Headmaster's Welcome
Headmaster's News, Friday 17th December, 2021
Dec 17, 2021
17th December 2021
Dear Parents
The Sunday Times Position
Since the last newsletter, The Sunday Times published its Parent Power article which ranks schools
throughout the country on their academic performance. This year, Highfield Priory School achieved its
highest position on record: 5th= . Highfield Priory School has been in The Sunday Times Top Ten for
the last four years. Below is our new Sunday Times Top Ten logo alongside our last three.
Congratulations to the whole school community for being a member of one of the consistently highest
performing Independent Preparatory Schools in the country.
Christmas Lunch
Last Thursday was our school Christmas lunch. The whole school was treated to a wonderful meal
which included all the usual favourites including turkey, mince pies and Christmas crackers! Thank
you to Ms Cowburn and her team for an excellent meal and for providing a tasty and varied menu on
a daily basis throughout this term.
Christmas Party Day
What a fabulous day we all had last Friday! It was lovely to see everyone with a big smile on their face
and with many children and staff wearing a wonderful array of Christmas jumpers. Children took part
in a number of fun activities throughout the day, including an online visit from Santa, and the highlight
of the day: the entertainer! Thank you to Ms Eccles and the PTA for organising the day and for
helping Santa with some very thoughtful gifts for the children.
Pre-School Performance
Thank you, Pre-School for showcasing all the dances you have been practising this term in Miss
Burns’ dance lessons. You have learnt so many different moves! You transformed into reindeer,
robins and angels and you even decorated the Christmas tree! The smiles on your faces and your
enthusiasm for the dances really highlighted how much you enjoy these lessons. Well done to Harriet
and Amelie from Year 3 who read so clearly and eloquently throughout the performance. Thank you
Miss Burns for choreographing the first performance of this festive period.
Manger Mouse
Wow, Wow, Wow! What talent we have in Reception and Infants. Year 2 delivered their lines
confidently and really made the most of their opportunity of being centre stage. The group and
individual songs were also very impressive. Amazing for children aged just 6 and 7! Miss Burns’
dancers entertained with Ballet, Tap and Zumba, and they showed just how much they have enjoyed
their dance sessions. The volume of the singing from Year 1 and Reception really rang out around the
Sports Hall. Thank you to Ms Eccles, Mrs Street, Mr Drake, and the rest of the Infant and Reception
team, for all the hard work that went into making Manger Mouse such a memorable performance.
The Sound of Christmas
It was with great regret that we had to cancel our public performance of The Sound of Christmas. The
children and staff have all been working incredibly hard and it promised to be a wonderful celebration
of the Christmas Season. However, the children and teachers have shown their characteristic
resilience and risen to the occasion, recording the performance outside and still managing to include
the children who are isolating at home. It has been a huge team effort and I am delighted to announce
that we will be releasing it next week. I won’t spoil it for you but I know you will all enjoy the range of
songs, sung beautifully by our choir, and the readings from Year 6 that all work together to give a
flavour of this season. Congratulations to all the children taking part and thank you to Miss Macklam,
Mrs Jones, Mrs Duke, Mr Drake and the rest of the staff for being so adaptable this week and
producing an excellent performance.
Christmas Presents
Please could you remember, in advance of Christmas, that Smart watches, very colourful watches or
watches with big faces are not permitted in school.
Hats and scarves are part of the school uniform when worn in school and should be purchased from
Monkhouse, gloves must be plain maroon or navy.
Spring Term Sport in Years 3 – 6
In January, in Games lessons, the boys will be taking part in Rugby sessions. It is vital that all boys
have a gum shield in school on Wednesday. Boys in Years 5 and 6 will also require boots as we will
be training and playing matches at Preston Grasshoppers and on grass. The girls will be starting
Hockey, all girls must have a gum shield and shin pads for Games on Wednesday.
Please ensure that your child has the correct specialised safety equipment on the days when
practices and lessons take place. Unfortunately, if your child does not have this essential safety
equipment in school, they will not be able to take part in the session.
School Survey
Thank you to everyone who filled in the school survey this term. We will be looking at the results over
the next few weeks with staff and governors.
Merit awards 10.12.21
RB: Niralya 1W: Hana 2E: Lailah
3J: Esmail 3M: Dylan 4H: Lily 4M: Shreya 5D: Harry 6P: Sophie
Merit awards 17.12.21
RB: Freya 1W: Nissi 2E: The Whole Class
3J: Sarah 3M: Vihaan 4H: Omer 4M: Haniyah 5D: Lola 6P: Ayman
I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I look forward to seeing
you all on Wednesday January 5th.
Yours sincerely
J M Duke
Headmaster
