News & Events
On February 24th we celebrated National Sing Up day with a musical extravaganza. Everyone, including the teachers enjoyed the opportunity of sharing their singing talents with each other. A real highlight was the excellent individual performances from Daniel B on the drums, Eeshan B and Omre U on the guitar and Olivia T on the piano.
Grimsdell Nursery and Reception had their annual opportunity to take part in a 'Musical Theatre Workshop'. This year's theme was 'High School Musical' and 'Hairspray' which involved a programme of singing, dancing and acting. After a warm-up, which involved both voice and bodywork, each group followed the teacher into an extremely stirring performance which included music from both musicals. Years 1 and 2 then took part in a 'Cheer Dance Workshop'. The warm-up for this would have challenged even the fittest of adults and culminated in a cheer-leader session which involved amongst its very intricate choreography, jumping, high kicks and a Mexican wave! Both of these events were a feast of colour, energy and confidence building exercises.
Two opportunities to visit Grimsdell are coming up. The first is the Foundation Open Morning on Saturday 8th May when all three schools of the Mill Hill School Foundation are open. Grimsdell will be open for tours and displays from 10.30 to 12.30, and there will be an opportunity to meet the teachers. For a more in-depth visit on a normal working day, the school will also be open from 9.30 – 11.00 on Monday 10th May with a talk to parents from the Headteacher at 10.15.
Grimsdell children and families have been turning their thoughts to those less fortunate than themselves. After all the publicity about Haiti, Grimsdell Parents Association made a donation of £1,000, and the children themselves raised £1,100 from their Mufti Day on Monday 25th January. All proceeds went to the Disasters Emergency Committee.
Grimsdell survived the recent snowy weather with only minimal disruption to the normal working day. All the staff came out to greet the children and make sure they got into school without slipping over. The children got to do lots of activities relating to snow – such as building miniature snowmen in the class and listening to a range of snowy stories such as Harry and the Snow King and The Snow Lambs. Thanks must go to the Maintenance Staff worked industrially throughout to ensure staff and children were able to get in and out of the school in safety.
2010 promises to be a very constructive and happy time for all Grimsdell children. Term starts on Wednesday 6th January and After School Clubs for Year 1 and Year 2 commence from Tuesday 12th January. Academically the Lent Term is always busy but additional activities will include a Musical Theatre Workshop for Nursery and Reception, a Cheer Dance Workshop for Years 1 and 2, Drama4All Workshops, a trip for Year 2 to the London Transport Museum, an outing to the Museum of Childhood for Year 1 and a visit for all from the Travelling Book company.
In the current climate Grimsdell's Christmas thoughts have turned to those who may have been having a difficult time. Throughout the season of festive Christmas parties and concerts emphasis has been placed throughout on those in less fortunate circumstances. Prior to Christmas the children took part in 'The Shoebox Appeal' which is part of the charity 'Samaritan's Purse'. 135 boxes were posted to places around the world where children would not otherwise have received a present. Back at home 'Ralph the Reindeer' was the name of the Year 1 and Year 2 Christmas Musical Concert which featured not only all the children in joyous voice but also the String Ensemble.
All the children enjoyed their Christmas lunch and wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Well done to Georgina from Year 2, who was runner-up in a National Road Safety Poster competition organised by the Road Safety Charity 'Brake'. The competition attracted hundreds of entries from schools all over the country. In the photo, Georgina is showing her colourful poster and the teddy that she won!
Our Shoebox Appeal is for the charity Samaritan's Purse. This year we collected 121 shoeboxes to be sent to places around the world where children are not lucky enough to receive Christmas presents.
Annabel Karmel, the UK's best selling author of books on children's food and nutrition, is giving a talk in The Jubilee Hall, Belmont, on Wednesday 11th November at 7.45pm. Tickets, which cost £5, are available from Julie Maister or a member of the GPA.
Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 celebrated Harvest with some lovely songs. The children sang beautifully. We welcomed Bruce Marquart from the Upper Room to speak to the children about the work he does. He was very grateful for all of the donations of tins and coffee. We also managed to raise £362.09 for the charity.
Antonio (whose son is in Reception) come to our assembly to teach the children all about the Violin. He was a real hit with the children and taught them about Benny the Bow and Victor the Violin.
These colourful posters were designed following ideas put forward by the School Council in June as to what makes a good Grimsdell Teacher and what makes a good Grimsdell Learner.
A warm welcome awaits prospective pupils and their families at our Foundation Open Morning on Saturday October 10th. All three Foundation Schools – Grimsdell (pre-preparatory), Belmont (preparatory) and Mill Hill – will be open: Grimsdell from 10.30-12.30 and Belmont and Mill Hill between 9.30am and 12 noon. No appointments are necessary – please come and meet Senior Academic staff and tour the Schools. Parking will be signposted for each School from The Ridgeway.
Reception children thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Paradise Wildlife Park last week when they had a fantastic day studying all the different animals on view. The Park has been in existence for many years and has animal conservation as its main objective. The children visited the Animal Park and the Birds of Paradise Arena.
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.
