Issue 127 15th December 2004
Issue 127 15th December 2004
| FROM THE HEADTEACHER
Staff Changes Leaving us at the end of this term are Miss Homewood, Mr Oswick and Mr Hursey. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for all that they have contributed to the school and to wish them the very best for the future. School Uniform As you are aware students in years 7 to 11 at Therfield wear school uniform. This reflects their commitment to the school and pride in being a part of the Therfield community. Most students look very smart and there is a strong degree of parental support for this. However, it is not unusual for students at times to test the boundaries and try to incorporate non-school uniform items or to "adapt" the way they wear their uniform. This can bring students into conflict with staff and have a negative impact on the very positive relationship that students and staff generally enjoy at Therfield. We also appreciate that as a parent it is sometimes difficult to counter the "but everyone else" argument that your son or daughter may use. We will be speaking to all students about the importance of wearing uniform correctly, reminding them that they risk detentions or other sanctions if they do not do so and that non-uniform items may be confiscated. I quote an extract from the information for parents booklet regarding uniform. We are grateful for your continued support in this matter. GIRLS Unacceptable BOYS Unacceptable GIRLS and BOYS Unacceptable
Necklaces, including crucifixes. Bracelets. Anklets Outerwear Maths The A level further mathematicians attended a lecture entitled The Music of Primes by Marcus du Sautoy, a Professor of Maths at Oxford. The lecture addressed the greatest unsolved mystery of trying to find a formula for prime numbers and why David Beckham plays in the number 23 shirt - 23 being a prime number! Year 8 citizenship Year 8 Citizenship students sent letters to No.10 Downing Street regarding their views on fox hunting. They received a reply "... appreciated the time and trouble that the children have taken to let him know their views. A careful note has been made of their concerns." Christmas Carol Service We were delighted to hold our annual Carol Service once again in the delightful and atmospheric setting of the Parish Church of St Mary and St Nicholas on Wednesday 8th December. The Orchestra played music by Handel and Peter Warlock before the service. Canon David Eaton welcomed everyone to the traditional service of lessons and carols and delivered a thought-provoking Christmas message and led the prayers and blessing. Students, parents, governors, teaching and support staff read seasonal passages from the Bible and the congregation very much enjoyed singing traditional Christmas carols, accompanied by the organ and Therfield Brass ensemble. They were also treated to choral singing of a very high standard as the Gospel Choir and Singers sang a variety of pieces by traditional and contemporary composers which reflected upon the various themes of the Christmas story. A retiring collection was taken at the end of the service which raised £156 for the work of the church in Leatherhead and the Rush Self Help project in Kakamega, Kenya. Liz Noble, who works for the project, has kindly written a note on how the money raised will be used: RUSH Self Help Project Joy Otiende Bunvolia The money raised at this year's Carol Service will go towards the cost of teacher training for Joy Otiende Bunyolia. At the moment her training takes place in school hoiidays and costs approximately £70 each time. Donations from Therfield students and staff will now be sufficient to cover Joy's training up to and including Summer 2005, and the Carol Service Retiring Collection will ensure that Joy is able to buy books and pay for transport and food during the training weeks. Joy is presently working in a
government primary school, teaching a class of 120+ Year One
pupils who are increasingly encouraged to attend since primary
education in Kenya is now "free". Books and other equipment are
in very short supply and most children learn by rote and write
on slates that the RUSH carpenter made for them in the Summer.
Joy does not receive any wages for the work that she does; if
she is qualified as a teacher Joy will be paid by the
government. Book Sale Thank you to everyone who supported the book sale. We were able to get £145 worth of books for the Resource Centre. Parents Prayer Group The group meets twice a term and the next two meetings will be on Monday 7th February and 7th March both at 8pm, at the school. A warm welcome is extended to all. More information from J Poole on 01932 865476. Sweeney Todd The production is in full swing, don't forget there are two more performances, tonight and Thursday starting at 7.30pm. Lost Property Due to the volume of unnamed items anything not claimed by Friday 21st January will be disposed of. Lunch Money Please send in cheques made payable to Surrey County Council by the end of term ready for the start of next term. Finally, may I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year Diary Dates SCHOOL FINISHES AT 1PM ON FRIDAY 17 Dec |