This week we held our first PTFA Guy Fawkes event and what a fabulous evening it was! With candy floss, firework crafts, smores and singing around the camp fire, tin can alley, lucky dip and apple bobbing, as well as hot dogs and other sweet treats, it really had a traditional atmosphere. And of course the amazing guys that were created were incredible – and really showed off the creativity of our pupils (and their parents for the family entries!) My thanks, as ever, to our PTFA who worked so hard building the stalls, setting it up so it looked so beautiful and running all the crafts and stalls. It really was a wonderful event.
This morning we spent the first part of our assembly rehearsing for our Remembrance Service next week. This is one of the most special events at Sunninghill, and I hope as many of you as possible will be able to join us next Tuesday.
Also in our assembly, Mrs Moss introduced her Christmas Carol Competition. Every child is welcome to write a song which will be performed to Mrs Moss at the end of the month. The winner will perform their carol at the Christmas Concert on Friday 5th December. I can’t wait to hear some our children’s amazing creativity!
This week our Academic Excellence winners were Ava, Olivia, Beau, Lilia, Baxter, Sasha-Mae and Harry. Well done certificates were awarded to Eli, Elodie, Tessie, Sonny, Rory, Martha, Baxter, Connor and Anna. Our 4 Cs awards went to Baxter and Phoebe for Commitment, Charlie and Penelope for Compassion, Sasha and Connie for Courage and Shayan and Eli for Creativity.
Finally it was wonderful to hear Martha’s story that has recently been published in ‘The Magic Map’, a collection of short stories. Well done to you all.
Our Form 5 and 6 pupils took part in the Queen’s College Mini Model United Nations Conference in Taunton this week. The day focused on two major global issues: Climate Change and How Countries Should Respond to Natural Disasters. Working as delegates, the pupils represented different nations and considered how countries negotiate, collaborate and make complex decisions together.
They learned to follow the formal structure of an MUN debate, speaking in turn, proposing amendments to resolutions, responding to other delegates’ arguments, and voting on suggested changes. This provided a valuable insight into how discussion and decision-making happens at the United Nations — where diplomacy, compromise and respectful listening are key. Every group contributed with confidence, maturity and thoughtful engagement, whether delivering speeches, responding to challenges, or asking insightful questions. Their focus and enthusiasm were wonderful to see.
A special congratulations to Charlie, who received a commendation for his articulate and constructive contribution as a delegate — a fantastic achievement. The day was a rich opportunity for our children to develop skills in public speaking, critical thinking, teamwork and global awareness.
This morning, there was much excitement in Form 4 as they moved into their very beautiful new classroom. I’m sure they will be very happy in their new setting, and my thanks to all the staff who worked so hard to create this lovely new space. Work has now already begun on redecorating their old room, to make it lovely for Form 3!
This weekend will be a busy one as some of our children are joining over 1oo other talented musicians on Saturday when they take part in the Dorchester Young Musician Festival 2025. We wish Lottie (piano), Rosa, Daisy, Coco (singing) and Jia Wei (violin and ‘cello) the very best of luck.
On Sunday, I will also be joined by several children for the Remembrance Parade down in Dorchester.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone.
David
