Children in Need

Today the school has been awash with spotty children and Pudsey ears! Yes, It’s Children in Need day today!

The School Council arranged a cake sale today, but also a sponsored run in the school grounds that has happened during PE lessons. Heidi in Form 4 also impressed us all with her fabulous home made cards – all individually designed – which she sold yesterday making an incredible £57 for Children in Need.

Our total for Children in Need is £1160! This is absolutely amazing – and 3 times what we have made in previous years. Thank you to everyone who drew, wore spots, baked, ran, sponsored and donated money and cakes for such a wonderful cause. Thank you in particular to Mrs Johnstone and the School Council!

Today was also the last day of our Christmas Box Appeal – another initiative from the School Council. We are again overwhelmed by your generosity and the kindness of our children who took such pleasure making these for children less fortunate than themselves. Many of our children have been putting these together during their compassion project in enrichment – and these fabulous parcels will be soon be on their way to a Bulgarian orphanage where they will be very much appreciated. Thank you.

In assembly today we had a lot to celebrate. Our Academic Excellence cup winners were Sandro, Olivia, Elizabeth, Heidi, Leo, Rosa and Izzy. Well done certificates were awarded to AJ, Oliver, Zachary, Agatha, Rory and Rex. Compassion certificates were awarded to Heidi for her charity work and Form 8 for the respect they gave to their guests this week in PHSE. Head’s commendation’s were awarded to Lottie, Vira and Sofiia for their incredible pieces of writing for their entries into the Rotary competition. Mr Holland gave out 22 bronze house badges today which is fantastic! Finally congratulations to Remi and Daisy who won the most house points for Purbeck this week.

This week has been Maths week, and the children have had lots of fun Maths lessons, games, activities and competitions. Mr Rich will be announcing competition winners in next week’s Assembly.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Eli, pictured here with Alfie, who joined us in Nursery this week! We are very happy to have him join our Sunninghill family.

On Wednesday, Form 3 and 4 were joined by Mona and Sherene who we have got to know as a school through our links to the South West Dorset Multicultural Network and whilst attending the multi-faith week earlier this year. They gave an inspiring presentation on what it means to be a Muslim and the ways different religions have the same core values and ideals at their heart. The children asked a range of excellent questions and enjoyed finding out about a range of inspirational men and women as part of their learning.

Also this week, as a start to their new topic on discrimination and prejudice, Form 8 were treated to a visit from Jude Allen and Abi Punchard, both from Activate Performing Arts. Abi was truly inspirational, speaking about the difficulties that she faces as a disabled person with cerebral palsy, such as pavements being blocked, people being impatient with her because she talks slowly and their general attitude towards her, not really listening and making decisions for her which she hasn’t been a part of. Her main message was to see the person and not the chair. Jude showed a powerful film made by disabled people in Dorset which emphasized the problems that disabled people face on a daily basis. A big thank you to Jude and Abi and to Form 8 for listening so attentively and for asking such pertinent questions.

Last night we were delighted to hold our first PTFA Q-INGO night! A mix of our usual annual quiz night, with a bit of bingo added in! It was such a fun evening, with the staff team winning the quiz cup for another year – although it is getting closer each year! We were treated to the most fabulous Thai Meal from Kao San Thai Restaurant. Thank you to the PTFA for organising another fantastic event!

On 3rd December you have a chance to watch several Sunninghill students past and present in an exciting show of modern, ballet, tap and contemporary dance, plus some fabulous musical theatre numbers! The shows, at 2pm and 6:30pm at Weymouth College’s Bay Theatre, will feature almost 100 dancers aged 2-19 from Weymouth Dance Studio, led by Miss June Hornby (who also teaches dance here at Sunninghill). Tickets are on sale now at ticketsource.co.uk/weymouthdancestudio.

We have so much going on over the next 3 weeks of term, I thought it would be worth reminding you of some dates for the diary:

Thursday 23rd November – Whole school all day photo shoot – please ensure your child is looking smart! Junior Prep informal concert – 4.30pm
Thursday 30th November – 2pm Nativity Play, Senior Prep informal concert – 4.30pm
Friday 1st December – 9am – Nativity Play, Senior Prep formal concert – 7pm
Thursday 7th December – Carols under the Stairs – 11am, Christmas Jumper Day, Christmas party day and Christmas fayre – 4.30pm – 6.30pm!
Friday 8th December – Last day of Term, Christmas service at St. Peter’s (2.15pm)

On a bit of housekeeping – parents will now be allowed to park in the mini bus bays at drop off and pick up – as we will move our buses to make parking in the mornings a bit easier.

Finally I will leave you with some photos from Maths week! Have a wonderful weekend!

David