THERFIELD NEWS Issue No.64 March 1999

MONEY MATTERS - After being told that this year's budget was going to be good with extra money from the Government and the County Council, we were shocked to find that we have been presented with a budget that leaves us £160,000 in deficit. The reasons are complex, certainly more money was put in, but the items it has to buy are even greater. Governors are struggling to find the savings necessary without doing too much damage to what we value. Therfield is not alone in this, many other schools are in a similar position. We are registering our disappointment to County Councillors.

Looking at Health & Safety - The Governors' Health & Safety Committee, accompanied by two representatives of the School Council, made one of their regular tours of the school recently. It was noted that the run up to the long jump pit is in need of repair. Ideally, the PE department would like to see improvements to the general area so that more than one jumper could take part at the same time - cost, yet again, is the stumbling block.

The Governors also stress the importance of pupils using seat belts when travelling in the mini-bus; the belts are inspected regularly for wear and tear and MUST be used.

Staff Change - We say farewell this term to Mrs Lee, Psychology teacher, who is moving back to the Midlands. Her post will be covered by Miss Phillips, former Head of Psychology at Sir John of Gaunt School in Trowbridge, Wiltshire.

Mobile Phones - Pupils are strongly discouraged from bringing these into school. If you feel it is absolutely essential for your son/daughter to have one in school then it must be clearly understood that these must be switched off during lessons and assembly times - if they ring at an inappropriate time they will be confiscated and returned only to a parent.

Unwelcome chain - I am informed that a chain letter purporting to come from Blue Peter is circulating in the area. Blue Peter have no knowledge of this and, as the letter carries names and addresses, the information contained could be abused. If you are aware that your son or daughter has received one, please destroy it.

Information Evening - Year 12 students who plan to go on to higher education are invited, with their parents, to an important information evening on Wednesday, 21st April at 7pm. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions as well as hear speakers on this vital next move for so many Sixth Formers.

No GM Foods - Surrey Commercial Services would like to assure all parents that they do not serve any foods containing genetically modified ingredients in school canteens.

Famous Faces -Year 8 pupils proved to be the keenest 'spotters' in this competition organised by the Resource Centre. Winners Year 7 Simon Pratt; Year 8 Alice Cuffe, Megan Bassett, Charlie Beard and Caroline Turner; Year 10 - Poppy Way; Year 11 - Peter Butler.

Docklands here we come! - The Geography Department had a day out in London Docklands on 2nd March with 110 Year 11 pupils. They did their bit for the environment and went by public transport, much to the shock of commuters on Leatherhead station! The aim of the day was to study an area of redevelopment as an example for a GCSE case study. The day included a boat trip down the River Thames to investigate land use along the banks, a visit to the Millennium Dome centre and a walk through Docklands to witness at first hand the dramatic transformation that had taken place there.

The pupils kept up well all day and gained a lot of information for their project work. The staff, in turn, gained a few grey hairs but were proud to report that they did not lose one pupil transferring between the mainline station, the tube, Docklands Light Railway, the boat and home! An amazing day!

School Musical - On July 15, 16 and 17 Therfield will be presenting 'Little Shop of Horrors' as its musical show for the year.

Congratulations to Geoffrey Cousins, Christopher and David Manders, all from Year 9, who were members of a 12-strong team that won the U14 Southern inter-counties Chess championship for Surrey recently. Christopher was captain and he, together with David, competed in the national finals when Surrey came fifth.

Green fingers wanted - The school garden is looking neat and tidy with its vegetable patch ready for planting. This is due to the hard work of members of Leatherhead Horticultural Society who would dearly like some pupils to take an interest - if your son/daughter is interested in joining the Gardening Club the School Office will put them in touch with Society members.

Sponsors Wanted - Michael Traboulsi, who is one of our Senior Students, plans a gap year with the Project Trust, teaching English plus some Drama and Sport in Uganda. If Foreign Office advice is still negative in August, then he will be re-routed to another African country. As well as studying three 'A' levels, Michael's immediate task is to raise £3250 to cover the cost of this enterprise.

Project Trust has a good track record of successful placements and trains students so they can make useful contributions - another Therfield student, Danny Shimmin, spent a year in South African townships with the Trust in 1996-7. Michael would be pleased to give more information or hear from anyone willing to offer him some sponsorship money - £10 would cover a day in Uganda, £30 a month. Michael can be contacted at school - cheques should be made out to Project Trust!

Cycle Track - Mr Winchcombe and a group of pupils will be attending the official opening of the cycle-pedestrian track from Leatherhead Station to Randalls Farm Lane on April 22nd.

Extra Studies - Year 13 Chemistry students had some help with their revision by attending a one-day conference in London and, with Year 12 students, took part in the Esso Schools Links programme, spending time in the laboratories at Surrey University.

German Exchange - Pupils from Nicolaus Cusanus Gymnasium in Bergisch-Gladbach, Therfield's partner school near Cologne, spent a very enjoyable week in Leatherhead from 6-13th March. This Exchange which has been running now for over seven years proved once again to be an interesting and fun experience for both sets of pupils and, hopefully, for the host parents! The week was a busy one with trips to London and Windsor, lessons at Therfield for the German students, a 'European' quiz and ending with the traditional Friday evening disco. Both staff and pupils are now looking forward to the return trip to Bergisch-Gladbach in May and the opportunity to use their German and renew friendships made in England. Interested applicants from next Years 9 and 10 should give their names to Miss Buckell in readiness for Exchange 2000.

Seeds of Knowledge - As part of their revision programme, Year 13 'A' level Biologists spent a fascinating time touring the Wakehurst Place seed bank near Ardingly. This is a world renowned centre for the collection and conservation of seeds from all over the globe. It is estimated that by 2050, a quarter of the world plant species will be extinct and the importance of preserving plants and genetic diversity was explained to the students. Methods for collecting, testing and storing seeds were demonstrated and the students were taken on a tour of the grounds to see many of the collections unique to Wakehurst. A much larger seed bank to mark the millennium is under construction.

Drama Showcase - Theatre Studies students had an exhausting day on Friday. In the morning they performed for their 'A' level practical examinations and in the evening presented the same material in a varied and attractive programme before a very appreciative audience of parents, friends and fellow students.

Anyone for tennis? - The PE department has organised a tennis professional to come into school on two afternoons to offer coaching. The course is open to boys and girls, runs from 3.30-4.30 pm, no more than 10 in a group, lasts for 8 weeks and costs £16. Miss Jefford has all the details.

Sponsored Spell - Many thanks for the splendid response to Year 7's Sponsored Spell. £1288.27 was raised and the Library has already spent a percentage of this on new novels. The trophy for raising most money was won by Mr Winchcombe's tutor group.

Vouchers - Thank you for collecting the Tesco computer vouchers we are still keen to get as many as possible. There was a marvellous response to the crisp packets request for Books for Schools and we collected several thousand.

Mufti Day - Over £700 was raised on 12th March, £100 will go to each of the Year Charities and the remainder to Comic Relief.

Bon Voyage - To Mrs Penfold and pupils who set off in the early hours of 8th April for a Mediterranean Cruise and to Mr Stewart and 31 Sailing Club members who will be taking part in the traditional Sailing Holiday on the Isle of Wight from April 12th. Summer Term is a particularly busy one for this thriving club and Mr Stewart would love to hear from any parents who could offer transport to and from Thames Young Mariners on Thursday evenings.

Story Telling - Therfield was privileged to be chosen by the County for their 'reader-in-residence' scheme as part of the National Year of Reading. The inspiring storyteller, Winston Nzinga Lewis was resident in the school for four days, giving performances of his stories and working with 25 Year 7 pupils. These pupils composed their own stories which they performed to an appreciative audience of Year 5 pupils and staff from Woodville School. It was a successful combination of Fun and Learning. A voluntary lunchtime session was notable for the number of boys in the audience!

A Timely Reminder - School finishes at approximately 1pm on Thursday, 1st April.

Friday, 23rd April has been set aside for staff training and pupils are not in school. Also, 'results days' for 'A' levels and GCSEs are 18th August and 26th August respectively.

House Cross Country - Juniper won both boys and girls events in Year 7; Norbury (Boys) and Polesden (Girls) were winners in Year 8; Juniper (Boys) and Polesden (Girls) in Year 9; Polesden (Boys) and Norbury (Girls) in Year 10; Polesden (Boys) and Leith (Girls) came home for the Seniors.

Sub-Mile Relays - Warren Gale ran the fastest lap as our junior team took second place in the event at John Fisher School earlier this month. Our Intermediate team also finished second with Guy Head recording the fastest lap. As a result of the junior championships at Reigate last Saturday, Richard Derrick, Warren Gale, Christopher Tuke, Jon Francis, Alice McFadden and Sarah Adamson have been selected to run for Surrey. Our girls U12 team won the team event.

Swimming Winners - Samantha Green, aged 14, won the 100 metres backstroke for pupils in Years 10/11 at the Surrey Schools Swimming Championships. In the junior section, Julie Hunt from Year 8, secured second place in the 100 metres backstroke.

Surrey Youth Games - These will take place on Sunday, 13th June at Guildford. Mole Valley will be sending teams in netball, swimming, basketball, judo, tennis, rugby, athletics, football and hockey. If your son or daughter would like to attend a trial to represent the district in any of these sports, we have leaflets for the netball and hockey in school and Kate Flynn on 01306 879194 can give information on other sports.

Silence is Golden! - The Friends'Silent Auction' raised £1000 for School Funds and proved to be a highly enjoyable new event for the social calendar. 'Lots' raised from 50p for a china hedgehog to £33 for dry ski lessons and bids came in fast and furious when the 'going, going gone' time was reached. One young man bought a picture for £20 only to find that it had been donated fromhome by his father. "I thought it looked familiar" he said!!

Parents Prayer Group - The next meeting of the group will be at school at 8pm on Monday, 17th May. Mrs Jill Poote on 01 932 865476 would be happy to give more information and any 'prayer requests' would be welcome.

Judo Success - Alastair Lee in Year 11 has won his Brown Belt at Judo - the highest grade a Junior can achieve. He is a member of Surrey Boys Judo Squad and now that he is 16 found himself competing - and winning - in a competition against Hampshire Ul8s.

Badminton Winners - Therfield has again won the Surrey U14 Schools League and came fifth out of 15 schools in the National Finals. Christopher Langridge, David Urry, Andrew Morris, Philip Rippin, James Molyneux and David Swingler made up the squad.

DIARY DATES - April

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