A Note from Our Head
There are very few things that are more exciting to children (and to be honest most teachers) than a snow day. At the beginning of the week, whilst other parts of the country were seeing their first snowfalls, Dorset predictably remained snowless. It was certainly the popular topic amongst pupils around the lunchtime table. In fact, one of our Year 8 pupils finished the prayer after lunch by adding ‘And please God could you make it snow?’ Their prayer was certainly answered on Thursday when Castle Court was transformed into a winter wonderland. It was such a privilege to see the sheer joy on the children’s faces and to hear their laughter as they enjoyed watching and playing in the snow. It is days like this that childhood is all about and will live long in the children’s memories.
The snow did not prevent Vikki Slade MP from visiting the school on Thursday as part of UK Parliament Week. Vikki gave Year 5 and 8 pupils a fascinating insight into life as an MP and enjoyed answering the children’s many questions. Vikki’s message to the Year 8 pupils was to not give up and to keep on going. She explained how she had tried to become an MP 4 times, finally succeeding in the last election. It is a reminder that the success we see is only the tip of the iceberg. What we often forget is all the hard work, failures, sacrifices and resilience which that success is built on.
The snow has provided a fitting back drop as we continue to get ready for our different Christmas celebrations. It was wonderful to see a little sneak preview of the Year 1 and 2 Nativity this week – parents you are in for a treat!
Elsewhere in the school, I know the pupils are busy practising their songs for our Christmas Service in the Minster. To help you keep informed of the different events taking place during the busy build up to Christmas, please do look at the Christmas Countdown.
Wishing you and your family a lovely weekend.
Best wishes,
Mrs Katie Johnson Head
Head’s Awards are given out every Friday morning in assembly to children nominated by their class teacher or form tutor; the reasons for these are many and varied, including outstanding effort, overcoming difficulty, or helping a friend in need.
Huge congratulations this week go to:
RECB Demetrio
RECS Olivia
P1D Harper
P1Z Ayla
P2A Clover P2G Imogen
Pippa
Artist of the Week
This week’s Artist of the Week is Oswin.
She has created an absolutely beautiful collage design of a Mexican tree of life.
Oswin has produced a series of wonderful artwork this term and we are delighted to be able to share this piece with you.
Academic and Pastoral News
Please find below details of upcoming scholarship deadlines and the corresponding assessment dates.
Deadline Assessment
Sport – 27th January 2025
Music – 28/29th January 2025
Bryanston 22 November
Art/IT/DT – 29th January 2025
Performing Arts – 30th January 2025
All Rounder – 30th January 2025
Academic – 31st January 2025
Academic – 10/11th February 2025
Art – 12th February 2025
Design – 6th February 2025
Canford 1 December
Drama – 5th February 2025
Music – 27/28th January 2025
Sport (boys) – 31st January 2025
Sport (girls) – 3rd February 2025
Clayesmore 22 November Week beginning 27th January 2025
Year 7 wrapped up warm and braved the elements this week and took a Geography field trip to Poole. Their focus was investigating how town centres have changed. Thank you to our partners at Grounded Coffee and the Dolphin Centre for having us and talking to the children.
This week in Castle Club, the children not only had fun in the dark but also learned how to tie knots in order to carry out some natural craft activities, and also show their leadership skills, regardless of their age. Although a little chilly, as you can see, they embraced all the challenges with gusto…and hot chocolate!
Well done to the following children who received Head’s Commendations in today’s assembly!
Charlie F - for his outstanding effort in creating an entry for this year’s Canford Earthshot Prize competition
Lochlan M - for being a standout pupil when dealing with a visitor from another school and taking a genuine interest in the matter under discussion.
A huge well done to both children.
The Week in Sport
It may have been a chilly week, but that didn’t stop our children and Sports team from being absolutely awesome…
Team of the Week: Boys’ Ruby 1
Tuesday
Sportspeople of the week:
Finley S– For scoring 4 tries against Dumpton and for a massive try saving tackle in the corner
Hattie, Izzy, Eloise L-T & Sophia L – for being the backbone of a fantastic girls 1st team football win away at Dumpton.
Henry R – Awesome for the U12 rugby team
Jack FD’s performance at the Durlston Rugby festival where the Canford head of rugby sent a message to say that one tackle in particular had annihilated an opponent and was the biggest prep school tackle he had ever seen.
Girls’ Football vs Dumpton
The year 3 & 4 girls played their first game of football of the term against Dumpton and came up against a very strong opposition. Despite this the girls battled well and kept trying all the things we have been working on this term. The girls scored some good goals throughout the matches and kept battling well.
Boys’ rugby vs Dumpton
The boys were on great form against Dumpton with plenty of tries, fantastic passes and great lines of running on display. Against strong Dumpton year groups the boys stood toe to toe and came out on top which is a credit to their hard work and great coachability. Well done to all!
Wednesday
Boys’ Rugby vs Dumpton
1st team won 45-5 – Finley S scoring 4 tries and making an incredible tackle 2nd team lost 40-10 U10a lost U11b/U10b won 7-2
U11a – Durlston Rugby tournament
Girls Football vs Dumpton
1st Team won 1-0 2nd team lost 4-3 3rd team drew 1-1 U11a lost 8-1 U10a lost 2-1 U10b lost 4-3
For an unbelievable team performance against Dumpton, scoring some incredible team tries and working together throughout the game.
Congratulations to Lochlan, who faced a tough opponent last weekend before last , but won unanimously!
In addition, he then boxed again last weekend in Gillingham against the same opponent - and won again! Every judge scored Lochlan as the clear winner.
Lochlan, we are super proud of you and all the hard work that you are putting in to your boxing.
The boys finished second in their group and with 5 of the 11 boys finishing the tournament on the sideline with injuries, they did exceptionally well to keep battling and played some fantastic rugby throughout the day.
Our CAVE Programme
One of our focuses this week was UK Parliament week. Year 5 ran their own political parties and had a vote so that they could better understand the democratic process in the UK.
Year 5 continue to enjoy their Bikeability sessions with Rob, the instructor, and Mrs Hoey. It was the turn of a different group this week and they did really well.
We were then fortunate to welcome Vikki Slade, MP, on Thursday. She met with our Reception, Years 5 and 8 children to answer questions about life as an MP. One of her main messages to the children was ‘Keep going; don’t give up’; they were surprised to learn that it had taken her four attempts to become an MP! She also spoke about what it is like to work in parliament, careers in politics, skills for life, and what you do as an MP.
Click the play button to see them in action!
When Year 8 met Vikki Slade
Year 8 relished the opportunity to meet and quiz a real-life MP. Many thanks to Vikki and her team for giving so generously of their time.
Parent Notices
Use of Phones in Pre-Prep
When dropping off children to Pre-Prep, please note that the use of phones is not permitted, including when walking from the gate to the playground, and in the classrooms. Thank you.
Cars Idling in the Car Park
When dropping off and picking up, please ensure that your car engine is switched off and not left running in the car park.
Data Collection Forms
If you have not completed your Data Collection Form, please log on to EduLink to do so at your earliest opportunity. As we enter a season of poor weather, it is essential that we have up to date contact details in particular.
Christmas Sports & Crafts Camps
Did you miss the School Photos?
Our School Photographers are offering a catch-up session in Corfe Mullen - please give them a call on 01202 692433 to book.
Paul Manning will be running these from 16-20 December at school, from 9am to 3:30pm every day. For more details and to book, please contact Paul on manning_paul_@hotmail.com
Mr Mills continues to run Karate & Self-Defence classes for children and adults aged 7 and up (Y3+) on Saturday mornings 9am–10:20am in the Sports Hall. For more information or to book a free try-out session, please contact him on bdemills@yahoo.co.uk or bmills@castlecourt.com. Bushido Wado-Ryu Karate Club | https://bushidokarate. martialartsuk.org | Find him on Facebook/Instagram/ YouTube using: @dorsetkarate
Following our introductory taster session last weekend, there are a few spaces still available in the Little Ninjas class, with a free try-out still on offer. Pre-registration is essential-please contact Mr. Mills on 07801 730097 for more information and to reserve your child's place.
Mon 25 November
Year 8 Exams
4:45pm: Year 7 Parents’ Evening
Countdown to Christmas!
Tues 26 November
Year 8 Exams
2pm: Mixed Tag Rugby vs FSM & Sandroyd (Years 3&4)
Mon 2 December
ABRSM Exams
4:30pm: Performing Arts Presentation in the Hall
Tues 3 December
9am: Year 2 Christmas Craft Session with Parents
1:30pm: Year 5 to Bryanston to see ‘Guys and Dolls’
2pm: Years 3&4 Tag Rugby Festival at Bryanston
Weds 27 November
Year 8 Exams
2pm: Mixed Tag Rugby vs FSM & Sandroyd (Years 5-8)
Thurs 28 November
Bryanston School Imagine Day (Years 6&7)
8:35am: Christmas Pottery Painting Workshop for Parents
Fri 29 November
Mon 9 December
9:15am: EYFS Christmas Play
10:15am: Years 1 and 2 Christmas Play
4:45pm: Year 8 Parents’ Evening
Tues 10 December
Morning: Carol Service Rehearsal at the Minster
2pm: State Primary Mixed Football Festival (Years 3&4)
2:15pm: Year 1 Christmas Craft Session with Parents
Weds 4 December
8:30am: Sugarcraft Workshop with Mrs Glenn
9:15am: Year 4 to Russell Cotes, returning 1pm
Weds 11 December
2pm: State Primary Mixed Football Festival (Years 5-8)
Thurs 5 December
8:45am: Parents’ Christmas Wreath-Making Class in Family Lounge
9:15am EYFS Dress Rehearsal for Christmas Play
10am: Years 1 and 2 Rehearsal for Christmas Play
Fri 6 December
8:15am: Parent Prayer Meeting in the Boardroom
Thurs 12 December
9am: Carol Singing (Senior & Community Choirs)
12pm: Pre-Prep Party Lunch
1:30pm: Pre-Prep Christmas Parties
Fri 13 December
11am: Final Assembly and Prizegiving
12pm: Christmas Lunch
3pm: Carol Service at Wimborne Minster
4:15pm: End of Term
Save the Dates
Biathlon Events
The local qualifier for the regionals is 24November at Millfield. If your child wishes to attend, please sign up and pay a membership using this link.
Poole Grammar Christmas Fayre
Poole Grammar are holding a Christmas Fayre from 11am-4pm on Saturday 30 November, with lots of stalls, food and live music!
Christmas Pottery Painting
This will take place on Thursday 28 November from 8.45am – come along, do some painting and nibble on mince pies with coffee! Book here.
Years 1 and 2 Christmas Craft Activity
Parents of children in Years 1 and 2 are warmly invited to join their child in an exciting Christmas Craft activity. This will take place at the Art and Design Centre, down from the Walled Garden.
Year 2: Tuesday 3 December, 09.00-09.45am
Year 1: Tuesday 10 December, 2.15-3.00pm (Year 1
Parents: If you wish to take your child home afterwards, this is acceptable. If you would also like to collect siblings, please check this is OK with their form tutor well in advance and inform your Year 1 teacher).
Performing Arts Presentation
Christmas Sugarcraft Workshop
Mrs Glenn will be running a Christmas Sugarcraft Workshop for Parents on Wednesday 4 December from 8.30 to 10.30am in the DT room. The price is £30 per head, to include a hot drink, seasonal nibbles and all resources. Please contact Mrs Glenn on lglenn@castlecourt.com for more details and to secure a place. For details of other workshops run by Mrs Glenn, please see her website: lyndyloulearning.wixsite.com/ lyndyloulearning
Wreath-Making Workshop
A wreath-making workshop for parents will be held on Thursday 5 December at 8.45am. Foliage will be provided from the grounds, alongside mince pies and coffee! To book, please use this link HERE.
This term's Performing Arts Presentation will be on Monday 2December at 4.30pm in the school hall. The presentation will involve pupils from Years 5 to 8 and will include performances by both senior dance groups as well as performances by pupils who take private dance and drama lessons. You will have been contacted by email to confirm that your child will be performing.
Points of Contact
Class Teachers / Form Tutors:
Reception Mrs Brewer | Mrs Speer
Year 1 Mrs Dobson | Mrs Zachariades
Year 2 Mr Antell | Mrs Glenn
Year 3 Mrs Baugniet | Mr Bambrey
Year 4 Dr Lippiatt/Mrs Deards | Mr Laidler
Year 5 Mr Mills/Mrs Vivian | Mrs Miller/Miss Sinclair-Smith
Year 6
Year 7
Year 8
Mrs Rule/Mrs Major | Mr Fermor-Dunman/Mrs Hoey
Mr Jordan/Mrs Harmer | Mrs Lea/Mr Cheadle
Mr Phillips/Ms Thompson | Mrs Gallop/Mr Smith
Section Leaders:
Pre-Prep Mr Antell
Years 3& 4 Mr Laidler
Years 5&6 Mrs Munns
Years 7&8 Ms Thompson
Nursery:
Badger Cubs Mrs Genge | Mrs Tomblin
Badgers Mrs Bartlett | Mrs Wilson
The Nursery Manager is Miss Hixson
Your first point of contact for day to day questions and enquiries related to your child(ren) is their tutor or class teacher.
Heads of Department:
English Ms Thompson
Maths Mrs Miller
Science
Gallop
History Mrs Rule
CAVE
Hoey
Music Mr Smith
Geography Mrs Hoey
Sport Mr Fermor-Dunman
To report an absence, please call the Office on 01202 694438, or send us an email.
If you wish to make an appointment to see Mrs Johnson, please email hmsec@castlecourt.com
DT Mr Phillips
Art Miss Sinclair-Smith
SENDCo Mrs Harmer
Leadership Team:
Mr Dunsford Assistant Head (Pastoral)
Mr Edmond Assistant Head (Operations)
Mrs Hoey Head of CAVE
Mrs Munns Director of Teaching and Learning
Mr Norris Bursar
Mrs Robson Admissions and Marketing
It snowed! In Dorset!! On a school day!!!
