Headmaster's Welcome
Headmaster's News, Friday 29th September, 2023
Sep 29, 2023
29th September 2023
Dear Parents,
National Recognition for Wellbeing and Mental Health at Highfield
I would like to congratulate Mr Drake, Mrs Jones and the whole school community for Highfield’s approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing. We have been acknowledged by the Independent Schools Association (which represents 646 schools in the UK) for the emphasis that the school has placed on Mental Health and Wellbeing in the last few years. An extract from Highfield’s entry and our certificate is below:
As part of our Covid Recovery Plan, Highfield Priory School identified the need for a more structured and value-added well-being support for both our pupils and staff at the school. We believe the various strategies and initiatives employed by the school (Eg. Wellbeing Wednesdays, Highfield Heights, Student Council, advanced training for staff, mental health first aider drop-in sessions and Pupil Voice) to support the mental health and well-being of its students/staff has a clear and positive impact on the overall development of our young learners. The school understands the importance of educating students about mental health and destigmatising mental health issues. We incorporate mental health education into the curriculum, allowing pupils to gain a better understanding of their emotions, coping mechanisms, and strategies for maintaining good mental health. The positive impact of the school’s mental health and well-being support is evident in the academic achievements of the pupils. By prioritising mental health, the school enables young learners to focus better, engage actively in learning, and achieve their full potential academically.
Grammar Schools
Good luck to all our children sitting the Grammar School Examinations this week. Make sure you get an early night tonight, read the questions carefully and keep an eye on the time. Don’t worry! We all know that you will do your best and we are very proud of you all.
Scholastic Book Fair
Thank you to all the parents who have supported the Scholastic Book Fair this week. It will continue on Monday and Tuesday in the dining room. There is an excellent range of books and a significant proportion of the money raised helps the school to buy new resources for our school library which benefits everyone from Nursery through to Year 6. Last year we raised a fantastic sum of £613.50!
Netball
Last week, our year 5 and 6 girls played a netball match against Rossall. It was their first game of the year on our newly refurbished courts and nets. Filled with excitement and passion, our girls scored the first point in a very competitive match. The game finished 8 – 8 and both teams thoroughly enjoyed being back on the court! It was lovely to see both teams and parents together after the game, enjoying snacks and refreshments together. A huge well done to all the girls for a wonderful performance and demonstrating great sportsmanship.
Football
It has been a busy couple of weeks of sport with all the children in Year 5 and 6 playing competitive fixtures against other schools. The boys travelled to Rossall last week and we hosted Scarisbrick Hall on Wednesday. It was great to see all the boys in action and they all really enjoyed the experience. I can already see their progress since the start of term with better positioning on the pitch and commitment in defence. They now need to work on their game awareness and being more clinical with their passes. Keep practising boys!
Preston Schools Kids Cup
This week a group of our Year 5 and Year 6 boys travelled to the Preston Schools Kids Cup at Play Football, Preston. We had a tough round of 6-a-side macthes against some very fast and strong teams. Highfield played incredibly well with a total of 7 goals scored in over 5 matches played. Drew scored an impressive 4 goals, with fellow teammates Yaseen, Joshua and Arthur all getting in on the action. A special mention must go to Toby who was solid in goal, demonstrating brilliant tenacity and strength against some high-powered shots on target. A huge well done to the whole team for making it to the quarter finals and losing out by just 1 goal at the end. With performances like this, we’re in for a brilliant season ahead!
Cross Country
On Thursday, a group of 12 children travelled to Sedbergh School for our first cross country of the year. It was a testing course across muddy fields and over hills in grey and damp conditions. All the children demonstrated great resilience, competing against well over a hundred children from across the Northwest. Highfield Priory’s top 4 finishers were: Amelie (8), Isabella (30), Henry (25) and Francis (30). Congratulations to all the children who took part!
Chess Club
The Chess Club is up and running on Thursday lunchtimes for pupils from Year 3 upwards. This year, I am excited that Mr Greenwood, father of former pupils Rachel and Joe, is returning to coach our children. Mr Greenwood helped to run the Chess Club whilst his children were at Highfield and helped to guide many of our children to play regionally, nationally and for county. The interest in Chess at Highfield has always been high and I know, with Mr. Greenwood’s support, we will be able to build on the children’s enthusiasm for the game. If any of your children are interested, the activity runs on a Thursday lunchtime from 12.40pm-1.35pm. We are also hoping to run some introductory sessions for Year 2 in the summer term.
Snacks Reminder
In response to questions that have been asked this term at Student Council Meetings, we would like to issue a reminder about the snacks that Juniors are allowed at break.
The children in Key Stage 2 are given the opportunity to bring a healthy snack into school. As this snack is eaten mid-morning and the children eat lunch at 12.10, please could you choose one of the following as a healthy snack.
- A piece of fruit
- Vegetable pieces
- Crackers
- Breadsticks
- Wholemeal bread roll
- Rice cakes
- Cheese e.g. Babybel, Cheese string
- Yoghurts (pouch style)
- Plain cereal bar or ones with fruit
As part of our Whole School Food Policy, which promotes healthy eating, snacks such as biscuits, cookies, yoghurts with chocolate pieces, mini cheddars, popcorn etc. should not be sent as a healthy snack.
Merit Awards 22.9.23
RB: Abdullah 1W: Annabelle 2E: George 3D: Haitham
4J: Sanketh 5A: Yusra 5M: Anya 6H: Aathushan
6P: Johnny
Merit Awards 29.9.23
RB: Samara 1W: Benjamin 2E: Elizabeth 3D: Hana
4J: Ali 5A: Ahmad 5M: Nathan 6H: The Whole Class
6P: The Whole Class
Yours sincerely
J M Duke
Headmaster
