17th October 2014
Dear Parents,
Thank you so much to Friends of Ditcham Park School for organising a fantastic ‘Bingo &
Burgers’ evening last Friday. The South Downs Hall was packed with Ditcham families and
there were some fantastic prizes. The whole evening was a terrific success, great fun and
raised over £1,000 for FDPS funds too!
This week pupils in Forms 1 and 2 pupils have been away on a residential trip to Calshot
and I will be reporting on this next week. My huge thanks to the large team of staff who
supported the pupils on this residential trip.
Pre-Prep: This week the intrepid explorers in Pre-prep ventured out to discover the
wonderful world of birds! The drizzle didn’t hinder our enthusiasm at Birdworld on Tuesday.
We saw lots of amazing birds and enjoyed watching the keepers feed the penguins and the
big pelicans. Before lunch we had a talk in the ‘Discovery Theatre’ where we met Noddy the
rainforest parrot, Barry the bunny rabbit and Whisper the barn owl, amongst others. We were
able to stroke the animals, even the baby chinchilla and the snake! We had a fantastic day
and Pre-prep represented Ditcham Park beautifully with their impeccable behaviour and
politeness. Mrs Knowles was very proud. Well done!
Mrs Knowles
As regular visitors to Birdworld Ditcham Park School are now members of the Birdworld
Schools Penguin Club and a penguin named ‘Ditcham’ has been adopted on our behalf
for one year, until 14th October 2015! Do visit Birdworld and see our penguin!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Junior Merit Badges have been awarded to:
Sam Dunkley for a beautiful piece of weaving.
Edward Samson for a beautiful piece of weaving.
Daisy Browning for a beautiful piece of weaving.
Oliver Sims for a beautiful piece of weaving
Ewan Meehan for progress in reading
Harry Soden-Bridger for his enthusiastic and determined approach to all aspects of study
at Ditcham
Francesca Walmsley for her detailed drawing of stories from Greek history
Cecily Brown for her adventurous vocabulary choices in her writing
Francesca Hartley for reading with maturity expression and pace.
Alex Witte for reading with fluency pace and expression.
Oscar Johnson for trying hard with homework tasks.
Alex Tessem-Cotton for making a super start at Ditcham and approaching everything with a
positive attitude.
Ellie Guthrie for rising to the challenge of change when joining Ditcham.
Cydney Pepperman for making a wonderful start to the year.
Ava Hooper for an excellent start at Ditcham.
Sam Sage for an excellent start at Ditcham.
Johno Beadles for making an excellent start at Ditcham.
Claudia Marks for making an excellent start at Ditcham.
Ella Matchan for a positive and enthusiastic attitude whilst settling in at Ditcham.
Harry Somerville for work on past and present tense verbs.
Patrick Harris for making an excellent start at Ditcham.
MUSIC
Senior pupils (Forms 3, 4 and 5) entertained friends and members of the
public at St Peter’s Church at lunchtime yesterday, a full report will be included
in next week’s newsletter.
Term Dates 2015-2016: The term dates for the next academic year are as follows. These
will also be published on the school’s website. Your co-operation in arranging holidays to
coincide with the school’s holiday allowance is appreciated.
Autumn Term 2015
INSET Day - Wednesday 2nd September
First Day of term – Thursday 3rd September
Half term - Monday 26th – Friday 30th October
Last day of term - Thursday 17th December
Spring Term 2016
INSET - Monday 11th January
First Day of term - Tuesday 12th January
Half Term - Monday 15th – Friday 19th February
Last day of term – Thursday 24th March
Summer Term 2016
First day of term - Monday 18th April
Bank holiday - Monday 2nd May
Half term- Monday 30th - Friday 3rd June
Last day of term - Friday 8th July
JUNIORS UNIFORM REMINDER
Please could all Juniors be reminded that, now they are in winter uniform, blazers are to
remain at school. This is partly to ensure that they are here to be worn in
assemblies. However the main reason is to prevent the blazers becoming damaged by the
unpredictable, but typically inclement, weather when travelling to and from school, and to allow
for the children to be more comfortable on the buses, wearing just their cagoules or stormproof
coats once the weather gets colder. This also lessens the number of items that the children
need to bring home with them. I would be grateful if you could ensure that all blazers are
clearly labelled with your child’s name.
SPORT
Ditcham Park School U9 A-Team took part in the Conifer’s School
Football Festival on Friday 10th October. Their footballing skills have
improved significantly over the last six-weeks and this showed in their
results. Although the festival was participatory with no declared winners,
each team had three fixtures. Ditcham won their first two games 2-0 and
3-1 against Haslemere and Oakwood Schools, and lost their final match
against Churcher’s College A-Team, 3-1. Well done to all those who
represented their school in this tournament. Mr Goode
Match Results:
U9 Football A & B v Alton Convent (H)
U10/U11 Hockey (boys) v Dunhurst (A)
U14/U15 Hockey (girls) v St Johns (A)
U10 Netball v St John’s (A)
U11 Netball v St John’s (A)
U11 Football v Meoncross (H)
U16 Football v Ibstock (A)
Won 1-0
Won 3-0
Won 6-1
Lost 0-1
Lost 2-13
Lost 0-1
Lost 0-16
Next Week’s Fixtures:
20th October: U12 & U13 Netball v Meoncross (H)
U15/U16 Hockey (Girls) v Bedales (A)
21st October: U15 Football v Bedales (H)
U14 Basketball v Bedales (H)
22nd October U11 Football v Dunhurst (H)
U14 Hockey (Girls) v Alton Convent (A)
U16 Football v Bedales (H)
U16 Basketball (Girls) v Bedales (A)
U14/U15 Hockey Team winners
v St John’s
Ditcham Cycling Club (DCC): On Saturday, the Ditcham
Hill Climb Cycling Time Trial was held on the 3-mile lane
leading to the school from the north. The conditions were
wet and thundery, however, the weather held back for just
enough time for the Time Trial to take place.
Congratulations to the pupils who tested themselves on this
major 3-mile tough Hill-Climb course: Myles ReissBidmead, Will Prior, Ellie Marks, Lewis Knott, Sebby
Bluestone, Harry Proctor, Joel Hawkins, Angus
Bluestone and Buzz Brown. Thanks to Cycling Club
Team Axiom” for organising the Time Trial and to Dave
Rymer and Will Stretch for their help on the day.
Duke of Edinburgh: Congratulations to the following pupils who have
recently gained a Duke of Edinburgh Award:
Bronze Award: Poppy Beaumont, Olivia Bicknell, Joe Birtley, Sebastian
Bluestone, Joe Chapman, Will Crossman, Michael Farrell, Matthew
Fifield, Isobel Gordon, Ella Guimaraens, Millie Jones, Clarisse Murphy,
Myles Reiss-Bidmead, George Roland, Indi Rowley, James Shirley,
Sorcha Smith, Holly Symonds and Florence Willcocks.
Congratulations also to the following past pupils who have recently gained an award through
Ditcham Park School:
Silver Award: Gemma Woodham, Lois Rice, Sami Pegg, Alex Edge and Matthew Young.
Gold Award: Hollie Lewis and Harvey Hughes.
Members of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme have been busy wrapping each
other in bandages over two evenings to gain First Aid knowledge. This is a very important
life skill and the course was run by Robert Twiss, a paramedic with over ten year’s
experience. Well done to the following pupils who took part: Jessica Blatter, Ted Davis,
Louis Dunkley, Harry Hoare, Ed Horner, Sophie Jarrett, James Langrish, Guy Mullins,
Elliot Petersen, Red Rance, Betty Reed, Harri Rowley, Adam Smith. Thanks to Kerry
Smith for providing delicious sandwiches and cakes.
Thanks to Anne Harris for all her hard work with cycling and DofE.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Prep Assembly: On Tuesday 21st October we warmly welcome you Prep’s assembly.
Please join use for a cup of tea in the dining room at 2.45pm and the assembly will begin in
the South Downs Hall at 3.10pm
Spanish Trip to Salamanca: We wish good luck to pupils and staff travelling to Spain next
week for the school’s combined Languages/Sports trip and look forward to hearing of their
exploits after the half-term holiday.
Hooke Court: Uppers Juniors set off on a week long residential at Hooke Court on Monday.
We look forward to hearing about their adventures on their return.
Mary Rose, Portsmouth: Middle Juniors have a trip to Portsmouth all day on Monday 20th
October.
Juniors Freaky Friday Lunch: On
Friday 24th October the Juniors will
be having a Halloween themed
lunch. If your child normally has a
packed lunch but would like a
school lunch on Freaky Friday
please let the office know. The cost
will be £3.75.
Halloween Menu
Freaky Fish or Zombie
Fingers
Bonfire Sausages
Goulish Pasta
Halloween Fish Pie
Witches’ Sticks
Witches’ beans boats
Spooky Spaghetti
Little witches’ green amulets
Vampire Jelly or ‘‘Ice-Scream’’
Creepy Crumble
Charity Sponsored Walk at Ditcham Park, Sunday 16th
November 2014: Some exciting news for all the keen walkers
and dog owners at Ditcham (and we know there are many of
you!). On Sunday 16th November, the School is organising a
“Dogs Unite” sponsored walk, starting and finishing here at the
School, with all proceeds being donated to children’s “Name a
Puppy” appeal for the Guide Dogs for the Blind.
The Guide Dogs charity has been running a series of “Dogs
Unite” events all over the country and we’re thrilled that Ditcham
Park School can offer them the most stunning location for this
lovely family walking event. Registration to the event is £3 for
every one aged 12 or over (younger children and dogs go free) and you can access further
details online here. Each family is encouraged to raise sponsorship for taking part, and you
will be provided with your sponsor form upon registration. Participating families and their
dogs will receive a “goodie bag”, including a cape for your pet to wear proudly during the
walk!
All members of the School community (pupils, parents, staff and Governors) are welcome to
join us; owning a dog is not obligatory! More details about the day will be provided in next
week’s newsletter.
The children really enjoyed the recent “Glow for Guide Dogs” Mufti Day The Mufti Day and
cake sale for raised an amazing £385.45 towards the. £1,500 the pupils need to name their
very own Guide Dog puppy. We hope that as a family you will be keen to help the children
raise the total amount needed.
Juniors shining in the sunlight at the “Glow for Guide Dogs” Mufti Day.
Photographs: Following the release of the recent pupil photographs, one or two parents
have asked if Sally Grace is available for personal family photos organised independently
outside the school. I have spoken to Sally and although she is busy with many schools she
is very happy to try and arrange for this with any families who might be interested. If you
would like to discuss this further please contact Sally at Sally Grace Photography:
Tel: 01252 851656
E-mail: [email protected]
HALF TERM & INSET DAY
A reminder that the school finishes for half term at the end of the day on Friday 24th
October and we return to school on Monday 3rd November. There is an INSET day on
Monday 3rd November for all Juniors except Upper Juniors, who will be having a
Taster Day in Seniors.
Mrs Parrott and I wish you all an enjoyable weekend.
Andrew Rowley
Head Teacher
Helen Parrott
Head of Juniors
Pupils from Pre-Prep and Prep collecting snails at playtime and creating a ‘Snail School’.