THERFIELD SCHOOL
HEADMASTER'S NEWSLETTER
January 1985

STAFF CHANGES
At the end of last term, Mr. Hutcheson and Mr. Widrig left our teaching staff for promotion elsewhere. We wish them every success in their new work. Mr. Polkinghorne resigned to take an appointment in Queensland, Australia.

Mr. Cummings, M. A., has joined our History department and will take over as Head of Polesden House.

Mrs. Anne Hadland, B.Sc., has returned to assist in the Science department; likewise Mr. Temple with Woodwork; Mrs. Eaglen joins us to teach Pottery.

ETHIOPIA FAMINE
The School House collection during the last full week of term and culminating in the special Mufti Day raised £410. This is being donated to the "Save the Children Fund". Thank you and your children for this generous response.

THE END OF TERM was a particularly busy time and crammed with a variety of activities.

The Sixth Form invited a record number of old folk to their Christmas party and entertainment. For many guests it was their only seasonal gathering and they much appreciated the young people's lively and caring company.

The Friends' Fair and Dance were splendidly organized occasions and we thank the many of you who worked so hard and effectively.

Therfield's first German studies visit to Hamburg kept our party very busy improving their language skills and understanding the German way of life. We benefited from the help and local knowledge of two former Sixth Form students with the party.

The second school party to visit Moscow and Leningrad during the vacation period gained from our earlier experience and enjoyed a fascinating week in these two cities.

The teaching staff had worked secretly (or almost) during evenings and weekends to produce a pantomime "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" as an end-of-term treat for our pupils. It was a warm-hearted and exuberant show that further strengthened the bonds between "the teachers and the taught".

Many of you thought the Carol service at St. George's Church was one of the most interesting and stylish for some years. This evening shared with so many parents was a particularly happy way to start the Christmas break.

SUMMER HOLIDAYS 1985
In agreement with our Governors it seems prudent to take our two occasional holidays on 22/23 July. This means that the term at Therfield will end on Friday, 19th July. I hope that early notice of this will be helpful to families planning their seasonal holidays.

SPEAK OUT
Three of our Fifth Form students have been invited to participate in the B.B.C. TV programme "Speak Out". This links teenagers across the world in controversial discussion by means of a satellite. I will let you know the date for transmission on B.B.C. 2.

INTERNAL EXAMINATIONS
The C.S.E. practice exams for the Fifth form will be from 8/15 February.

The main school examinations for the Third and Fourth Form will be held in the Summer Term from 16/22 May.

SPECIAL DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
The Friends' "Race Night" on FRIDAY, 8TH FEBRUARY will be the usual good fun in addition to providing help for the school.

Our very popular Summer Cabaret (missed last year because our principal teachers were producing Thoroughly Modern Millie for the County) has been arranged for FRIDAY 5th JULY. We shall be sending out further details later.

FOREIGN EXCHANGES
Denmark. Arrangements are proceeding for the Third Form visit to Arhus in May. There is now a waiting list for this Exchange.
France. Mr. James is planning an Exchange with a school in Nantes, similarly over the summer half-tern, break. Details are now being distributed.

SPONSORED WALK
The school and Friends of Therfield are jointly organising a Sponsored Walk for Wednesday, September 25th.

Anyone wishing to help in any way is very welcome indeed and should contact either Martin Pfleger of the Friends or Mr. Everington (Second Master} at the School. There will be the usual participation by the pupils in sponsorship, but we are particularly anxious for the help of outside organisations and businesses.

The money raised will go towards one, or perhaps two, major projects to be announced later.

SOME SPRING TERM EVENTS
9th January - Second Form Parents' Evening.
21st January - 2 White day visit to the Natural History Museum.
24th January - 2 Red and Blue day visit to Natural History Museum,
1st/8th February - Alpine Village Project visit.
6th/15th February - C.S.E. Practice Exams for the Fifth Form.
13th/20th February - Geology field week in the Isle of Wight.
16th/24th February - Ski trip to Austria.
27th February - Sixth Farm Parents' Evening.
28th February - Choice of Subjects talk to Third Farm parents.
5th March . Third Form Parents' Evening (Part I).
6th March - South East Area afternoon closure for secondary schools.
- (Subject Panel meetings for teachers)
- Third Form Parents' Evening (Part II).
13th March - Fourth Form Parents' Evening.
15th March - Evening formal concert arranged by the Music Department.
20th March - Rome visit. Evening for parents concerned.
26th March - London Zoo visit for all Fourth Form Biologists.
27th March - Alpine Village Project. A report back evening for parents.
3rd April - Inter-House Drama Competition (in co-operation with the Art Dept.). It may be possible to put on additional evening performances for parents.
11th/18th April - Rome visit.
13th/20th April - Sailing week at Medina, Isle of Wight.

J .D. WOODING
Headmaster