December 1, 2023

Our Sixth Form is officially opened

Message from the Deputy Head

Dear Parents

I have been so impressed with the whole Hollygirt community in Doc B’s absence.  I know show will be so proud of the staff and pupils.

On Tuesday, we did our first fire evacuation practice for this term.  The pupils were excellent with how efficient and sensible they were in following the process.

With 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses Hollygirt Year 7 girls came 4th out of 6 teams in the Dodgeball Nottingham City Schools Championship.  The team was close to a bronze or silver, if the draw had been a win we would have got there.  Well done to all.

We held our fantastic Autumn Teatime Concert on Tuesday night.  The evening was hugely successful showcasing musical pieces from 20 students.  From the cute “Frosty the Snowman” Prep Trio, to the spectacular Grade 4 piano solo “Presto” in C Minor by Pescetti, there was certainly music to accommodate all tastes.  Miss Seaton and the whole school staff, are so proud of the pupils and their dedication to the Hollygirt Music department.  We are all looking forward to the next Spring Teatime Concert in March.

I have delivered two assemblies this week on British Values (click link here) and the build up to Christmas (click here).

Next Thursday, is Christmas Jumper Day.  It is optional for pupils to wear a Christmas Jumper under their blazer and make a £1 donation to the House chosen charity.

Have a lovely weekend.  Enjoy opening your advent calendars today and keep warm!

Dave Cholerton
Deputy Head

Message from the Head of Prep

Good afternoon

Well, it has certainly turned a little colder this week!  Please could you make sure all children have their green coats in school and hats, scarves and gloves.  If it does snow, please send in wellies in addition to school shoes.  Please could we also ask that all items of clothing are clearly named.

Thank you for all the donations for The Great Notts Toy Appeal.  Some really generous donations which will make fantastic gifts.  Mrs Wand will be delivering these next week and we know they will be greatly appreciated.

On Wednesday, Years 1 to 6 will be visiting Nottingham Playhouse to watch the pantomime.  A reminder that collection afterwards is from there.  For exact finishing times, please telephone the venue during the afternoon.

We hope you can join us on Thursday morning when we sing in the Victoria Centre.  Children will need their blazers and also coats to walk down in.  It is also Christmas Jumper Day to raise money for Save the Children.  Prep children can bring these to wear once we get back to school and should bring in £2 for this important charity.

Please join Mrs Wand and I for coffee next Friday morning if you have the time once you drop the children off.  We will be in the Prep Library from 8:30am to 9:00am.

A reminder that on Tuesday 19th December, After School Club will run until 4:30pm.  This is to allow staff to attend the Carol Service.  School finishes at 12:15pm on Wednesday 20th December and there is no After School Club on this day.

I am looking forward to the official opening of the Sixth Form this afternoon.  A very exciting day for Hollygirt.

I hope you have a lovely weekend.

Victoria Wright
Head of Prep

 

Message from the Head of Sixth Form

Good afternoon

Today we celebrated the official opening of our Sixth Form.  In the summer we built the classrooms; but now we’re forging links, fostering growth, and building futures.  A warm welcome was provided to a place where small class sizes lead to real academic growth, where each student is important not lost in a crowd, and where a supportive community is the bedrock upon which future success will thrive.  At the heart of our ethos lies the belief that small is strong – providing an education tailored to each individual student, where their voice won’t fade in a sea of faces.

Education here isn’t confined to textbooks and exams.  Our community isn’t just about sharing the same space; it’s about growing together.  We understand the significance of holistic development and today shared our programme of opportunities designed to develop skills as our students grow into young adults, making meaningful contributions to the world around them.  From hearing speakers on international aid, to participating in individuality and wellbeing workshops with Unique and Loved.  From Nottingham Trent University study skills sessions to fun Christmas craft activities with the Hollygirt Prep children.  From engaging with those in need at a local community group, to benefiting from interview practice with business professionals from The Foresight Group, there is a wealth of wider enrichment activities on offer.

‘Enjoy the journey’ was a key theme of the event today, together with the power of young people.  We heard inspiring words from Emma Snow, a presenter and reporter on BBC East Midlands Today.  She truly epitomises the message of seizing opportunities to fulfil your career dream, enabling her to move from being a student reporter to being on national TV!

“Take pride in how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go.  But don’t forget to enjoy the journey.”  Michael Josephson

Alison Brown
Head of Sixth Form