been up to, as well as listing upcoming events.

All these developments have taken a lot of planning with many of the ideas being put forward by children, staff and parents and it is going to be exciting to see these areas take shape and come to fruition this year.

Thank you to Mrs Heywood, our School Business Manager, Mr Forrest and Mr Eaves for all their hard work.

Independent Schools’ Association: Executive Council
I have been appointed to the ISA’s Executive Council as Regional Co-ordinator for the North. The ISA now represents over 500 schools across Great Britain. This position will put Highfield right at the heart of our organisation and the issues that are affecting independent schools today.

Uniform
It was lovely to see the children all looking very smart this week as they start the new term. Our uniform list is published on the website but I am including a few reminders below to ensure that we all keep Highfield’s image smart and uniform.
All bobbles/hairbands are to be in school colours only (no glittery ones). Long hair is to be tied back at all times. Boys' hair is to be kept short, tidy and away from face and eyes.
No fashion haircuts, hair colours or hair products are allowed in school (this includes no haircuts below a grade three).
No jewellery (including earrings), nail varnish, make up or fake tan.

Merit Awards
RB: The Whole Class 1D: Isobel 1W: Harriet 2E: Flora 2J: Alayna
3M: Tejas 4D: Kedar 4S: Amber 5H: The Whole Class 5M: Jack 6P: Alex

Curriculum Evening Dates
Monday 9th September Year 1 Curriculum Evening
Year 2 Curriculum Evening
Tuesday 10th September Year 4 Curriculum Evening
Wednesday 11th September Year 3 Curriculum Evening
Thursday 12th September Year 5 Curriculum Evening

Fact of the Fortnight
Mozart wrote his first symphony when he was just eight years old.

Yours sincerely

J M Duke
Headmaster