Headmaster’s Update
It was a pleasure this week to welcome a very close friend of the school, Mrs Heather Palmer, to speak to the children on Tuesday about the work of the charity, African Vision Malawi, which undertakes a wide range of projects in Malawi. TPS has a special connection with Songwe School, and we regularly undertake partnership activities with the children there, through the exchange of letters, drawings and projects, providing insight for all the children into what each other’s lives are like. Our shared project this year is all about celebrations which will see the children at TPS share their reflections on special events and how they are marked in the UK. In addition, it has been great for TPS to support Songwe with building projects and through providing resources for teaching and learning. This year, Heather is looking to gather together stationery items so we hope to run a campaign in the coming weeks to collect donations which will be taken out to Malawi closer to Easter. Please do give generously when the time comes.
This is a very busy term for the Music Department, with the prospect of the productions later this term for Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 and our trip to the O2 for the ‘Young Voices’ concert in February. It was the turn of our string players this week, with ten children visiting Epsom College alongside Mrs Harris for a whole day dedicated to shared music-making, before a fantastic concert there at the end of the day.
Of course, we know that musicians must show resilience to master their craft, and this was the theme of 4H’s and Mrs Harber’s thought-provoking class assembly, shaped around the wonderful picture book, ‘Rain Before Rainbows’, which explores optimism and the ways to navigate tougher times. Those gathered were enthralled by the children’s retelling of the story and their beautiful paintings based on the artwork, and we even had the pleasure of witnessing the children’s hopes and dreams for the future, before a rendition of the Beatles’ ‘Here Comes the Sun’!
Finally, I must mention the excitement witnessed in the Beveree on Thursday afternoon, as the three TPS E-Sports teams took part in the first qualifying round, convincingly winning all six matches to the delight of Miss Jones and the staff present. Many congratulations to Oscar H, Freddie L, Edward T, Sai A, Hanna A, Anaïs C, Nicole T, Emmeline P, Kellan W, Jonah H, Lucas C, Raphaël W-I and Logan C all of whom showed fabulous team work and no little skill. Good luck for next week!
Oliver Barrett, Headmaster
Key Dates
Feb
| Day: | Date: | Event: |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | 02 | Year 8 RSE with Nel Holland |
| Tue | 03 | Year 7&8 Trip to Bletchley Park |
| Tue | 03 | Secondary School Transfer Meeting for Year 5 Parents at TPS – 6:30pm |
| Wed | 04 | 7J Class Assembly |
| Thu | 05 | Year 5 French Workshop |
| Thu | 05 | Year 3 PGL Trip Meeting (Music Room) – 3:30pm |
| Thu | 05 | Year 6 French Trip Meeting (Music Room) – 4:15pm |
| Thu | 05 | E-Sports IAPS Competition – Qualifying Round (invite only) |
| Fri | 06 | Prayer Meeting |
All up to date events information can be found on MSP
Sports Fixtures
Feb
| Day: | Date: | Sport Event: | Location: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | 02 | * Re-scheduled * Old Vicarage School Cross Country Relays | King George’s Field, Ham Street, Richmond, TW10 7RS (opposite Ham House Stables). |
| Wed | 04 | Year 6 Girls Netball A&B vs Hoe Bridge | Hoe Bridge School |
| Wed | 04 | Year 5 Boys A,B&C vs Hampton Prep | Kempton CC |
| Wed | 04 | Year 6 Boys A&B vs Hampton Prep | Hampton Prep School – Carlisle Park |
| Fri | 06 | Year 3 Girls Hockey A,B,C&D vs Harrodian (early match) | Harrodian School |
| Fri | 06 | Year 4 Girls Netball vs Willington | TPS |
| Fri | 06 | Year 3 Boys A&B vs Hampton Prep | Kempton CC |
| Fri | 06 | Year 4 Boys A,B,C vs Hampton Prep | Hampton Prep School – Carlisle Park |
All up to date events information can be found on MSP
Donation Appeal – do you have an iPhone you don’t use?
Calm Club Donations Request
Calm Club is a popular drop-in club for Prep pupils, offering a quiet, relaxing space at break-times where children can draw, read, or listen to music peacefully. We would be very grateful for donations of Dandy or Beano annuals or National Geographic Kids books that are no longer needed at home. All items should be in good condition and can be dropped off at the school office. Thank you for your support.
Sensory Parenting Course – Emtia Bartlett
Our visiting Occupational Therapist, Emtia Bartlett, who we have worked with for many years, is running an interesting course for parents on Sensory Processing Difficulties and how to support your child. This is a hybrid course offering a combination of online and in-person sessions on Saturdays. Please do follow this link for more details: Sensory Parenting Course Feb-March Dates
Children’s Shows at The Hammond Theatre in the February Half-Term
The Hammond Theatre at Hampton School are hosting two wonderful children’s shows during the February half term and would love the opportunity to welcome your families. For more details please do follow this link: Hampton School – Hammond Theatre Digital Flyer
Mrs Fox and Mrs Lindsay’s February Half-Term Art Club at TPS
London Brick Festival in Central London – STEM Subjects Skills
The London Brick Festival is an exciting celebration of all things LEGO, but it isn’t just about fun – although it is absolutely packed full of that too! Brick Festival events also invite visitors to explore a range of STEM subject skills through the medium of LEGO bricks. How do you become more interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths? By understanding them. And how do you best understand things? By having fun while learning. LEGO is the perfect tool for developing new skills, exploring new ideas and having new adventures.
Whether you’re a die-hard collector or a casual LEGO fan, the London Brick Festival at Royal
National Hotel is the place to be. Secure your entry online now – adult tickets from £8, child
tickets from £6, and there’s even an extra value family ticket available too!
Don’t miss the chance to be a part of the most epic LEGO celebration! Grab your tickets and
get ready for a day filled with building, creativity, and endless fun!
Book now at www.LondonBrickFestival.com
TPSC Comedy Night at TPS
We’re really looking forward to welcoming Laughing Chilli Comedy to TPS!
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of comedy, all while raising vital funds for our school playground. Laughing Chilli has secured some fantastic acts to keep us in stitches all night. It promises to be a fun, relaxed evening of stand-up and a great excuse for a night out with friends. If January has felt long and dull, this is the perfect mid-term pick-me-up!
There’ll be bars serving a range of drinks, including premium cocktails, as well as nibbles to buy, so you can arrive, unwind, and enjoy the evening.
Date: Thursday, 12 March 2026
Venue: TPS School Hall
Doors Open: 7:00pm
Show Starts: 8:00pm sharp
Tickets are £18 per person. They are limited and expected to sell out fast, so don’t wait! Head over to My School Portal and secure yours today.
Please note, we aren’t doing dinner at this event, so do grab a bite to eat beforehand. This is an 18+ event, so please come and enjoy a night off without your children.
We’re looking forward to making it a night to remember!
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: 2nd February Menu Week 2
