Headmaster’s Update
This final week of the half term has been hugely enjoyable and we’ve seen the children involved in a whole host of activities at TPS, highlighting what a fun, busy and productive community we are.
Last weekend, we were proud to host the Hampton Junior Chess Congress, a London qualifying event for over 70 local children, helping fulfil our aim to be at the centre of the local community, partly by offering our school facilities to local organisations and charities. It was also a treat to present all the prizes to the winners on the day and to see the incredibly high standard of play.
Lunchtimes have been a particular highlight this week, as I’ve been delighted to host children in my office from Year 1 up to Year 7 who have started at TPS this year for a Head’s Lunch, courtesy of Miss Cassiano and the catering team. It’s been fascinating to hear from the children about what it’s been like to join TPS, with the children reporting that they’ve enjoyed making lots of new friends, taking part in clubs and playing their first fixtures for the school. There’s lots of excitement and anticipation too about the planned residential trips for the older children later this year. Needless to say, the children were full of enthusiasm for TPS and it’s great to know that they have all settled in so well in these first few weeks.
Linked to new beginnings, it was a pleasure this morning to meet a group of parents of our new starters, including those in Reception, exploring transition into the school, our strengths, and what we might improve. Thank you to all the parents who gave their time this morning to speak with my senior colleagues and providing such positive and constructive feedback. I intend to invite interested parents to attend a forum all about school communications later this term, so please look out for the details if you would like to join us to share your views.
In other events, Wednesday this week saw the first gathering of the TPS School Council with 12 representatives from Year 2 to Year 8 in attendance, exploring a variety of important school themes; we’ve agreed to consider school events and fundraising as a first topic, with the councillors due to speak with their classes to gather ideas. I am sure the responses will be very creative! Our assemblies this week have included a focus on Growth Mindset for the younger children, exploring how perseverance and mistake-making are key ingredients to fantastic learning, whilst Mrs Barnes took Pre-Prep on a journey of exploration through looking at Canada and its geography, biodiversity and traditions, including Thanksgiving, which takes place in mid-October.
Finally, I am delighted to share with you confirmation that TPS was formally recognised and celebrated as a national finalist in the ‘Independent Schools Awards’ for Small Independent School of the Year at the prestigious awards’ ceremony at the Law Society in in London on Tuesday. It was truly an honour to attend as a representative of the school community and due recognition for the work of my colleagues in making TPS such a special and inspiring place to learn.
Wishing everyone a very enjoyable half term break!
Oliver Barrett, Headmaster
Key Dates
Nov
| Day: | Date: | Event: |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | 03 | Uniform Sale |
| Mon | 03 | Year 3 Safe Walking |
| Mon | 03 | PSB Audit |
| Tue | 04 | PSB Audit |
| Tue | 04 | Year 3&4 Author Visit- Adam Baron |
| Tue | 04 | Year 6 Interview Practice |
| Wed | 05 | Year 3 Safe Walking |
| Thu | 06 | Year 3 Safe Walking |
| Thu | 06 | Year 6 Interview Practice |
| Fri | 07 | Whole School Open Day |
| Fri | 07 | TPSC Fireworks Evening |
All up to date events information can be found on MSP
Sports Fixtures
Nov
| Day: | Date: | Sport Event: | Location: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed | 05 | Year 5 Girls A&B Netball Fixture | Newland House School |
| Wed | 05 | Year 7&8 Boys A&B vs Newland House | NPL Sports Ground (Bushy Park Sports Club) |
| Wed | 05 | Year 6 Boys A,B&C vs Claremont | Claremont Fan Court Senior School Car Park (enter school by Portsmouth Road) |
| Thu | 06 | Year 4 Girls A,B&C Football | Claremont Fan Court Senior School Car Park (enter school by Portsmouth Road) |
| Fri | 07 | Year 4 Boys A,B&C vs Tower House | Tower House |
| Sat | 08 | Year 5 OVS Netball Tournament | King George’s Fields |
All up to date events information can be found on MSP
Mrs Fox and Mrs Lindsay Autumn Term Art Club @ TPS
We are excited to announce that acclaimed children’s author Adam Baron will be visiting our Year 3 and Year 4 pupils on Tuesday 4th November to talk about his brand-new Christmas book, The Very Last Christmas Present.
Adam Baron is best known for his popular books Boy Under Water and You Won’t Believe This, and we’re thrilled to welcome him back to TPS!
This heartwarming story is hot off the press, arriving at the end of October, and promises to be a festive treat! It could make a wonderful addition to your child’s home library or a memorable gift for a loved one this coming holiday season.
Don’t forget to order your copy through MSP over the half-term!
Deadline for all orders is Friday 24th October.
We look forward to welcoming Adam and him sharing this magical book with the children!
Mrs Haywood
My School Portal
My School Portal is a great school-to-parent communication system.
Here you will find the latest events, which can be synced with your electronic calendar, weekly menus and copies of all letters sent home.
Below are important notices from two key departments which are updated weekly:
Pre-Prep — messages from Mrs Barnes including club collection
Click Here
Safeguarding & Wellbeing messages from our Designated Safeguarding Team
Click Here
School Meals week commencing: 3rd November Menu Week 2
