1. education
2. school

Western Eye – 18th December 2014
Message from the Headteacher
We say a fond farewell to Mr Rigby from the science labs at the end of this term. He doesn’t manage a
full escape into retirement though! We are pleased that Mike will continue to organise the Leading Edge
and Duke of Edinburgh projects which our secondary students benefit so much from. Mike has been a
popular teacher with the many students that he has taught over the 34 years that he has been at Five
Islands School and we send him off on his travels with our very best wishes. Mr Garratt is looking forward
to joining the science team and we look forward to welcoming Lisa Jackson onto the primary team.
Congratulations to Estelle and Henry in being elected Head Girl and Head Boy this term and to Robyn,
Heather and Zoe who became prefects. These roles are new to the school and I wish them every success
in the year ahead.
We have all enjoyed the build up to Christmas across the school and a great deal of talent has been
showcased. We have seen excellent performances at the LAMDA evening, listened to a fabulous concert
from our musicians and singers, and have been delighted by primary children in their nativities. Thank
you to all the staff who worked so hard with the children; they have certainly been a credit to you.
I would like to take his opportunity to thank our PTFA who have really put in the hours this Christmas
with a successful Christmas Market raising nearly £1000, serving refreshments at the Nativities,
organising the special present shopping event for our youngest children and the food for their party.
I would also like to thank the catering team for putting on such a delicious Christmas dinner. Many extra
hours went into preparing the dinner and it was good to see such a big take up.
Well done to Schools Forum for encouraging us to chill out in front of a film on your fund
raising night. I am sure we are all ready for the Christmas holidays and I wish everyone a
very Merry Christmas!
Linda Todd
Christmas Concert 2014
Well done to all our musicians who performed so brilliantly at the
Christmas Concert on 11th December. It was fantastic to see such a
wide age range playing and singing, and again the standard of
musicianship was very high. The combined woodwind finale was a
high point, as was the massed choir where the children sang with the
Scilly Sirens. We missed our off island musicians who could not get
over however, and hope the weather is kind for the next concert so
that they can join us. Special thanks to all our adult helpers – you
know who you are!
Debbie Wainwright and Jane Pender
Christmas Nativity Performances
Well done to all the Primary children, their teachers and teaching assistants across the
schools on putting on such wonderful Christmas performances. Delightful!
Tree Decorating Ceremony
What a fabulous job the primary and nursery children on Carn Gwaval did decorating the
Christmas tree in the school café. Each child made a decoration and put it on the tree in a special
Assembly. Thank you to the Duchy and Mrs Stevens for donating the trees this year.
Open the Book Performances
The primary children have enjoyed fortnightly visits from members of the local church
communities as part of the national Open the Book project. A group of dedicated
volunteers have been coming along to act out Bible stories including Noah and his ark
and the Christmas story, to help bring them to life for the children. We are really
grateful to the team for their enthusiasm and the time they give up to rehearse and
perform to us.
Christmas Craft Sale
The Primary Children on Carn Gwaval put on a Christmas craft sale. There was a lovely
festive atmosphere and lots of money was raised from the sale of their wonderful crafts
and refreshments.
Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox Appeal
A big thank you for the collection towards the islands response of 106 boxes for the Samaritans purse shoebox
appeal. Many thanks to Dial a Doux who transport the boxes to the quay, Mary Lethers who collects all year round,
Sports Mode who save their shoe boxes for us to wrap and fill. An amazing response, thank you to all.
Successful Parent Partnerships
The governing body of the Five Islands School have a vacancy for a co-opted governor to support the school's ongoing drive towards excellence. You will:
be passionate about securing the best outcomes for all children and young people within the Island community have
an awareness of the roles and responsibilities of a school governor, be willing and able to commit to the time
required to be a school governor ideally be able to bring experience of governance from other walks of life, and
particularly to have skills and experience from the human resources, legal or finance professions If you feel you have
the necessary skills to make the commitment to become a school governor please contact Ben Julian (Chair of
Governors) on 01720 422169 for an informal discussion.
We would like formal expressions of interest to be completed by Wednesday 14 January, with interviews on Tuesday
20 January 2015. Please be aware that this voluntary post is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.
Jane Stewart, Clerk to Governors
Head Boy and Head Girl
Elected by the staff prior to the October holidays, this term marked the beginning of our roles as Head Boy and Head
Girl. As the school had not previously had such roles, it took some ironing out of job descriptions before we could
begin carrying out our duties.
As we explained to both the primary and secondary students in an assembly two weeks ago, our roles include varied
activities including peer mentoring, representing the school at events such as church services, providing assistance
with primary events such as the primary nativity, leading assemblies each term, organising school events, and
meeting any visitors to the school. We are expected to act as role models to other students and ambassadors for our
school.
After the Christmas holidays we look forward to developing our roles, as well as taking peer mentoring training
which will enable us to support other students. You will be able to read about developments in school from us each
term.
Estelle Acharya, Head Girl and Henry Balkwill Ruddick, Head Boy.
Sonia Scott’s Snack Shop
Sadly Sonia Scott has informed us that she will no longer be able run the snack shack after the holidays. Sonia’s
snacks have always been very popular with the secondary students and the staff, so I would like to take this
opportunity to thank her on behalf of all of us who have enjoyed her food. The snack shack will be missed! We will
be looking for someone to take on the business in the new year.
Red Class
This half term has seen children learning about Diwali and firework safety which
involved taking their parents back to school in the science lab for some safe
firework experiments. A big thank you to Miss Beattie and Mr Morel for organising
such an exciting experience! The children decided to set up a fire station in our
classroom where we saw many budding fire fighters acting out some dramatic
rescues. Many thanks to Declan, Katie, Andy and of course Welefant for showing
us around St Mary's fire station and letting the children explore the fire engine. The
glitter and tinsel came out in December and Christmas wouldn't be complete
without posting our letters to Santa....after a quick snack at The Dairy of course!
Thank you to Lindsay, Euan, Yve and Mick for welcoming us all. Merry Christmas everyone!
Animal Antics in Orange Class
What a busy few weeks we have had learning about animal habitats before focusing on the cold lands of the Arctic
and Antarctic. We are now experts on penguins and their lifestyle and have practised looking at non -fiction texts to
write and answer questions. We were intrigued to find out how penguins eat which led us to think about our teeth
and why we need them. A visit to see the dental surgery was a great chance to ask questions about how to keep
ourselves healthy. Baby Herbie came to visit us too. Thank you to Linda Thomas and Claire for enriching our
curriculum.
The reading team of Helen Easterbrook and Mr Douglas are very welcome each week and has been amazing to see
the progress of the child’s reading this term.
Thank you to you all for making Orange class such a busy vibrant space. Wishing you all a very happy Christmas.
Mrs Grossett
News from Yellow Class
We have had a very busy term in Yellow Class! It has been
fascinating finding out about our locality. Yellow Class would
like to say a big thank you to Todd Stevens for joining us on a
history walk around Old Town. We visited the anchor
believed to be from the Association, Ennor Castle and Old
Town Churchyard to help us discover more about the past.
Anthea Roberts kindly treated us to hot chocolate and
marshmallows on our way- thank you!
It was very exciting to visit the secondary science department to make slime and find out more about solids, liquids
and gases. The children all looked very professional in their lab coats!
News from Green Class
The second half of the autumn term has been very busy in Green Class. We have been finishing our World War 1
Topic, designing and making our own zeppelins and writing some excellent information reports, researching and
presenting our work using our laptops. As mathematicians we have been investigating shape and achieving some
super results in our times table challenge! We have had fun making
volcano rock-cakes in science, and creating some clever animations in
ICT. In art we have produced some wonderful abstract art, inspired by
Kandinsky. All of Green Class has shown brilliant ball skills while we
have been challenging ourselves in some pretty exciting netball
matches! Everyone has been working very hard learning their lines
and songs for the Nativity. It’s going to be a fantastic show. Merry
Christmas Green Class!
News from Blue Class
We have enjoyed a busy half term of poppy making and bake off’s, grid method maths and instruction writing. We
have written as police detectives and newspaper journalists and some pupils have even written instructions on how
to survive Blue Class!
As of January I will be teaching secondary Science and so wish a fond farewell to Blue Class children. I wish to
express a huge thank you to my team and all the staff and parents who have supported me over the past 4 years as
Blue Class teacher.
Tim Garratt
News from Indigo Class
We have had a very busy half term preparing our Christmas performance and learning about life one hundred years
ago during WW1. Indigo Class have also finished studying Macbeth and are going to continue with the Shakespeare
theme in the New Year. They have enjoyed using the Lego Mindstorm in ICT with Mr May and improved their rugby
and netball skills beyond recognition! Everyone made a beautiful Christmassy plaque to sell last week and, along
with some games designed by the pupils themselves, we raised a magnificent £52 for our class. Happy Christmas
from Mrs Finch and Moira.
News fromTresco and Bryher Base
We have been learning about the Hindu Festival of Light this half term alongside how
Christians celebrate Christmas. Today we invited all our families into school for a Diwali
lunch. We made chicken curry, vegetable curry, dahl and rice, served with poppadums
and naan bread. We also made mango lassi but Felix was the only one who liked it!
We decorated the classroom and gave it a good clean to encourage the God Lakshmi to
enter and bring us good fortune. We also wrapped up presents of sweets and gave
them to our family, as giving sweets is supposed to help your receiver think sweet
things about you!
We have really enjoyed learning about Diwali and look forward to learning more about
other cultures and their customs.
Susanna Gates
News from St Agnes Base
St Agnes prepare for Christmas
Rescue helicopter – Christmas play
When brave young pilot saves the day.
Making hearts – very tricky
Salt dough decorations very sticky.
Getting ready for our Christmas Fair
Decorations everywhere.
Gifts aplenty, sparkly too
Special things from me to you.
Beautiful tree perfumes our school
Mince pies and glitter – that’s our rule!
Paper chains festoon to infinity
Balloons and tinsel - decorations brilliantly!
By Isla and Sanchia
News from St Martins Base
Nearly at the end of term now, and all getting really excited about our Nativity performance of ‘Stable Manner’,
which we are doing down at The Sevenstones Inn for a change. There are lots of songs, and three rather
argumentative animals who are rather reluctant to share their stable!
We held our Christmas open afternoon last week, and we were delighted to welcome lots of people to the base. The
children were great guides, and proudly showed our visitors all the lovely things we’ve been doing this term. There
were lots of very positive comments from our visitors which was lovely.
The infants have written some great stories this half of term. They are based on ‘Jack the Giant Killer’, and they
changed their stories by making up their own characters and how the giant was killed. The juniors focus has been on
report writing, and they have produced some great information posters about Roman
baths. Next time you visit a swimming pool or gym, you can thank the Romans for
bringing ideas like that to Britain nearly 2000 years ago.
We would like to thank all the people who have supported us this term, perhaps by
having us on visits, or coming down to the base and working with us. Happy Christmas
to everyone, see you in 2015!
MikeTetley
Liam showing off his work during our open afternoon.
After School Clubs News
NEW SPORTS CLUBS FOR AFTER CHRISTMAS:
Primary Hockey Club, Y4,Y5,Y6: Monday 3:30 – 4:30 in the sports hall with Sarah Jenkins, remember to bring shin
pads + gum shield.
Primary Soccer Club, Y3,Y4,Y5,Y6: Tuesday 3:30-4:30 in the sports hall with Mr May, shin pads must be worn to play.
Primary Soccer Club, Y1,Y2: Wednesday 3:30-4:30 in the sports hall with Mr May, shin pads must be worn to play.
Secondary Soccer Club Wednesday 3:30-4:30 on field with Mr Songhurst. Boots and shin pads.
Secondary Basketball Club Thursday 3:30-4:30 in the Sports hall with Mr Garratt
ABRSM Music Exams Success
Excellent results from our students with their ABRSM Exams, even though they had a couple of hills to climb as the
exams were brought forward from Dec to Nov 20th, giving students a lot less time to practise, due to the earlier date
and the half term holiday! However they all did brilliantly and I am very proud of all of them for such a great
achievement!
Jane Pender
GRADE 1
Piran Julian Alto saxophone 124 Merit
Evie Jenkins Alto saxophone 116 Pass
Ruby May
Flute
104 Pass
GRADE 2
Bridie Ducker Alto Saxophone 125 Merit
GRADE 3
Jevon Hughes Alto Saxophone 132 Distinction
Katie Wainwright Clarinet
Zac Hick
124 Merit
Tenor Saxophone 117 Pass
GRADE 4
Loveday Lewin Piano 126 Merit
GRADE 5
Inca Reynolds Alto Saxophone 130 Distinction
Parent Consultation Evenings for Year 10 and Year 11
A big reminder to parents of Key Stage 4 students that there are two Parent Consultation Evenings very early next
term. The Year 11 evening is on the first day back, the 5th. January from 4-6p.m. and the Year 10 evening is on the
following Monday, the 12th. January, from 4-6p.m. Both year groups in Key Stage 4 are focussing on preparation for
GCSE and BTEC qualifications and the transition to post 16 education on the mainland. These meetings give the staff
an invaluable opportunity to meet parents and discuss student progress and course deadlines. We can also share any
concerns. We hope to see you there.
Sarah Garratt
student Council
The Student Council have continued to meet on a weekly basis representing and sharing the views of all
students, in all phases, on all bases. The reps have continued to do a fantastic job representing their peers.
Well done Student Council!
Liz Duffy-Griffiths
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Alice and Chelsea have finished their research and have spent the last half term on project write-up. Both are
completing a 10,000 word written project which will be accompanied by a presentation. The girls have worked
extremely hard; applying the Harvard Referencing System and ensuring that their writing is of A-level standard. We
look forward to sharing more news about EPQ in the new year. Well done both!
L iz Duffy-Griffiths
Secondary Uniform
A big thank you to the secondary students who are consistently following the school uniform policy and to the
parents who are supporting them in accomplishing this. Last half term we tackled skirt length with great success.
This half term we are focussing on non-uniform jumpers and hoodies. A small number of secondary students appear
to be wearing hoodies instead of coats. Please be mindful that these items are not allowed to be worn in the
building. Given the weather, it is far more sensible for a school jumper/school hoodie to be worn as well as a coat.
Your support with this is much appreciated.
Liz Duffy-Griffiths
Year 11 Mock Exams
Year 11 have worked very hard this half term, preparing for and taking their GCSE Mock exams. The students
maturity and dedication to their studies was evident throughout the mock week and we look forward to sharing
their results via the school reports. Well done Year 11.
Liz Duffy-Griffiths
Secondary Reports and Parents Evenings
A reminder that the first secondary report is due to be published in the last week of this term. The reports will be
posted home. Our Secondary Parents Evenings will be taking place in the new year:
Year 11
Monday 5th January
Year 10
Monday 12th January
Year 9
Monday 26th January
Year 8
Monday 2nd February
Year 7
Monday 9th February
Please remember to bring a copy of the school report along to the Parents Evenings. More information about data
and reporting is available in our guide on www.5pfl.com
Liz Duffy-Griffiths
LAMDA
“ What a smashing evening!” O ne parent reported.
O n Friday 5 th December we presented our second, fabulous LAM DA showcase evening to parents,
friends and siblings in the Performance Hall. I t was a great opportunity, for our students to show
one or more of their exam pieces they had been rehearsing for their exams in January.
I would like to express how enormously proud I am of the professionalism and talent we have
here at Five I slands School. Students as young as Year 5 ( and up to Year 1 1 ) , presented a variety
of characters and genres in a thoroughly enjoyable medley of play extracts, for the audience.
Students will inevitably still need to develop and rehearse their pieces to polish them in readiness
for the forthcoming exam. As parents would you please continue to check their lines over the
holidays with them?
Thanks for all your continued support,
M rs Reynolds.
Hello from Mundesley.
Well here we are, the end of term with Christmas approaching fast. Mundesley students have decorated downstairs
and their bedrooms are lovely and glittery!
Szymon joined us this term and has adapted well to the boarding house
life. Beryl Read popped in one night and played Bertie Drive, a very fast
and noisy game. Sophie Poat won. Thank you Beryl for a great night.
For Christmas everyone got together and made an advent calendar, as
you can see from the picture it is very colourful! A very happy Christmas
from us all at Mundesley!
Ann and Julian
House Rugby
This half-term saw all three houses competing in the annual rugby tournament. Separate primary and secondary
events took place on the school field, with pupils and students from years 3 to 11 taking part. The primary event
used tags in place of the tackle and included a combined year 3 and 4 section for the first time. There were some
great performances by individuals, but it was the house that could play as a team that proved the most effective and
this year it was Will St. Pier and Issy Taylor who lifted the trophy for Shearwater. Many thanks to Ollie Glenn, Tara
Hitchens and Andy Erentraut for helping run the tournament, as well as taking on a combined year 3/4 team as a
bonus for the youngsters.
The secondary matches were also great to watch as full contact, 3 man scrums and lineouts were all employed to
make it as close to rugby 7’s as possible. In previous years Harry Stone had proved unstoppable with his electric
pace, but he did not have it all his own way this year as some crunching tackles were made whilst defending the try
line. In the end 2 matches were won on a golden try leaving Andy Erentraut gratefully receiving the trophy for
Shearwater.
A big thank you to Ian Nimmo, who has kindly given up his time to coach our students during the after school rugby
club, and also for refereeing the matches on the day.
Martyn Songhurst
The victorious primary Shearwater team
For Information:
FACE BOOK
Everyone recognises the important place that social networking sites play in our lives today. The various social
networks are an excellent way of staying in touch with friends and family, near and far, and a great way to share
photographs and recent important events in our lives. However, these sites must not become a way of raising
concerns about any aspect of school life.
Whilst we recognise that people will inevitably discuss their anxieties and concerns with their friends in person we
feel that publically raising issues with Facebook ‘friends’ is not appropriate. Should you have any issues whatsoever
we would encourage you to approach your child’s Class teacher/ tutor or base leader in the first instance or use the
channels indicated on all school newsletters. By approaching concerns in this manner your issues will be dealt with
professionally and confidentially and you will receive attention from the people best able to address the issue raised.
All our staff work extremely hard, often very long hours, to provide your children with a range of exciting, creative
experiences and a good education delivered within a caring, Christian context. Although extremely busy and
sometimes an appointment needs to be made, teachers, the Senior Leadership Team, Key Stage Leaders and myself
are always willing to discuss any issues or concern you may have about our school with you and, should you then feel
it necessary to make a complaint, it would always be taken very seriously. Therefore I would ask that you give careful
thought and consideration to how comments posted on Facebook may cause hurt and distress to precisely those
people who work so hard and are completely committed to your children’s education and well-being.
Please also be aware of the potential risks to young people using social network sites. Those under the age of 13
should not have Facebook accounts.
Health News
The school nurse service is open to you and your child until they reach 19 years of age. Gina Smith is the Five
Islands school nurse and is available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you have any queries she can be contacted
via;
Phone: 01720 423722 or 07827284105
Email: [email protected]
If you wish to access the school nurse service you can self refer by contacting the Care Management Centre on 01872
221400
Diary Dates
Please note some of the key dates for the coming half term
Friday 19th December
End of term service
St Agnes Christingle 6pm
Monday 22nd December until Friday 2nd January Christmas holidays
JANUARY
Monday 5th January
Return to school
Year 11 Parents evening – 4.00 – 6.00 pm
DIARY DATES – Cont’d/…..
Monday 12th January
Year 10 Parents Evening – 4.00 – 6.00 pm
Monday 26th January
Year 9 Options Evening – 4.00 – 6.00 pm
FEBRUARY
Monday 2nd February
Year 8 Parents Evening – 4.00 – 6.00 pm
Thursday 5th February
Intermediate Maths Challenge
Monday 9th February
Year 7 Parents Evening – 4.00 – 6.00 pm
16th – 20th February Half Term Holiday
Monday 23rd February
Training Day – school closed to pupils
MARCH
Thursday 5th March
World Book Day
Monday 16th March –
Thursday 19th March
Cornwall Music Festival Trip
Thursday 19th March
Key Stage 4 Safety Day
Friday 20th March
Internet Safety Day