Headmaster’s Update
Each September I am privileged to attend the IAPS Prep Heads’ Conference to explore educational developments and current thinking with colleagues from schools across the UK. I’m not sure what the collective noun is for Heads – a troupe perhaps? – but we certainly enjoyed getting together to share best practice. Given the pressures on schools in recent times in terms of affordability and access, allied with the growing needs of the children and the challenges we face to promote community wellbeing, it was refreshing to hear from so many inspiring speakers and to reinforce the fact that independent schools can continue to be beacons of excellence within each community. I’m mindful this year that we can do even more to engage the children in charitable projects, local community support and outreach for everyone’s benefit. A major theme this year considered the use of technology, including exploration of how to make best use of the possibilities, whilst protecting children from potential age-related harms. AI is proving to be an incredible tool for teaching and learning and early research is pointing to efficiencies for teachers, but the guidance is to be mindful of how this might curb creativity or deny learners the ability to have a critical eye for quality and accuracy. It’s certainly a fast-moving area and an exciting time in education.
At TPS this week, we’ve really enjoyed launching the clubs’ programme, with Year 1 to Year 8 engaged in a wide variety of activities, examples being Sewing Club, Minecraft Club and ‘Come Rain & Shine’ Club on the Nature Trail. This term is I believe the first time we have offered skateboarding at TPS too, with Pre-Prep and Prep donning kneepads and helmets with ‘Skates and Ladders’ on Thursday evening. Hopefully, there will be a staff skateboarding session soon! On Wednesday, our vibrant Class Partnerships’ programme commenced, with Reception spending time with Year 4; Year 1 joining Year 5; Year 2 spending time with Year 6 and Year 3 children matching with Year 7 and 8. Activities included playground games and reading books this time around.
Finally, this week I wanted to make special mention of all of the new children at TPS as my sense is that the transition into school has been a really successful one, with children from Reception to Year 7 making really positive starts to the year. Last night we hosted our Reception parents for their Welcome Meeting, led by Mrs Barnes, Miss McVey, Miss Chesney, Mrs Brown and Mrs Openshaw, the culmination of the important transition process we plan to help make the children’s first weeks at school a success, knowing that this leads to great things! A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to our wonderful TPSC representatives who kindly gave their time to make the Reception evening such an enjoyable one.
Oliver Barrett, Headmaster
Key Dates
Sept
| Day: | Date: | Event: |
|---|---|---|
| Tues | 23 | Reception – Year 8 Flu Immunisation Day |
| Wed | 24 | Hockey & Football Sports Tour Information Meeting (Invite only) |
| Thu | 25 | Individual and Sibling Photo Day |
| Thu | 25 | Reception – Year 8 “I gave my child a smartphone… what was i thinking?” (online) 2pm |
All up to date events information can be found on MSP
Sports Fixtures
Sept
| Day: | Date: | Sport Event: | Location: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed | 24 | TPS U10 Football Tournament | Kempton CC |
| Wed | 24 | Year 7&8 Boys A&B vs Tower House | Tower House |
| Fri | 26 | Girls Aquathlon at GHS (Invite only) | Guildford High School |
| Fri | 26 | Year 4 Boys A vs Hampton Prep | Kempton CC |
| Sat | 27 | Year 5 Girls Netball Tournament (invite only) | Newland House School |
| Sat | 27 | Year 6 Girls A Hockey Tournament – (invite only) | Danes Hill School |
| Sat | 27 | Year 5 Boys A St George’s Tournament (invite only) | St George’s Windsor |
All up to date events information can be found on MSP
The Travelling Book Fair is Coming back to TPS!
We’re delighted to announce that the Travelling Book Fair will be returning to TPS.
There will be a wide selection of books to choose from for children of all ages, and every purchase helps us earn free books for our school and class libraries.
WHEN: Tuesday 30th September and Wednesday 1st October from 3.30pm – 4.30pm.
WHERE: Weather permitting, outside in the playground, or in the Year 2 Classroom.
We warmly invite you to come along and discover some fantastic new reads!
Mrs Fox and Mrs Lindsay Half Term Art Club
Little Voices K-Pop Demon Hunters Half Term Camp
Little Voices have two very exciting K-Pop Demon Hunters inspired performing arts camps running this half term in Fulham & Richmond for 4 – 11 years (which all the children seem obsessed with at the moment).
Please see the attached poster here: K Pop Half Term Flyer
There are also lots more information that can be found here:
https://littlevoices.org.uk/south-west-london/holiday-camps-in-fulham-richmond/
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: 22nd September Menu Week 1
