Winterfold Newsletter 2022

F O R EWO R D The School has changed a great deal since it was established in 1928, ninety-four years ago (and so has the world for that matter). From a boys’ only boarding school, which began at age 7 with a very strict daily routine, it was a different place from the Winterfold that we know now. However, its virtues and values remain the same as those from almost 100 years ago.

We strive and seek to enable children to face challenges with confidence, to have freedom balanced with security and to learn respect - so in turn they will respect others.

We began the year with hope and optimism and despite the continued challenge of the pandemic, the spirit

children in the School (from Nursery to Reception) performed their Christmas production of Mary’s Knitting. This was followed by the lively, energetic and entertaining performance of “Lights, Camel Action” by Years 1 and 2.

Although restrictions meant we could not go ahead with the Carol Service as we would have liked, we instead a filmed version that was enjoyed by all, and provided a lasting memory to share with loved ones at Christmas.

of Winterfold goes from strength to strength. It is testament to the resilience and versatility of our children, staff and parents that we have all become so adaptable, with no obstacle too big to overcome. With this, it is clear that compassion and understanding are evident in the School community.

It has been wonderful to see musical performances taking place, drama productions performed and fixtures being played. These extra-curricular activities are all instrumental in the children’s development, giving them confidence and independence within School life and beyond. This all starts from an early age, as our youngest

The future at Winterfold is very bright and with excellent teaching, high aspirations and exciting prospects and expectations we celebrate our pupils in this Review.

REGI

2022 Issue 1

WINTERFOLD N EW S

Pa stor a l What a whirlwind we have been through in this past two years, and I, alongside so many others, was delighted that we were, somewhat, back to normal throughout this term.

On reflection, although it has been challenging since March 2020, we should look back with pride for all the things that we were still able to achieve. Firstly, we are so proud that we were still able to carry on with a full curriculum including the Activities Programme, enabling pupils to continue with their wholeness of education that we are so proud of here at Winterfold. Highlights during that time were getting an insight into everyone’s home with the VE Celebrations, Winterfold Storytime, being able to still interact with Fr. Lamb and, selfishly, “Muffins with the Mitchells”; although, not a great session for those extra lockdown pounds.

We have continued with our Themes of The Week, where throughout the term we focused on aspects of Confidence and Humility. This is such an integral part of the pastoral development of all of our pupils, giving them the opportunity to act, think and reflect on core values making them stronger, rounder individuals. It has also been fantastic that we have been able to reintroduce our Form Assemblies amongst our Prep age pupils, where the children have been involved in

organising, writing, acting and sharing their wonderful ideas on a series of themes. We have been able to turn these into podcasts which have been accessible for our extended Winterfold family to listen to, through our Radio Winterfold channel.

In November, we held our Kindness Week, where the children were taught about the Ripple Effect of kindness as well as a greater understanding of Anti-Bullying. That week, the Prep children had the opportunity to collect WAKs (Winterfold Acts of Kindness) where they would be rewarded by their peers for the simple act or gesture towards one another. The beauty of this was that it highlighted just how lovely the Winterfold children are, and recognise and celebrate their day to day behaviour.

This week also saw our Odd Socks Day, a day to acknowledge our uniqueness; as always the array of Odd Socks was, well, beautifully odd.

The money collected on this day has been saved and our School and Charity Councils are deciding which children’s charity they would like this to be donated to. I hope to write more about councils and Pupil Voice

in the next News Review, as by the Summer we hope to have every Prep School child involved, having their individual voice heard. During this time we developed our Kindness Tree; a tree where statements, thoughts and positivity will continue to blossom for years to come.

One pastoral project to be particularly proud of this term is the new ENID Project; Every Need is Different. An initiative that gives us the ability to train our older pupils as peer mentors for children that may be finding aspects of School a challenge, whatever this may be. The benefits of this are great for all parties. The older children learn compassion, understanding, the ability to listen and be empathetic, whilst the younger ones get that feeling of security and safety; something every child deserves. We see this as an in-School sibling connection, which we are already seeing is having a huge impact on all of the children involved.

As we move forward, we are looking to reintroduce our external speakers to give talks to the pupils about the wider world and continuing to welcome many new faces to our thriving community.

C H A PE L N EW S Early in October, we were delighted to welcome children and parents back to the Secret Garden for the Winterfold Pets’ Blessing. The service was led

by Father Lamb who reminded us that St Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals and nature. There were dozens of animals present, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs and even tortoises. The children had their pets blessed and they all received the sacramental water with great dignity and not too much noise!

Father Lamb visited Year 3 to perform a staged Baptism of baby John. The children were delighted to be asked to play the parts of the parents, godparents, guests and even the priest. They learnt a great deal about this Sacrament of Initiation and afterwards they were invited to ask Father some questions about his life as a priest. They were fascinated to hear that he has only had one day off work in his forty years of service to the Church.

Harvest Mass, was a special occasion as always, and even more special was the fact that we were able to welcome parents to join us in this seasonal celebration, for the first time in many months. It was certainly a joyful occasion as we reflected on the many blessings we enjoy as a community here at Winterfold. The amount of food donated was truly overwhelming and the current Worship Leaders were proud to be able to deliver the produce to the Basement Project in Bromsgrove. The volunteers there were hugely appreciative of all of the efforts made on behalf of the Winterfold families and passed on their sincere thanks to everyone involved.

Remembrance Mass was both a poignant and memorable event with the Orchestra playing the hymns, the Chamber Choir singing the psalm, pupils from Years 8 leading the altar serving and reading from the Old Testament. As is customary, the Head

Girl read a verse from the poem They Shall Not Grow Old by Laurence Binyon, followed by the Head Boy reading from the Roll of Honour to commemorate those lives who were lost in war from our own Winterfold community. Finally, one of our gap students and a Year 7 pupil played the Last Post and the Reveille to mark the two minutes’ silence at 11 o’clock.

In December, Year 3 performed their Nativity tableau accompanied by Year 8 reading from the Scriptures. Their performances were recorded and sent out live. The Senior Choir, Chamber Choir and Girls’ Harmony Choir all performed Christmas carols and songs which were recorded and played intermittently between readings and the re-enactment of the Nativity story.

Although it was initially disappointing that they were unable to perform live, the pupils soon readjusted to their new roles as mini movie stars!

P R E P N EW S The Christmas Term has once again been a very busy and purposeful time with children and staff engaging in a myriad of exciting, stimulating and challenging activities.

Highlights from the English Department have included an interactive workshop with the Royal Shakespeare Company, which brought the characters and magic of Macbeth to life for Years 7 and 8. The pupils went on to create their own spells and character studies. Year 6 enjoyed studying the Lady of Shalott whilst Year 5 had fun exploring Greek myths. Year 4 have given advice to the Dickens character Scrooge after reading extracts from A Christmas Carol. Year 3 read War Game by Michael Foreman and wrote a diary entry from the viewpoint of a soldier.

In Mathematics this year, the children across the entire School have enjoyed using the Times Table Rock Stars to improve their rapid recall of their times tables. Healthy competition with a rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack has spread amongst the year groups and children’s attainment in this key area

of mathematics is on the rise. Children have really enjoyed immersing themselves in 3-D shapes, exploring and constructing different nets into unusual shapes such as tetrahedrons and dodecagons, and creating some fabulous displays. Children across the Prep School also enjoyed taking part in our inter-pack Maths Challenge using their core skills and resilience to gain important mathematical points for their pack.

This has been a busy term in Modern Foreign Languages. A lot of emphasis is put on their speaking skills with role-plays and a wide variety of games. For example, Year 6 enjoyed giving directions in French to blind folded pupils to navigate their way round the classroom. Year 3 have enjoyed singing ‘The Numbers’ song in Spanish and Year 8 engaged in conversations, asking and answering questions in French on a variety of

topics. Year 4’s favourite game has been ‘touch the colours around the classroom’. Year 7 have written superb detailed descriptions of their family, pets and themselves and Year 5 have written excellent descriptions of their houses. Year 7 pupils also led a very successful French and Spanish café for Open Morning, where they offered drinks and delicacies to our visitors in French and Spanish. Finally, pupils enjoyed singing Feliz Navidad at the end of term. Un fantastique trimestre pour tous les élèves.

Our Geographers have been out in the field once again this term. Year 7 and Year 8 investigated medieval settlement sites at Goodrich Castle.

They went on to explore limestone landscapes by climbing and caving high up on the cliffs of the gorge above the River Wye at Symonds Yat. Year 7 and Year 8 also conducted an urban study of Birmingham. They explored

the canal network on a traditional barge, visited a Victorian metal works at Newman Brothers, investigated new developments in the city as part of the Big City Plan and were given a tour of Digbeth by a local street artist.

The Birmingham Heritage team are currently restoring the cemeteries in the Jewellery Quarter and gave the children a unique opportunity to visit the Birmingham catacombs. Year 6 have enjoyed learning about the Americas whilst Year 5 have studied Africa with a particular focus on Kenya.

Year 4 have learnt about the United Kingdom and in particular our own county of Worcestershire. Year 3 have studied the Weather and are becoming budding meteorologists and weather forecasters.

The Art Department has been busier than ever this term. Pupils in all years have been developing a vast range of skills using a variety of different mediums, including ceramic work, acrylic painting and oil pastel. They have gained knowledge of many styles and periods of Art history including; Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Fauvism and Art Deco. To complement their work on pottery, Year 5 had the opportunity to visit Jackfield Tile Museum. During this visit, the pupils completed stunning tile designs using old Victorian tubing methods.

Outside of lesson time, Year 7 and 8 pupils continued to explore and enhance their works at Art Portfolio Club. Year 8 Art Portfolio students developed their skills in printmaking

by participating in a valuable workshop led by Lillian Blakeley (Head of Art, Bromsgrove School). Towards the end of term, Art Portfolio pupils used acrylic paint to create delightful, hand-decorated wooden ornaments.

Their beautiful festive designs were used to decorate Winterfold’s tree at Worcester Cathedral’s famous Festival Of Christmas Trees.

In the Design and Technology Department, Year 7 have made bird feeders and designed a squirrel proof lid that remains to be tested! Year 7 also made mirror frames from pasta and designed mechanisms to allow the frame to be free-standing. Year 8 laminated hard and soft wood to produce a jewellery collection. Year 6 have developed their textile skills in

the creation of ‘ugly dolls’ whilst Year 5 have designed and built their own kites. Year 4 have enjoyed developing their cross-stitching skills whilst Year 3 have created wonderful papier-mâché hot air balloons.

Our OWLs (Outstanding Winterfold Learners) have had an exciting term.

Firstly, we’ve been able to bring back cross-year-group sessions, so we have had Year 6, 7 and 8 working together on our projects. Secondly, we had an external speaker visit us to deliver a lecture for the first time.

Professor Currie-Jordan, a member of the Biology Faculty at Shrewsbury School, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the origins of our major staple foods, what happens if

this supply is interrupted (citing the Irish Potato Famine as an example) and the various methods we use to try to protect their production and supply. We then looked at case studies of where the use of pesticides and biological controls can have damaging and far-reaching side effects. Following on from this theme, the OWLS then wrote and performed a podcast.

Aside from our food related project, the OWLS also spent a week either side of COP26 researching not only the current energy solutions that we are relying on to ease the Climate Crisis, but also what is around the corner. They discovered flying wind turbines, carbon capture, photovoltaic roads and roof-tiles, and the shift to

hydrogen cells and boilers; although they also discovered the latter has some quite nasty nitrogen emissions which could open up a whole new can or worms.

Finally, the OWLs have been refining their debating skills this term, tackling motions such as ‘This House believes that all parents should be required to attend parenting classes before having children’ and ‘Children who are 16 and over should have the vote’. We have focused on research skills, as well as the use of persuasive techniques including the use of anecdotes, rhetorical questions and emotive language to induce pathos.

P R E - P R E P N EW S The Christmas term has been very busy for Key Stage 1 this year. This was welcomed, as we have been so excited to get back to some normality at the start of the School year.

Children in both Years 1 and 2 have started the new phonics and reading scheme this term. The children are thoroughly enjoying the new books, and have engaged so well with our sounds each week. In English, the Year 2 children focused on the books Funny Bones and The Tiger Who Came To Tea. The pupils created an illustrated story map; representing the journey the skeletons went on, as well as designing a Jungle Menu for a wild animal. We had some very exciting, yet disgusting items on those menus! Year 1 children have explored a selection of Traditional Tales. They have discussed character emotions and thoughts, as well as completing personal book reviews of The Enormous Turnip.

In the languages department, Years 1 and 2 have enjoyed signing and miming fun French songs with Mrs Richardson.

History has been a prime focus for both year groups this term. Year 1 have been looking at castles. They have explored the architecture, discovered ways of how to attack and defend them, and, found out about the very first castle built in England.

To help enhance their learning, the children were fortunate enough to visit Tamworth castle. They had a fantastic time! History in Year 2 has focused on the Great Fire of London.

They have created storyboards to show key events of that time, been super History detectives and explored a variety of sources, and even had a go at designing their own house that would have had a better chance of surviving the fire. Linking with History, Year 2 also visited the Black Country Living Museum, where they looked at chain making, old fashioned sweets and schooling in the past.

Year 2 were lucky enough to attend their very first Mass of the year. On Thursday 11th November 2021, Year 2 attended Remembrance Mass and were an absolute credit to the School with their behaviour, and empathy towards what was said. Children across Years 1 and 2 made poppies, and discovered why we mark this special day each year. The Christmas term has also seen our fantastic Nativity make a comeback. Lights, Camel, Action was the Key Stage 1 play, which saw sequins, glitter and a set of Strictly inspired actors and dances. We had so much fun. It gave a ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ spin to the traditional Christmas story. All of the characters matched up, but instead they had to perform songs and dances to our 3 judges: Donkey, Innkeeper’s wife and Caesar. The children were absolutely outstanding and did the School proud.

E a rly Y e a rs Early Years have had a full and busy term.

We started the term with the celebration of International Dot Day, recognising the importance of creativity. The children wore dotty clothes and carried out spotty activities for the day.

Reception went on their first trip to Bishops Wood where they learnt about different animal habitats. The children loved being outdoors and den building.

The work continued in the classrooms, with the children being introduced to our new phonics scheme, Floppy’s Phonics, and taking the opportunity to take their learning outside to Forest School.

Harvest Festival was the first opportunity to invite parents back into School and there was great excitement in Penryn Hall. The children sung

songs about Autumn and gave thanks for the Harvest. It was a lovely service and very well attended.

The Pre-Prep Musical concert organised by Mrs Richardson was a great success, with the children performing songs learnt during their Music Makers sessions. There was audience participation, which was great fun and everyone went home smiling.

Mary’s Knitting was performed by the Early Years as part of the Christmas celebrations. The Reception children took on the leading roles and we were amazed at how well they went about learning their lines and performing in front of an audience. They were assisted by Kindergarten 1 and 2 who joined in enthusiastically with

the songs. This was a fantastic performance from all involved.

There was great excitement in Kindergarten 2 for their first excursion on a coach to Smart Trees. They got to meet Father Christmas and his reindeer. It definitely got us all into the Christmas spirit. Reception were also treated to a day out to West Midlands Safari park where they saw the animals, met Father Christmas and were able to choose a present to take home.

Reception went to see Beauty and the Beast at the Swan Theatre in Worcester. They loved every minute of the pantomime, especially the ice creams during the interval. It was a lovely way to end Michaelmas Term.

N u rsery The Nursery have had a fun filled term.

They started by welcoming many new starters and settling them into the nursery. Later in the term, they joined the rest of Early Years in celebrating International Dot Day and the children were invited to come to nursery all dressed up in dots.

lots of sensory play. They have also

The children have been finding out about the world around them with

Day. The children have taken part in

enjoyed getting outside and going on a dinosaur hunt around Forest School.

They followed footprints to discover dinosaurs hidden around the area.

A busy time has been hadbcelebrating Diwali, Bonfire Night and Remembrance many different activities including

sponge painting, sensory trays and there has been plenty of glitter around.

Our Nursery manager, Sheila Parker retired at the end of the year. Children and staff from across Winterfold came out to say a great big ‘thank you’ to her forty years of amazing service. She will be missed by children and staff alike.

DRAMA It has been an eventful term in the Drama department.

We started the School year by auditioning and selecting ten Year 7 children to join the Year 8s in the Drama Scholars group. This brings our group to a total of twenty budding performers who meet every Tuesday to learn different performance styles, and push our understanding a little further, through higher level work. We have begun working on a Theatrein-Education piece which we hope to share with the Prep School and parents, in the Summer term. In addition, we have a number of pupils preparing for Drama Scholarship auditions.

The Christmas term is typically one where Year 3 spend their Drama lessons preparing for the Nativity Tableaux, which forms part of the

Carol Service. This year was no different. Parts were cast, costumes were allocated and there was much excitement all round. Unfortunately, the live Carol Service was not able to go ahead but Year 3 enjoyed being film stars for the day as they recorded their Nativity for inclusion into the virtual Carol Service.

Year 6 were very fortunate to be given the exciting opportunity to work on the Suitcase Stories project this term.

Over seven weeks, the children were developing scenes in response to memories shared with them by the residents of Holmwood Care Home in Kidderminster. Their work was filmed and edited to present as a short film for both the children and the care home residents to enjoy. The

behaviour and focus of the children during the filming was exemplary and they learned a lot about how a film is made – all of us were very surprised at how many ‘takes’ are needed to get a ten second section of film ‘in the can’.

We looked forward to sharing the final results, and we know the residents really enjoyed the film, representing their memories.

Years 7 and 8 have begun rehearsing this year’s senior play - The Lion King Jnr. Early rehearsals have been a lot of fun as we have worked hard to get our mouths around the Africian lyrics, of the songs, as well as developing our animal characters. We look forward to sharing the finished show with audiences in the Summer term.

It was a great joy that we were able to enjoy our annual Christmas theatre trips again this year. Reception and Year 1 enjoyed a lot of laughs and panto fun, watching Beauty and the Beast at the Swan Theatre in Worcester. Years 3-8 were treated to the RSC’s latest musical The Magician’s Elephant, which was performed in the stunning Royal Shakespeare Theatre. We all thoroughly enjoyed being back in

the theatre again, enjoying live performances. Every child behaved impeccably and they were a credit to the School.

Finally, with the Extras programme being reinstated this term, the LAMDA classes with Mrs Rose were able to resume. All our groups are full and many have waiting lists which shows the enthusiasm our children have for Drama. We have over twenty children working towards their grades exams in

Acting and no doubt they will be very successful in their endeavours.

Looking forward, there is much to be excited about. Year 4 and Year 5 will perform to parents in the Lent term, the Drama Scholars are off to Shrewsbury School to take part in a Musical Theatre workshop and Years 7 and 8 will be watching the Lion King in the West End in March. It is wonderful to see the Drama department thriving again.

MUSIC Welcome back to the lively Winterfold Music Department.

Covid has really crippled live music, to countenance this we planned a packed-out programme of events this term. Here are some highlights of what has been a very memorable term, one in which we replanted lots of grass roots to ensure that whatever storms are thrown our way, we can weather them.

New instruments and projects....

We took delivery of a digital church organ for our Masses and organ lessons. This will be a great asset for our large worship events and for any pupils who wish to learn this King of instruments. We also purchased a set of very shiny chrome Steel pans, for our percussion players and class music lessons. Look out for some Caribbean tunes coming your way soon. We also had the first rehearsal of our joint Bromsgrove/Winterfold Big Band. This was a wonderful day over

at Bromsgrove’s Routh Hall where we joined forces with the Prep jazz band and jammed with the Bromsgrove Big Band. A terrific way to meet up and for our pupils to get a taste of music at Senior School. We finally had a new event added to the music programme, which was the Pre-Prep Musical Showcase. This event illustrated to a large audience of parents what music is being done from KS2 to Year 2. We heard from the Music Makers, PrePrep choir and the new Singa Lingua vocal language programme, to get pupils singing in French.

Out and About.....

Performances at Winterfold are fantastic. The real challenge for a good music department is also to get out on the road. We specialise in playing at venues across the UK and the globe.

There is a list on the website of all the places that we have played, and it is very impressive. With restrictions being lifted, we took advantage of a

range of opportunities. ‘Symphonic Sundays’ at Shrewsbury School proved a hit with a small group of our pupils, who joined forces in a large orchestra.

The Groove Diggers were invited to join King’s School and the Jazz department of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire for an amazing day of jazz coaching followed by a concert in the awe-inspiring concert hall at the Conservatoire. We finished the term with an invitation to lead a carol singing event at Bewdley Museum. We played a range of traditional carols with which the public audience joined in with gusto.

Some old friends.....

We held our first Mini Me concert for two years. Mr Hobbs kicked off events with his saxophonists. Mr Tattam followed with his bassoons and clarinets. It was then the turn of the Senior String Group joining Mr Sidford’s pupils. A lovely return to these civilised morning concerts in the

front hall with live music, coffee and a chance to meet your instrumental teachers. There will be many more to come next term. We also had a super ‘Performance Platform’ with a group of soloists performing to a very full and socially distanced audience. It was great to hear such confident musicality in the acoustics of the PAC. We also put together our usual musical offering for the Remembrance Service.

This year, the orchestra tackled an arrangement of Elgar’s Nimrod, which created a moment of great pathos.

The Chamber Choir sang beautifully, and our Senior Brass Group led the last post. A very moving tribute to the fallen.

Christmas comes but once a year and we were keen not to miss it musically

this time round! A large rostrum of live music events was evident in the weeks leading up to the end of term.

These included Years 3 and 4 and Years 7 and 8 singing around the glorious Christmas tree in the front hall, to a packed audience of parents who savoured fine mince pies and ‘sweet singing in the choir’. This year’s Christmas market saw a plethora of performers showcasing their talent through Christmas songs. Sadly, once again our Carol Service had to be virtual. The Choirs sang with real energy in their filming and we were treated to performances from the Junior Choir, Senior Choir with the ambitious Carol of the Bells. Chamber Choir performed a moving number by the modern British composer Will Todd, and the Girls’ Harmony Choir

singing with both the Year Four pupils and creating a wonderful montage for their solo song in Santa’s Grotto.

We also sat a set of ABRSM grades.

We were a few numbers down when it came to the day but managed some twenty plus entries and a wide range of grades from initial to Grade 5 with many merits, one distinction and a high pass rate. Well done to all those pupils who took part.

With all credit to the team of teachers and pupils we only had to cancel one concert this term and turn another one virtual. That is the true Winterfold Spirit. May it keep us going as we carry on through this challenging year, and beyond.

S P O RT Our girls and boys have enjoyed a successful term training and matches.

It has been lovely to get back to some kind of normality with fixtures taking place on a weekly basis and traditional match teas making a much appreciated re-appearance.

It has been a pleasure to watch the girls develop their skills over the term and to play with such confidence and determination. Despite our relatively small year groups, we have competed well against our rivals and enjoyed some very close and exciting games.

Mr Gooderham and Mr Terry from Bromsgrove have continued to lead our hockey sessions on Mondays and we are very grateful for their expertise and insight into the game. The girls have been fantastic, and have really thrown themselves into their training and matches.

The boys enjoyed a successful Rugby season and after missing the entire season last year, it was good to see them all out on the field again enjoying the sport. All the boys have had the opportunity to represent Winterfold and they have all made a genuine effort in their matches and training.

It took a little while for all schools to

get back into the swing of contact rugby but once the boys had a couple of games under their belts it was full steam ahead. The senior teams gained momentum throughout the season and at times played some expansive and skilful rugby. The Year 6 team had a superb season and have consistently displayed high skill levels and team work. The Year 5 boys were introduced to contact rugby and improved rapidly as the season went on whilst the junior boys in Years 3 and 4 thoroughly enjoyed their tag and touch versions of the game. Cross-Country has seen some notable success this term with teams competing at the Abberley and RGS The Grange events. At Abberley Hall School, our girls put in a superb effort on the day and faced tough competition with up to sixty runners in each age group. The U13 boys’ team won the team event at Abberley with the U11 boys finishing a very close second. This result was also repeated at the RGS event after half term. In both competitions, all six of the U11 boys finished in the top sixteen runners which is quite an achievement. There were also

winners’ medals for Frazer Spittle, Connor Lyons and George Witte for finishing first in their events. The girls also competed hard and showed tremendous grit and determination in all of their events. They can be very proud of the effort and teamwork that they showed. There will be more cross country after the Christmas break and we look forward to those.

The Orienteering Team have again been very successful, achieving second place in the Middle and Prep Schools category at the British Schools Championships at Stowe School.

Everyone had a fantastic time, making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

All in all, another extremely busy calendar of sport for everyone at Winterfold. Thank you to all of the children who have taken part, to our superb coaches for their help and expertise, to our grounds staff who prepare and maintain our pitches, to our kitchen staff for providing such great match teas and to all of the parents who have supported the teams so positively this term.

CHRISTMAS MARKET The Christmas Market this year made a fantastic come back.

There were stalls, mince pies, tombola, performers, lots of different games to play, and most importantly, Father Christmas was there. Our Christmas Market is always a good chance for the bands to perform. This year, we have had a marquee full of instrumentalists.

We were entertained by the vibrant

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed

Junior Strings, Bewdley Band and

themselves. A massive thank you

Junior Band. The audience were

must go out to all who were involved;

warmed by their tunes and enjoyed

parents, teachers, pupils, kitchen

clapping along. It was heartwarming to

staff, grounds staff, and all our Friends

see this event being held once more.

of Winterfold.

COMMUNITY AND CHARITY Pupils in Years 7 and 8 painted their Christmas designs for the Winterfold Christmas Tree, which was displayed in Worcester Cathedral’s cloisters as part of their Christmas Tree Festival.

The children worked extremely hard to create the beautiful pieces displayed on the Winterfold Christmas Tree.

The Year 6 drama group were very fortunate to be given the exciting opportunity to work on the Suitcase Stories project this term. This was a multi-generational project which was developed in conjunction with Museums Worcester, White Socks Theatre Company and Holmwood care home in Kidderminster. The children took part in weekly workshops to develop scenes which depicted the memories of the care home residents, suffering with Dementia, who they had met via Zoom. The culmination of this work was a fifteen minute film, which premiered on YouTube on the last

day of term. The children learned so much about Dementia over the project and they recreated the residents’ memories with respect and empathy.

The OWLS were also invited to take part in the Chaddesley Corbett time-capsule project. Pupils all wrote letters addressed to the people of the future and included items that they felt were representative of the year 2021, including the latest copy of the Winterfold magazine. The capsules were buried under two commemorative trees behind the bus stop on Briar Hill, at the north end of Chaddesley. Winterfold was represented by our Head Girl, Matilda N and two deputies, Frances G and Harry P. Matilda wowed the attendees with a short speech that included the list of items contained in the capsule, and both Frances and Harry helped to plant the trees.

This term, all pupils in Years 3 to 8 created a unique Christmas card design, all of which were printed by Cauliflower Cards. The proceeds were donated to CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) and the children were able to choose their own class gifts, which they sent abroad to help communities in the developing world. Gift choices ranged from chirpy chickens to water for a family, School starter packs and teaching someone to read.

During Anti-Bullying week, the School held an ‘Odd Socks Day’ whereby all pupils and staff were invited to wear odd socks to School in order to acknowledge our differences and to celebrate all that makes us unique as individuals. The money raised from this will be donated to a charity of the pupils’ choice, which is yet to be decided.

FRIENDS OF WINTERFOLD

Our traditional pumpkin competition attracted some very imaginative and intriguing designs this year including characters from Marvel comics, television shows and an array of ghosts, ghouls and fiends. There were some fantastic entries. Everyone enjoyed the display, and the Pre-Prep in particular loved pointing out which one was theirs. A big well done to all the winners of 2021.

November saw the return of our Fireworks evening. It has been fantastic to see some of our more familiar Friends of Winterfold activities back on the agenda as we gently welcome our Winterfold Family back on site. After such a long break, the

(usually) annual firework spectacular was incredibly well attended and received. There was an amazing turnout right from the Nursery to the top of the Prep school, and it was fantastic to see so many families enjoying this time together.

Amongst all the festivities in December, we were able to hold the traditional Christmas Market, albeit slightly adapted, we were still able to have all the favourite stalls. The tombola was a huge success, which could not be done without the support of everyone; thank you. There were mince pies and hot mulled wine whilst listening to all our talented musicians and even the big man himself, Father

Christmas, stopped by for a quick visit!

On behalf of the Friends of Winterfold, we would like to say a big thank you to everyone for your support with these events from helping out to attending.

They simply can’t happen without you, and the children are still enjoying all the benefits of the funds you’ve raised.

It is always a pleasure witnessing our children reaping the benefits from the Radio Room and Forest School which are all in place because of these events.

It has been wonderful to plan events again for the Friends of Winterfold, it has been too long. We look forward to hosting a range of different events in the New Year.

sta ff news Farewell Sheila.

Sheila Parker started at Winterfold in 1987. She had many and varied roles within the School, but one of her primary ones, was as School Matron. The Headmaster at the time, then tasked her with setting-up and managing a nursery for the School.

When the first babies arrived, the Woodhouse was not even ready, so Sheila took the babies to her house

and ran the nursery from her home.

This example of adaptability is testament to Sheila’s resourcefulness and commitment to the School. Many past and present pupils, along with their parents, have been under her care at the start of their educational journey. Those solid foundations on which they began their life at Winterfold are due to the care and

learning opportunities they were given in the Woodhouse under her direction.

All of the parents of those who have been looked after by Sheila are truly grateful for the remarkable start she has given them. Sheila has given many years of loyal service to Winterfold and she will be greatly missed. We wish her all the very best in her retirement.

A poem for Sheila’s Retirement Happy Retirement Sheila Never thought we’d see this day We’ll all have our tissues ready We love you, what more can we say.

You started at Winterfold House Way back in the day You were matron in the boarding school That’s how you earned your pay.

You went on to work at Mayfield You did some childminding too And then in 1998 You joined the Woodhouse crew.

Over 20 years you’ve managed A successful Woodhouse team With loving, caring family ways Making little faces beam.

The children, parents and the staff Have made a friend in you

Coz right back from the start to now It’s the thoughtful things you do.

So many staff and children Have joined in all your fun.

We’ve had births, weddings and funerals Teamwork, courses and cake Toddlers, Tweenies and Babies Taking long walks round the lake.

Woodhouse is our 2nd home We’re family through and through And we are going to miss you But wish you luck with whatever you do.

Sports day, Christmas plays All in one wet suits Off down to the forest school In our welly boots.

Lots of toys and artwork Dressing up and displays We’re all a little crazy In our very own ways.

You are the heart of Woodhouse And should be proud of what you’ve done

Enjoy your days, have lots of fun Relax, don’t do too much But please find time for your crazy bunch And remember to keep in touch.

Woodhouse, Winterfold and Bromsgrove too Would like to raise a glass and say Here’s to the future Sheila Three Cheers --- Hip Hip Hooray!

Hip Hip Hooray! f Hooray!

Looking back in time

Chaddesley Corbett, Worcestershire DY10 4PW Tel: 01562 777234 Email: head@winterfoldhouse.co.uk www.winterfoldhouse.co.uk Registered Charity No 1063133

REGI