Headmaster’s Update
We’ve enjoyed a fantastic first full week of the summer term and the weather has played along with record early May temperatures and our beautiful school bathed in sunshine! It’s been very timely, with the clubs programme up and running and outdoor activities have included forest school outdoor learning, multi sports, cricket, netball and padel sessions, running club in Bushy Park and even the spectacle of boules on the front lawn.
With the blessing of sunshine, it was very timely that Mrs Barnes’ Pre-Prep assembly focused on sun safety, the benefits of being outside and how too much time in the sun can be damaging. Our whole school focus on Monday centred on it being St George’s Day, given the timing of Easter. We looked at the patron saints of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales and the famous story of St George and the dragon. Did you know that St George supposedly originated from Turkey, is celebrated in many countries worldwide, such as Malta, and that Muslims in Palestine also celebrate his connection with al-Khader?
Meanwhile, the sporting programme has seen the first cricket fixtures and it was a pleasure to see the U11 girls feature in our home tournament last Saturday at Kempton, playing with impressive focus and skill to win four matches and lift the trophy. Congratulations to Eloise, Zara, Evie, Iris, Anoushka, Beatrice, Harriet B, Sara, Tabitha, Harriet S and Lisa for their success in winning this prestigious tournament.
Our senior boys have had a busy week too, with Mrs Hepburn and Mr Howorth accompanying the Year 7 boys to visit the Tower of London on Wednesday, including an invigorating cruise on the Thames, while the Year 8s provoked tears of joy and sadness with their moving Leavers’ Assembly on Tuesday which was filled with TPS memories, anecdotes and great humour. It was striking to see the great camaraderie and maturity amongst the group; as you might imagine, we are immensely proud of the senior boys as they embark on their final term at TPS.
Oliver Barrett, Headmaster
Key Dates
May
| Day: | Date: | Event: |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | 05 | May Bank Holiday (School Closed) |
| Tue | 06 | Juliette Whiterod – 6C Pottery Workshop (during art lessons) |
| Tue | 06 | Juliette Whiterod – Year 8 Pottery Workshop (during art lessons) |
| Wed | 07 | Juliette Whiterod – 6G Pottery Workshop (during art lessons) |
| Wed | 07 | Maths Wizard Competition (selected Year 5 pupils only) |
All up to date events information can be found on MSP
Sports Fixtures
May
| Day: | Date: | Sport Event: | Location: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed | 07 | Year 6 & Year 5 Girls Cricket A,B,C&D | Claremont Fan Court Senior School Car Park (enter school by Portsmouth) |
| Wed | 07 | Year 6 Boys A&B vs St Philip’s | Kempton CC |
| Wed | 07 | Year 7&8 Boys vs Newland House | NPL Sports Ground (Bushy Park Sports Club) |
| Fri | 09 | Year 3 Boys A&B vs St Philip’s | Barn Elms |
| Fri | 09 | Year 4 Boys A&B vs Tower House | Sheen Park Cricket Club |
All up to date events information can be found on MSP
Sun Safety and Sun Lotion
Whilst the sun is shining as gloriously as it is today, you may wish to send your child to school with a sun hat that provides good shade and possibly also neck protection for the younger pupils.
On warm sunny days we also encourage the application of once-per-day sun lotion at home in the mornings, such as the ‘Once’ variety, so the children have good spf protection when outdoors at break times. However, it is very important that pupils are not given sun lotion to bring in to school and apply themselves during the day. We have found that some pupils are bringing such lotions in and that this can lead to over-application, lotion in the eyes and potential sharing of creams that may contain allergens for some pupils. If your child has a sun lotion in their school bag, please ensure that it is removed and kept at home. We very much appreciate your cooperation.
Additionally, please be reassured that the pupils are encouraged to stay hydrated all day using their own water bottles, the water fountains and the water provided on tables at lunchtimes.
Pyjamarama 2025 is coming to TPS!
Get ready for a cosy, book-filled day on Friday 6th June as we celebrate Pyjamarama in the library! All children are invited to come to school in their pyjamas or a onesie – just make sure it’s weather-appropriate, as June can be toasty!
As part of the celebration, we’re also launching a book donation initiative. If you have any books at home that you’ve finished and are happy to pass on, we’d love to add them to our library shelves for others to enjoy.
Let’s celebrate stories, snuggle up with a good book, and share the joy of reading together!
TPSC Summer Fair
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: 5th May Menu Week 3
