DEAR PARENTS
It is hard to believe that we are now halfway through the academic year! There are a busy few months ahead as next term brings examinations and many school functions.  July will be here before we know it!

LITTLE HAVEN’S CHILDREN’S HOSPICE
The Senior school are showing great initiative in supporting their chosen charity this year.  The prefects visited the hospice last week and we spent an informative afternoon looking round the facilities.  It is a warm, vibrant and welcoming place with friendly staff.  Thanks to Nadia for her hospitality and Mrs Gilbert and Mrs Ahmet for helping with transport.
Following this visit, the prefects presented a superb PowerPoint assembly to the rest of the school, sharing their thoughts and experiences of the day.

WACKY TIES AND TIGHT DAY!
To raise funds for the hospice, the Senior school today participated in a wacky ties and tights day, organised by some S8 girls.  I will let you know how much was raised after half term.

TEACHERS’ QUIZ
Rebecca & James (S11) organised a teachers’ quiz this afternoon during which some poor teachers were grilled on subjects way out of their comfort zone!
Again, I will let you have further details and the amount raised after half term.
Well done to all those who participated and thanks to the students who so ably organised these events.
If anyone knows of a company/individual who would be willing to donate a bouncy castle for a day in aid of the hospice, please contact us!

CYSTIC FIBROSIS
The Primary school have now begun their fundraising for their chosen charity, Cystic Fibrosis.  Mrs Howland has led two assemblies about the cause and the children will soon be receiving details of their charity day to be held on Friday March 14th.  I know that they will all show great support and initiative to make their fund raising a huge success.

DRAMA WORKSHOP
Reception – J4 enjoyed a drama workshop session this week with Rebecca from “Perform”.  They showed their skills and participated in many activities.  The visiting company run workshops/parties if you would like any further details, please contact Mrs Howland.

DRAMA VISIT
GCSE drama students in S10 and S11 enjoyed a visit to see ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ this week.  This will give them invaluable experience and material for their GCSE examination.

S9 OPTIONS
S9 will today be receiving a booklet outlining the GCSE courses for 2008-2010.  Their option scheme will be finalised over half term, and then S9 parents will be invited to a Parents’ Evening on Wednesday February 27th to discuss their child’s proposed choices.  Adrian Cutter from the Careers Service has met with all S9 pupils this week and given them further advice and guidance.

SCHOOL CHRISTMAS QUIZ
Thanks to all of you who took part in the quiz organised by Mr Walsh.  £340 was raised and the worthy winner was Mrs Gedalovitch (Joshua – J3).  Congratulations!

REPORTS
All Primary children, S9 and S10 will today receive their half yearly reports.  S7, S8 and S11 will receive half term assessments.  Please contact the office should you have any queries.

PUNCTUALITY
Thank you for your co-operation in helping your child to arrive at school in time.  It has helped to make the beginning of the day run far more smoothly, as well as teaching them vital life skills.  Any late offenders have been making up their time in my office on a Friday!

ENERGY DRINKS
I have noticed a recent increase in pupils bringing ‘energy’ drinks to school, such as Red Bull, Shark etc.  Could you please note that these drinks are not allowed on school premises at any time and pupils should ideally be drinking water or juice.

DIARY
Tuesday 19th February – J3-6 to Theydon Bois, planting trees on behalf of the Woodland Trust.  Leaving school at 12 noon to be back at school for approx 3.30pm.
Thursday 21st February – S9 final sessions with career advisor.
Friday 22nd February – GCSE invoices sent home.

AND FINALLY……….
On behalf of all the staff, may I wish you and your families an enjoyable half term break.
School restarts on Monday 18th February at 8.40am.