Claires Court Bulletin
JUNIOR BOYS
Bulletin 4 | Lent Term 2016
Email: dsp@clairescourt.com
Website: http://www.clairescourt.com/news-and-media/bulletins
Location: SL6 3QE for sat nav SL6 4QQ
Phone: 01628 411490
Facebook: facebook.com/clairescourt
Twitter: @clairescourt
FROM THE HEADS DESK
Having started my previous Heads Words with a beautiful image on reading, I was delighted to receive this picture from Miss Morris’ classroom showing our Year 1 boys totally engrossed in their books. Wherever the stereotype that ‘boys do not like to read’ originated, it does not ring true at Claires Court Junior Boys!
Another busy week, and plenty to report. Congratulations go to our General Knowledge Quiz team who finished 7th out of 12 schools in a highly competitive event. Hugo Winter, Alex Pearce, Jack Newton and Lewis Gabb represented their school superbly and performed extremely well - we are very proud of their efforts.
For me it has been a week of celebrating outstanding academic achievements. The pictures below only show the start of the story - I have read wonderful poems, seen accurate mathematical calculations to unusual and exploratory style questions, gripping newspaper articles written by our budding journalists, and some chilling accounts of the Great Fire of London. Our boys are really stretching themselves in the classroom, and our staff are noticing considerable progress and maturity in their work, from our Reception classes all the way through to Year 6.
Our assembly topics this week varied slightly. On Monday I regaled some of Robert Burns’ poetry to our school community with it being his 257th birthday . While the boys took this on board, they were far more interested in the fact that 69 years ago on Monday, the first ever computer game was invented!! I showed them some clips of the old style Pac Man…...and as you could probably predict, it captured their imagination much more readily than my rendition of Auld Lang Syne!!! On Wednesday Mrs Webster and Mr Leuzinger educated our boys on ‘how to wash your hands correctly’ as well as other hints on good personal hygiene - something very important at this time of year with so many bugs floating around. This morning’s assembly was based around our celebration of the week. We were able to include Mrs Christine Twine from our kitchen staff who we presented with some gifts and flowers - this week will be her 25th year working in the school, and the boys gave her a lovely ovation. She was very grateful.
I also set my new essay challenge to our school this morning, something that the boys will do only if they want to - this is something a little extra to stimulate those creative minds! Year 5 and 6 are going to have the opportunity to enter their writing into the ISA National Essay Writing Competition, and they will be presented with their titles to choose from next week. Reception to Year 4 have a different task……..I want them to describe for me in as much detail as possible what their favourite meal is! When I mentioned it in assembly there were ‘ooooooohhs’ and arrrrr’s’ all around!! I would like the boys to bring to life the senses, flavours, smells and colours that are associated with their choice of starter, mains course and dessert!! I am expecting some masterpieces!!
Talking of masterpieces, I know that many of you appreciated the pictures of Artwork that Mr Goddard put forward on the last bulletin, so we have some more this week! There are some simply magical illustrations here, and it is always encouraging to see our boys feel confident enough to express themselves so vividly on paper. Thank you Mr Goddard!
I wish you all a happy weekend.
Justin Spanswick
Emergency Closure Guidance
FORTHCOMING DATES
Monday 8 February - Year 5 French Breakfast
Tuesday 9 February - Auditions for Ridgeway's Got Talent AM
Wednesday 10 February - Year 5 Secondary Schools talk 6.30pm for 7pm
TRIPS
Wednesday 10 February - Reception visit Pizza Express
Regatta Race Night - Saturday 6 February
MUSIC NEWS
Mrs Fox's Tuesday classes will be held on Friday next week.
Please remember that lessons are subject to times/days altering so it is imperative that you check the timetable regularly thus ensuring boys have their music and/or instrument in school on the correct day. Thank you.
LIBRARY NEWS
RABBITS
HOLIDAY CLUB
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Spaces still available at Holiday Club’s 'World of Animals' week this coming holiday – Mon 15 to Fri 19 Feb – with Xtra activity days for older children on Wed 17 and Thu 18 Feb.. both located at the Junior/Senior Girls site.
Book now for Sports Club’s Multi-Sport days – Tue 16 to Thu 18 Feb… located at the Junior Boys site.
> more details - activity highlights, programme and booking on our website - www.clairescourt.com/holiday-activities
Last week to get … free extended sessions for CC Junior and Senior pupils, and a hot lunch option (holiday club only) – ends FRI 5 FEB
Our Superb quiz team
Congratulations to Hugo Winter, Jack Newton, Alex Pearce and Lewis Gabb for their superb team performance as they competed against 11 other teams yesterday in an Inter -Schools General Knowledge Quiz. They collaborated extremely well together, held their nerves and proudly came home in 7th position. They represented the school admirably and should feel proud of their achievements.
LATEST NEWS
Holocaust Survivor Visits Year 9
To reflect on the events of the Holocaust, Year 9 Senior Boys heard a testimony from Holocaust survivor, Henri Obstfeld, as part of a day dedicated to learning about the Holocaust on Thursday 28 January.