DEAR PARENTS
It has been a busy half term with KS1, KS2 and KS3 public exams now complete.  GCSE’s are well underway, and I am sure S11 will welcome the half term break in order to secure their last pieces of revision.  Next half term is, as always at this time of year, extremely busy but enjoyable as we look forward to whole school events such as Prize Giving and Sports Day.

VISITS
The Juniors had a wonderful time at the Tower of London – the weather was great and they had a very busy day exploring the Tower and admiring the crown jewels.  The GCSE Drama students enjoyed a fantastic performance of “The Birthday Party” starring Sheila Hancock – seeing live theatre is an essential part of their studies. 
There are some visits to look forward to next half term – The Globe Theatre, The Wallace Collection, Zizzis, National Portrait Gallery, Colchester Zoo, Business Studies, Paris and the Juniors’ residential trip to Stratford-upon-Avon.  Thank you to all the staff who organise such a wide and varied programme of visits to supplement the pupils’ learning.

CAREERS
Adrian Cutter, careers advisor, has taken advice sessions with S8 and S9 and will be seeing S10 next half term.  Should you have any queries regarding careers or further education for your child, please let me know and I can put you in touch with Adrian, who will be happy to help.

PSE
Glen Podd, from Romford Evangelical Church, arranged for a group of German students to run PSE sessions on peer pressure for S7, S8 and S9.  The pupils really enjoyed these sessions and it is valuable to be able to forge a positive link to our local church and community.

JUNIOR PRODUCTION
The Junior children had their production of “The Good, The Bad and The Chilli” this week.  I must say I was very impressed with their accurate American accents and it is always so wonderful to see all our younger pupils take part in drama with such confidence, enjoyment and conviction.  Thank you to Mr. Walsh who wrote and directed the play, and to all the staff who helped make it such a success.

ISA ATHLETICS
Kersten Rothnie, Mani Gabbidon, Maisie Robinson, Andy Hunt and Jamil Sarki all took part in the ISA athletics in Bedford this week.  Mani came 3rd and Jamil 4th in the boys’ 100 metres, and Maisie came 5th in the girls’ 100 metres.  Thank you to Mr. Sintmaartensdyk for his supervision, and a special thank you to Mrs. Gilbert and Mrs. Ahmet who kindly provided the transport for the day.

PE KIT
I have been monitoring uniform and PE kit closely this term.  There are still several pupils wearing incorrect items of kit for PE.  Please ensure that over half term, your child has the requisite items for games.  Please note: all pieces of uniform must be named.  A uniform list is available from the office, or can be found on our website.

CHARITY DAY
Mr. Sintmaartensdyk is organising the Senior Charity Day to be held on Friday 20th June.  The pupils have already got some great ideas underway and we would appreciate it if you could support their initiatives.  A group of S10 girls have organised the hire of a “Gladiator Tournament” inflatable game, at a cost of £80 hire.  If there are any parents or families would be willing to help towards the cost of this hire, we would be really grateful!  All proceeds from the day are going to Little Havens Childrens’ Hospice, so the less we have to pay in running costs for the day, the more we can donate to this very worthy cause.  If you are willing to donate towards the hire, or towards the day in general, please contact the School Office.  Many thanks.

INTERHOUSE MATCHES
The following interhouse matches took place this and the results are as follows:

Boys Cricket -  Years 3-6       Mauney won 24-23
                         Years7-8       Mauney won 105-91
                         Years 9-10    Wykeham won 47-23
Girls Tennis -    Years 3-6      Mauney won 6-4
                         Years 7-8      Mauney won 5-2
                         Years 9-10    Wykeham won 4-2

MR. MALICKA
I have to inform you that Mr. Malicka has recently decided to step down from the Board of Directors.  I would like to express my thanks for all his help and support in making my transition to Headteacher as painless as possible!

DIARY
Monday 2nd June
School exams begin.  Revision over the holiday, please.
Tuesday 3rd June
Junior visit to The Globe Theatre
Wednesday 4th June
Infant visit to the Wallace Collection
Friday 6th June
Uniform outfitters to measure and order black blazers for S10
School Nurses available from 3.00-3.30 as a drop-in service should you have any health queries regarding your child
Infant visit to Zizzi’s
Weds 11th June
New Pupils Day

REMINDERS
Prize Giving on Thursday 3rd July at 7.00pm at the United Reformed Church in Romford
Sports Day on Thursday 10th July – Primary am and Seniors pm
End of Term – 11th July

AND FINALLY ……….
On behalf of all the staff, may I wish you and your families a very happy half-term break.  School re-starts on Monday 2nd June at 8.40am.