HEADMASTER S NEWSLETTER Dear Parents, Friday 26 th January This week saw the start of our parent lecture series and we were delighted to welcome Maz from the Self Esteem Team, who not only holds a world title in Taekwondo, but is also a leading self-esteem speaker who addressed nearly 100 parents on Monday night. We hope that all who attended gained an insight into how you can support your children to navigate the fast-paced, busy and socially complex lives of modern childhood. We look forward to bringing you news of our next speaker very soon. I was fortunate to witness some beautiful performances in our Musical Theatre concert on Tuesday and was very proud of every student who took part from Years 3 8. The standard of performance was extremely high and I am grateful to Mrs Patterson and Mr Fisher for their hard work in putting this lovely concert together. We were also lucky enough on Thursday to see the Dining Hall transformed into Harry Potter s Hogwarts Dining Hall complete with Butter Beer, Bertie Bott s Every Flavour Beans and some magical balloon entertainment. All boarders gamely entered into the spirit of the evening and many looked uncannily like members of Gryffindor instead of Galahad. I would like to thank Mrs Irons and the Boarding and Catering Teams for putting on a wonderful evening. I hope you have a restful and enjoyable weekend. Yours sincerely Chris Gillam Headmaster Driving in the School Grounds For everyone s safety, parents are urged to adhere to the speed limits whilst driving in the school grounds. In addition, please do not use mobile phones whilst driving and ensure that children are strapped correctly into car seats, with seat belts being worn by all vehicle occupants, at all times. We have also noticed that a growing number of cars are parking or dropping off outside of the Sports Hall, making it very dangerous for children to safely cross the road; please refrain from doing this. I am sure you will understand that the children s safety is paramount at all times. Lastly, please ensure that your car permit is clearly displayed in your vehicle. If you have mislaid your permit, you can obtain a new one from Prep School Reception. Year 3 Tour of River House (Girls Boarding House) Mrs Irons will be giving a tour of River House on Monday morning for any Year 3 parents who have not yet had the chance to look around the boarding house. If you would like to join her for this tour, it will take place after drop off on Monday morning. If you are interested, please contact Mrs Irons for further details by emailing girlsboarding@heathmount.org. Year 2 Florence Nightingale Day Tuesday 30 th January As part of this term s topic on Florence Nightingale, Year 2 will be spending a day with Florence Nightingale. On Tuesday 30 th January, we will be visited by History off the Page, who will hold
workshops throughout the day. We are looking forward to an educational and enjoyable day. Please remember to come in dressed for the day, but pupils should also have coats for normal outside playtimes. The Year 2 violin group children are reminded to bring their school uniform, including blazers and school shoes, into school in a named carrier bag so they can change for the music concert. Half Term Activities at Heath Mount There are some fantastic courses running over the half term holiday for Year 2-8 pupils, so please sign up early to avoid disappointment. Full details can be found on the attached leaflet. Harry Potter Night On Thursday, the boarders were treated to a night of magic and balloon mystery. The school Dining Room was transformed into Hogwarts and the boarders got to enjoy a feast washed down with butter beer. Boarders also had a lesson in balloon modelling and had the chance to create balloon animals and wands. The boarders were also able to catch chocolate frogs and try Bertie Bott s Every flavour Jelly beans; some were definitely more popular than others! Acts of Kindness Mrs Thompson would like to mention Scarlett B-E, Year 3, for being thoughtful and helping others by taking their planner and art apron over to the Prep School. Marla J, Year 5, enjoyed her 10th birthday party with her school friends. Marla felt so soon after Christmas there was nothing she wanted or needed so asked her friends to donate money to NSPCC and Children in Need instead of giving her presents. As a result, she raised 400 which will be split equally. Well done Marla! Earrings Please can we remind parents that pupils are not allowed to wear earrings in Sshool. We would suggest that, if pupils would like their ears pierced, they do so over the summer holidays giving their ears time to heal so that they can remove them during school hours. Heath Mount Bobble Hats We will be taking orders for a Heath Mount bobble hat as shown in the picture. The hats can be worn at break times and Games lessons where suitable. If you would like to pre-order a hat via the school shop, please email Claire.Conquest@heathmount.org with a) the number you require b) the name of the child you are ordering for and c) the name of your child s form tutor. The cost of the hats is 10 and will be added to the school bill. Please pre-order your hat by Friday 2 nd February, in order to get the hats in March. Save the Date! Please Save the Date for the Du Maurier Quiz Night on Saturday 24th March, starting at 7.00pm, and for the Summer Ball on Saturday 30th June. More details to follow!
Henry Fraser Book Sale Following the inspirational talk last term, we still have a few remaining copies of Henry Fraser s book Little Big Things for sale from Reception until half term. A fantastic read for all ages Year 5 to adults. Online Awareness We would just like to give you a quick update on some safeguarding issues that are relevant nationwide at present. New Mobile Phone App Called Sarahah A mobile phone app called Sarahah allows bullies to send abusive messages anonymously and it is already spreading like wildfire across schools throughout the country. The dangerous app hit the headlines this week after one mother spoke out about how bullies were using the app to target her child suffering from cancer. As Sarahah s popularity has grown in recent months, so have concerns about young people s safety. A massive public outcry could force the makers of Sarahah to take their dangerous app out of children's hands. Messenger Kids App Facebook has launched a new app that is designed for children aged 6 and older. The new Messenger Kids app focuses heavily on emoji, stickers, photos and live video and will enable children to message their friends and family without needing to sign up for a Facebook account. Children do not need to have a phone number and the messaging is handled via a Wi-Fi connected device. The account, which requires the child s full name, is authenticated by the parents own Facebook accounts and there are safeguards in place. Parents of children who want to chat with each other must be Facebook friends first and ok the correspondence. If your other family members want to contact your child, they will be able to do so through the Facebook Messenger app, provided they are connected to you as family. The children themselves are not searchable and will not be served ads via the Messenger Kids app. Once they turn 13, the children will be able to create their own Facebook account, so it is clear there is a start them young element to this. Sports Results Swimming v Bancroft s School This week, Year 3-6 Heath Mount swimmers dominated their first Lent term gala against Bancroft s. It was a very exciting gala with some brilliant races. Well done to the Year 3 girls and Year 6 boys who finished 1 st in all individual and relay races - very impressive! A special mention goes to Lyla P and Lara D who produced some fantastic swims. Good work team! Senior Rugby v Westbrook Hay & Keble School Despite the conditions and reduced numbers matches, Heath Mount still managed to achieve their targets and apply silky handling and accurate phases of play. Against Westbrook Hay, the team scored 15 tries to win 75 5. Against Keble, there was a wide variety of try scorers as Heath Mount finished 45-5 victors. Max D was the stand out player as he found himself in many areas of attack and defence, but the whole squad deserve credit for a clinical performance in tough conditions.
Colts Rugby Festival U11 Festival at Beechwood Park Mr Woodwark s Team Game 1. Heath Mount 0 v 0 Kingshott Game 2. Heath Mount 45 v 0 Beechwood Park Game 3. Heath Mount 25 v 0 Westbrook Hay On a wet, windy and very muddy afternoon at Beechwood Park, the U11A team got off to a slow start against Kingshott, with Luca S going closest but being held up over the try line. The team hit their stride against the hosts, controlling the game and moving the ball around the park. The match saw Harry D run in 4 tries, leaving players clutching at air on more than one occasion. By the end of the game against Westbrook Hay the boys were wet, cold and tired, but they stuck to their new found shape, keeping their width and moving the ball to the wings. Toyosi S got the opportunity to show his pace, running down the touch for three quarters of the pitch to score a superb try. The results were made possible by good team work. Throughout the afternoon, Cashel C and Sam P worked tirelessly in the middle of the park to carry the ball over the gain line or clear out rucks. Mr Dill and Mr Boyington s Team Game 1. Kingshott 10-15 Heath Mount Game 2. Beechwood 5-20 Heath Mount Game 3. Westbrook Hay 15-25 Heath Mount In the first game, Heath Mount went 3-0 up in the first half with fine spirit and determination. However, after some defensive errors, Heath Mount found themselves pegged back to 3-2. Heath Mount held on thanks to some fine last ditch tackles from Edward H-P and Josh K who stopped a rampaging Kingshott attack just short on several occasions! The tries were by Raphael J x2 and Zac HL 1. Against Beechwood Park, Heath Mount played well, but some handling errors meant it was 1-1 at the break. However, some impressive attacking play meant Heath Mount ran out 4-1 winners. The tries were from Raphael J. x2, Edward H-P and Ollie B. Finally, the boys went blow for blow against Westbrook until half-time, then Heath Mount's attacking play and defensive solidarity allowed them to pull away 5-3 winners. The tries were from Raphael J x3, Mars S and Harry P. Josh K was outstanding again in defence. Overall, a great display from the boys who kept going stoically in cold and wet conditions. U10 Festival at Kingshott Mr Russell & Mr Naylor s Team Game 1. Heath Mount 5-25 Kingshott Game 2. Heath Mount 35-15 Beechwood Park The boys competed well in appalling conditions against a physically stronger Kingshott team, whilst playing some good running rugby against Beechwood Park. Rory P was a star performer, with Will G making the tackle of the day. All boys adapted well to the conditions, although work is required on tackling and keeping a defensive line. Mr Spowart s Team Game 1. Heath Mount 60-0 Kingshott Game 2. Heath Mount 10-5 Westbrook Hay This was a pleasing two wins from two for the Under 10A team who showed real character in some very tricky conditions. Elwood H-H and William S led from the front with some superb breaks, tries, and super tackling. A mention should also go to David L whose decision making, distribution and defence were all superb. Well done to the whole squad. There were 3 tries for Will S and Elwood H-H, 2 tries for Louis H and David L and 1 try each for Reuben G, Freddie B, Thomas K and Titobi S. Mr Elliott s Team Game 1. Heath Mount 25-0 Kingshott Game 2. Heath Mount 20-10 Beechwood Game 3. Heath Mount 25-5 Westbrook Hay
The boys livened up a wet and dark afternoon with some excellent rugby! They rose to the challenge of a more threatening opposition and defended exceptionally well throughout. All the hard work in games lessons focusing on rucking and management of the break time was evident throughout. Their excellent start to the season continues! A special goes to Emilio B-M for his all-round fantastic play, making many excellent tackles and being the top try scorer for the day. Year 3 Rugby Festivals The sun was shining as the Junior boys took the field for their first fully competitive matches of the year. For some Year 3 boys this was their first ever rugby match so there was a buzz of excitement throughout the Lower School on Thursday. Mr Kimberley s Year 3 boys took part in their first set of touch rugby fixtures and they rose to the challenge in a mightily impressive fashion. Against Lockers Park, the team overcame an opening deficit to register a 5-4 victory. In the ensuing fixtures, they faced up to the pace and power of Edge Grove and then Lockers Park, matching both sides stride for stride with well-earned 3-3 and 5-5 draws respectively. With immense effort and great sportsmanship abounding, the boys should be proud of their achievements, safe in the knowledge they left the field of play a better side. Well done boys! Mr Beskeen and Mr Boden's Year 3 team first played Edge Grove in their festival, with a very physical Edge Grove side storming into a 3-0 lead before half time. Heath Mount showed brilliant resilience and played some fantastic rugby to claw their way back into the game and get back onto level terms. In the second game, Westbrook Hay started the stronger, scoring an early try down the wing. Heath Mount reorganised their defence and were much stronger afterwards. Heath Mount finished the game strongly and, after going down 1-0, scored 5 tries without a Westbrook reply, eventually winning 5-1. Mr Naylor s Year 3 team enjoyed some hard fought matches against Kingshott and Westbrook Hay. With many of the team playing in their first ever match, it was a fantastic opportunity to apply what they have learnt in Games lessons in a match situation. The team had two simple aims at the start of the festival; to have fun and to improve with each match. The boys achieved this objective as they began to run positively into spaces, support the ball carries and use the spaces. Edward R was always in the thick of the action, whilst Reuben A was an excellent support runner. William H and Joshua P made some great tackles, whilst Raphael A, Oliver W and William T ran positively towards the try line.
Year 4 Rugby Festivals Mr Elliott s Year 4 team won all three festival matches, scoring 14 tries and only conceding 5. This was an excellent display by the boys throughout the afternoon. Powerful running with the ball and excellent tackling technique was on show in each of the games as they began to develop moving the ball into space. All of the boys made excellent contributions and will be looking to build on this success during lessons and future matches. A special mention goes to Nico D for some amazing try saving tackles throughout the festival. Mr Parson s Year 4 team were involved in two thrilling end-to-end, high scoring matches which both resulted in a narrow defeat. There was good tackling by Marcus P-H, some good line-bursts by Joseph F, and intelligent lines of running from Man of the Match, Seth E, rewarded with some excellent tries. Mr Russell s Year 4 team endured a mixed bag of results during their festival. The boys started off strong with a 9-7 win against Lockers Park displaying some good attacking play. Heath Mount were unfortunately narrowly beaten by Edge Grove in their second encounter. They struggled to secure their tackles against a quick and strong attacking team leading to a 6-4 defeat. Heath Mount finished their festival off with a competitive 4-4 draw against Westbrook Hay. Again, Heath Mount showed good handling and running with the ball when attacking but found it difficult defensively. Mr Boyington s Year 4 team won one match and lost one match, scoring 12 tries in total. Against a strong Edge Grove side, Heath Mount struggled to get into the game but worked hard and produced some good rugby to score 4 tries. Against Edge Grove s second team, the Heath Mount boys showed brilliant determination and team spirit to see off once again a physical Edge Grove side. Heath Mount did very well in an attacking sense, with some strong running from Finley M, Zac G and Jonny D. Heath Mount struggled to hold onto the tackles defensively but Charlie A displayed some fine tackling technique. Sports Fixtures Wednesday 31 st January 2.15pm U11A,B&C, U10A,B&C Netball v Bishop s Stortford College (H) 2.30pm U13A,B,C&D Netball v Bishop s Stortford College (A) 2.30pm U11A&B, U12/U13 Mixed Team, U13A Rugby v Edge Grove (A) 2.30pm U10A,B,C&D, U12A Rugby v Edge Grove (H) Thursday 1 st February 2.30pm U8 (1 team) Hockey v St Edmund s (H) 2.30pm U9A,B&C & U8 (3 teams) Netball v Edge Grove (A) 2.30pm U8A,B&C Rugby v Kingshott (H) 2.30pm U9A,B,C&D Rugby v Kingshott (A) Friday 2 nd February 12.30pm Herts U11 Boys Hockey at Oaklands College Prep School Forthcoming Events Tuesday 30 th January - Year 2 Florence Nightingale Day in school Monday 5 th February - India Assembly for Reception to Year 8 pupils
Thursday 8 th February - Zoolab to visit Nursery Monday 26 th February - David Bedford (author) to visit Pre-Prep Monday 26 th February from 5.30pm - Parent Consultation Evening Nursery to Year 2 Tuesday 27 th Invited. February 9.15am - Year 1 Sharing Assembly in the Performing Arts Centre. Parents Thursday 1 st March from 6.00pm - Parent Consultation Evening Nursery to Year 2 Friday 2 nd March - World Book Day Thursday 8 th March 9.15am - Year 2 Mother s Day Celebration in the Performing Arts Centre. Parents Invited. Thursday 15 th March am - English School of Falconry to visit Nursery Saturday 24 th March 7.30pm - du Maurier Quiz Night in the Sports Hall Wednesday 28 th March 12.00pm - Easter Bonnet Parade Wednesday 28 th March 12.30pm end of half term. Prep School Forthcoming Events Monday 29 th January 5.30pm Monday Boarders Movie Night in the PAC Tuesday 30 th January 6.00pm Orchestra & Ensembles Concert in the PAC Wednesday 31 st January Year 7 Mock French Oral Exams Thursday 1 st February 6.00pm - Ski & Snowboard Trip Information Evening in the PAC Friday 2 nd February 3.00pm Year 6 Art & Music Scholars meeting for parents in the Chapel Friday 2 nd February Felsted Sporting Master Class (selected Year 6 & 7 pupils) Monday 5 th February Year 7 Mock French Oral Exams Tuesday 6 th February Year 7 Mock French Oral Exams Tuesday 6 th February 2.30pm Year 4 Production in the PAC Tuesday 6 th February 6.00pm Year 5 Parents Evening (1 of 2) in the Chapel Wednesday 7 th February Year 7 Mock French Oral Exams Wednesday 7 th February 7.00pm Year 4 Production in the PAC Thursday 8 th February 5.30pm Thursday Boarders Valentines Night in Dining Room Thursday 8 th February 6.00pm Year 5 Parents Evening (2 of 2) in the Chapel Monday 12 th Friday 16 th February Half Term Holiday