Year 2 had a brilliant outing to Southend, despite the rain. First we enjoyed looking at all the wonderful fish in the Sealife Aquarium. Then we walked the length of Southend Pier and caught the train back. Finally we had an ice-cream on the beach before returning to school, tired but happy.
Samples of artwork from Year 1 who have been studying Monet. By imitating his style they have recreated their own versions of his paintings.
Years 1 and 2 enjoyed the sunshine last week when they took part in a Sports Festival run by 54 Sports Leaders from Mill Hill Senior School! Children were split into 4 groups and were taken on a carousel of activities, which included trampoline, golf, dance, football and skittles. The children and the staff had a fantastic time and this is something we are hoping to make an annual event.
On the 5th March 2009 all of Year 1 visited Gunnersbury Park. The day consisted of two workshops relating to our history topics covered so far this year.
One workshop took place in a Victorian kitchen. All the children dressed up. We ground sugar in a pestle and mortar, washed the dishes and cleaned carpets with a carpet beater. We did the laundry with a washing dolly, a washboard and an old fashioned iron. The children were captivated and every child was involved in one of the activities. Julia the scullery maid was very strict and kept the children in order, as it would have been back then.
The other workshop took us back in time to meet Florence Nightingale. She told us the story of her life, the struggles she had to become a nurse and explained what it was like during the Crimean War. Once again all the children were involved, dressing up as her family, wounded soldiers, Scutari Nurses or even a photographer. It gave to children a real insight in to what it would have been like to live long ago and understand the story of Florence Nightingale and why it so important and what an impact her life made on hospitals today.
As part of Green Month a Fashion Show took place last Thursday and a number of Mill Hill students worked with Miss French to make the costumes out of recycled materials for the Fashion Show. All of our Year 2 children went to watch and the girl pictured in the white dress was chosen as wearing the best Grimsdell costume.
Grimsdell children had a wonderful time this week when they took part in a drama workshop run by a company called Merlin. Imaginations were exercised as the children can be seen trying to fight a dragon and get into the castle.
Whilst Britain faced a fresh wave of traffic chaos and school closures Belmont and Grimdell's grounds were transformed into a fairyland paradise ready for children to enjoy on their return to school. Whilst Belmont children enjoyed improvised play in their grounds, Grimsdell children took part in a snowman building competition.
Grimsdell children and Staff took a break from their academic studies this week to experience a Dance Workshop. Dances ranging from Hip Hop Dancing to Bollywood dancing were enjoyed by all.
Monday 26th January sees the start of our annual "Green Month" with activities taking place in all three schools across the Foundation. Grimsdell is proud to have recently been awarded the Silver Eco-schools award, having achieved a Bronze award in 2007. All our displays around the school are currently on the theme of recycling, and we have created a 'Wishing Tree' (pictured) which has wishes that the children have made in order to make our planet a greener and cleaner place. We have lots of activities to look forward to including an art competition for all classes which could win us some new eco bins. From Friday lunchtime, Mill Hill students will be coming over on a weekly basis to begin work on designs for the fashion show.
Entertainment combined with Education last week when all aspects of exotic animals were studied by Grimsdell children.
The hands-on experience included a wide range of animals which included a bearded lizard, a Mexican tarantula, a corn snake, a royal python, a giant frog and a boa constrictor.
It has been a busy and productive term with our new pupils settling in quickly and very happily. The term concluded with a number of exciting festive events including a delicious Christmas lunch, a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk by Bangers and Mash theatre Group, parties, an appearance with presents from Father Christmas and an excellent Year 1 and 2 concert.
The children are need of a well earned break. There has now been a number of nasty illnesses in the school and I hope the holiday will help everyone to recover and come back healthy in 2009.
The Spring Term starts at 8.30 on Tuesday 6th January 2009. Finally on behalf of all the staff, I would like to thank you for your cards, presents and good wishes. I wish you a Happy Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a peaceful holiday.
A very Happy New Year to everyone. Another busy, but short term lies ahead and we look forward to all that 2009 brings. We also look forward to seeing you at Grimsdell at one of our Open Mornings:
As in previous years children have filled shoeboxes with toys and gifts for children around the world who are less fortunate than themselves so that they can enjoy a little festivity over the Christmas period. This year Grimsdell children have collected 167 boxes so far.
Children came to school on Friday clutching bags full of Harvest goodies in preparation for our Harvest Festival. Under the excellent organisation of Miss Teng, the celebration flowed beautifully with the children singing, playing musical instruments and reciting poetry. The chapel was drenched in Harvest donations that were given to support the charity The Upper Room.
Our special guest for the day was Bruce Marquart, a project manager from The Upper Room. He spoke about the significance of our donations and how they could make a real difference to lives in London. A retiring collection was also taken raising a generous £367, making it a perfect end to our Harvest Festival.
The Upper Room is a charity for the homeless.
Grimsdell children are delighted with the new all weather astro turf that was installed over the summer. Not only has this proved extremely popular with children at play it has meant that some after school clubs, including 5-a-side can be held on it weekly as well as PE lessons.
Meg the Golden Retriever, who belonged to Mrs Bennett-Mills, came to school every day for 11 years. Sadly Meg passed away in 2006 but she is still fondly remembered with a bronze statue on the main lawn. The sculpture was presented to the school by Mr Paul Jessup, who was one of our parents at the time.
