Headmaster's Welcome
Headmaster's News, Friday 9th September, 2022
Sep 9, 2022
9th September 2022
Dear Parents
Welcome Back
We had a wonderful start to the new academic year on Monday with all the children returning to school looking exceptionally smart and chattering with excitement about the year ahead. I joined a number of classes to see what they were getting up to in their first week of term.
On Tuesday, I visited Year One as they were drawing pictures about what makes them happy. The children then described their pictures to the rest of the class. They spoke confidently and with big smiles as they described everything that makes them happy. I was really touched by Freya’s picture in which she was playing with other children in the playground and making them feel happy. I hope this thoughtful and heart-warming answer from such a young member of the Infants inspires the whole school to consider how it feels to make other people happy. We then visited the library so that Year One could choose a book to take home. They all knew the types of books they were interested in and made their choice quickly before settling down to listen to a story which I had chosen to read to them. Thank you, Year One, for a lovely afternoon.
On Wednesday, I spent time during Games with the boys from Years 3-6. They were all keen to show me and tell me about the practice they had been putting in during the holiday. I was delighted with their enthusiasm as they practised each drill, showing real progress since last year. It was also rewarding to see the children supporting and helping each other, demonstrating excellent teamwork.
On Thursday, I joined 4J as they went off for their first swimming session. The children were incredibly excited and couldn’t wait to start their lessons at David Lloyd Leisure. The teacher used the first lesson to gauge their ability and talked about what they will be focusing upon in the weeks ahead. At the end of the session, there were lots of smiles and lively chatter which continued all the way back to school!
My final visit of the week was with our new Reception Class and I was astounded by just how busy they were already! The children were exploring every inch of the room. Jeeva was playing with the underwater small world scene and explained everything he could see while Larissa and Yahya found a treasure chest which they were opening together. Lina was sitting close by in the reading teepee, looking at a book. Amelia told me how they had been mixing colours and she had made a rainbow with the colours red, blue and yellow. Mrs Bennett said the children had been baking biscuits with Mrs Hayes in the morning and Annabelle and Heba were continuing the activity, making biscuits out of plasticine. Clara and Ibrahim were all in the mark-making area with Kevin who had just finished a picture of his house with the number 14 on it. Robert, Muhammad, Finlay and Muhammad Yusef were all engrossed, playing on the whiteboards. Hendrick told me he was building a huge tower and showed me the nut and bolt he was about to use. He was being ably assisted by Annie, Eva, and Benjamin. Ebrahim was also building a big tower but he was using magnets. They were having so much fun and they all looked like they had been in Reception for weeks. It was so pleasing to see how well they had all settled. I left with a smile on my face and a biscuit in my hand; I can’t wait to return!
Uniform
Please could you make sure that your child has the correct uniform and it is named. I have attached a full copy of the uniform list, as a reminder, to this newsletter. Please pay particular attention to hair styles and accessories, including hair bands, jewellery, watches and bags (reminder below). Our children are very proud to wear their uniform and to be clearly identified as a member of the Highfield Community. Thank you for your support.
Other items:
- School shoes for all children are to be black; navy closed in sandals may be worn in summer. Low heels for the girls, no platforms.
- Children with long hair must use clips and bands to ensure their hair is neat, tidy and away from face at all times.
- All bobbles/ hairbands are to be in school colours only (no glittery ones).
- No fashion haircuts, hair colours or hair products are allowed in school (including haircuts below a grade three).
- No jewellery (including earrings), nail varnish, braids, make-up or fake tan.
- Smart watches, very colourful watches or watches with big faces should not be used in school.
- Juniors - black, navy, maroon laptop case or smaller size backpack (suitable to fit an A4 folder.) No obvious logos.
- All clothing and equipment must be named.
- Winter uniform is to be worn from September to Easter.
- Summer uniform is to be worn from Easter to September.
Staff News
Miss Warburton will be leaving Highfield towards the end of this month to take up an exciting new post working in the Civil Service for the DLUHC project. I would like to thank her for 12 years’ service to Highfield. She has supported so many children in her role as Class Assistant and offered first class care as Deputy Supervisor of After School and Holiday Club. She will be missed by staff and pupils. I know you will join me in wishing her good luck in her new post.
Mrs Haythornthwaite is about to embark on her 36th year of teaching at Highfield Priory School. I would like to congratulate her and thank her on behalf of the whole Highfield Community for her fantastic service to Highfield. Long may it continue!
Highfield’s Heights
With a clear focus on the children’s mental health, confidence and sense of self, we are introducing Highfield’s Heights: Building Strength and Individuality this year. The children will be spending time each week, in discussion and reflection, as they consider what makes them unique. They will be asked to consider their strengths and weaknesses and look to celebrate and improve as they build personal strength and individuality. Each child will build up a portfolio of celebration and reflection during their time in Infants and Juniors. The children have been introduced to Highfield’s Heights in assembly and I will be speaking about it in greater length during our Curriculum Evenings. This information will also be available on our website.
Celebration and Inspiration with Highfield’s Extended Community
This year we will be inviting local businesses, organisations and professionals into our school to support our curriculum, inspire our pupils and help them to understand where the study of our subjects can take them in later life. If your field of work or expertise is relevant to any aspect of the school curriculum, and you are willing to support us in our quest for inspiration and celebration, could you please contact the school office. A huge thank you to the volunteers who have already offered and given their support.
School Charity
Due to a number of fundraising events having to be postponed last year, we will be continuing to raise money for Cancer Care this year.
Key dates for the next two weeks
Monday 12th clubs commence. Y4 curriculum evening.
Wednesday 14th netball v Oakhill. Y3 curriculum evening.
Wednesday 25th football v SMH
Merit Awards 9.9.22
RB: Kevin 1W: Joey 2E: Enzo
3D: Amelie 4J: Isla 4M: Alfie 5H: Deniz 5M: Aamir 6P: Luca
Queen Elizabeth 1926-2022
Our thoughts are with King Charles III and his family, and the whole nation, as we mourn the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Yours sincerely
J M Duke
Headmaster
