DEAR PARENTS
The first half of the Autumn Term has come to a close.  It certainly has been an extremely busy seven weeks!  I am sure the pupils and staff are ready for their half term break, and will return refreshed on 5th November.

OPEN MORNING
We held an extremely successful Open Morning last Saturday.  Many pupils gave up their personal time and volunteered to help;  there were numerous compliments from visitors on their courtesy, warmth and knowledge about the school.  They were a credit to themselves and you, their families.

ISA REGIONAL SWIMMING HEATS
Mr. Sintmaartensdyk accompanied James Walker, Elise Dellow, Jack Gross, Emma Maddox and Kersten Rothnie to Fulwell Cross Swimming Pool to take part in this event.  They all put in fantastic performances, and James, Jack and Kersten managed to win places in the National finals to be held in Coventry on 17th November.  Well done to you all, and good luck to our three finalists.

SPORT
We held our Interhouse Football and Netball competitions this week, with some very close matches taking place. The results were:
Junior Netball -  Wykeham 0  Mauney 6
Junior Football -  Wykeham 3  Mauney  0
Lower Senior Netball -  Wykeham 13  Mauney 13
Upper Senior Netball -  Wykeham 5  Mauney 16
Lower Senior Football -  Wykeham 5  Mauney 4
Upper Senior Football -  Wykeham 2  Mauney 2
These results will gain points for the Houses in our annual Sports League Tables.

QUIZ
We will be holding a Quiz Night on Friday 16th November.  This event will be for adults only at a cost of £5 per adult to include nibbles on your table;  please bring your own drinks!  All proceeds will go towards school funds.  Further details will be sent home after half term – start getting those teams together!

PARENTS CONSULTATIONS
We have held two Parents Consultations this term in the new format with all staff available in the Hall.  I hope you found this to be more convenient;  I would be interested in any parental feedback on this arrangement.

HALF TERM ASSESSMENTS
All Senior pupils will be receiving their half term assessments today.  These grades reflect their attainment and effort from September.

HALLOWE’EN PARTY
A group of S9 pupils showed great initiative in organising a Hallowe’en party for S7-S11 on Wednesday 17th October.  This committee took full responsibility for organising the event, and my thanks go to them and their parents for all their support, especially in providing food and prizes.  All proceeds are to go to the Senior School Charity “Little Haven Childrens’ Hospice” and the evening has so far raised more than £130 for this worthy cause with further proceeds to come from the raffle.  Well done to all involved.

ENTRY TESTS
Our entry tests for 2008 S7 entry are to be held on Saturday 10th November from 9.45-12 noon.  Any J6 pupils who would like to sit the test for entry into the Senior school need to return their slip to the office.

COATS
Now that the colder weather is almost upon us, please ensure your child has a plain black coat for school.  This is a uniform requirement.

MORNING ARRIVALS
Please note that pupils are asked not to arrive at school before 8.30am in the morning.  Members of staff are not on duty until that time, and so we can take no responsibility for any child who arrives earlier than 8.30am.  Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.

DIARY
Monday 5th Nov – Return to school at 8.40am
Mr. Willmore and Mr. Walsh with J5/6 at the Barbican and St. Pauls Cathedral
Friday 9th Nov – Mrs. Howland and Mrs. Casey on a trip to London with Reception, P1/2
Saturday 10th Nov – Entry tests for S7 2008 entry
Weds 14th Nov (please note change of date) – S9 and S10 Parents’ Evening
Friday 16th Nov – Quiz Evening at 7.00pm
Saturday 17th Nov – ISA Swimming Final in Coventry
Monday 26th Nov – Exams for Year 9 – Mock SATs in English, Maths and Science, and general school exams
Year 10 – School exams
Year 11 – Mock GCSE exams

AND FINALLY……….
It just remains for me to wish you all a relaxing and enjoyable half term.