St John’s School Weekly Newsletter
Issue 38
National Poetry Day
From the
Headmaster
This week I particularly enjoyed reading the
boys' poems. Inspired by the souvenir theme
they have really embraced this area of the
curriculum, well done! This links well with the
Hunter Jones Recitation Competition in two
weeks’ time, where all boys in Years 3 to 8
prepare a poem.
Despite the rain, the Robins and Squirrels
were able to experience life on the canal. I
would like to thank the volunteers who
helped the boys to get the most out of their
visit.
Assemblies have focussed on the importance
of patience. Mr Murphy tested the theme with
tempting marshmallows which proved too
much for some!
During parental tours we were able to see
Year 6 focussing on their crane models in
Design and Technology and Year 5
constructing American Indian tepees in their
Art lessons. We were also impressed by the
computer programming in Year 1.
I would like to draw your attention to the
Music timetable listed on page 15 giving you
all the details of the forthcoming programme.
On the sports field we have endured some
stiff competition from Caldicott and Belmont.
The Colts A performed really well in their
match at Belmont last Friday holding on to
the lead as Belmont put us under significant
pressure.
I look forward to seeing those of you who can
make the St John's Association A.G.M. on
Monday evening.
The theme for this year’s National Poetry Day was souvenirs. Across the
School we encouraged the boys to discuss what a souvenir is, bring in souvenirs to
share with the class and to discuss their importance. Many boys shared memories of
happy days on holidays and special keepsakes, some with very special family
histories. The word souvenir is a French word and loosely translates as a
remembrance so it was no accident that the chosen theme in 2014 is remembrance.
The older boys were also encouraged to look at some poetry from World War One
and contemplate the power of words.
A Souvenir
Every time that handle spins,
And I hear ‘La Vie en Rose,’
A spark of joy grows inside me,
A smile beams from my face,
As I remember those happy times.
Explanation:
This souvenir holds many happy memories to me. Each time music plays as I turn
the handle, I feel like I am living those memories again. I always beam with
happiness as I reminded of these fun times.
Even though it is a small thing, it means a lot to me.
My Golden Pendant
Golden, winking in the light of the sun,
reminds me of when I was a little one.
Bestowed upon me at birth,
my most treasured belonging on Earth.
Brings glimpses of my early days,
they appear to me in a haze.
Always with me, inside and out,
God’s precision, I will never doubt.
Description
This is my golden, religious coin with the Aum symbol embossed on it. It was given
to me when I was born; it is tied to a kohl-black, silk thread. This reminds me of
happiness, I think of the universal intelligence; and it brings to
recollection all of the good in the world.
Anand Shah 8R
01
01
October 10 2014
Products of National Poetry Day
Rome
Solid monument stood up high,
See how it towers above the sky,
Look around and smell the air,
Feel the warm breeze in your hair.
Rome is such a lovely place,
That’s the feeling I did embrace,
Walking around this big round dome,
Which I would be calling home.
I pressed my face against the pillow,
Looked outside to see the willow,
I dreamed a happy dream that night,
Not a cloudy sky was in sight.
Next morning I went out the door,
To see the sights and views galore,
I stepped inside this big round palace,
Sipped out my golden Chalice.
They called it the Colosseum,
My thoughts were enclosed but I felt like I
could free them,
We travelled round this widespread city,
It wasn’t dirty smelly or gritty.
As I looked up at this amazing sky,
I didn’t want to say goodbye.
By James Watson 6C
The Dragon
Longboats gliding past one another,
Some with tourists, others with Thai,
All watching the chaotic market float on by.
Bargaining and buying goes on all day,
Food, key rings and Buddha’s all on display.
All at once red beady eyes were in a line with mine,
With white sharp teeth that had a shine.
The dragon was covered with green scaly skin,
Then I heard the bargaining begin.
Explanation
I bought the dragon on a floating market Bangkok, Thailand. I remember
seeing the dragon in the chaotic market and it reminds me of my dad bargaining with the Thai man and the dragon thrown into the boat. Niam Patel 8R
02
02
October 10 2014
James Watson meets the Mayor
James Watson in 6C already has the reputation of being a very talented artist. Last week he received a highly commended
award in the U12 Pinner Children’s Art Competition, as part of Pinner Arts Week. Because of his success he was able to shake
hands with the Mayor of Harrow. Well done James!
U11 chess v Edge Grove
On Wednesday the U11 St. John’s chess team went to
Edge Grove School. Niyam Shah and Cyrus Limki in
Year 5 both took 3 wins, Jake Prior in Year 5, Alexander
Hobbs in Year 6 and Marcos Kantaris in Year 5 all took 2
wins. Maxim Vassiliev and James Olswang, both in Year
6, took 1 win each. Danial Sayani in Year 6 drew once.
Jude Collings, Rayan Devani and Harjeevan Sandhu all in
Year 6 played well but were unlucky and did not win a
match. Overall, we won by 15.5 points to 12.5 points.
03
03
October 10 2014
Testing times for Science Club
This week in Science Club the Year 5 and 6 boys got down to some biochemistry when they investigated how
Di-chloro-phenol-indol-phenol (or DCPIP for short) can be used to test for Vitamin C. The boys had great fun crushing up a
common brand of Vitamin C tablet in a pestle and mortar and were amazed to see how the dark blue DCPIP goes completely
colourless when added to the bright orange Vitamin C mixture. The boys added the DCPIP to the tablet until it stopped going
colourless and that indicated how much Vitamin C was present. We found that there was so much Vitamin C that it was enough
to change three or four amounts of DCPIP.
04
04
October 10 2014
Whatever the weather...off to the canal we go!
This week Reception visited Batchworth Lock Canal
Centre. The Squirrels, like the water birds around, got very wet
but this did not stop us from having a super time… thank
goodness for waterproofs! The Robins were lucky enough to
05
05
have some sunshine and also enjoyed their day out, especially
consuming their picnic lunches! We learnt about life on a canal
boat and went for a ride on the Grand Union Canal. We looked
out for mallard ducks, swans, coots, moorhens and herons.
October 10 2014
Robins on their canal visit
06
06
October 10 2014
Lots of activity in Year 2 Model Club
Model Club meets after School on a Thursday and this term the
Badgers and Eagles have been very busy. They have tested their
construction and design skills whilst making rockets and this week
07
07
they have been creating very interesting-looking spiders using
pompoms, pipe cleaners and beads.
Beware if you suffer from arachnophobia!
October 10 2014
Maths Fun!
The days of boring addition and subtraction are long behind us as these photographs demonstrate. Boys in Year 3 have been
having great fun this week learning about new mathematical concepts through exciting games and puzzles.
08
08
October 10 2014
Merchant Taylors’ Photography Competition
Every year St John's School participates in the Merchant
right through to close-up shots of very small, living things. Each
Taylors’ Schools Photographic Competition and because
boy can enter up to three pictures, each entry needs to be sent
our boys have responded with such enthusiasm we also
in by your parents via e-mail with a comment saying where and
co-ordinate themes and entries into this competition with our
when the pictures were taken by you. We also need to know
own House Photography Competition. This year's theme "The your name, form and house. Send your entries to
Natural World" is a real gift and the boys should enjoy
[email protected] by the Wednesday 5th November at
photographing anything from landscapes with plants and trees
the latest. These photos might give you some inspiration.
09
09
October 10 2014
Rugby v Belmont 3rd October
V Belmont 3rd October
Colts A Won 33-26
Scorers: Michael Ohio-Ezomo x 2, Matthew Crow x 1, Daniel Odejinmi x 1, Harry Bridgewater 4 conversions
MOM: Daniel Odejinmi
After drawing 0 – 0 the previous Saturday against Belmont, we had a point to prove. We started the game slowly and there was a
little too much dropped ball at crucial times. We made some good breaks but Belmont covered very well and we failed to score
when we had two clear chances. However, Daniel Odejinmi finally broke through with some strong individual running and Michael Ohio-Ezomo also made a very good run to score. We did let Belmont in for a try before half time and whilst we enjoyed a
lot of possession, the first half finished 12 – 5 to us. From the Belmont kick-off, Harry passed the ball to Jordan who broke
through the line, popped the ball in contact to Daniel, who also passed to Harry. Harry was cut down just before the try-line but
managed to lay the ball back for Matthew Crow to score under the posts. From the next restart, Max Davies fielded the ball,
made a nice arcing run, drew a defender a made a well timed pass to Michael who swerved and stepped his way around three defenders before running the length of the field and scoring. In just 3 minutes, we had changed the game completely. We continued to play strongly but Belmont started to fight back and enjoyed some possession before Michael was able to swoop on a loose
ball and run in a great solo effort. Belmont continued to rally and scored three converted tries to finish with 26 points. A really
pleasing effort but the forwards must keep working hard, rucking and scrimmaging strongly if they are to build a platform and
allow our backs space to run.
Colts B Lost 25-5
Scorers: Harjeevan Sandhu x 1
MOM: Harjeevan Sandhu
The score may have indicated that this was a very one sided match but it was, in fact, much closer than that. The forwards were
excellent and in the scrum, ruck and contact areas they really dominated the opposition pack. However, Belmont had a centre
who had previously been an ‘A’ team player and he scored four tries for his side and was to be the main difference between the
two sides. We played some super interlinking attacking movements with backs and forwards combining superbly. We just lacked
that cutting edge which would have enabled us to score more tries. Near the end of the match we had Belmont defending for
long periods of time and the ball was moved swiftly along the backline. Joshua Adonis almost scored in the corner but Harjeevan
Sandhu was at hand to pick up the ball and score the try.
Colts C Lost 50-5
Scorers: Jed Arron x 1
MOM: Jed Arron and Rayan Devani
A tricky opening match for the Colts C against a big and strong Belmont team. Belmont scored 30 points in the first half and we
missed too many tackles and didn’t get quickly enough to the breakdown of the ball.However in the second half we played our
best rugby. We were much more positive and aggressive and there was some excellent tackling and running from Edward Blunt,
Charlie Mitchell, Sabarish Ganesh and Rayan Devani. The commitment from everyone in the team was superb and we thoroughly
deserved our last minute try from Jed Arron, which came from a great passing move from the back line. A good start for the
Colts C and Mr Wenzel is confident that results will get better.
10
10
October 10 2014
Rugby v Belmont 3rd October
V Belmont 3rd October
U10 A Lost 5-25
Scorers: Daniel Barnett
MOM: Dominic Murphy O’Connor
The team were a little shocked at the start of the match by a well organised
and fast Belmont team who ran and tackled very hard. They made good
progress in the scrum with Charlie Hannam, Arin Goslar and Marcos Kantaris
pushing well. Our centres, Dominic Murphy O’Connor and Daniel Barnett
fought well to try and hold the team. However, at half time we were 15-0
down.
In the second half all the boys found another level of effort and belief and got
a good try through Daniel. This half proved very even with hard tackles
coming from everyone.
U10 B Lost 15-20
Scorers: Armaan Popat x 1, Dare Amos-Oluwole x 1, Ethan Nwankwo x 1
MOM: James Edwards
After two good wins we went into this game on a high. It was a very tense
match against a determined and aggressive Belmont team and we found
ourselves on the back foot in the first half. Belmont scored three times but we
managed to score an excellent try from a good series of passing just before
half time. The second half was different story; we were much more
competitive, determined and controlled the game for the large part. Dare
Amos-Oluwole and Ethan Nwankwo ran in a try each. Despite our best
efforts we were unable to reduce the deficit and narrowly lost. A spirited effort
to come back in the second half. For improvement, we need to work on
passing the ball to wider areas more quickly.
U10 C Lost 25-30
Scorers: Cyrus Limki x 1, Aish Mallick x2 and Iowan Dale x 2
MOM: Iowan Dale
Another close and competitive performance in which we led 4-2 playing
downhill in the first half but lost out in the second half. Several boys ran
strongly with the ball including the try scorers and also Kabir Sethi and Arav
Oodit, whilst Prashant Pandya was notable in the loose. In the end we gave
away too much possession and too many penalties which allowed the strong
running Belmont backs to burst through to clinch victory with the final try of
the game right at the end. Lots of positive play, though.
11
11
October 10 2014
Rugby v Caldicott 8th October
1st XV Lost 5-60
Scorers: Daniel Zarach
MOM: Team performance
The question for St. John’s was how they would respond to a
very strong, skilled and organised ‘A’ team at Caldicott? In truth
the opposition were far too strong for St John’s to threaten a
win, but the team did respond well and positively. They built a
better defensive line and increased their line speed which
helped to make the tackling more effective. In attack they
improved their depth and speed of passing so that good line
breaks were made by Joshua Ogunnaike, Shore Ojutiku and an
under the weather Adam Hart who managed a good 10 minutes
in the second half. The team eventually scored a good try after
Jolan Baxter intercepted a pass and when tackled near the line
found a magnificent offload to Daniel Zarach. St John’s fought
hard keeping the score to only four tries conceded in the
second half. Well done to all the boys.
2nd XV Lost 59-0
MOM: William Blunt
We had always known that this would be our toughest
encounter of the season and this is how it turned out. Caldicott
play attractive rugby and it was our job to try and stop them.
The first half saw us play some gutsy rugby and man of the
match, William Blunt, who threw himself into every piece of
play, made many tackles. In the backs we started to put more
pressure on them in the middle and this was making it difficult
for them to play their expansive game. Although Caldicott
scored five tries in the first half they really had to play well to
score them and we were making it hard by defending well and
winning a fair share of the possession. The difference was at
the breakdown where they were much quicker than us which
gave them good ball to play with.
The second half was much harder and whilst pressing for a try
of our own a stray pass near their line saw their winger
intercept the ball and run the length of the pitch to score. Next
match we need to keep playing the whole way through and
when things don’t go our way we need to re-focus and play the
way we know we can.
12
12
October 10 2014
Rugby v Caldicott 8th October
3rd XV Lost 60-0
MOM: Rizwan Hameed
Another difficult game for the 3rd XV against a fast and strong
Caldicott team. Caldicott scored many tries in the first half and
we missed too many tackles and didn’t get quickly enough to the
breakdown of the ball. However in the second half we started
more aggressively. We were much more positive and there were
some strong runs from Krish Patwal, James Dias and Rizwan
Hameed who also tackled with courage and aggression. His
commitment was excellent and should be an example for the
rest of the team for the upcoming matches.
A really physical and tough match for the 3rd XI and if we are
going to challenge our opposition we must further
improve our tackling.
13
13
October 10 2014
Rugby v Caldicott 8th October
Colts A Lost 42-14
Scorers: Michael Ohio-Ezomo x 1, Matthew Crow x 1, Harry Bridgewater 2 conversions
MOM: Matthew Crow
A difficult match against a very well organised Caldicott team. However, we defended really well and covered the breaks to hold
Caldicott out for some time. Inevitably they did manage to run in three good tries. Michael Ohio-Ezomo showed his class by
going into the breakdown, picking up a quick recycled ball and bursting through a gap and out-pacing the full-back to score a
great individual effort. In the second half we similarly gave away three converted tries, but we did rally strongly with some aggressive tackling and strong rucking and we finally started to enjoy some sustained possession. We made some good breaks but were
not able to keep possession when we did make inroads. The one time we did make a break and keep possession, Matthew Crow
was able to finish off with a good try. Special mention must go to Matthew Crow who had a lot of defensive work to do at fullback and he managed to make some excellent try-saving tackles, knocking two would-be try scorers into touch and twice holding
up boys who were just about to score. Most importantly he started to come into the attacking line and made some good runs with
ball in hand.
U10 A Lost 25-5
Scorers: Daniel Barnett x 1
MOM: Daniel Barnett and Dominic Murphy O’Connor
This was a good match and Caldicott moved the ball well and attacked the breakdown with numbers which caused us difficulty in
winning the ball. However, the St. John’s defence was outstanding and Charlie Hannam, Benjamin Kleiner, Dominic Murphy
O’ Connor and Daniel Barnett all made numerous try saving tackles. The pace of the game was quick and eventually Caldicott
scored a try but only after getting through some fierce resistance in defence. When we had the ball we tended to take contact.
However, just before the end of the first half we moved the ball through several pairs of hands and almost scored. In the second
half, we defended very well but when the opposition have 75% of the play it limits the attacking options. St. John’s scored an
excellent try when Adam Knowles passed a spin pass 10 yard infield where Daniel Barnett saw a gap and ran 40 yards to evade
tackles. A good performance but still things to work on. Well done.
14
14
October 10 2014
Calling all string players...
Merchant Taylors’ School is hosting a music course for intermediate string players (Grade 3 and above) over the October
half term. It has been organised by Simon Couldridge and Nicola Tait, both on the music staff of MTS. It promises to be an
exciting and fun opportunity to play chamber music with other children from the local area. Please read the flyer below and speak
to Mrs Selwood if you are interested in attending.
Forthcoming musical events
 ‘The Last Post’ on Tuesday 11th November (trumpets)
 Erskine Hall Old People’s Home 3.45 – 5.15pm Tuesday
 ‘Illumination of the Lights of Old Northwood’ Saturday
9th December (Choir and groups)
 Christmas Carol Service at Emmanuel Church on
15th November at 4pm (Senior Choir and Brass Band)
Monday 15th December 7pm
 Carols in the playground last week of term (Brass Band)
 Associated Board Music Exams Tuesday 16th December
 Arts Evening on Thursday 27th November 6.30pm
 Groups of musicians are performing to the pupils of RNIB  Preparation for Watford Festival and House Festival
Sunshine House on 10th December
15
15
October 10 2014
1.
2.
3.
4.
16
16
5.
1.
Sarthak Panvelkar (8R) is making a wooden coffee table.
2.
Year 3 boys are making Egyptian mummy cases to
decorate their classrooms. Kaiwen Fu, Ed Hannam and
Zak Rosenbaum are pictured with theirs.
3.
Hiding behind his cat and bird chalk drawing is Shane Patel
(4M).
4.
This well-crafted dream catcher was made by Max
Barnbrook (5G).
5.
Anthony Stout (7J) is making a beautiful collage tray.
October 10 2014
Calendar and important dates
Contact details
13th October: St. John’s Association AGM in
the Library (7.00pm)
Updates: please continue to visit
www.st-johns.org.uk for all the latest
information on sports fixtures and results.
The website will have
announcements in case of
emergency. You can also
follow us on twitter
@stjsnorthwood.
14th October: Pre-Prep and Nursery Parent
Consultations (3.30pm-5.30pm)
15th October: Open Morning for Prospective
Parents (9.15am)
Chess v Lochinver U9, U11, U13 (a)
(2.00-5.00pm)
Mailings: if you have received The Lamb
from someone else and would like to be
sent your own copy direct each week,
please email: Lamb Editor. Let us know
your contact details and you will be added
to the list.
16th October: Rugby v Northwood Prep
U8 A (h), U8 B (h), U8 C (a), U8 D (a)
(2.15pm)
Pre-Prep and Nursery Parent Consultations
(6.00-7.30pm)
17th October: Rugby v Gayhurst: U10 A (a),
U10 B (a), U10 C (h) (2.30pm)
Sabarish Ganesh in 6C is
‘outstanding player 2014’ in the
U10 team at Northwood
Cricket Club
Photographs: Do please continue to send
in any photographs which could be
included in The Lamb.
Notices and Reminders
Traffic Survey. A reminder that our annual traffic survey will
take place on 21st October. You will notice people wearing high
visibility jackets in and around the car park area recording
traffic volumes.
Musical blue letters. A key blue letter has gone home to all
musicians involved in the music ensembles at St John's and
performing in concerts between now and the end of term.
Please keep the letter for your reference and return the
completed page of slips, intact, to Mrs Selwood before the half
term holiday. Thank you.
Mr Vince’s videos. To view his videos you can click on the
following links:
Year 6 trip to Northumberland St John’s YouTube channel
Guitar group video
Yr 5 Chinese New Year video
Yr 8 Bikeability video
St John’s Sevens video
Sam Katz interview
Year of 2008 at Knapp House
Year of 2014 at Knapp House Chicks are for kids!
17
17
Fireworks night. Remember, remember that the St John’s
Association firework night is fast approaching, in fact in less
than 3 weeks. Tickets are available from the School Office
priced at £12 for adults and £8 for children. If you are able to
help on the night please contact Lisa Bickerstaff at
[email protected] or Fauzia Hart at
[email protected]. We look forward to seeing you there. For
boys there will be pumpkin and the best Guy competitions.
Please bring in your creations from 20th October. There are
prizes on offer!
St. John’s Association AGM. This meeting takes place on
Monday evening in the Norman Hall and is open to all parents.
Road Safety and School Travel Cartoon Competition. This
is organised by the Hillingdon road safety team and there are 60
Kindles up for grabs for the winners. It is open to all schools in
the Hillingdon Borough. Please see Miss Gillen for further
details. The deadline for entries is 3rd November.
Hope you have a peaceful weekend.
October 10 2014