Writing with just hours to go until Sports Day, there is a sense of tremendous excitement and anticipation throughout the school. Of course, the main topic of conversation among the children is which houses are likely to win the highly coveted cups, while the staff are discussing the old chestnut of our summer weather! I am optimistic on all fronts.
Since the half term break there has been a great deal of activity across the school. The upper School children have now completed their school exams for the year and the results of these will be included on their reports, which are published at the end of term. I am very pleased with results across the school and they reflect the great efforts that have been made by the staff and the children.
Form 6 had a fantastic weekend at Skern Lodge and I am very pleased with their behaviour and teamwork. On behalf of all the children, I would like to thank Mrs Cole, Mr Hudson, Mr Wilmot and Lucy Cole for giving up their weekend to lead the trip. I know all the children gained a great deal from their experiences. In fact the weekend was so successful that a day trip to Skern Lodge has been planned for Form 5 early in the Autumn Term, so they can benefit from the same invaluable lessons.
Form 2 have begun their dragon hunting quest and have already spent a day at Okehampton Castle, but, alas, no dragons were found! Still, Mrs McGreal and Form 2 remain optimistic that they might have more luck on their visit to Launceston Castle.
The past few weeks have also seen some wonderful social events.
The Teddy Bears' Picnic was very well attended and all the families who attended had a great time. The face painting, iced biscuits, carousel rides, bouncy castle and many, many other activities gave the children plenty of do.
The Summer Fayre was a great success in spite of the weather. The children ran some great stalls, ranging from the traditional to the creative (with special mention to the Simpsons' excellent human fruit machine!(below)).
Mrs Mawdsley's dressage display was very impressive and was enjoyed by all, as was Mo Montgomery-Swan's singing and our Taiko drumming.
However, the most spectacular social event of the year was the Friends' Summer Ball. I would like to thank everyone involved for all their efforts and commitment in creating a really happy and memorable evening. There are so many people to thank that I won't list everyone here and I have tried to thank everyone personally, but these events are always the result of a genuine team effort, involving a great deal of enthusiasm and commitment. Over £1,300 was raised as a result of the evening and from the comments people have made to me, I would just like to say that a team of wonderful people created a wonderful evening, and on behalf of everyone who attended - thank you.
As you will already know, in September Mrs Scott is joining Manor House from King's Hall, Taunton. She is very keen to meet parents and children, especially those currently in Form 1 as she is looking forward to teaching them in Form 2. We will keep you up to date on her visits over the coming weeks so that you are able to meet her. Mrs Scott is taking on Mrs McGreal's role as Head of Lower School as well as some additional leadership responsibilities across the school.
Looking ahead to the end of term, there is a great deal planned for three weeks: Folly visits to Pecorama, Reception and Form 1's visit to Pennywell, Forms 2 and 3 are visiting Plymouth Aquarium, Form 6 are visiting the Houses of Parliament for a tour and to see a debate, Form 6 also have their Leavers' Ball and the small matter of our end of term show, featuring all children from Forms 4, 5 and 6, which is running for three nights in the final week of term. A busy, but thoroughly rewarding few weeks!
NEWS FROM THE FOLLY NURSERY
We had a wonderful gap in the weather for our 'Teddy Bears' Picnic' on the 14th June when lots of our children brought their parents to The Folly for the afternoon and enjoyed making sandwiches for their teddies, icing biscuits to have on the 'picnic' and having their faces painted to keep their teddies entertained! The junior 'merry-go-round' and bouncy castle were also a big success.
We had almost as much fun last Saturday at the main school Summer Fayre in the mist on the sports field. A big thank you to all of you who contributed to the nursery tombola stall.
Over the last two weeks Sue Atterbury has been leading our practice sessions for our Nursery Sports Day and no matter if the little people got stage fright on the day and stood looking at the crowd when the 'gun' went off, they have really enjoyed the time spent on the field running with freedom and mastering the obstacle course. The weather held this year - I do hope you enjoyed the day no matter whether your horse stayed in the stalls or not!
Geoffrey Wilmot
You may view further images of the teddy bears' picnic by clicking here or here or here.
The Folly have also been busy with hammers and nails, saws and paint as part of their transport project.
View other images of the project here or here or here or here or here or here or here or here.
UNIFORM (WHAT UNIFORM?) UPDATE
Since The Children's Warehouse was bought out by the very large company Perry's we have been allowed to slip completely off their radar due to our size and when parents try to order items they seem not to be able to oblige. I am having an interview with a Mr Simon Smith from The Direct Clothing Company and I hope to charm him into taking us on. My intention is to smarten us up but to keep the Manor House individuality. Please bear with me and I hope to have everything set up for September. My thanks to you all for your patience on this matter.
Mrs Wilmot
WALKING THE WALK
I am WALKIING THE WALK in Bristol on July 6th for Breast Cancer Research. It's a half marathon of 13 miles. If you would like to sponsor me I would be grateful. The sponsor form is in the office. Please remember to tick the gift aid box so that the tax can be claimed back. Thank you SO MUCH.
Antonia Cheeseman
SECOND HAND UNIFORM REMINDER
For those in F6, now is the perfect time for selling on! Could I also request any second hand uniform, especially winter, to come in a bag with your name on it, before the end of term if possible. The fresher it looks the easier it is to sell.
Mrs Wilmot
SIMPSONS IN THE SADDLE AGAIN
On 11th May Matthew and I cycled 17 miles for Hospiscare. Some of it was up and some of it was down. But the bit we hated the most was the hill that seemed to go on for ever. When we finished we were given cake and a drink. But the most important thing is we tried our best for Hospiscare. Joelle Simpson
NEWS FROM RECEPTION
Reception class have had a very busy start to their final half term.
We successfully released our "home grown" butterflies into our school garden and watched as they made new homes within the garden flowers!
This half term we have been looking at different forms of transport. We have made collage pictures and paintings of transport (below)and are in the process of making paper maché hot air balloons and junk model forms of transport. A road safety officer is coming to talk to us on 7th July about being safe around traffic.
We are looking forward to our trip to Pennywell Farm, on 9th July, with Form 1.
We have been busy practising for our annual Sports day and all children are thoroughly looking forward to taking part in a number of races.
Once again may I take this opportunity to thank Mrs Broad and Mrs Gibson for all their hard work, and also thank parents for their continuing support during my first full term at Manor House?
Mrs Foster (reception class teacher)
NEWS FROM THE ART DEPARTMENT
F1 have been studying nature. In this lesson we chose a natural object, drew it and coloured it using collage. Here is a very fine example by Thomas Custance. Well done!
Form 3 studied the work of Andy Goldsworthy. After a walk of the school grounds collecting natural objects, we created the beautiful works of art below. Pupils had to use a lot of imagination and creativity!
Ms Coffin
More images of Form 3 creations are available here and here and here and here.
PHOTO ALBUM
First this month: Form 1 have been busy gardening:
Now a few reminders of the summer fayre:
Finally some shots taken of Sports Day Field Events Day:
NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS OF MANOR HOUSE
We raised a fantastic £1,368.07 from the summer ball. A huge thank you to all parents who came to the ball and to all those who helped in the preparations and clearing up! As the ball is not an annual event summer 2010 is the next ball date for your diaries.
We have spent some money on tabards for our cross country runners. These have been ordered now so expect to see them worn by the children in the autumn cross-country events. They are bright yellow so should be easily spotted from afar!
We are planning a fashion/beauty evening in the autumn - Friday 10th October. This promises to be a really fun evening for the ladies. Anybody who wants to become involved please come to the next meeting.
This is on Thursday 3rd July - all are welcome.
Joan Wright
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Plaques were presented to Charlie Lavender (who led the field for the first 100 metres!) and Jack Lavender (who came 6th) after their participation in Forde Abbey one-mile cross-country.
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A Special Time Book has been presented to Anna Bradley-Buxton.
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Marcus Skinner received a rosette after his success showing Boots the Alpaca. Also proud after gaining 1st and 2nd place rosettes and a champion banner for showing alpacas is Edward Rees.
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Spellodrome certificates have been presented this month to Isabel Couch and Katie Frost.
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In Mathletics, the following awards have been achieved: bronze by Isabel Couch, Harry Gordon and Luke Green; silver by Alex Hayman, Katie Frost, Isabel Couch and Megan Thompson-Summers; and gold by Harry Eaton.
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The following commendations have been made: to Daniel Phillips and Luke Green (for hard work), Thomas Custance (perseverance), Henry Riddle (industry), Hannah Eaton (always trying her best), Jonty Eaton Hart and Grace Zimbler (consistent hard work in English), Ben Williams (scientific thinking), Jake Carswell (progress and hard work), Olivia Cunnell (excellent progress in athletics) and Archie Kitson (consistent hard work).
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Dominic Beer won trophies for participation in his local football league and for being in the winning team; and a medal for winning the cup.
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Joelle Simpson and Matthew Simpson received medals after their Hospiscare cycle ride (see report above).
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In recognition of commitment to their teams, Charlie Lavender (Under 8) and Jack Lavender (Under 10) have received medals from Chard Rugby Club.
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At Axe Vale Supporters' Club Show, Branscombe, Jodie Smith riding Desert Fox ('Foxy') attained 6th place. Then, at Axe Vale Open Pony Club Show, Colyton, Jodie and Foxy attained 3rd place. She gained purple and green rosettes for riding demonstrations.
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Ayse Huggett and Francesca Biddle continue their Signing success by passing both first and second sections of their signing exam - the youngest to do so in the south-west.
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ABRSM Grade I in piano was passed by Sara Wright.
Our most prestigious award of excellence, the
Certificate of Achievement, has been awarded
this month to:
- LUISA CHAPMAN
- DIANA DORMOR
- HENRY RIDDLE
- BEVERLEY THORNTON
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- JOE NEBBETT
- GEORGE GALLING
- MATTHEW SIMPSON
- THEO ZIMBLER
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- ALICE CRAYSON
- CHLOE CULSHAW
- JONTY EATON HART
- HOLLY PERRETT
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Congratulations to everyone concerned
in these impressive achievements.
News
Roll of Honour
