Headmaster's Welcome
Headmaster's News, Friday 24th September, 2021
Sep 24, 2021
24 September 2021
Dear Parents
Pre- School
I was very lucky on Wednesday morning to visit Pre-School in the woodland. Under the guidance of our Forest School leader, Miss Travis, the children were learning about the Autumn Equinox and how the animals in the woodland were starting to prepare for winter. Eva and Aaisha were creating bird feeders carefully putting bird seed in pinecones and I watched Ebrahim dash off to place his bird feeder carefully in the woodland. They were all very proud of their creations. I walked over to find Mrs Lockwood who was looking, with the children, for something special that came from the woods. Riccardo told me he had found a slug! Ellie was using her spy glass to look for birds and feathers. Ibrahim showed me a leaf he had found and said it had a hole in it before he counted nine leaves. Hattie with Mrs Lockwood’s help was using a ladder to climb a tree so she could see even further into the woods. Larissa was having great fun exploring the pathways which led the way to Muhammad who was exploring the bug house. In another area of the woodland the children were having great fun in the mud kitchen Eliza told me they were making cakes before holding up a very interesting creation for me to look at and potentially try!! It was incredibly rewarding for me to see the children immersed in nature. It is excellent for the children’s holistic development and social skills with so much teamwork and positive interactions taking place. Everywhere I turned I saw another exciting area to discover, whether it was the tepee, bird watching area, Fairy Garden or the tunnel that leads for approximately 20 metres through the bushes! Thank you to Miss Travis, Mr Forrest and the whole Early Years staff for providing such an amazing environment for the children to explore. I could certainly see why it was one of their favourite activities of the week. I look forward to returning later in the year to see the second group of Pre-School in the woodland.
Staff Update
Mr Nutter leaves us this week to take over as Head Chef at Preston Grasshoppers. I would like to thank him for his huge contribution in the kitchen and helping provide our fantastic lunches over the last 3 years. Ms Cowburn, who has worked as Head Chef at another school for over 20 years will be taking over the role.
First of the New Academic Fixtures!
Football
The excitement had been building for days with every boy in Years 5 and 6 eager to take part in their first competitive fixture of the season. In the first game Highfield took control from the start keeping possession of the ball and unlocking Oakhill’s defence with some excellent timed passes. The selfless performance led by Moin, our Sports Captain, and Frank resulted in many opportunities and goals being scored and Highfield taking a comfortable lead. Later in the first half Oakhill counter attacked catching our otherwise strong defence off guard which led to Oakhill scoring goals either side of half-time taking the score to 6-3 to Highfield. In the final few minutes Highfield tightened up their game and with increased composure on the ball scored two goals to finish the game 8-3 to Highfield and an excellent first result of the season. In the second game Highfield started well with excellent commitment from all players. Highfield defended as a team closing down Oakhill’s space. We also looked comfortable passing the ball and creating more space for the team. However Oakhill kept Highfield pinned down in their own half which led to a few unforced errors which Oakhill capitalised on with three well taken goals. The fight back was led by Reuben with a strong midfield performance and Hugo who had a number of exciting breaks which almost led to goals. Highfield were unable to reduce the deficit however and managed to keep the score to just 3-0. Congratulations to all our Years 5 and 6 players, your level of effort and enthusiasm certainly bodes well for the rest of the season.
Netball v Oakhill College
Fourteen excited but nervous Year 6 girls travelled in the minibus to the first away netball match of the academic year. The match was played in quarters and Highfield led from the first quarter with great shooting from Naina and Hiba. The team showed great passing and movement skills on court. Highfield continued to lead scoring lots more goals and won the match. Lily was named player of the match, awarded by the team from Oakhill. Well done to all the girls who played. Mrs Parsons
Pick Up
Please may I remind all parents to leave the site as soon as possible at the end of the day. The front of school and playgrounds are particularly busy and children should be closely supervised at all times.
Grammar Schools
Good luck to all our Year 6 children who are taking Grammar School examinations tomorrow. Make sure you all get a good night’s sleep tonight. Read the questions carefully and keep an eye on the time. We are very proud of all of you.
Books
We still have a number of school reading books and library books missing from last year. Please can they be returned as soon as possible. The library is a fantastic resource and we all need to work together to keep it well stocked and in good condition for all the children.
Music Assembly
Thank you to Mrs Adewale and Mrs Greig who introduced the children to woodwind and brass instruments this morning in assembly. The children thoroughly enjoyed learning about the instruments and watching their performances. It was also a special treat to watch Taylor, 6P, play her flute to such a high standard and really gave the children an idea of what can be accomplished with a lot of hard work and dedication. If you are in Year 3 upwards and keen to learn a brass or woodwind instrument please complete and return the slips which will be sent out.
Mr Thompson has decided to retire from teaching piano at Highfield but we hope to have a new piano teacher after half term.
Merit Awards 17.9.21
RB: Sofia 1W: Edward 2E: Henry
3J: Shomi 3M: Harriet F 4H: Nahla and Shriya 4M: Aidan 5D: Luca 6P: Hugo
Merit Awards 24.9.21
RB: Joey 1W: Oliver 2E: Mohini
3J: Zarlala 3M: Yaseen 4H: Esme 4M: Reuben 5D: Zaidan 6P: Evie
Yours sincerely
J M Duke
Headmaster
