Skylight - Autumn Term 2023

Skylight AUTUMN 2023 1

Contents Events

Success Stories

Music, Art & Drama

Robot geniuses win world finals

5

Habs students join UN debate

15

Young chess players make their move

6

Students and Staff take trips of a lifetime

Chess B team put in A-star performance

7

A journey of ice and fire

22

Flying the green flag

8

Speaking French in Strasbourg

23

Young poet publishes second work

9

Habs hosts colourful Garba dance

24

Debate teams make it to LSE finals

10

HabsDash turns five in style

26

Black History Month

27

Debating team lift Winter Cup trophy

11

Boys School Parents’ Guild Diwali Night

28

Teams compete in UK space race

12

Challah festive family fun

29

VEX IQ teams in robotics contest

13

Habs teams star in thrilling bridge tournament

30

Educating our students on drugs and gangs

31

16-21

33

Students enjoy a slice of Soho jazz life

34

Photo Award makes colourful debut

35

Audience in Wonderland with Alice

36

Habs Drama stages Madeleine

38

A Night at the Movies

40

Inspiring start at Festival Concert

41

Prep Instrumental Concert proves hit

41

Students shine in Spotlight Concert

42

Habs Community

Pre-Prep and Prep

Sport

Carol Concert

Tennis champions serve up epic victory

45

LittleHabs makes big difference to children

55

Senior Citizens enjoy magic of Hollywood

63

Junior teams tackle French rugby tour

46

Collaboration Days in full swing!

56

64

The rugby season in review

47

Squirrels and Hedgehogs show real razzle dazzle

58

Student Council Directors 2023/24

66

Football tournament nets £100’s for charity

48

Pre-Prep Winter Show

60

Joint Choir debuts at harvest celebration

50

60

The Big Draw brings imaginations together

67

Habs football development changes the game

Prep Choral Concert rounds off term

Time and space for studentsand parents

68

Habs visiting speaker Programme

70

Students show power of collective action

78

Boys and girls join forces for RAF trophy

79

Remembering together

80

Former Habs student sets gold standard in medicine

82

Evening speaker series getspeople talking

83

Gala dinner reunites Old Haberdashers

84

Hundreds return for Old Haberdashers Day

86

Partnerships makes profound impact

88

Southgate & Finchley Coaches

92

Young Deaf Campaigners in mentoring success

94

Court success for badminton teams 53 Habs Gold Medal weekend

53

Staff News Leavers

94

Internal Movements

96

Appointments

97

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Headmaster’s End of Term Message It is a great pleasure for me to preface this term’s Skylight for the first time. Reading through the pages of this booklet, I feel immense pride at all that we have achieved this term.

In some ways this has been a challenging term for our school community; but we are, and continue to be, committed to working hard to ensure that all members of our community feel represented and valued at Habs.

An essential part of this is finding moments for us to come together for a common purpose, and there have been many such moments over the course of the term. One of the many highlights for me has been participating in our Big Draw, a project which involved every student and staff member being invited to participate in a workshop to create a ceramic tile. These tiles will be collated and put on display in the coming weeks.

It has been a typically busy start to the academic year. Before we returned to School in September, many students had enriching opportunities and made new memories on a number of trips over the summer, including a waterpolo trip to Belgium, a swimming tour in Croatia and a diving expedition to Indonesia, as well as the usual plethora of Modern Languages trips and exchanges that run throughout the year. The trips continued over October half term with students travelling to Iceland and Soustons to name just a few places. I was heartened to hear not only of the wonderful experiences they gained, but also what fantastic ambassadors of our school they were.

I was very proud indeed to learn that two of our students were awarded best delegate awards in their committees during the

Royal Russell MUN conference, whilst our Year 9 VEX IQ Robotics team won an excellence award at a regional competition, earning them qualification for the national competition in March.

We aim to encourage and empower our students to take the lead and make a profound impact, which they have done very successfully in whole-school contexts this term, with members of our Sixth Form leading thought provoking assemblies on mental health, Black History Month, our culture within Sports, and our Student Council and Eco Committee working hard to ensure we were once again awarded the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag award with distinction.

In the sporting arena, our U15 Tennis team put in an exceptional performance to be crowned County champions for the second year in a row, whilst in Badminton our students have also enjoyed tremendous success, with our U14s and U16s both progressing to the regional final of the National Badminton cup. This is all alongside an outstanding Rugby and Football season, where our Prep and Senior students have represented the school in over 220 fixtures this term.

I recently had the pleasure of watching this year’s Senior School production, an outstanding performance of Madeleine, an original and unique piece of work, and those who performed and contributed backstage really did the school proud.

The quality and depth of musical talent within our community never ceases to amaze me and is a credit to the commitment and hard work of our students, as well as the dedication of our staff. In just the last two weeks, I have been privileged to attend the Reception Nativity performance, the Year 1 and 2 Winter Concert, the Prep Winter Choral Concert, and Night at the Movies, a new concert in our calendar, an evening celebrating iconic music from the world of film. The evening included a special performance from our Parent and Staff Choir, a wonderful moment for our extended Haberdashers’ community.

The Autumn Term can often feel very long indeed, as the evenings draw in and the hours of sunlight become fewer; however, I hope this booklet will remind you that there has been so much to celebrate that has brought light and energy to the whole Habs community. I am hugely grateful to my tremendous colleagues for their hard work in providing such a wealth of opportunities for our students.

I am equally grateful to all our Parents and Guardians for your support throughout this term.

I wish you all a healthy and peaceful Christmas break and a Happy New Year.

With best wishes,

Robert Sykes Headmaster

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LOREM IPSUM

Success Stories

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Robot geniuses win world finals Amazing news. In early September, Eric (7M) and his teammate won the World Robot Olympiad Final for the RoboMission unior group.

Under the team name of ‘The Light Bulb Eaters’, both students now advance to the International World Robot Olympiad Final in November, to be held in Panama City.

The RoboMission category challenges teams to build a robot capable of carrying out tasks, such as picking up and delivering objects, navigating a maze, or even sorting items. This year, the theme is sustainability and innovation under the sea.

“This is the first year Eric and his teammate have taken part in the competition,” says Eric’s dad.

“They showed great creativity and resilience yesterday.

Their main competitor was last year’s winner, so had the advantage of experience and robot build, in that they could use two extra motors.”

They had a very good start, yet under great stress in a loud room, Eric and his teammate had to explore lots of different options, while dealing with unexpected components and surprise rules, such as reducing the robot weight to gain a score multiplier.

In the end, The Light Bulb Eaters found a delicate compromise of stability, time and task execution, choosing to ignore harder tasks that only offered low points.

With the competitor robot being less stable and making a few mistakes, the team eventually won.

“It was an exciting result, and a great payoff for his time and devotion since March,” Eric’s dad explains. “Two years ago, Eric was deeply intrigued and motivated by the Vex Robot competition he saw at the Habs Open Day. He’s been yearning to take part ever since, so I’m glad to see him progressing, and look forward to more great achievements at Habs.”

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It was an exciting result, and a great payoff for his time and devotion.

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SUCCESS STORIES

Young chess players make their move On Sunday 1 October, Habs Boys took part in the ECF Secondary Schools Rapidplay Chess Tournament 2023.

Hosted by Eton College, the exciting event saw 52 teams from 42 schools competing across five separate rounds. As the name Rapidplay suggests, it all happened in the space of a day.

When it came time for the tournament, three students from our usual ‘A team’ were unable to attend, which saw three new players rise to the challenge.

Kanishk (8R1) and Adi (8R2) both made their Eton debuts, while Ru (9H2) stepped in at the last moment.

Also representing the school were Savin (L6H1), Kian (L6R1) and Avyukt (9M2), who are dedicated players and no strangers to competing on behalf of the school.

Having rightfully earned their places on the team, all play regularly in competitions both in and out of school.

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With each boy playing from an early age under the tutelage of Lorin Da Costa, each student is committed to mastering the game.

As for the tournament, all the boys performed superbly on the day.

While Kian won all five of his matches, Kanishk and Avyukt won four and drew one each. With Adi triumphing in four and Ru victorious in three, it was an impressive score.

Not only individually, but a great team effort too.

The contest went right down to the wire, with Habs Boys coming third overall, just one point behind winners, Wilson’s School, and half a point behind second-placed Hampton School.

With such a close finish, the boys were content with their success.

Eton, meanwhile, proved truly gracious hosts, treating parents and teachers to a tour of the historic school.

Chess B team put in A* star performance On Thursday 23 November, our Habs B Chess Team entered the first round of the English School Chess Championships 2023/24.

As England’s leading team competition for schools, the contest is a highly prestigious event in the calendar. Formerly, The Sunday Times Championship, the tournament has only grown in reputation since it debuted in 1957.

Hosted by Highgate School, the local qualifying event featured 12 teams each competing across three rounds. To qualify for the regional stage in spring 2024, each team needed to win at least two rounds.

Habs B went one better, winning three out three rounds with impressive scores of 6-0 against Highgate School, a 6-0 victory over Bishop Douglass Catholic School and a 5-1 defeat of Hall School.

Next stop Nottingham?

It was a superb win for our boys, now in with an excellent chance of joining our Habs A team in the national finals in Nottingham next summer.

Their victory was built on countless hours spent honing their skills, including weekend competitions. Well done, team.

The B team was made up of Madhav (11C1) , Lukas (L6C1), Kanishk (8R1), Benjamin (8R2), Zack (L6C2) and Veer (7J).

Already an accomplished chess player, Veer stepped in at the eleventh hour for a team member who was unable to play. Teammate Kanishk, meanwhile, had done the same only hours earlier, playing in the bridge tournament held at Habs.

With morale high at the end of the night, each player deserves huge credit for their commitment to the game. It was a long school day for all, with chess matches ending at 7pm.

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SUCCESS STORIES

Flying the green flag Thanks to great work from the Student Council and our Eco Committee, we are delighted to have been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag with Distinction.

The Eco-Schools programme aims to empower young people to take leadership in the environment and sustainability. As a priority for our school, our focus this year was on waste. Reducing our single-use plastics, we aimed to create a culture shift around recycling.

The projects in our Action Plan were hailed as, “practical, awarenessraising and behaviour-changing, demonstrating there are numerous ways to create positive environmental impacts.”

The assessors also highlighted our use of QR codes and technology, as we raised awareness about the importance of plants in supporting life on our planet.

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Our Art department played their part too, helping us promote everyday recycling, and we took proactive action over difficult-to-recycle items.

Finally, the assessment included praise for our Eco-Committee, focusing on their “determined approach to everything they do.”

Here’s to more impactful work next year.

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The projects in our Action Plan were hailed as practical, awarenessraising and behaviourchanging.

Young poet publishes second work Upper Sixth student Sohan (U6S2) is a budding poet with a debut collection already under his belt.

During the summer holidays, Sohan’s second book was published.

Titled ‘Hope and Despair - A Collection of Poems’, Sohan wrote some of the poems between ages 10 and 13. Others in the collection formed part of a school poetry project at the end of Year 9, just around the time Covid was hitting the world.

His second published works bring the older and newer verses into one anthology that reflects the varying hopes and despairs Sohan experienced about the world at the time of writing.

Described by readers as, “beautiful, warm, thought-provoking poetry,” reviews call the collection a “hard hitting and poignant read that tugs at your heartstrings with its sensitivity”.

Beginning his poetic odyssey at such a tender age, the anthology gives readers a rare glimpse into the evolution of a young writer navigating the profound.

‘Hope and Despair - A Collection of Poems’ is available from Amazon, Waterstones and WHSmith.

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SUCCESS STORIES

Debate teams make it to LSE finals On Sunday 19 November, Habs students entered a debating tournament at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Habs Boys fielded an eight-strong team, divided into four Juniors and four Seniors. For several boys, it was their first debate competition outside of Habs, yet each rose to the occasion, competing against other top UK schools with aplomb.

There were three motions debated on the day. First, assume the role of parents choosing to microchip their child, to monitor their location and health. The second topic concerned the legalisation of performanceenhancing drugs in sporting events.

Finally, students argued the young adult philosophy, ‘You Only Live Once’, more commonly known as ‘YOLO’.

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In each case, students had to debate in favour of the motions, standing for 15 minutes in front of an audience.

They each had to speak for five minutes, both coherently and persuasively, while avoiding any metaphorical banana-skins, known as ‘Points of Information’, thrown their way.

On the day, three of our Junior teams progressed to the finals. Two teams, HABS LARZ (Lucas 10C2 and Richard 10R1) and HABS ARSV (Aarav 10H2 and Samit 10R1), made it to the Bronze Final. There, they debated on the merits of conditional welfare programmes.

After three very successful debates, HABS DAPM (Danny 10J2 and Philip 10C2) broke through to the Gold Final.

Their topic? Frontier tourism, namely the negative impacts of expeditions to hard-to-reach areas, such as deep sea travel.

Unfortunately, all three teams suffered narrow defeats, yet with the quality of debates so high, all our students performed incredibly strongly. Congratulations to every boy who took part.

Debating team lift Winter Cup trophy Another great day’s debating took place on 25 November. This time as part of University College London’s Winter Cup. The prestigious tournament saw our students take on some of the UK’s top schools, including a pair of England National Debating teams.

To add to the victory, William and Zakariya (HABS ZUWM) did brilliantly to reach the Bronze Final in spite of stiff competition.

The four Habs teams were Zakariya (L6M2) and Evan (L6M2) (HABS ZTEV), Rohitash (U6J1) and Rajarshi (L6J2) (HABS RGRM), Oscar (L6M1) and Ray (L6M1) (HABS OCRM) and Zakariya (L6R1) and William (L6S2) (HABS ZUWM). On the day, the students debated four different subjects, ranging from genetic engineering, to social media, mental health and the environment.

The teams’ success is not merely down to their individual and collective skill, but also testament to the coaching they have had from Senior Habs’ debaters both past and present.

Team win top prize In a stunning turn of events, Rohitash and Rajarshi (HABS RGRM) came out winners in the Gold Final, lifting the sought-after trophy.

Setting a gold standard The Winter Cup triumph should serve as an inspiration to all members of the Habs’ Debating Club.

It provides clear evidence that attending after-school sessions and practising the craft can produce incredible results. The win also shows the difference sharing knowledge with others can make.

Congratulations to all those who took part and a heartfelt thank you to our senior judges and coaches.

Special thanks must also go to our Debate Captains, Fola (U6M1), Toby (U6R2), Rohitash, and Alex (U6M2) for the amazing moral support.

Hopefully, there are many more Gold wins to come.

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SUCCESS STORIES

Teams compete in UK space race On Saturday 2 December, the London regional heats took place for the UK Space Design Competition. Held at Imperial College London, students from both Habs Boys and Habs Girls took part.

As part of the contest, each team was placed in a mock company made up of around 50 students from schools across the South East. Each company then had to research and present designs for ‘Balderol’, a permanent settlement on the Moon.

Incorporating housing and a repair unit for lunar mining, designs needed to take cost, safety and comfort into account. Machinery was another factor for consideration, with any calculations and dimensions based on serving 200 residents at a time.

Taking on management positions within each company, Habs students spoke confidently on behalf of their teams in the final presentations.

The race to the regionals It was no surprise our students stood out in the competition. The selection process for the regionals was both rigorous and hotly contested.

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As with previous years, two teams were chosen to represent Habs Boys and Habs Girls in the UK Space Design Challenge. Yet for the first time ever, we had more students applying than places available.

To decide who would get a place on our teams, we ran a special three-week challenge of our own, ending with four teams of nine students. Each team had to design and present a shower to be used in zero-gravity space, exactly the kind of task students would face in the competition. Under the guidance of Mrs Press, a record number of Lower Sixth students applied to compete at Imperial College London.

Dr Bridge was highly impressed by the shower designs, with all kinds of factors taken into account, such as materials, electrical circuitry, function, comfort, hygiene and variable water pressure.

Selecting the winning team The eventual winners of the selection contest were ‘Neptune’, namely for their attention to function and detail.

Well done to those students who made it to the regional competition and performed so outstandingly well at the event. Thank you also to every student who went above and beyond to compete for a place on the Habs space design team.

We congratulate all who took part for their dedication and teamwork.

It was a true cross-curricular endeavour spanning all aspects of science, technology, engineering and maths, while also focusing on ethics and human needs.

VEX IQ teams in robotics contest On Saturday 25 November, four of our VEX IQ teams travelled to North London Collegiate School to take part in a regional competition.

It was a fantastic day filled with competitive robotics and an award win for one of our Year 9 teams.

The team in question was HABS Cybersquad, picking up the Excellence Award, which qualifies them for the Nationals in March.

The Excellence Award is presented to the team that achieves exceptionally high scores across all competition categories, including Teamwork, Skills, Programming, Design Booklet, and the Judges’ Presentation.

As for our Year 8 teams, both HABS SciClones and HABS Hurricanes performed admirably on the day in their inaugural competition. In fact, they gained valuable knowledge that can now be applied in the upcoming Regional Event.

A big thank you to Miss Fagan for attending the competition and coaching our IQ teams to early success.

Unfortunately, our second Year 9 team, HABS Dynamics, faced some partnership challenges during the contest that affected their chances of receiving an award.

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LOREM IPSUM

Events

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Habs students join UN debate Royal Russell is the oldest International Model United Nations conference in the UK. Re-establishing our links with the school, it was our first time attending as a Habs Elstree Joint Schools Club.

A four-day conference held every October, the event brings students together from around the world.

Proceedings begin with opening speeches, followed by Committee Sessions and a General Assembly with the Security Council in permanent session.

As the first British school to set up an annual Model United Nations conference, The Royal Russell School has been hosting the conference for over 30 years. In fact, the event is one of the few British conferences affiliated to The Hague International Model United Nations.

During the conference, delegations of four to six students debate pressing world issues, with the Committee averaging around 50 delegates at a time.

This year, many schools attended from Ireland and Spain, with some from the USA, Norway, and of course, the UK. Most delegates stay in accommodation on the Royal Russell School Campus, with others in local hotels. Our own students enjoyed the full Royal Russell residential experience, including discos and entertainment, so it was an exciting and busy four days

Oscar contributed a fine resolution on the educational and economic empowerment of women. Richard, meanwhile, provided a key clause to the Crisis committee on how future AI could help to preserve the human race.

Well done to all our students who attended and debated. The future is in good hands.

Despite Thameslink’s best efforts, 10 of our students attended, split across two country delegations.

Richard (10R1) and Head of Club, Oscar (L6M1), both picked up Best Delegate awards in their respective committees.

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EVENTS

Students and Staff take trips of a lifetime From Indonesia and Valencia to Munich and Offenburg, students from Habs Boys spent the summer improving their skills and meeting new people, while exploring stunning parts of the world.

Diving in tropical Indonesia As the summer term drew to a close, 20 students and four staff headed on an adventure to North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

After a long journey, they reached their first stop, Murex Manado.

Arriving to a warm welcome from Murex staff, all fatigue soon disappeared. Looking out over a lush, tropical paradise where the group would be spending the next four days, the students could not wait to explore the turquoise waters surrounding the island.

Having already gained their PADI Open Water Diver qualification through school, our students were eager to put their skills to the test.

As one of the world’s best dive locations, Bunaken Marine Park lies off the coast of Manado.

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Bunaken was already famous for its spectacular wall diving and abundance of sea life.

Yet the students were still amazed by how much they saw in just one dive, spotting more than 30 Green Sea turtles, and Hawksbill turtles.

Seeing the creatures at close quarters in their natural habitat, the budding explorers were then treated to a presentation on the species by dive instructor, Dimas.

With each dive, the students returned to the boat, chatting excitedly about what they had seen. From there, the group paid a visit to the coral nursery at Bangka, learning how the Murex team transplants coral to preserve the marine environment.

Moving on to the second resort, Murex Bangka, the group explored more of the inland, with both staff and students getting a taste of life in the surrounding areas. There was even time for a visit to Mount Mahawu, where the diving party peered into the crater of one of North Sulawesi’s many volcanoes.

Other sightings ranged from sea horses, rays and reef oysters to moray eels and nudibranch, not to mention a variety of fish, such as a lion, puffer, scorpion, anemone, trigger and trumpet fish, barracude, snapper, wrasses and many more.

The sea life encountered included turtles, white tip reef sharks, octopus, lobster and crab.

It was a truly unforgettable experience for all. Thank you to Mr Teague, Miss Willows and Mr Wheeler for giving students such an incredible opportunity.

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EVENTS

An adventure in Offenburg Our final summer trip saw a group of 21 Year 8 students travel to Offenburg, Germany.

Completing the return leg of their exchange, it was the 28th year of the programme, as part of Borehamwood’s twinning with the German city.

After hosting their German friends in June, it was a great opportunity for Habs students to reconnect with their exchange partners, while enjoying a range of exciting trips around the beautiful Black Forest area.

So many sights in so little time In the first few days alone, the students experienced lessons at the German partner school, took a guided tour of Offenburg, saw the country’s highest waterfall and visited a Black Forest cultural museum. They then explored the picturesque town of Freiburg im Breisgau, enjoyed a boat trip on Lake Titisee and took a tour of a silver mine, before ending the week with a swim in an open-air pool.

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Yet, for many the highlight was a thrilling mid-week trip to EuropaPark, the second largest theme park on the continent. Plus, if that was not enough, our students enjoyed even more adventures with their host families, who proved extremely generous and welcoming.

An authentic education With such an action-packed programme, the students had a great deal of fun, yet also improved their understanding of the German language. Building on their social skills, they also got a first-hand appreciation of a different culture.

The school is highly grateful to Miss Lewandowska and Mr Swallow for their invaluable support during the trip, particularly to Mr Swallow who after running the Offenburg trip for 20 years, came out of retirement to help.

Speaking Spanish in sunny Valencia Soon after breaking for the summer holidays, a party of 30 Year 10 Spanish students flew out to Valencia.

Staying in groups of two or three with local families, the students immersed themselves in the Valencian culture and language, soon tuning in to the Spanish their hosts were speaking.

Each morning featured an intensive four-hour Spanish lesson with Ana and Rosa from the Españolé school.

Learning about local festivals such as ‘Las Fallas’, lessons also covered the preterit and present subjunctive.

There was also time to practice listening and speaking skills, all mixed together with games, competitions and fun quizzes.

After lessons, staff and students had lunch and perused the shops near the language school, located in the heart of Valencia. Afternoons were then spent exploring the city and culture, with tour guides, Carlos and Carla. Sampling traditional ‘Horchata’ and ‘Fartons’, the group played football and volleyball on the beach. That is, until a thunderstorm intervened.

Further highlights included the Mestalla Football Stadium and the architecturally stunning City of Arts and Sciences, with paella and dance workshops keeping our students on their toes. There was even a visit to the central market and a chance meeting with Mariano Rajoy, Spain’s former president.

On the final day, the group cycled and boated around the picturesque dunes of the Albufera National Park. All in all, it proved an amazing experience for the students, improving their Spanish skills immensely.

Credit must go to Sra Shooter and Sra Kerr for accompanying the boys, and to Sra Gómez for organising the trip.

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EVENTS

Meeting our friends in Munich At the start of the summer holidays, a group of Year 9 and 10 students visited Munich for the away leg of their German exchange with the Gisela Gymnasium.

Famed for its beer halls and gardens, Munich is a historical city rich in culture and natural beauty. Also home to the river Isar and homes rebuilt after Allied bombing in World War II, the city boasts opera houses, galleries and theatres, largely owing to royal patrons of the arts, King Ludwig I and his grandson Ludwig II of Bavaria.

Bavaria and beyond During the daytime, the group busied itself sightseeing, before spending the evenings with host families, improving their language skills.

One early point of interest was Marienplatz, the central square.

Located at the heart of the medieval old town, it is home to the 19th century ‘new town hall’, with its mechanical clock and dancing figures commemorating the plague.

Crossing the Austrian border to Salzburg, the trip took in the city’s Baroque cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace and several sights from the Sound of Music. Then came a tour down an active Bavarian salt mine, followed by a further day out in Regensbourg with the group’s German exchange school.

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Hundreds of years of history From there, students and staff took a boat along the Danube to the Walhalla memorial, built by Ludwig I to commemorate eminent Germanspeaking figures. The students saw busts of composers, philosophers, scientists and kings, with Einstein and Munich’s Sophie Scholl the latest additions.

Along with her brother Hans, Scholl was a German student who formed the White Rose group in resistance to the Nazi regime. She once distributed leaflets at Munich University, where the students visited a memorial to her.

The cultural education continued with a visit to an eternal flame remembering the role of the city as a key Nazi stronghold where Hitler launched his ‘beer hall putsch’ in 1923. Meanwhile, the group took time to reflect on the many ‘stumbling stones’ embedded in the Munich streets, showing where Holocaust victims had lived before their deportation.

Discovering the modern Munich As for the new face of Munich, the trip took in the Olympic Park built for the 1972 Games, BMW Welt (a paradise for car-lovers) and FC Bayern München’s iconic Allianz Arena. Students also got to travel on the city’s colourful U-Bahn, spending a further morning in the Deutsches Museum, with its exhibitions on science, technology and aircraft.

German or Bavarian?

The trip proved all the more interesting given Bavaria’s unique linguistic and cultural identity.

With many locals considering themselves Bavarian, rather than German, the group saw another side to the country not possible in the classroom.

Saying auf wiedersehen Everyone agreed the experience was immensely valuable, not only for practising German, but being fully immersed in the language and improving the students’ confidence when speaking or connecting with others.

The trip proved all the more interesting given Bavaria’s A huge thank you to Frau Von Truchsess for her time and effort unique linguistic organising the exchange, as well as Mrs Brock for accompanying such an and cultural educational trip. Finally, a grateful farewell to the group’s language identity. assistant, Fabio. Danke schön!

Discovering more about Bavarian culture, the students also enjoyed a lesson in a Gymnasium, the equivalent of former UK grammar schools. The most memorable phrase learned? “Das ist mir Wurst”.

Meaning “I don’t mind”, the literal translation was, “it is sausage to me.”

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EVENTS

A journey of ice and fire During the October half term, 40 students discovered the ‘Land of Ice and Fire’ on a trip to Southwest Iceland.

Accompanied by Mrs Edwards, Mrs Carrick, Mrs Fielden, Mrs Hanlon and Mr Gauntlett, the students experienced a glacier walk, lava tube caving and visits to some of the country’s most spectacular waterfalls. The boys and staff also relaxed in an Icelandic spa, where most took a short dip in a cold water lake.

A visit to the Geysir geothermal area followed, along with a tour of Reykjavik. There, the students explored an ice cave, before learning about Aurora Borealis and the recent eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

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Despite some typically Icelandic weather, the boys thoroughly enjoyed their experience of the geography, geology and culture.

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The boys thoroughly enjoyed their experience.

Speaking French in Strasbourg On Friday 13 October, a group of Habs students and staff boarded a train at Kings Cross St Pancras and journeyed to Strasbourg for the away leg of their exchange programme.

Greeting their French counterparts at the station, the students would speak only French with their host families from thereon in. Getting invaluable language tips from their genial hosts, the trip involved many fun activities, from laser tag to escape rooms themed around French history.

With weekend schedules being organised by our students’ exchange partners, one particular highlight was the authentic local cuisine. Favourites included tarte flambée, a crispy bread base topped with ham and raclette, a meal of potato topped with melted cheese and ham.

The week itself was packed with activities, including a visit to the small village of Colmar. There, the boys explored vineyards and climbed to the top of the cathedral, in thrall of its magnificent view.

The students also joined their exchange partners for a half day in school, deepening their experience of French culture.

The students felt the trip was a huge benefit to their command of French. Being plunged into the deep end soon highlighted any mistakes they were making, while taking their spoken French to an entirely new level. Exposed to both formal and informal versions of the language, the boys’ pronunciation improved, too.

The week also acted as an immersive learning experience around the history of Strasbourg and the influence of German occupation. The students agreed it was a once in a lifetime experience, so thank you to Mr Thompson and Mr Brotherston for organising and supervising the trip.

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E V E NLTOSR E M I P S U M

Habs hosts colourful Garba dance On Wednesday 4 October, both Habs Boys and Habs Girls Hindu Societies joined forces for our 3rd annual Navratri Garba.

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A traditional Indian folk dance, the Garba is an important part of Navratri, a yearly Hindu festival.

Taking place in a colourfully decorated Bourne Hall, the event was an incredible sight. With over 300 people dressed in vibrant chaniya cholis and kurtas, the evening kicked off with a teachers-only rendition of Be Taali.

Everyone soon joined in, before we heard from our very own Mrs Mistry and Dhol players for the Aarti. Students were then treated to mouthwatering dabeli and samosas. Finally, we rounded things off with Dandiya Raas and a tiring yet thrilling Ramjaniyu.

A huge thanks to the Sixth Form committee from both schools.

Dr Krishnadasan, Mrs Mistry, Mrs Vekaria, Mrs Valambhia and Mrs Patel did a fantastic job organising the Garba. Special thanks must also go to Mr Verma for arranging the Dhol ensemble.

A traditional Indian folk dance, the Garba is an important part of Navratri, a yearly Hindu festival.

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EVENTS

HabsDash turns five in style To help our students and community live happier, healthier and longer, we are improving our sports offer even more this year. Having just celebrated its fifth birthday, HabsDash is one of our most fun and popular events, led every week by the incredible Mr Broadwith!

New course, new chapter

More major milestones

A weekly 3.5km inclusive event, HabsDash brings together students and staff from both schools.

Our new Unity Project course take place in the entire Habs Boys and Habs Girls campus “Cheering in the Girls’ School was great ‘talk about unity’” remarked one participant.

On top of countless personal bests, we also handed out lots of honours, including 100 Mile Club, Double Marathon, Half Marathon and Red Skull awards.

As for House Party rankings, it is incredibly close between the Purple Panthers, Blue Sharks, Red Foxes and Green Dragons.

The Unity Project route

Thanks to all who took part and here’s to the next 5 years of bringing the community together.

The new course begins outside Habs Boys Medburn Centre and moves through the Black Gates towards the Habs Girls Junior School Playground and Dining Hall. Crossing the Boulevard, the route re-enters the Boys’ School before looping back and finishing by the Girls’ School Croquet Path. “People are comparing it to running past the Cutty Sark on the London Marathon,” said one entrant.

‘The crowd, atmosphere and runners were amazing.’

What else has changed?

As part of the celebrations, we also switched to a new system where entrants can compete as part of a larger ‘House Party’. Made up of 35 runners or more, each House Party gets their own name, colour and logo. We even changed our starting waves, naming each one after a planet. This allows Year 7 and 8 students to run in the same wave as others from their franchise.

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Black History Month This October, our school celebrated Black History Month by focusing on the theme of ‘Saluting Our Sisters’.

Together, we paid tribute to the remarkable contributions of Black women who have shaped history, paving the way for generations to come.

The school also hosted a speaker event with Nneka Ezekude, put on a dedicated library display and arranged form-time discussions on Black History in the UK.

Students took part in a range of events and activities honouring the stories, achievements and triumphs that exemplify the power of Black women in shaping our world.

These included a diversity and inclusion workshop, assemblies discussing why we celebrate Black History Month and spotlights on the achievements of Black Individuals.

It was a month for us all to reflect on the crucial role played by Black women and individuals, not only in shaping history, but in building communities and inspiring change.

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E V E NLTOSR E M I P S U M

Boys School Parents’ Guild Diwali Night In a spectacular display of unity and cultural vibrancy, over 240 members of our cherished Habs Boys family community recently gathered to celebrate the Festival of Lights, Diwali.

The enchanting evening was orchestrated with meticulous care and enthusiasm by the Habs Boys Parents’ Guild, bringing to life the spirit of Diwali in a myriad of delightful ways.

The festivities kicked off with the rhythmic beats of Garba dancing, infusing the air with energy and joy.

Students from Year 9 curated a mesmerising musical ensemble, showcasing the immense talent within our school community.

The captivating tunes set the perfect backdrop for an evening that would unfold with a series of delightful surprises.

One of the highlights of the night was an enchanting puppet show that transported both young and old to a world of magic and wonder.

The arts and crafts corner allowed everyone to unleash their creativity, adding a personal touch to the

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celebration. The aroma of traditional food and drink filled the air, tantalising taste buds and providing a gastronomic journey through the rich flavors of Diwali.

The parents’ choreographed dance stole the spotlight and left everyone in awe. It was a heartwarming and entertaining display of unity and community spirit as parents took centre stage, showcasing their talents in a synchronised dance that radiated joy and camaraderie.

The success of the evening was not just in the vibrant performances or delicious treats but in the sense of togetherness that permeated every corner of the event. The Habs Boys Parents’ Guild succeeded in creating an atmosphere where families came together, celebrating diversity and embracing the rich tapestry of our community.

As we reflect on this joyous Diwali celebration, let us carry forward the spirit of unity and cultural appreciation that defines the Habs Boys family. A heartfelt thank you to the Parents’ Guild for orchestrating an evening that will be cherished in our memories for years to come.

Wishing you all the warmth and light of Diwali throughout the year!

Challah and drinks bring festive family fun On Sunday 10 December, we held a special festive drinks and challah bake in Bourne Hall.

The event was laid on by the Habs Boys Parents’ Guild, with 150 people attending, including parents, grandparents and students across both Habs Boys and Habs Girls.

It was a fun, interactive event where attendees learned how to make challah, while also enjoying tasty doughnuts and cupcakes.

Washing down the savoury treats with refreshing drinks, it was a great way to bring the Habs community together.

A huge thank you to Habs Boys’ Parent and Habs Girls OH, Allegra Benitah, for leading the Challah Bake

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EVENTS

Habs teams star in thrilling bridge tournament On Thursday 23 November, our school hosted the Hertfordshire Schools Bridge Cup. The tournament last took place over thirty years ago, so it was a truly special occasion.

Twenty teams from eight different schools turned up to compete for the cup and the additional new prize of a salver.

It was a thrilling contest, with our Habs A Team leading at halfway.

Yet during the final round, the projected scores showed Eton leading by two points. With one table still playing, everyone was glued to the results screen.

Could our boys overtake Eton?

There was an audible gasp as Habs gained 12 points on the last board to seal victory.

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Another winning performance Meanwhile, In the Salver competition, a second Habs team led from start to finish, ending the contest comfortably clear of the second-placed team.

An impressive triumph, considering some were playing in their first ever tournament.

Congratulations to Rufus (U6M1), Marco (U6J1), Alex (L6C1) and Holden (8R2) for claiming the cup prize, and to Saish, Rian, James and Sam for winning the salver.

From successes shared to chances missed, it was an event that left everyone buzzing with excitement.

The atmosphere in the room was incredibly positive, with players from all schools having fun and chatting happily with each other at the table.

In fact, many are already looking forward to the next tournament.

Educating our students on drugs and gangs To boost our drugs education programme, we recently welcomed guest speaker, Mr ordan Sterling from KIP Education.

In his presentation, County Lines and Child Criminal Exploitation, Mr Sterling spoke superbly on the choices and consequences around drugs.

Throughout, the students were encouraged to think about the questions raised, to which they responded displaying excellent attention and understanding.

The talk, delivered to Year 8 students, also covered involvement in gang culture. Using clear, thoughtprovoking scenarios, he illustrated the law around ‘joint enterprise’ and knife crime.

Describing the process of ‘grooming’ and the exploitation of young people through county lines, Mr Sterling outlined the harsh realities of the drugs trade. He also sought to de-glamorise the lifestyle pushed on social media and in some genres of music.

We thank Mr Sterling for sharing such vital, urgent messages with our students.

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LOREM IPSUM

Music, Art & Drama

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Carol Concert Our Carol Service at the historic St Albans Abbey is one of the highlights of the Habs calendar. As well as readings from students and staff, we were treated to magical performances from our senior and Prep choirs, drawing a busy term to a close and leaving all in attendance with a warm, festive glow.

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MUSIC, ART & DRAMA

Students enjoy a slice of Soho jazz life As Habs students recently discovered, one of Europe’s leading jazz venues can be found in the basement of a Soho pizza restaurant.

This tiny room has played host to generations of renowned artists from across the world. With the audience crammed in, peering around columns and waiters, musical sparks will often fly as artists perform on stage. But the venue makes a great place to teach, too.

This year, we decamped from our sunny Elstree base to make more jazz music history at the iconic venue. We welcomed five young music ambassadors to join our teaching team - Immy Churchill, Mali Sheard, Aaron Carpenter, Kielan Sheard and Arun Thavasothy.

Our guest teachers came from a variety of renowned music colleges, ranging from the Royal Academy of Music and Guildhall School of Music and Drama, to the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.

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As eminent writers, instrumentalists and band leaders within their respective college, each ambassador brought their own sound and character. It perfectly captured the approach we take with our students, encouraging openness, personality and grit. Immy, Mali, Aaron, Kielan and Arun had all this in spades.

At its best, jazz is provocative, virtuosic and wildly charismatic.

After all, it is very much an underground music scene.

So where better for Habs students to learn and play, than a legendary venue hidden beneath a pizza place?

Photo Award makes colourful debut Budding photographers throughout the school have been busy snapping pictures for the Habs Photo Award.

Titled ‘Photosynthesis’, the monthly competition invites all students and staff to submit their work, with a different theme given for each one.

To be in with a chance of winning, entrants must centre their submissions around the monthly theme, but otherwise are free to let their imaginations run wild.

The art of photography is about being an active observer of the world. With that in mind, photos can range from streets, architecture and landscapes, to portraits, nature, still life and everything in between.

1st Place - Nathan (11R2)

Bringing colour to life In the contest’s first outing, the theme was ‘Colours’, with no fewer than 20 entrants shortlisted for the prize.

Here, you can see the winners of the September edition of photosynthesis. Well done to everyone who took part.

Students can earn a series of credits or merits for taking part, along with an A3 print of their work.

The winners of each prize also get to see their images exhibited around the school. Little wonder then that engagement was so high.

With our Art department acting as judges for the prize, there is also a special ‘People’s Vote Award’ up for grabs.

2nd Place - Shay (7R)

People’s Vote Award - Dru (8M2)

3rd Place - Saahil (11M1)

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H A B SL O CO R EMMM IUPNS IUTM Y

Audience in Wonderland with Alice

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In a spectacular display of talent and teamwork, our senior students recently brought the enchanting world of Alice to life.

A modern adaptation of the classic Alice in Wonderland tale, the play by Laura Wade captivated audiences from the start with its humour and poignancy.

Involving more than 50 students from both Habs Boys and Habs Girls senior schools the play was a truly collaborative, ambitious project.

The infusion of bravery, playfulness, and outstanding ensemble work was evident in every scene, creating a magical shared experience.

Star performers on stage The titular role of Alice was portrayed with grace and depth by the talented trio of Isabella (L6 JJM), Katie (L6 ADL) and Zoya (L6 HL). Their combined approach on stage brought a fresh perspective to the iconic character, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

Brilliance behind the scenes Off-stage, an incredible staff and student team worked tirelessly to ensure the seamless execution of the production. Their huge commitment and expertise shone through at every turn, from the intricately designed set and props, to the flawless coordination of costume and makeup.

In the spirit of collaboration, the joint production exemplified the school’s dedication to providing a platform for students to explore their creativity. Thank you to all the cast and crew for making the magic happen.

Standout performances were aplenty from the entire cast, including from Leila (M5 A) and Toby (11M2), who delivered comedic brilliance that had the audience in stitches. Their fearless approach and impeccable timing added a delightful layer of humour to the production.

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MUSIC, ART & DRAMA

Habs Drama stages Madeleine Senior students from Habs Boys and Habs Girls recently teamed up to create a wonderfully creative musical production, Madeleine.

Written by Olivier Award Nominee James Fritz, the exciting new play was devised by the Habs Drama Company with original music from Sam Griffths of The Howl and the Hum, singer-songwriter, Elanor Moss, and Matthew Herd of The Seafearers.

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Featuring a company of performers, live singers and musicians from both Habs Boys and Habs Girls, Madeleine is a joyous, surreal and touchingly human look at how we live our lives, and how we all sometimes need a little help.

A true team effort It was an often messy, playful and creative struggle to make a show that had so many voices at its heart.

On many levels, Madeleine is a piece about the creative process itself.

On a performance level, it could only have existed due to the many brilliant voices and talents of the young people and artists involved.

Most inspiring was the humility and openness of the students to try things, throw them away, start over and even sing when they did not think they could. Everyone involved in the production took responsibility and ownership of the work, both supporting and celebrating their fellow collaborators as they did so.

Thank you to the Habs community who have been an invaluable source of support throughout the production. Whether a word of advice from a colleague, or parents picking up their children from a late rehearsal, the success of Madeleine was a true team effort well beyond the cast, creators and crew.

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MUSIC, ART & DRAMA

A Night at the Movies An exciting and popular new concert in our calendar, A Night at the Movies is a celebration of music from film.

Featuring all our major ensembles, the concert transports audiences to other worlds, showing the power of music to create atmospheres, tell stories and lift us from the humdrum of daily life.

Highlights from the concert included renditions of The Incredibles by our award-winning Big Band. Further selections from Bollywood also proved popular, courtesy of a collaboration between our tabla and guitar players. There was even music from Star Wars, performed by the Habs Elstree Symphony Orchestra.

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The audience was then treated to an inspiring performance by the Habs Staff and Parent Choir, a group brought together especially for the evening. Accompanied by the entire Habs Elstree Symphony Orchestra, it was a beautiful moment for our extended community in a breathtaking, ambitious and fun concert.

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The concert transports audiences to other worlds.

Inspiring start at Festival Concert Our first major concert of the year was also one of our largest, involving over 300 students and all our major ensembles.

The theme of this year’s concert was dance, spanning styles and genres from jazz and western classical, to folk music from the UK, Romania and South America.

The concert ended with our latest Year 7 cohort all singing together, accompanied by the Habs Elstree Symphony Orchestra. It was wonderful to welcome our new students and parents to the Music School, a relationship we hope will grow over the next seven years.

Further inspiration came from the sight of Bourne Hall packed with families and friends, sharing the experience of watching our young musicians shine on stage.

We eagerly look forward to the year ahead in music.

Prep Instrumental Concert proves hit Music in our Prep School continues to grow stronger every year, largely thanks to our Year 3 Instrumental Scheme.

It enables each student to learn an instrument, free of charge, for the whole academic year.

With such a wealth of young musicians learning, we can have 15 instrumental ensembles and five choirs, all rehearsing weekly.

The Prep Instrumental Concert is the perfect showcase for each ensemble. For some students, it is also their first experience of performing in a group at our school.

It is so important for our young musicians to experience performing and have regular concerts to work towards. Their progress since the beginning of the year has been incredible. We look forward to hearing how they develop through the year.

A thank you goes to the teachers and technicians, especially Ms Jenkins, who made it possible.

I felt privileged to be a part of an event with such a high standard of music.

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MUSIC, ART & DRAMA

Students shine in Spotlight Concert The Spotlight Concert series provides a stage to all younger musicians in our Music School.

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Student ensembles from Years 7 to 10 wowed the audience with music, including selections from the film UP, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, James Bond and Mission Impossible. Not to mention pop songs, classical music, jazz and tabla drumming.

The concert saw incredible numbers on stage for the ensembles, our most inclusive event yet. Indeed, more than 50 students performed from Years 7 and 8, including our wind and brass band, intermediate wind band, and second orchestra.

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The concert saw incredible numbers on stage for the ensembles.

All discovered the joy of sharing music with family, friends, and the wider school community, suggesting the future of Habs Music School is very bright indeed.

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LOREM IPSUM

Sport

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Tennis champions serve up epic victory Thanks to some exceptional wins, our Under-15s tennis team have been crowned County champions for the second year running.

It all started with a brilliant semi-final performance against Sandringham.

Team captain, Sam (10S2) produced a masterclass to win 6-0 against Sandringham’s number one player, ranked near the top in the UK for his age. The match was rife with highquality baseline rallies, lasting twenty shots and more. Sam then teamed up with Kaaviyan (10J2) to complete a convincing win in the key doubles match.

Taking on Freman College in the final proved far less nail-biting, with an impressive 10-2 score line to claim the trophy once again.

All four singles matches ended with comfortable wins, backed up by an assured display from Kian (10H1) in the second doubles match, partnered by David.

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The match was rife with high -quality baseline rallies, lasting Our Under 15s now look forward to the regional rounds in the remaining twenty shots autumn term. Good luck to the team There were more fine singles wins in the upcoming matches. and more. for Kaaviyan and David (10S1), while Xander (8C2) played three years up against a Year 11 opponent.

Outstanding in a 7-6 victory, Xander showed a fierce will to win and on-court maturity beyond his years.

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SPORT

Junior teams tackle French rugby tour Over the years, the unior Rugby Tour has been a rite of passage for hundreds of Habs students.

The tour once again took place in Soustons, where the boys roomed together and ate traditional French cuisine.

Perfect for team-building, good timekeeping, respectful behaviour and helping one another are all benchmarks for the tour. This approach soon forged a strong team bond thanks to exercises such as a highwire climbing course, a ten-person paddle board and body boarding in the lively Atlantic ocean.

In the two fixtures against St Jean de Luz and Tyrosse, the boys tested their skills against some extremely talented rugby players.

Meanwhile, the Under 14s built a healthy lead against St Jean de Luz, only overcome by the opponent’s superior nous. Tyrosse were another very strong side, yet the boys fought hard and came away from the match with great credit.

After both fixtures, the hosts engaged our teams in singing and celebrations. Even a storm in Biarritz could not dampen enthusiasm as the teams flew home stronger for the experience.

Thanks must go to Mr Bass, Mr Letts, Mr Coleman and Mr Howgego for their coaching and support.

The Under 13 squad showed huge resolve to come back and tie the game against St Jean de Luz, before playing the best rugby of their lives against Tyrosse.

STOP PRESS! Habs 1st XV 36 - QE Barnet 1st XV 14 A clutch of Upper Sixth formers ended their school rugby careers in some style with an exciting display of running rugby at Finchley RFC under floodlights on Wednesday 6 December.

Making use of a large pitch, Habs moved the ball into the wide channels, thereby allowing the pace and power of our outside backs to dominate our opponents.

Victor (left wing) deservedly scored a hat trick of tries as QE Barnet could find no answer to his coruscating pace.

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It was a fitting end for those members of the Upper Sixth that have served the rugby club with such distinction over the year.

The rugby season in review Despite football being the priority sport across the whole school in the Autumn Term, there has been plenty of room for rugby, with healthy numbers of junior boys playing the sport. Here is a review of the rugby season so far.

Lower School Development The challenge in the Lower School remains finding more fixtures against schools with similar playing experience.

Yet this, coupled with bad weather and subsequent cancellations has not deterred our junior boys, with our Year 7 and 8 teams still out training and developing their game.

Under-12s and above A highlight for the Under 12 A team was an exciting match with St Columba`s which ended in a draw with the final play of the game. Meanwhile, the Under 13 squad played at its best, even with some players unavailable.

In fact, the group displayed great heart against University College School and secured a resounding win against Bancroft’s School.

Rugby versus football The Under 14 squad was one of our strongest playing groups last season, yet the team was weakened by the loss of key players who chose football as their games option for the autumn term.

This does not prevent them from playing rugby, as the boys can switch to the oval ball providing there are no football matches on the same morning. Yet with so much football taking place, it was hard to replicate the same level as the previous year.

That said, the Under 14s fielded a full strength squad for the rugby tour to Biarritz in October, where the boys performed with great credit against some very talented opponents.

Try, try and try again The Under 15s have always struggled for numbers, with only 17 boys choosing to play rugby this year. While this may have impacted training sessions, the group nonetheless continued to represent the school against the odds in impressive fashion.

Indeed, the Under 15s have encapsulated what rugby symbolises; working hard for one another in challenging circumstances and doing one`s best for the team, all while having fun along the way.

The performance against St Columba`s epitomised this love for the game, scoring three exceptional team tries against a strong opponent.

A big thank you to all our Year 11 boys who gave up their time to play for our Under 15s when called on.

This selfless act of supporting the rugby club ensured that we could honour all the fixtures.

Bright future for seniors On the senior squad front, it has been a good season. It could even have been great, but for two agonising losses against Watford Grammar School for Boys. Our Under 18s dominated the first encounter, yet succumbed to a late try. Our boys then led the second game with five minutes to go in their third-round RFU Vase match, only to concede another late try following intense Watford pressure.

Still, the squad has played more expansive rugby this year and enjoyed the experience. The future looks bright at senior level with the emergence of a strong Under 17 team. Then, there is the switch of focus next term to Rugby Sevens, a version of the sport that should suit the athleticism of our boys.

The boys performed with great credit against some very talented opponents.

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SPORT

Football tournament nets £100’s for charity The numbers are in for 2023’s Jobling’s charity event. Together, we raised £420.13 for this year’s chosen charity, the MS Society. For the second year running, the event took the form of a football tournament, involving 32 football teams representing all year groups. It was an exciting cup-style competition featuring thrilling knockout rounds. Here is a roundup of all the action across the two weeks.

Week One Monday

Thursday

The opening day marked the start of a thrilling tournament. Belligol set a high bar, dominating their five-man opponents. Monday also witnessed the tournament’s first of many penalty shootouts, with Off Brand FC falling short against Young Spurs. The big shock of the round came as Pre Ballers clashed with United 98/99 in a match that ended 1-1. Again ending in penalties, last year’s winners Pre Ballers suffered a surprise elimination.

The first round concluded with victories for Bins Boys and BalloTelliTubbies. In the second round, AFC Wallads battled Team for a chance to take on Young Spurs. Ultimately, AFC Wallads scraped through with a 1-0 win.

In other games, United 98/99 and Belligol secured further wins, setting the stage for an intriguing semi-final.

Wednesday

Only one match took place on Friday, as Light Bulb FC defeated Year 8’s FC Barcelona, securing a tie against San Marino FC.

Following Tuesday’s cancellation, Wednesday brought further surprise as Messaldo stunned The Anti-Adidas. Meanwhile, tensions ran high as Zaadidas faced a tough challenge against Dynamic Dream Team. Despite two Year 7 teams advancing, The Spethial Ones could not overcome Year 10’s San Marino FC.

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Runners up - Belligol

Friday

Semi-finalists - Zaadidas

Week Two Monday

Wednesday

The second week brought even more excitement. Light Bulb FC surprised San Marino FC, setting up a quarter-final against Bins Boys, who faced a tough challenge against Year 11’s Team 1234. Despite a close game, a stunning goal from Bins Boys secured their spot in the finals. In yet another gripping match, Belligol triumphed over United 98/99 on penalties, while AFC Wallads beat Young Spurs in a heated affair, leaving only one Sixth Form team in the hat.

Finals day drew crowds to the bottom Astro as the top four teams battled for victory. On Pitch One, Belligol quickly netted two goals, shocking AFC Wallads. While the Wallads pulled one back, they were unable to find a leveller, with Belligol progressing to the final.

Tuesday Returning to the second round, The Flying Ferrets Football Team beat Tekky Ballers on penalties, while Zaadidas claimed another win against Messaldo. This set the stage for an enticing quarter-final.

On Pitch Two, Zaadidas proved a worthy opponent for Bins Boys, but conceded the first goal against the run of play. A spirited fightback ensued, with a controversial late penalty taking the game to a shootout from the spot. Yet Zaadidas could not complete the upset, with Bins Boys winning on penalties.

That set up the exciting final of Belligol versus Bins Boys. It was a tense affair from the off with few goalscoring chances. Belligol opted to play defensively, leading to another gripping penalty shootout. Belligol missed their first spot kick, but duly netted the proceeding four. With Bins Boys needing only to convert their third penalty to win, the Belligol keeper made a crucial save.

After two more sets of penalties, Belligol missed again. This allowed Saad (U6S2) to score the winning penalty, crowning Bins Boys as this year’s champions.

Despite Zaadidas taking the lead, The Flying Ferrets Team rallied, equalising late in the game and pushing the tie to penalties. It was a truly commendable achievement for a Year 7 team, yet Zaadidas advanced, narrowly avoiding a giant-killing.

Winners - Bin Boys

A successful event After such a thrilling tournament, we hope to organise the event again next year. If enough teams enter, we aim to have both a Junior and Senior competition. In the meantime, a huge thank you to everyone who helped us raise money for the MS Society. Special thanks also go to our Head referee, Mr Coleman, as well as Charlie (11J1) for coordinating the fixtures.

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SPORT

Habs football development changes the game In a paradigm shift for the school, we recently unveiled the single largest sports provision in our history.

Launching our ground-breaking new football development program, we have broken with tradition, letting all Year 7 and 8 boys take part in competitive football.

The impact has been nothing short of extraordinary. With an impressive 22 teams and over 330 students donning the school colours, the football program has taken Habs by storm.

A staggering 134 matches have already been played, showcasing the immense talent and enthusiasm among the student ranks.

Getting a kick out of football By introducing the programme, the school has done more than embrace football. It has ushered in a new era of personal growth and sporting achievement.

Indeed, the initiative is about far more than playing matches. It is part of the school’s holistic approach to education as we integrate physical activity and teamwork into our students’ overall development.

Football fever has swept through the school, transforming the campus into a vibrant hub of activity. The excitement has been palpable, with over 500 students engaging in football-related games and cocurricular activities every week.

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Teaching skills for life

One vision, one team

Not only has the programme opened a new avenue for physical fitness, it has also been a catalyst for building camaraderie and school spirit.

The football development programme is the result of a collaboration between our Sports Department and the many academic staff who generously give up their time to help. As one big team, staff are teaching the technical skills essential to the sport, along with the values of teamwork, discipline and resilience.

Extending football opportunities to Years 7 and 8 gives younger students a structured, nurturing environment and a solid foundation for skills development.

Not to mention a taste for healthy competition; a great way to foster a lifelong love for sports and physical wellbeing.

Very quickly, the programme has fostered a new footballing identity, where all teams play and act in the Habs way, no matter what age group.

Seeing results on the pitch The move is certainly paying off on the field, with more teams competing in the latter stages of both regional and national cup competitions.

Almost all year groups are closing in on a quarter-final place in the HSFA County Cup. Meanwhile, our Year 8 and 9 teams are still competing in the prestigious ISFA National Schools Cup, with Mr Cooper and Mr Kerry’s Year 9s eyeing an amazing double win!

The engaging sessions led by experts at Tottenham Hotspur provide students with an unparalleled platform to grow, excel, and embody the spirit of footballing excellence. In fact, the partnership goes beyond the pitches at Pennes or the Parks, as it reverberate through the Habs community and sets a new bar for our footballing standards.

A better all-round game Football development is just part of the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are academically accomplished, physically fit, mentally resilient and socially adept. As the programme evolves, we look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with the country’s best footballing schools.

The roar of students, parents, and staff on the field signals the start of a new chapter in Habs’ sporting legacy. One that is sure to shape the future of generations to come.

Already in the quarter finals of the National ESFA schools’ competition, the team is only a round away from the last eight of the ISFA National Schools and HSFA County cups.

Teaming up with Tottenham Hotspur In a big boost for the programme, Habs has forged a close partnership with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. Through this dynamic collaboration, students of all abilities can experience elite technical and tactical coaching, all while being immersed in the rich footballing environment of one of the best youth development programmes in the Premier League.

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SPORT

Court success for badminton teams It has been a busy term on the badminton courts, with over 60 players attending two squad training sessions every week.

The highlights of the season so far have been the two superb runs in the Under-14 and Under-16 National Cups. Both teams made it through to the regional final stages, equivalent to quarter finals, due to be played after Christmas.

With the singles match drawn at two games each, the doubles round also failed to split the sides as the fixture ended three-all. The lengthy trip was worth it, however, as the four-strong Habs team earned a close points victory of 200-186.

Under-14s make clean sweep

During the cup run, there were many remarkable performances, not least from George. Drafted in from the Under-14s, he was one of several Year 10 students who successfully played up an age group during the term.

The Under-14s did not lose a single game against the opposition in the first three rounds of the competition, winning each contest by an emphatic 6-0.

In the fourth round, Coopers Coborn presented a tougher challenge, with the match ending at three games apiece. That was until Adi (8R2) turned on the style in a 21-7 singles victory, swinging the fixture in Habs’ favour for a points-difference win.

Joining Adi on the Under-14 Cup Team were Saanidh (9R2), Joshua (8R2), Ben (9M1), George (9R1), Nikhil (9M1) and Leo (9C1).

Under-16s in control The Under-16 team faired equally well in the first three rounds, only losing one game against local rivals Parmiters. The fourth round in early December meant a long journey up the M40 to Warwick. The match was a tight and tense affair where every point counted.

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Alongside George, the Under-16 Cup team included Aaron (11R1), Shiven (10H2), Keshav (10C1), Nazim (10S2), Madhav (11C1) and Joshua.

An action-packed term Beyond the two cup runs, individual triumphs included Joshua winning the Under-13 Hertfordshire B tournament, as well as the School Open Day tournament. Meanwhile, Kian (10H1) came an excellent second in the Under-15 contest.

Both tournaments are held for players just below the county standard, highlighting the strength in depth of the squad.

More action on the courts saw a block fixture against Hitchin, which finished 17-14 to Habs, with some strong performances from our Year 8 and 10 teams. The interhouse badminton tournament also got into full swing, with the Year 9 competition won by Russells and Year 10’s contest by Strouts.

The other year groups will compete for honours next term.

Under-15 players at the Hertfordshire B tournament; Keshav, Kian, Adi, Rohan (8S2) and Nikhil. Kian, an excellent second in Under-15s. Under-13 players at the Hertfordshire B tournament: Rohan, Rhidai (8M2) and competition winner, Joshua.

Habs Gold Medal weekend In November Habs hosted the ames Guy Race Clinic and Gold Medal Mindset Talk, run by AP Race, marking the beginning of our commitment to growing our co-commercial offering.

As part of our sixth strategic aim, connecting Habs with wider communities and creating new opportunities for our students, the weekend of events welcomed students, parents, staff, visiting athletes and coaches across Hertfordshire to participate and sample Habs’ unique and exciting facilities.

The Saturday saw over 350 people benefit from the inspirational Gold Medal Mindset session led by Tom Bates, sports performance psychologist to Adam Peaty and many professional sports teams and athletes.

The Sunday saw over 100 swimmers in attendance and included an action-packed day of swimming, coaching, strength and conditioning, fitness, parental guidance and other motivational sessions.

The day was led by Olympic Gold medallist, James Guy, and a team of coaches and swimmers, all on the Olympic swim pathway.

The weekend of activities marked the beginning of an excellent partnership with AP Race and one we will continue to build upon moving forwards!

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SPORT

Pre-Prep and Prep

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LittleHabs makes big difference to children The newly launched trial of the LittleHabs coach service means our youngest students can now enjoy a chaperoned service to and from school.

Specially designed for children in Rainbow and Reception, plus Years 1 and 2, the coach service service looks after students who are too young to travel on the main hometo-school routes.

The first service to start running is called LH01. Every morning, it travels from West Hampstead to Hampstead Garden Suburbs, then on to school, before completing the reverse journey each afternoon.

If the LH01 route proves successful, the potential for other routes will be explored so that more of our Junior and Pre-Prep students can benefit from the LittleHabs service.

The main photograph shows our Pioneer Passengers, the first students to travel on the route, along with their wonderful chaperone, Mrs Davis.

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Collaboration Days in full swing!

Habs Boys and Habs Girls across Reception and Year 1 have been having an exciting time this term, with the start of their collaboration days.

Our Reception students had a fantastic first meet up, with the Girls’ School visiting the Boys’ School for an afternoon of fun and games. Alongside this, our Year 1’s artistic flair shone through in a joint project in November, as they crafted stained glass poppies together. Stay tuned for more collaborative adventures ahead.

Year 1 stained glass poppies

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Reception playground fun

Year 1 puzzles and games

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P R E - PL R OERPE M A NI P DS PURME P

Squirrels and Hedgehogs show real razzle dazzle 58

In the run-up to Christmas, our Squirrels and Hedgehogs performed Reception’s first ever Nativity show.

Held at the Haberdashers’ Hall, we are incredibly proud of the children for the skills and qualities they showed throughout the creative process.

Delivering a show of such high standard, it was easy to forget the students are at the very beginning of their learning journey at Habs.

From a staff point of view, the children’s boundless energy, enthusiasm, attentiveness and hard work made it a pleasure and privilege to help with the show.

We would like to thank all parents for supporting the young cast members in learning their lines, not least for for having to hear the same songs on repeat at home since September.

A huge thank you also to Mrs Ashton for teaching the songs and to all staff involved in the show. We look forward to nurturing our budding actors and dancers next term in Reception Dance Club and Reception Drama Club, taught respectively by Miss Pearson and Miss Lewis.

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PRE-PREP AND PREP

Pre-Prep Winter Show The Pre-Prep Winter Show was a stunningly ambitious event this year, with the whole of year 1 and 2 learning several songs, dance routines, and even a dramatic vignette!

The Pre-Prep Winter Show was a stunningly ambitious event this year, with the whole of year 1 and 2 learning several songs, dance routines, and even a dramatic vignette! Accompanied by a live

band of older students, the students wowed us with their musicianship singing a broad range of songs from Coldplay to the Polar Express. It is such a joy to see the young students take to the stage, singing together as a community and experiencing the power of music.

Prep Choral Concert rounds off term Our Prep School recently hosted yet another inclusive music event.

There are few things more moving than a stage full of children singing their hearts out, showing their passion and commitment to music.

On top of exceptional performances from the smaller choirs, the audience was treated to a song from the entire Prep School.

It was a fitting end to a musical term that has revolved around singing and community events.

Next term, we have external concerts at LSO St Luke’s and St John’s Smith Square, both showcasing some of Habs’ most exciting and ambitious ensembles.

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LOREM IPSUM

Habs Community

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Senior Citizens enjoy magic of Hollywood This year’s Senior Citizens’ Tea Party was a truly glittering affair.

On the day, many memories were made by the Senior Citizens who attended. Not to mention our Upper Five and Lower Sixth volunteers.

Sharing stories and laughter, the event gave both generations the chance to get to know each other, where perhaps they ordinarily would not.

The tea party was based around the theme of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Featuring bingo, a Hollywood-themed quiz and raffle, live music was provided by a string of brilliant performers.

Sing-a-longs to classic songs and an incredible round of dancing on the floor of Prevett Hall were magical moments worthy of the movieland theme.

This amazing afternoon could not have been made possible without the help of the Tea Party Committee, led by Mrs Lee and Mrs Gómez. A huge thank you also to all volunteers, students and staff who made the event one of the best at the school this year.

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Student Council Directors 2023/24 In October, we were delighted to announce the newly appointed team of Student Council Directors for 2023-2024. Their individual aims for the year are as follows.

Oscar (L6M1) - Chairman

Yonatan (L6M2) - Vice-Chair

We can’t wait to begin our roles, amplifying the voices in our student community. We want to hear from you, to contribute to the school.

This year we hope to get as many of you involved in helping with initiatives to create positive change.

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Milo (L6R1) - Catering I’ve got big plans for catering, and I’m looking forward to the year ahead. If you have any suggestions feel free to email me anytime.

Aarush (L6H1 ) - Communications

Niccolo (L6S2) - Mental Health

Ben (L6 2) - Environment

My role is to communicate with the student community to deliver information about our work as a council. This year I want to work to increase the visibility of the work done by the council and enhance the ability of students to share their opinions and concerns in order to induce changes we wish to see as a community.

This year I am committed to continuing and developing the work of the last director to give HABS a healthy and supportive atmosphere.

My role in the student council is to oversee and implement initiatives related to environmental sustainability within the school community. I will be working closely with an advisory ecocommittee and working towards creating a greener and more sustainable campus environment.

Julian (L6 1) - Diversity + Inclusion

Nathan (L6H2) - Digital

Ray (L6M1) - Director of Student Network

My role is to champion the equality and differences of our ever-evolving community. I aim to try and make our environment ever more inclusive, and provide more opportunities to share and celebrate our differences.

As the Student Council Director of Digital, a new role introduced this year following the ramp-up on digital integration, my priority surrounds the students. My aims are for a school-wide digital safety initiative as well as improving student’s experience.

We’re going to bring the Student Council out from the shadows and start working hand in hand with the student body. Keep your eyes open for student rep applications after half-term, this year the role will be bigger than ever before!

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Joint Choir debuts at harvest celebration This year, our harvest celebration featured a special performance from the newly formed Year 2 oint Choir.

It was a moment to remember as students from both our Boys’ and Girls’ schools sang together.

As the whole school joined in with the choir’s rendition of ‘Heal the World’, it was a timely reminder of the importance and fragility of global unity. There were four poetry readings in addition, while Junior and Senior choirs sang their hearts out, with versatile choices including traditional spiritual music.

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The celebration also welcomed guest speaker, Mr Julian Milner, a former Haberdasher and Chairman of the Trussell Trust Borehamwood.

The trust is responsible for creating, financing and managing food banks, so it was a privilege to have him return to the school and speak.

The Big Draw brings imaginations together Between November 14 and 16, the Art Department held a very exciting event for the entire school community.

Titled ‘The Big Draw’, the three-day event saw all students and staff invited to a one-hour workshop in Aske Hall. There, each budding artist created a small tile of a much larger ceramic installation, now seen hanging in the Taylor Building.

Arriving in the hall, students and staff were briefed on the task of creating an abstract tile, featuring whatever imagery came to mind.

Creative tools ranged from a rolling pin, plastic knives and a square template, to a pine strip of wood, block of clay, paint brush and slip.

With everything laid out ready, the rest was left up to the imagination.

I thoroughly enjoyed the session as I am sure everyone else did. It made me feel happy and the spontaneous creativity was great fun.”

Frankie was one of many students hoping there are more workshops to come, with many benefitting hugely from the opportunity. A big thank you to our Art department for organising such a communitydriven event.

Frankie (7J) loved the experience.

“I got stuck in and went with it, creating a tile with my own ideas which resulted in something that I was unexpectedly quite proud of.

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Time and space for students and parents Our students enjoyed listening to other people’s views, not to mention sharing their own.

According to Time and Space founder, Bill Jennings, meaningful and continued dialogue between parents and their adolescent children can make a big difference.

Indeed, such dialogue can be critical to the challenging transition into adulthood. As the name suggests, Time & Space sessions provide both the time and space to talk and listen in a trusting, safe environment.

Led by Bill Jennings himself, one recent session brought Habs students and adults together to share their experiences and ideas.

Through guided conversation and reflection, the evening encouraged meaningful communication and connection between parents and their children.

Connecting through conversation Young people discussing their feelings has become more normalised than in previous generations. In fact, parents and mentors remarked on the eloquence and quiet confidence with which the boys spoke. They also considered it a genuine and powerful reminder of the importance of communication.

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“This was a really evocative session,” said one father. “I felt like both my son and I had a very revealing and mature conversation.”

The sentiment was widely shared.

“What an excellent evening,” added another parent, “It was a great to bond with my own son, but also to hear his peers speak so positively about their mothers and mentors.”

What our students thought Hearing from other adults and children was another way that brought new perspectives, making many parents appreciate the value of the Habs community. But what did the young people in the room think?

Our students enjoyed listening to other people’s views, not to mention sharing their own. “I was able to talk to my mum well and bond with her,” said one Year 7 student, “So I now know that I can always let her know what is wrong and any problems that I have.”

One Year 8 student loved the sharing of past and present experiences with their father, while also recognising each other’s qualities and how they spend time together. “I am absolutely blown away,” said another. “It got me to connect with my dad on a whole other level.”

All in all, the session was a great success, with many students valuing the insights and perspectives of the older generation.

Sincere thanks must go to Mrs Muller, Mr Taberner, Mrs Revens, Mr Teague and Mrs Shooter for making the evening possible.

But an even bigger thank you to our Year 8, 9 and 12 students who gave up their evening for the benefit of the Habs community.

I felt like both my son and I had a very revealing and mature conversation.

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Habs Visiting Speaker Programme Engineering Dr Lalitha Ponnampalam Dr Ponnampalam’s talk focused on photonics, a revolutionary technology that brings together a range of complex functions onto a single microchip. Paving the way for compact, high-performing instruments and components, photonics are the optical equivalent to electrical integrated circuits.

Theology and Philosophy Dr Michael Ward To mark the 50th anniversary of the death of J R R Tolkien, Dr Michael Ward came to speak to students about the author’s life and work.

Tolkein, of course, gave us The Hobbit and The Lord of The Rings.

Focusing on the author’s faith and how it influenced his fiction, Dr Ward also detailed how it informed his friendship with fellow Oxford writer, C S Lewis.

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As an expert on both Lewis and Tolkien, there was no one better qualified to speak about the two writers. Part of the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford, Dr Ward has worked on various books discussing the Christian faith and creative imagination. Having presented the BBC1 documentary, The Narnia Code, Dr Ward also unveiled a national memorial to C S Lewis in Poets’ Corner at Westminster Abbey.

In her fascinating talk, Dr Ponnampalam spoke about how the technology can be used to create highly precise sensors, allowing scientists to better monitor the atmosphere and associated climate change. As an academic researcher at University College London, Dr Ponnampalam earned her PhD at the University of Cambridge and has led several leading research projects on photonic integrated devices, including the monitoring of air pollution.

Geography Chris Satow Speaking in Aske Hall, Chris Satow studied Geology and Physical Geography at the University of Edinburgh, before moving to London for postgraduate research.

Investigating the links between the climate, volcanism and human migration over 200,000 years, Chris recently completed his research on how sea level change has affected volcanic activity on the Greek island if Santorini.

In his talk, ‘A Greek Volcano ruled by the Sea’, Chis showed how researchers piece together records of both sea level change and volcanic activity, comparing the two over tens of thousands of years. He then revealed how sea levels have a major bearing on how often the Santorini volcano erupts.

Computer Science Mia Borgese Currently studying a masters’ degree in computer science, Mia Borgese gave a fascinating and timely talk on media and machine learning. After receiving a first-class bachelors’ degree in the same subject from the University of Warwick, Mia spent the summer prior to her postgraduate studies interning at Amazon Prime Video.

During her talk, Mia shared the findings of her undergraduate degree dissertation, ‘Investigating the Use of Key in Music Genre Classification Using Machine Learning‘. She then delved into her exciting work at Amazon Prime Video, a global platform with 200 million subscribers and hugely popular shows such as Thursday Night Football.

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Neuroscience Professor Catherine Loveday A principal lecturer in cognitive neuroscience at the University of Westminster, Professor Loveday has spent many years working with people experiencing memory loss, while researching how we process music. Titled ‘Music, Emotion and the Brain’, her talk was attended by 200+ students, the highlight being a clip of Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’ interspersed with a singing llama.

Describing what happens in the brain when we listen to our favourite songs, the professor also explained why music has such a powerful effect on our mind and body.

Maths acqui Hine Giving her talk in the Seldon Hall, Ms Hine was a student at Habs Girls before completing her Maths degree at The University of St Andrews.

Having worked for over 20 years with multinational companies, she had decades of experience to share with us, from her time specialising in technology, consumer products and accounting.

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From international financial reporting to balance sheets, corporate reform and more, Ms Hine brought a wealth of experience to her talk, giving students an invaluable insight into how maths applies in the real business world.

She then shared her latest research into emotion and autobiographical memory, and how journalling can improve cognitive recall.

Professor Loveday then spent an hour with Upper Sixth Boys and Girls Psychology students in their Enhancement lesson. She answered questions on why we have musical preferences, the therapeutic benefits of music, how music affects episodic and semantic memory, and whether musical response can be measured in animals.

Art eanette Barnes Speaking in the Art Block, awardwinning artist Jeanette Barnes talked about the making of her large drawings, along with what drives her as an artist. The winner of the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize for her large works of the new Battersea Tube Station, Jeanette has won various scholarships and prizes besides.

Much of her recent work in London explores the relationship between building developments in the city and the people who inhabit them. Having studied Fine Art at the Royal Academy Schools, Jeanette is fascinated by how vast architectural projects change society. During the talk, she gave students the benefit of her 25 years’ experience as a frequently exhibited and acclaimed artist.

Biology Dr Rajvee Shah Punatar As a Principal Research Scientist at the world-renowned Francis Crick Institute in London, Dr Rajvee Shah Punatar has worked in the field of cancer research for over 20 years.

In her talk, Dr Shah Punatar shed light on what it is like to be a scientist, why it is so different from other careers and the qualities needed to be happy and successful in the profession.

Dr Shah Punatar’s main area of interest is how our DNA is repaired after being damaged, and how defects in this process can lead to cancer. Using a range of molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, she has cloned, purified and studied several proteins involved in DNA repair.

With her findings published in a number of renowned journals, Dr Shah Punatar works in the DNA Recombination and Repair laboratory of Dr Stephen West.

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Sports Science Dr Katherine Bridge During her enlightening talk, Dr Katherine Bridge introduced students to the multidisciplinary medium of sports engineering.

The lecture explored the concept of power across subjects and how it affects sports performance.

Focusing on the pursuit of running a marathon in under two hours, Dr Bridge outlined the interdisciplinary approach being taken to get here.

Economics Gavin Ucko Inspiring all who attended, Gavin Ucko spoke about economics and his time as CEO of The Happy Puzzle Company. A proud exHABS boy and former A-Level Economics student, it was great to have him return to the school and share his experience.

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Starting in his student bedroom in 1992, Gavin’s business was sold to a global games company 30 years later. In that time, The Happy Puzzle Company has scooped no fewer than 21 UK and international awards.

Gavin has worked with some of the world’s greatest puzzle inventors.

He has also spent the last five years presenting the company’s TV show to an estimated 100,000 viewers.

With a research background in sport technology, Dr Bridge’s PhD focused on the development of ergonomic design to enhance performance. As part of her doctorate studies, she furthered her expertise as a research assistant and lecturer in Sports Engineering at Loughborough University.

Classics Dr Christopher Joyce Did citizens in Classical Athens have ‘rights’ in the way we understand them today? The common claim is that ancient democracies worked differently to ours, founded less upon citizen’s rights, but on the ‘pre-liberal’ performing of duties for society. Yet in recent years, that model has come under fire. This was the subject of Dr Christopher Joyce’s recent talk at Habs.

In his fascinating lecture, he examined some of the key issues around the argument, discussing some of the recent shifts in thinking. Indeed, Dr Joyce argued that the concept of rights did exist in ancient societies, just not exactly as we view them today.

Dr Joyce explained that while ancient democracies like Athens did not uphold fundamental human rights as a city, they did have an advanced understanding of basic citizen rights that applied to both men and women.

Politics Emily Hickson When it comes to climate change, who better to hear from than Emily Hickson? As the Labour Party Councillor for London Bridge, Emily also leads green finance for Southwark Council, a London borough of 250,000 people.

Having dedicated her career to tackling climate change, she started by delivering humanitarian aid in the Syrian and Central African Republic conflicts.

After writing her masters’ thesis on how climate change exacerbates conflict, Emily worked to increase civil society impact at UN Climate Change Talks, attending eight Conference of the Parties, known as ‘COPs’. She then spent five years shaping the sustainability efforts of leaders such as Richard Branson, before founding Climate Catalyst, aimed at decarbonising high-emitting sectors such as steel and aviation.

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Drama Dr Louise Peacock Dr Louise Peacock, Head of Drama at De Montfort University, brought her wealth of knowledge to our Middle and Upper Sixth students.

With fun, engaging workshops on physical comedy, she also delivered an enlightening lecture on academic drama. While the workshops challenged students to think quickly and create their own comic characters, her lecture gave a thought-provoking insight into drama’s role in education and personal growth.

Dr Peacock’s enthusiasm was contagious, giving students a newfound confidence, both dramatically and socially.

Medicine Miss Lane In the area of medicine, we held a special, in-house event with Miss Lane. All Habs Healthcare applicants were invited, from medics and dentists, to vets and physios. Bringing a diverse range of healthcare disciplines together, the event explored real-life ethical scenarios and contentious cases.

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Far from being a passive experience, attendees were split into groups of three, where they were stretched and challenged by a variety of scenarios. Even those not applying for medicine were welcomed and expected to take part.

English Katherine Rundell In late September, Katherine Rundell, bestselling author of Rooftoppers, The Explorer, and Impossible Creatures visited our school.

Starting with The Explorer, Katherine told how she got the idea for the book while in the Amazon Rainforest.

During a cruise along the ocean currents, a pod of pink dolphins swam beneath the boat. Without thinking, the author took off her boots, dived fully clothed into the water and swam over to the dolphins.

“They were beautiful,” remarked Katherine. “They were a few inches away from me, their skin so smooth you could see the scratches and teeth marks of where they had fought off alligators and crocodiles.”

While in the Amazon, Katherine ate everything her characters do in the book, including feasting on piranhas - the reverse of what might usually happen.

Soon, the author’s talk moved onto New York, where she shared the tale of high-wire artist, Philippe Petit, who in 1974 walked a 3cm tightrope between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre. The Frenchman even took a break to lay down on his back on the rope, before waving his arms like a bird.

Katherine then spoke about her time at the University of Oxford, where Kathering got the idea for her book Rooftoppers. Word spread within her college there was a trapdoor that led to the roof. At 2am, Katherine and a friend found the door to the roof. While taking pictures, they came across a lone beer bottle. Suddenly, the idea struck. What if there were people who secretly lived on rooftops?

Katherine later discovered the bottle had been left by a builder who had come to fix the tiles on the roof. Having brought a packed lunch, he had left the bottle behind by mistake.

Yet undeterred by reality, Katherine was inspired to write her novel, Rooftoppers. Detailing how she spent seven years editing and tweaking her book, Impossible Creatures, Katherine captivated students with her many adventures.

A huge thank you to Miss Hackett for organising such an entertaining visit.

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Students show power of collective action International Volunteering Day took place on Tuesday December 5. This year, the Lower School’s theme for the day was ‘The Power of Collective Action’.

Recognising the importance of volunteering, it offered a great opportunity to showcase the difference students can make to their local community.

Based in High Wycombe, the Rangers help the local community conserve and enhance the local environment around the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Beauty.

Every term, each Lower School student records ‘100 Minutes of Service’ in their planner.

Volunteering 100 minutes or more of their time, the students’ combined work has a massive impact on our community, with many selfless hours donated.

With Theo and other community volunteers pitching in to help, the group planted hedgerows, cleared reeds and bulrushes and even made bird and bat boxes. Clad in long gloves and waders, Theo was part of the pond clearance team, clearing out overgrown foliage to encourage wildlife such as newts, frogs and birds to inhabit the pond.

Asher fills foodbank Asher (8R2) is just one shining example. This time last year he began collecting for his local foodbank. Inspired by the cause, Asher then decided to go way beyond his 100 minutes and continue for the remainder of the year.

Over the past 12 months, Asher has collected 1182kgs of food for those in need. That is the equivalent weight of 13 Mr Hardmans, our Head of Lower School.

Theo wades in to help Theo (7H) is another of our young volunteers. He spent two and a half hours with Chiltern Rangers, in Great Kingshill. Every few months, the group help to clean up Cockpit Hole Pond as part of Hughenden Council’s plan to increase biodiversity.

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Winter Giftboxes Throughout November and December Meadows House worked to collect over 30 donated boxes of winter clothing and essentials for the charity Food For All. Rudra (11M1) and Ish (7M) handed over the winter gift boxes which will go to homeless people in the Hertfordshire and North London areas.

Well done to Asher, Theo, Ish, Rudra and all our other volunteers for their amazing work. You all made a huge difference to your local community.

Boys and girls join forces for RAF trophy The CCF RAF Regional Air Squadron Trophy recently saw Habs Boys and Habs Girls lining up side by side.

As a national competition between all RAF Sections in the country, our cadets were competing in the Central and East regional rounds.

Up against 15 other schools at Shuttleworth College in Biggleswade, the team took part in drill, shooting, first aid, RAF knowledge, aircraft recognition, airfield defence and a command task.

An incredible effort Our students had been practising hard for weeks, including least two evenings every week along with some lunchtimes. Drills were very much the focus, with their efforts rewarded by an excellent showing on the day. In spite of the cold weather, our students enjoyed the experience, especially with Tiger Moth and Chipmunk planes taking off and landing in the background.

The final standings had our students in joint fourth overall, narrowly missing out on a place in the National Finals. Considering it was the first time any of the cadets had competed, they can be immensely proud of their performance. They showed the entire cadet contingent and School in a superb light.

Girls break new ground A particular highlight was to the addition of three girls to the team, the first ever time Habs Girls students had represented Habs in an external CCF competition.

The competing team featured Upper 5 students, Scarlett (U5 Alpha), Pasha (U5 Aesc) and Corporal Jayani (U5 A), along with both Warrant Officer Kishan (U6J1) and Flight Sergeant Sohan (U6S2) from Upper Sixth. The rest of the team was made up of Year 11 students, Dev (11S1), Krish (11S1), Yuhki (11H2), sergeants Seb (11S2) and Nathan (11R2), plus corporals Rhys (11H2), Ben (11H1) and Anahad (11M2).

Thank you to all Habs cadets who took part. We look forward to going one better next year.

While three may not sound a lot, the competition was open only to cadets in Year 11 and above, so the prospective pool was only five girls to begin with.

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Remembering together This November, Habs Boys and Habs Girls united together for Remembrance Day. This included parades and services, with junior pupils and senior students all gathering to mark the occasion.

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The Annual CCF Remembrance Parade was attended by Cadets from Navy, Army and RAF Sections paraded together on the Croquet Lawn, ably marshalled by Corporal Major Sandercock and led

by Cadet Warrant Officer Kishan (U6 1).

The parade and guests observed a prayer for the fallen, before hearing the names of Old Haberdashers lost in service during both World Wars.

Contingent Commander Squadron Leader Pearson gave a moving speech, followed by the Last Post, salute and Reveille, played to perfection by bugler, Sergeant Ben (L6J2).

Rounding off the parade, our Executive Principal, Mr Gus Lock, and President of the Old Haberdashers Association, Mr Colin Blessley, both laid wreaths at the school memorial. It was a moving and poignant tribute to the service personnel lost over the years.

Meanwhile, all pupils and staff from Years 2 to 6 gathered in front of the school memorial.

In their own act of remembrance, our pupils showed great maturity, reflecting on the huge sacrifices made to ensure the freedom we have today.

On Remembrance Sunday, Year 6 pupils from both the Prep and Junior Schools also took part in the Radlett Remembrance Parade.

Walking alongside other local groups, the parade included the Scouts, Guides, Rainbows, Brownies, the armed forces and the emergency services.

It was a moving and poignant tribute to the service personnel lost over the years.

Thank you to all those who attended our Remembrance events, and to our students who represented Habs so well. Lest we forget.

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Former Habs student sets gold standard in medicine One of our former students, Niraj Doshi (OH2017), was the proud winner of this year’s Gold Medal for Medicine, awarded by University of London.

A prior participant of a Habs bursary, Niraj paid tribute to his time at Habs Boys. “Receiving a bursary during my time at Habs was life-changing,” he remarked.

“Perhaps the most important benefit was seeing that the school believed in me from a young age, and was willing to help nurture my potential regardless of my family’s financial ability.”

Niraj believes many of his achievements stem from the confidence he gained while studying with us, believing it demonstrates the power of investing in a student’s education.

Niraj claimed his Gold Medal after taking part in a competitive ‘viva’ assessment. Competition for the Gold was elite, with Niraj up against the top 1% of students from the capital’s leading medical schools, namely University College London, Imperial College London, King’s College and St George’s, University of London, along with Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry.

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The assessment itself comprised of six scenarios, with examiners including the President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and the Head of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford.

While the knowledge component of the viva was challenging, perhaps the most vital skill was engaging in conversation with the examiners, while keeping calm under pressure.

Far from shrinking from the task, Niraj relished the chance for spirited discussions with such eminent clinicians.

“My foundation at Habs has helped me develop these abilities and stood me in good stead so far” Niraj commented.

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“Thank you very much for all your support over the years.”

Since graduating from Habs Boys, Niraj has attended University College London and continues to support the Habs community.

In February this year, he participated as a speaker in our Visiting Speakers’ Programme, whilst also returning as a guest at our Careers in Medicine Networking Breakfast in 2022.

Struck by the Royal Mint, the Gold Medal also came with £500 in prize money. Congratulations, Niraj. It is thoroughly well-deserved.

My foundation at Habs has helped me develop these abilities and stood me in good stead so far.

Evening speaker series gets people talking This term, Habs Elstree Schools kicked off a fascinating new evening speaker series.

Our inaugural Habs in Conversation featured John Vincent MBE (OH 1990), co-founder of Leon Restaurants, along with his wife, BBC presenter and newscaster, Katie Derham.

Speaking on 11 October, Habs Executive Principal Gus Lock (OH 1994) interviewed the couple on stage before an audience of parents from both schools.

It was a fast-paced conversation worthy of their attendance on a school night. Topics veered from leadership styles and the value of classical music instruction, to living sustainability and what martial arts and Carl Jung can teach us about running a successful business.

The meaning of success A recurring theme was what ‘success’ really means in life, and how to achieve it. Prevett Hall erupted in laughter throughout the evening as the conversation took unexpected turns. Mr Lock kept the discussion (mostly) on track, describing his interviewer style as a cross between ‘Michael Parkinson and Graham Norton’.

Habs in Conversation is an occasional on-stage interview series with distinguished members of the Habs community. The aim is an evening of thought-provoking and entertaining discussion about interesting topics, ideally from an ‘only at Habs’ perspective. Is there an Old Haberdasher or parent you would like to see on stage? Email us at foundation@habselstree.org.uk.

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HABS COMMUNIT Y

Gala dinner reunites Old Haberdashers 84

Even a cold November night in London could not diminish the warmth and joy experienced by those who attended this year’s Old Haberdashers Dinner.

Held at Haberdashers’ Hall, the event is organised in conjunction with the Old Haberdashers’ Association.

The black-tie dinner brought together 75 Old Haberdashers and their guests, along with past and present staff for an evening of conversation, the renewing of friendships and the sharing of memories.

Honouring our unsung heroes The dinner also offered a chance to celebrate and recognise individuals who exemplify the Habs values of service and community through selfless devotion to the welfare of others.

The winner of the inaugural Unsung Hero Award was Alan Mackenzie (OH 1974), who received multiple nominations from fellow Old Haberdashers on two continents.

Each noted his many years of working quietly behind the scenes to help others.

Bringing meals and medicine to elderly and disabled neighbours in his hometown of Ringwood, Hampshire, Alan even takes them to their hospital appointments.

As one nominator, Dr Mark Andrew Stocker (OH 1974) put it, “He makes the world a better place.”

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HABS COMMUNIT Y

Hundreds return for Old Haberdashers Day On Saturday 23 September, more than 600 alumni and alumnae of the Habs Elstree Schools returned to their alma mater.

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The first-ever Old Haberdashers Day featured six receptions and three lunches held simultaneously across our 100 acre campus.

Returning alumni ranged from a trio of friends from the Class of 1958, to several from the Class of 2023.

At 98, David Hassell (OH 1943) is our oldest-known Old Haberdasher.

He said he was sad not to make it, but his 95-year old sister was not up to the drive from Exmouth.

The next Old Haberdashers Day will be held on Sunday 19 May 2024.

We look forward to uniting the Habs community once again.

It was a sunny day of food, drink, music and reunions with old friends and teachers. The event also saw hundreds of Old Haberdashers celebrate their 5th, 10th, 25th and 50th reunions. Meanwhile, hundreds more gathered on the Croquet Lawn between the schools for barbecue, drinks and chat.

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H A B SL O CO R EMMM IUPNS IUTM Y

Partnerships makes profound impact Habs Partnerships is continuing to make a profound impact in the community.

With more students involved than ever, numbers are expected to rise even more into next year.

The aim of Partnerships is to build educational opportunity both for the Habs community and the communities around us.

Students are already convinced of the programme’s value, not only the pleasure it brings them, but the other benefits too. Partnerships work forms a crucial part of their wider education, improving their leadership and communications skills, while building their resilience, grit, and knowledge of the world.

Award-winning work Last year, the Habs Partnerships Programme won the Herts Civic Award for work undertaken to benefit residents of the borough.

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This year, our work with our seven local partner schools includes:

48 hours

1,400 Partner school

321 Habs students

56 Habs staff

per week of co-curricular and academic sessions

involved every week

61,000 hours in total spent working in partnerships

students involved every week

involved every week

Through the programme, students are actively taking on positions of responsibility and leadership, learning to adapt according to context. They are also learning how to plan meaningful sessions and communicate more effectively.

The sense of confidence and connection with their partner students has only grown.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed Partnerships, and the children I taught most definitely have,” says Milo (L6R1), teaching Maths enrichment.

“Seeing how interactive and responsive they were to our teaching was so fulfilling. It taught me a lot about being warm, patient, sympathetic, and more fundamental skills. I would highly recommend Partnerships - a really satisfying and educational experience.”

Izzy (U6 CLH) is another student teaching Maths enrichment, along with Art. “It has taught us a lot about ourselves,” she explains. “About how we approach problems, as well as giving us an opportunity to learn from each other. I have learnt a lot of soft skills from Partnerships that are going to be important beyond life at school.”

More students get involved This term, Gavriella (L6 GAM), Jana (U6 IC) and Ben (L6J2) have also stood out for their outstanding contributions to sessions.

In fact, during Monday Electives, the Friday Afternoon Programme and throughout the week, all sixth formers can commit to a ‘volunteer’ period. These Partnership sessions range from French, Spanish, Music, Science and Maths enrichment, to Outdoor Education, Robotics, Drama, Debating, Mindfulness and many more.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Partnerships, and the children I taught most definitely have.

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H A B SL O CO R EMMM IUPNS IUTM Y

Habs Partnerships students take the lea Partnerships has seen many Habs students deliver teaching and support across a broad range of subjects. Planning and leading sessions of their own, our students have loved both the challenge and reward of inspiring children, while building new skills of their own.

“I currently spend two hours a week in debating and music partnerships activities.

“I loved taking part in the partnerships scheme.

I find partnerships extremely rewarding, as I can see the difference that we make to the children’s school day, providing them with a more positive learning experience. I also love getting to know each of the children and can see how much they enjoy every session. I am really grateful to have been offered this opportunity, as I feel that it has given me leadership skills that will benefit me in the future.”

Though we hadn’t been assigned a school for the first few sessions, it was still really interesting discussing and working out how we were going to approach the sessions. The children were so enthusiastic when we met them, and I loved seeing them enjoying the sessions that we had planned. It was a super rewarding experience and great to see the kids smiling, laughing and having a great time! I would definitely love to do it again.”

Ruby (L6 JJM)

Ben (L6J2)

“I have gained many skills, such as working in a team environment and how to work with different types of kids.

“I look forward to my partnership session each week.

I remember one time I was helping two students figure out a problem. I gave them a very small hint and they managed to figure it out on their own. They turn to each other and gave each other a high five. It was really sweet.”

Josie (U6 TD)

Working and adapting to a new environment was definitely at first a challenge, however as time progressed, it became more and more enjoyable. I have also developed my communication skills and I feel like knowing how to communicate with different people is a very important skill to have in the wider world.

Partnerships has really helped me to develop many skills and I am very grateful for this opportunity.”

Aarav (L6C1

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ad “The most important skill has been adapting to a different environment in order to communicate with the kids effectively.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with students in Grimsdyke the last few months.

It has been rewarding for me to help them with their English, reading and comprehension skills but also has been fun to connect with the children. Reading advanced level books with the pupils I was with, was a great exercise to practice communication and listening skills as everyone had a turn to read and answer questions but we all took it in turns. I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given, not only to support and boost the confidence of the students when reading, but to improve my own communication and leadership skills!”

Milan (L6 HL)

It was quite difficult at some stages to engage everyone fully but over the last 2 months it’s become more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. From this we where able to engage, enjoy and teach maths effectively and build a close relationship with them which we also benefited from. It’s also been good for team building skills with Milo and Aarav in which we where able to bounce of each other very well so the kids get the most out of it.”

Aryan (L6C1)

“I have thoroughly enjoyed completing partnerships, and the children I taught most definitely have.

Seeing how interactive and responsive they were to our teaching was so fulfilling, and it taught me a lot about being warm, patient, sympathetic, and more key fundamental skills. These skills may seem simple and self-explanatory, but only once put into practice can you truly begin to refine such skills. I would highly recommend partnerships, a really satisfying and educational experience.”

Milo (L6R1)

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H A B SL O CO R EMMM IUPNS IUTM Y

Transporting our students for 60 years At the beginning of November, the 60th anniversary dinner dance for Southgate & Finchley Coaches was held at Sopwell House near St Albans.

It was a celebration of the company’s success, built on professionalism, determination and the fantastic team ethic the family business fosters within its staff.

The dinner was a rich affair, with flowing wine and emotional speeches, followed by energetic dancing to music from a live band.

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The highlight of the evening was the announcement of a new addition to the family.

Earlier the very same day, Managing Director Peter Rice welcomed granddaughter, Emma, into the world.

It was the perfect evening to celebrate both the birth and the historic 60th milestone so few companies reach.

Southgate Coaches was founded in 1963 by Michael ‘Mick’ Rice and his wife, Val, when they purchased a single coach. Today, with Mick’s son and daughter, Peter Rice and Elaine Scrivens as joint Managing Directors, the business has many members of the family working in and around the company, with a fleet totalling 29 vehicles.

Seven decades serving our schools The relationship between Habs and Southgate & Finchley has been long and fruitful. Finchley Coaches first started running routes for Habs in the 1950’s.

After the company was bought

by Mick and merged with his Southgate Coaches business, the partnership with Habs continued to go from strength to strength.

Now, the company operates 14 morning routes, laying on another 14 coaches at 4:15pm routes and five more at 5:30pm.

Covering an area stretching from Enfield to Wembley, there are many school fixtures, trips and events besides that count on Southgate & Finchley to safely transport students.

When asked about the secret to the long-standing partnership, Elaine and Peter said, ”We have tried our best over the years to provide the service that the schools, students and parents expect from us. Our staff are trained to keep all passengers safe, by way of regular CPC, safeguarding and other relevant courses. Timekeeping and safeguarding is of the utmost importance and is constantly monitored by ourselves and the Transport Manager at Habs.”

Southgate & Finchley are a shining example of a business with family at its core and staff who are truly professional. From the 1950’s to today, they remain a vital part of the Habs community.

Congratulations to the company and their team on their 60th anniversary.

Timekeeping and safeguarding is of the utmost importance and is constantly monitored by ourselves and the Transport Manager at Habs.

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HABS COMMUNIT Y

Young deaf campaigners in mentoring success Habs students Lauren (U6IC) and Orson (5 G) have both earned prestigious recognition for their amazing work on behalf of deaf children and young people.

Lauren has been named the Child and Young Person winner in the first Claire Campbell Awards for Outstanding Achievement.

Meanwhile, Orson has been High Commended in The Children and Young People Now Children’s Achievement Award.

Lauren’s story Lauren was diagnosed as profoundly deaf soon after she was born. Receiving her first cochlear implant aged two and her second at six, she learned to listen and speak through Auditory Verbal therapy, beginning at just six months old.

At age three, she then graduated with spoken language skills at a level expected for a hearing child of her age. Lauren is now thriving with the same opportunities in life as her hearing peers.

Nominated for the awards by the Girls’ School, Lauren was put forward due to her sheer dedication to helping others understand deafness, and her tireless efforts to improve outcomes for all deaf children. Her mentoring of Orson was another outstanding reason for her nomination.

On receiving her trophy, Lauren said, “I feel privileged and honoured to have won this award, especially considering the amazing work others in this category have done to raise awareness for deaf children and young adults.

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My motivation to speak publicly comes from my belief in the importance of early educational intervention for deaf children so that they can fulfil their full potential at school and in life.”

Proving what deaf children can achieve while calling for more educational support for deaf children, Lauren has spoken at both the House of Commons in Westminster and London City Hall to spotlight the importance of early support for deaf children.

He has also met cross-party MPs at the House of Commons to explain how Auditory Verbal therapy transformed his life, allowing him to attend mainstream school and enjoy the same opportunities as hearing children of his age. Orson’s campaigning comes in addition to more than £12,000 raised by his family, friends and school to support more deaf children in getting Auditory Verbal therapy.

Orson’s journey Year 5 Orson’s high commendation was in recognition of his outstanding activism. His passionate campaigning work centres around enabling more deaf children to have access to early and effective support.

Orson was born severely deaf, and like his mentor Lauren, he learned to listen and speak through Auditory Verbal therapy.

The young campaigner has championed AVUK’s #HearUsNow campaign and delivered a letter to the Prime Minister at Number 10 Downing Street.

Both awards are shining examples of the collaboration and sense of community across both Habs Boys’ and Habs Girls’ schools. Nowhere was this more evident than in Lauren’s mentoring of Orson.

Congratulations, Lauren and Orson, on your awards and a fantastic mentoring partnership.

Staff News

S TA F F N E W S

Leavers Roberta Williams

Isabella Wise

Anthony Carville

People Operations and ER Officer

Athletic Development Coach

Senior Groundsperson

Roberta leaves us after nearly 10 years to take on a new challenge at St Albans Girls’ School. Joining Habs in 2014, during her time here Roberta was a key member of the HR team, supporting both her department and the wider school community with recruitment and further HR functions.

She established strong relationships with staff and was a trusted member of the team. Her knowledge and stability will be sorely missed.

Having successfully completed just over a year at Habs leaves us to take up a new role as Strength & Conditioning Lead at the University of Hertfordshire. She has played a significant part in developing our teaching programmes for PE, helping to develop a pathway for improving physical literacy from Reception to Year 13, and introduced some important measures for ensuring that we make full use of our fitness facilities for the benefit of staff and students. We wish her all the best with her new role.

Anthony leaves us after 16 years of dedicated service. He has seen two headmasters and three bursars over the years and countless other changes, including merging of Habs Boys and Habs Girls grounds department. Despite all of this, one thing that has remained steadfast is Anthony’s commitment and loyalty to both the school and his work.

During his time here, he has set high standards and since joining Riverside, Anthony has been an integral and diligent part of the team. He will be sorely missed, and we wish him much happiness in his retirement.

Elena Marian

Nikki Adams

People Operations and ER Co-ordinator

People Operations and ER Manager

Amanda Appiah

Elena leaves us after nearly 4 years to take up an HR role in the property sector. Elena worked across both Habs Boys and Habs Girlsthroughout her time with us, organising interviews, administering the recruitment register and providing an HR service to staff and stakeholders. She has also been involved in many staff activities and will be missed by us all. We wish her every success and happiness in her new position.

Nikki leaves us after just a short time working at Habs, Nikki brought guidance to the People team and enthusiasm to her role, establishing many new working practices and giving strong support to both her team and the wider school. We wish her all the best in her new role.

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Junior Graphic Designer Amanda leaves us after 7 months to take up a new role as Graphic Designer at Chelsea FC. Amanda worked on a range of elements of design within the Marketing team across both Habs Boys and Habs Girls and brought an incredible humour to her day-to-day. Amanda was well liked by all and always showed so much pride in her work. We thank her for her dedication and wish her well for the future.

ulie-Anne Slade

Manish Chandaria

School Office Secretary

Billy Hulatt

Head of IT and Data

IT and AV Support Officer

Julie leaves us after 7½ years. Her main responsibility was the upkeep of the Senior School attendance register, along with absences, reception cover and locker distribution. Julie-Anne was motivated, above all, by the wellbeing of all the pupils. One of her great strengths was providing support for pupils who are most in need; for such individuals, nothing was too much trouble and countless pupils have passed through the school greatly indebted to her for her care, support, compassion and concern. She was a stalwart supporter of HabsDash and was always seen cheering the students on, come rain or shine. We wish her the very best of luck for the future.

Manish leaves Habs after 2½ years to take up a role with The Parks Trust in Milton Keynes. Manish was exceptionally dedicated to his role and well regarded by the IT team and the wider school community.

He was instrumental in bringing the IT teams from the two schools together into an efficient and well-run team. This transformation has provided a solid foundation to enable the school to develop its strategy as well as to support staff and students on a daily basis.

Manish also provided stability and guidance throughout the pandemic, and the whole Habs community thanks him for all he and his team did at that time. He will be missed and we wish him every success in his new position.

Billy leaves us after 5 years to take up a new role within IT support at Skechers. During his time at Habs, Billy worked across both Habs Boys and Habs Girls and has been an integral part of the IT team. He has built lasting relationships across the schools and will be missed by staff and students. We thank him for his hard work, dedication and good humour at all times and wish him well for the future.

Kian Kinsella Caretaker Kian leaves us after 2 years. During his time at the school, Kian has been extremely hardworking and dedicated, playing an instrumental role in supporting the school.

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S TA F L F ONREEW MS I P S U M

Internal Movements Olivia Belchier

Chloe Harrison

Sports Department Administrator to PA to the Deputy Head Academic

PA to the Deputy Head Academic to PA to the Headmaster

Nicole Brown

Pippa Lewis

Finance Manager to Director of Commercial

Groundsperson to Deputy Head of Grounds

Terence Chan

Kirsty Law

Head of Libraries to Head of SCS (Additional)

Phase Learning Assistant to Prep School Administrator

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Seetal Mishra TA Prep School to TA Pre Prep School

Nav Vig Prep School Administrator to PA to the Head of Prep School

Threeya Thirunathan Website Project Manager to Digital Project Manager

Appointments Michelle Best

Rohan Moon

Senior Deputy Head of Prep

Athletics Development Coach

ulia Braun School Attendance & Admin Officer

Ellis Fletcher Groundsperson

Thomas Huntley

Ailya Najam Fees Officer and Accounts Assistant

emma Orr Talent Officer

igna Patel

Sapna Tailot Finance Business Parter

Nisha Tailor Head of Maths, Prep

Desmond Trainor Graphic Designer

ack Wright

Athletics Development Coach

Teaching Assistant, Prep

Caretaker

Clare army

Michael Porter

Director of Innovation

Teacher of ICT

Shi Yinhuming

Ali Lock

Michael Rowlands

Teaching Assistant

Project Manager

Katherine March

Tilak Siyani

Sports Administrator

AV & IT Support Officer

oanne Wiles People & Employee Relations Administrator

Teacher of Physics

Lucia Lecanda Meschede Spanish Language Assistant

Katie Patman People Operations & Employee Relations Coordinator

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