What a glorious week we have had! The weather has just been wonderful and there has been so much to celebrate.
In assembly this morning, Forms 5 and 6 presented to their parents and the children their favourite moments of their residential. It was wonderful for them to share the highlights of their trip and the challenges they conquered. Special mention must go to Nikolas who learnt to ride a bike on this trip!
Our well done winners this week were Teddy, Mina, Sonny H, Max H, Sophia C, Natty, George R and all of Reception, Forms 5 and 6.
Academic Excellence award winners this week were Amelka, Baxter, William, Millie and Jonah. This week Ivy and Oliver won the Courage award, AJ and Shayan the Commitment award, Mina and Fin the Compassion award and Olivia and Seb the Creativity award.
Congratulations to Amelka who qualified for six races in age 11/12 category and two finals in 50m freestyle and 100m freestyle, placing 7th and 4th respectively in the Regional Championships Amelka will be representing Sunninghill Prep in June at the IAPS finals at the London Aquatic Centre in 50 freestyle.
Amazing news and we are so proud of you!
We have had more to celebrate this week in English. The next heat of the Rotary Young Writers ‘Wonderful Water’ competition winners have just been selected and we are absolutely thrilled and so proud to announce that Scarlett and Lottie have won the Intermediate Age Group District Round. All of our winners have been invited to a prize-giving event in early June, which we are very much looking forward to.
In the first round of the Junior Age Group, Heidi achieved second place and Sasha-Mae third. In the first round Intermediate Age Group, Scarlett was the winner with Lottie coming second and Rosa coming third.
Sunninghill’s pupils writing talent shines through again. Congratulations to you all!
Form 3 have had the most fabulous residential in North Devon this week – a first residential for them all!
They arrived at Halberton and the children set about building their own raft. They worked together superbly, tightening lines and tying knots. They then paddle boarded and canoed down the canal, switching as they went, before they returned to test the raft. Feeling left out, Mr Cracknell and Mrs Baker leapt in to join them!
In the evening, they had dinner and then prepared for the High Ropes. The children were incredible, with a few of them facing their fears and conquering them. After a great nights sleep, they spent the morning on the beach playing games with our hosts and then this afternoon they were lucky enough to have their own private surfing lesson! The children absolutely loved it and it was a real highlight of the day. In the evening consisted of a lovely BBQ and then a campfire where the children learned how to light their own fire, toast marshmallows and enjoy a hot chocolate!
We are so proud of all the children who have embraced all the challenges of their first residential with such joy and enthusiasm!
On Wednesday, our fabulous sailors went to the Sailing Academy for the Millfield Regatta. Although the sun shone for the regatta the wind failed to materialise. Racing in very light winds makes it more of a lottery as wind patches move across the racecourse, however, Leo and Scarlett managed fifth overall. The regatta is a good practice for the IAPS next week and 20 boats were on the water representing 5 different schools both U11 and U13s. Nathaniel and Seb sailed well in their first regatta as did Daisy sailing with Henry for the first time. We will be whistling for the wind for next week but the forecast is not promising…
The sailors sported our brand new Sunninghill sailing hoodies and t shirts, kindly donated by the PTFA. They looked very smart so thank you so much to our PTFA!
We have just learnt that Coco’s dad, Charles, is taking on the most impressive challenge next month for charity. Charles says:
“For the month of June I will be running every day, the number of miles per date of the month, within the Sunninghill grounds to raise money for ‘The Den’ – a community hub opened by Underdogs Wellbeing Community Interest Company. The Den is for absolutely ANYONE to use, for mental health assistance in the form of ‘peer support with active listening, empathy, and problem-solving; diverse services like creative outlets, fitness, and mindfulness; and tailored support for individual needs.
I will need, and would love, to have help with this goal, from anyone who would like to join me for a mile or 2 as the month progresses, or even at the beginning when I can still hold a coherent conversation! Thank you so much for being part of my challenge. Now ready, steady, go go go!!! (and keep go go going!)”
We are hoping to get the children of Sunninghill running with Charles during this incredible challenge to support him along the way. Running 30 miles, having run 29 the day before, and 28 the day before that and so on, will be physically and mentally exhausting. You can also give your encouragement to Charles in the form of a donation to Underdogs Wellbeing at:
https://gofund.me/d55ae9a8.
Your donations will be hugely appreciated and will certainly help to make life that bit more optimistic for many people who need a friendly shoulder to lean on and guide them through tough times.
Good Luck Charles!
We had another very special birthday to celebrate this week – this time with our lovely Mrs Sleightholme!
Sarah in the kitchen made another amazing cake, which we were all lucky enough to enjoy!
Pupils around school are really enjoying their 4 C’s lessons this term – with Reception, Forms 1 and 2 taking part in Forest School, as well as Maypole Dancing club! This week, the dancers attempted the Sunninghill Maypole Plait! Not an easy task by any means but they did a fantastic job! Senior gardening club have also been busy this week re-planting the planters in Dorchester High Street, for our local community to enjoy.
We have a lot of exciting events happening this term, but one of particular note is our lovely Grandparent’s Day, which this year will be held on Thursday 12th June. Please ask Grandparent’s to pop it in their diaries, as it is always a lovely afternoon.
I also wanted to thank everyone who supported the PTFA quiz night last Friday. It was a fantastic evening and we raised an incredible £1,000 which will be go towards the Nursery gardens.
This weekend we will be holding our alumni event, and we are really looking forward to welcoming past pupils, staff and parents to Sunninghill! The weather is looking fabulous for the event and I’m sure it will be a very special afternoon.
This evening it was lovely to welcome a group of parents for a fun game of football and netball. Next one will be cricket and rounders at our PTFA picnic on Friday 13th June so please keep that free!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Best wishes
David
