7th February 2025
It has been a busy week with lots to celebrate here at Rupert House.
Firstly, congratulations to the Year 4 and 5 pupils who went to the Shiplake College Maths Challenge on Tuesday and came away as the winners! We were one of 11 schools battling it out for the Maths Challenge Cup over the course of the afternoon. George D, Jasper W, Fox E, Arlen M, Maisie L and Emily W worked brilliantly together – well done to them all.
I must also congratulate Tillie L, Isla P and Cecily S to have all been offered places at St Mary's Ascot, with Tillie also gaining an All-Rounder Scholarship. We look forward to finding out the remainder of the senior school results in the near future.
Rugby Coaching
On Monday, our Year 5 pupils were treated to a rugby coaching session by Nic Sestaret - Director of Sport at Westonbirt School, former French international and Exeter Premiership Rugby star. Together with pupils from St Edwards, the Rupert House players had a great time, learning from and being inspired by a Rugby pro, on the pitches we use at Henley Rugby Club.
Perform Workshops
The Early Years and KS1 children enjoyed an underwater adventure with drama specialist Luna from Perform on Monday. They became deep sea divers in search of the stolen Pearl of the Ocean, meeting a sea monster on the way! They learnt a number of fascinating facts about the oceans of the world and had fun singing and moving to music as sea creatures.
A reminder that, to celebrate their 25th anniversary, Perform is giving away 25 free bursary places across the UK for a year of their incredible drama classes! To be in with the chance of winning a free place to Perform Henley, simply answer the question: ‘How many years has Perform been helping children shine?’ Email your answer to gemmapayne@perform.org.uk by 14th February 2025. Perform will notify the lucky winners by 21st February 2025.
Food Council
On Tuesday, in Food Council, Mrs Newman and the children talked about the importance of trying new foods and not judging a food by its appearance. They tried a mystery sauce and a sugar-free sweet potato brownie. The children were able to put their views forward on the current school menu - letting Chef Barry know their likes and dislikes so that he can plan ahead for the summer term.
Children’s Mental Health Week
We have been celebrating Children’s Mental Health Week across the school. This year the theme was 'Know Yourself, Grow Yourself' and following my introductory assembly on Monday, Madame Sheriff and Mrs Newman organised a number of age-appropriate activities for the children on this incredibly important subject. There are some useful resources for parents below and you can read more about what we got up to here.
Year 5 and 6 Theatre Trip
Years 5 and 6 enjoyed watching an inspiring performance of 'My Fair Lady' at the Kenton Theatre, presented by Shiplake College. Featuring well-known tunes such 'I Could Have Danced All Night' and 'I'm Getting Married In The Morning', it had all their toes tapping!
A sporting visit from Pangbourne College
On Thursday 13th February the Director and Deputy Director of Sport at Pangbourne College are both visiting Rupert House to take the Year 5 Rugby lesson and the Year 6 Netball lesson. Then, on Wednesday, 26th February, they are both coming over to help umpire and referee our Home Rugby and Netball fixtures. Please do come along and watch the fixtures if you can!
NSPCC Number Day
Mr Dwinell has organised a number of exciting activities this week to celebrate NSPCC Number Day which is today, Friday 7th February. You can read all about the day here.
Henley Youth Festival
This Year’s Henley Youth Festival will take place between 8-16th March. We will be taking the children along to various sessions but there are also many fantastic activities, events and competitions that children can get involved with outside of school, including the Music Makers event, which we are hosting. Please see this flyer and their website for more information: www.hyf.org.uk
I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Best wishes,
Nick Armitage