The Sunday Times Top 100 Independent Prep Schools in England: Fifth equal in England and First in the North West.
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Nov 11, 2016
11 November 2016
Dear Parents
Welcome back! I hope you all had a good half-term break with your families. The children certainly look refreshed and ready for the challenges of a new half-term.
Musical Assembly
This morning, I watched a wonderful musical assembly with over twenty individual performers and our choir who were holding their very smart new choir folders. The composure of all the performers, from reading out their introduction to the actual playing of their piece of music, was quite incredible. We had pupils playing a real variety of instruments: from the ukulele (Eryk, Year 4) to the trumpet (Danial, Year 2) our youngest performer. We also had our first trio of Year 6 flautists: Millie, Katie and Olivia, who played beautifully. It was lovely to watch the audience listen intently and I really appreciated the amount of effort and time that each musician had put into preparing their piece of music. It was a very fitting end to our first week of a new and exciting half-term. Congratulations to all our performers and a big thank you to Miss Macklam for organising this musical feast!
Three Star Gold School Award from Potential Plus UK
We received our official report during half-term confirming our Three Star Gold School Award status which recognises the school for its commitment to nurturing pupils with a high learning potential. We were one of only a small number of schools in the country to achieve this status. The following section is taken directly from the report under the title, ‘Outstanding practice’: The range of evidence spans several years, which highlights the ongoing commitment Highfield Priory has towards their gifted and talented pupils. The range of extra-curricular activities and the Dragon’s Den’s style clips on the school website are inspirational.
A big thank you to Mrs Street and all the staff, children and parents for their continued hard work.
Lead Practitioner in Lancashire - Congratulations Miss Halstead!
Following on from our fantastic Early Years Inspection, Miss Halstead has received accreditation as a designated lead Early Years Practitioner for the EYFS consultants’ team in Lancashire. Miss Halstead and our Nursery have been selected to offer support to other Early Years Foundation Stage Practitioners by acting as exemplars and sharing good practice. Miss Halstead, and the school, are now on the Lancashire County Council website alongside only a small number of Nursery Schools in Lancashire. Congratulations to Miss Halstead and her team on the continued high level of care they provide for our children at Highfield.
M and M Productions: Beauty and the Beast
On Thursday, it was our annual visit by M and M productions and their performance of Beauty and the Beast. The children thoroughly enjoyed the morning and the noise nearly took the roof off the Sports Hall. I asked some of the children what their favourite parts of the performance were:
Mariela said, ‘When Belle and the Beast danced together.’
Gabrielle said, ‘All of it because of the songs, it was very funny! They were even dabbing!’
Arjun and Lucas were particularly tickled and struggled to explain through laughter about Gaston’s grand entrance into Belle’s house which was supported by Peppa Pig and My Little Pony music! Very uncool!
Thank you M and M for giving our children such a wonderful morning of entertainment!
Staff News
I would like to congratulate Miss Gordon who works in our Baby Nursery on her marriage during half term to Mr Johnston; she is now Mrs Johnston!
Winter Uniform
Please could all children have school coats and jumpers or cardigans in school every day. If your child wishes to wear hats or gloves, they should be plain, in the school colours with no logos. School hats and gloves are available from the Office.
Winter Weather
The school will always aim to stay open but please remember that if Fulwood Row is blocked or dangerous for driving (icy), please park on the main road and walk down to school. We will use parentmail to update parents of any changes to the normal school routine.
Under 11s Football and Netball
The boys and girls played against Westholme and Harris on Thursday evening at Highfield. This is the first time that school has been able to extend our fixture list after half-term in the early evening with boys and girls getting the opportunity to play matches at the same time at home. The energy and excitement created around both fixtures was a lovely way to end the day with the children chattering happily about their matches on their way back into school.
Final scores were: Football - Westholme won 1-0 Netball - Highfield won one game 7-5 and lost one 3-1.
Security Measures
A big thank you to everyone for supporting the new security measures in school. The system is working effectively and the children are much more secure throughout the school day.
Children in Need
It is Children in Need day next Friday and the children from each year group have chosen the fancy dress they wish to wear, as a class, for the day. Please could all children bring £1, to hand in to their class teacher on Friday.
Nursery and Pre-School - Pyjamas
Reception - Any fancy dress outfit
1D & 1W - Dress in as many colours as possible
2F & 2M – Pyjamas, onesies or a fancy dress outfit
3M - Teachers
4H – Odd socks, odd shoes, silly hair
4S - Pyjamas
5M - Pyjamas
5D - Onesies or pyjamas
6H - Pyjamas
6J - Crazy accessories
Please could all children still remember to bring/wear sensible footwear and warm coats (and vests if they are wearing pyjamas)
Merit Awards
RD: Naina 1D: Manavi 1W: Thomas E 2F: Abdullah 2M: Tim
3M: Evie 4H: Asiyah 4S: Sasha 5D: Evie 5M: Abigail 6H: Roan 6J: Millie
Monitor of the week: Katie
Thought for the Week
Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star. W. Clement Stone
Yours sincerely
J M Duke
Headmaster