Welcome back! The first week of a half term always feels rather lengthy as everybody starts to get back into the swing of things. I’m sure many pupils will be looking forward to the weekend and having more of a rest. While resting is a very good thing for both brain and body, there is plenty of research that suggests these rest periods should be spread throughout the day, in other words sleeping in until noon is counter-productive in terms of rest and recuperation. Yawning children are not an uncommon sight for teachers in the first few days after a school break; for some the sudden switch from going to bed past 11pm and waking around midday back to school timings is akin to jetlag and the body and brain take time to readjust. Hopefully, pupils will have started to readjust by now and be fresher next week.
One group of pupils who have needed to be on alert this past week is Year 11 last Tuesday marking the start of their mock exam period. The pupils have done very well so far, taking the process in their stride. Mocks are more than just a simple test of ability and predicted grades, they also serve to support pupils by giving the experience of working under exam conditions, getting used to different set-ups, and managing last minute revision sessions. It’s important that pupils understand that building resilience around exam situations is as much a part of their learning as the content they learn in lessons. If your child is especially worried or anxious please do let their form tutor know, it does not have to be a normal part of the exam experience.
Next week, we will be marking Anti-Bullying Week, with this year’s theme: Power for Good. The week will begin on Monday, 11th November with Odd Socks Day, where pupils are invited to wear their usual school uniform but accessorise with odd socks. This fun activity is a great way to celebrate individuality and remind us that it’s okay to stand out. Throughout the week, teachers will be incorporating discussions and activities into lessons to help pupils reflect on what bullying is, its impact, and how we can all use our power for good to create a positive and respectful school environment. We encourage parents and carers to take this opportunity to talk with your child about kindness, respect, and the importance of standing up against bullying. Simple conversations can make a big difference in reinforcing these values.
November and December seem to be very busy months in term of National and Internal recognition days and charitable events, therefore now seems as good a time as any to consider reviving the Friends of Hollygirt. In previous years the school had a thriving Parent/Teacher association known as the Friends of Hollygirt (FOH), some of you will have and still do serve! The Friends of Hollygirt regularly organised events and supported school events with the aim of raising money to support pupils in a variety of ways, or more generally to support the school in raising its profile. Sadly, the society has not been as active post-covid, but we are keen to support a revival and I’m very grateful to those parents who have remained involved. I’d be grateful if you could take a few minutes to answer a few questions, in order that we can get an idea of parents’ views and create a vibrant Friends of Hollygirt once more. The survey should take no more than 5 minutes and can be found here.
Ever Onward and Upward
Ms Purdy
A few upcoming events to add to your diary, all events are published on the iSAMS calendar:
- The annual prizegiving holiday, traditionally, the ‘Prize’ awarded to all pupils by the Chair of Trustees in recognition of their hard work, and that of staff. This is on Friday 5th December, so please note that school will be closed on that day.
- The Prep School’s Christmas production will take place in the Senior School Hall on Monday 15th December.
- Parents should shortly receive an invite for the Christmas Carol concert on Thursday 18th December at 6pm.
- School closes for the Christmas Break on Friday 19th December at 12.30pm.