Habs Girls End of Term Newsletter - Spring Term 2024

End of term

Headmistress End of Term Message: March 2024

As I reach the end of my second term as Headmistress of our wonderful school I am struck by how busy and full Habs life is and the great variety of opportunity and experience afforded to all of our students. I am very proud of how much they have achieved this term both in and beyond the classroom. Our school values of Ambition, Curiosity, Courage and Community have really shone through.

This term we celebrated our third Giving Day. This was a tremendous success and a real testament to the spirit of community and philanthropy upon which the schools were founded. It was fantastic to see so many students involved and great to welcome parents on to site to join in the fun.

Our charitable endeavours this term have been focused on raising funds for Mencap Funday, which takes place in the Summer Term. This culminated with a fun and lively event in the Bourne Hall last Friday at which acts competed in the annual Mencap’s Got Talent event. Thank you to Mrs Dermus and the student committee, led at the Girls’ School by Rudrani, for their hard work in organising this and other fundraising events.

Our sporting teams have had great success at all levels and we enjoyed some of the best results in the school’s history at this year’s National Lacrosse Championships. Our U19A’s finished fifth, the B team conceded just 16 goals across nine games - a school record and the C team being entered for the very first time, a clear demonstration of the strength in depth of our lacrosse programme.

Thanks to the whole PE department but especially Miss Wright for her leadership, dedication and enthusiasm.

There has been much more to celebrate on the sporting front with more national success, this time in Gymnastics with our Under 13 team finishing fourth nationally in the Trio competition and the Under 16 team finishing fifth.

The Under 13 Gym squad won the Improver’s Trophy at the ISGA event, which was awarded to the most improved school. Thank you to the whole PE department for the countless hours they spend supporting our students in their sporting endeavours.

Ms Jenkins and her very talented Music department colleagues led us in an accomplished evening of music-making at the Spring Concert, in which nearly 200 students took part. The range of music was eclectic, with a stunning performance of a movement from a Mozart Piano Concerto by Helen Stovold-Winkworth in Upper Sixth, the first performance of the newlyformed Senior Brass ensemble and St Catherine Singers performing works by Sir John Tavener and Eric Whitacre, as well as a close harmony arrangement of Cavatina.

It was wonderful to support our students in our joint Orchestral Concert last weekend at St John’s Smith Square, with music from the Americas, culminating in Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story performed by the Habs Elstree Symphony Orchestra. The standard of music making was excellent.

This brief summary would need to be several pages long to do justice to everything that has taken place this term and thank you to all of my colleagues who have led trips, co-curricular activities and other performances. Our students are hugely talented and motivated but are lucky to be supported by such talented and dedicated staff.

Celebrating our community is something on which we place great value and this week’s Bollywood night was a vibrant and thrilling experience for all who attended, just as the Afrobeats event was earlier in the term.

The Ramadan Iftar event was a chance for students and staff to break the fast together at the beginning of Ramadan and I wish everyone a joyous Eid al-Fitr when it arrives. We enjoyed a fun Purim Party last week and students from JSOC presented to us in assembly about the festival, its origins and traditions. I know that lots of students were excited to be attending Purim celebrations this weekend and I hope that all those marking the festival enjoyed themselves. And with Easter nearly upon us our Christian Society spoke in assembly on Monday about Holy Week and the events that took place between Good Friday and Easter Sunday and I would like to take the opportunity to wish all those celebrating a very happy Easter when it arrives.

We are in the final throws of preparation for GCSE and A Level examinations this summer and our Upper 5 and Upper Sixth students and their teachers continue to work hard with study leave to begin relatively soon after we return in the Summer Term. Our teachers will continue to support students up until their exams have taken place and we look forward to them all returning after the exams are finished, both to celebrate their success and to look forward to their exciting futures.

All that remains for me is to wish you all a very restful and fulfilling Easter break and I look forward to seeing you all refreshed and ready for an exciting Summer Term.

With best wishes,

Hazel Bagworth-Mann Headmistress

Success Stories

Habs students crack the code

Two teams from Habs Girls and Habs Boys competed in a National Safe Cracking competition.

Hosted by Dulwich College, the event was organised and led by passionate academics from the worlds of physics and engineering, with added support from the Weizmann Institute.

Both teams from Year 12 worked tremendously hard leading up to the competition, so it was unsurprising they performed so well on the day.

Hard work pays off

There were 31 teams from a total of 17 different schools competing, with the Habs team, Fission Chips, securing second place.

Fission Chips comprised Oscar (L6R1), Ray (L6M1), Ibrahim (L6S2), Bibi (L6 JJM) and Amber (L6 JJM). Our other team, We Need a Vacuum, consisted of Alex G (L6C1), Alex R (L6C1), Neeam (L6S2), Evan (L6M2) and Felix (L6R2).

Accompanied by Mrs Selouk and Miss Hooker, the contest was the culmination of months of hard work from the students. Each team needed to construct their own safe using two physics-based puzzles of their own design to secure it.

The teams then attempted to crack their competitors’ safes, all while defending their own. A further challenge was explaining the physics at play to the judging panel.

A cracking day all-round.

We Need a Vacuum ran into early technical difficulties, yet managed to fix them on the spot, giving them a well-functioning safe for the day. This ensured a high points score for the team in both the Judges and Peer Review categories. The boys also did well in cracking the other teams’ safes, leading to a very respectable tenth place finish.

Overall, it was an enjoyable day of science and engineering. Both teams would like to thank Mrs Selouk, Miss Hooker and Mr Roncarati for their help in building the safes and their support on the day of the contest.

Sianna to join Jaguar Land Rover

After leaving Habs, many students blend Degree Apprenticeship with university studies.

The latest example is Sianna (U6 CW), who recently secured her place on a Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship with Jaguar Land Rover, alongside a Digital and Technology Solutions degree from Warwick University.

‘In the computer science industry, I believe gaining experience is the best way to develop skills,’ Sianna remarked. ‘The application process alone gave me so much insight into interview processes, plus the opportunity to meet so many people from a range of companies. A degree apprenticeship allows me to simultaneously gain and apply knowledge from a degree, making it the best of both worlds!”

Balancing school work with her lengthy application was a huge challenge for Sianna, but the school was happy to help. As she explained, ‘Most companies began with automatically assessed online assessments which represent their values. This was usually followed by two or three more interviews, ranging from in-person assessed networking to online presentations on future business strategies.’

Sianna even found herself interviewing during the half term. ‘I had three interviews in two days, having to stay in a hotel room to do an online interview, then run to an in-person one down the road!’

Congratulations Sianna and good luck.

ChemRace tests students’ metal

Five Sixth Formers took part in the ChemRace competition at the University of Cambridge.

Hosted by the University’s Department of Chemistry, Professor Peter Wothers MBE, was on hand to open proceedings.

Our competing Habs team, The Bond Breakers, was made up of Aaryan (U6M2), Amy (U6 IC), Dawei (L6C1), Oliver (L6M2) and Varun (U6M2). Pitting their knowledge against 60 other teams from around the country, the contest also saw another group from Habs Girls attend the corresponding event at the University of Oxford.

Breaking into the top spots

ChemRace is a fun, yet highly competitive event where teams answer a series of increasingly challenging questions beyond the normal scope of A Level chemistry.

Points are awarded for correct answers, but progress to new questions is only granted once teams submit a correct response. This meant a careful balance of speed and precision was called for, with points deducted for each failed attempt.

Coming seventh overall, The Bond Breakers finished a single place and handful of points outside the prize positions. In fact, it was tight in all the top spots. Nevertheless, the team enjoyed the event and enhanced their broader experience of the chemistry subject, with discussions still ongoing after the event had ended.

An iconic display at Oxford

Meanwhile, our Habs Girls team travelled to the University of Oxford for their own ChemRace. Known as Iconic Bonds, the team consisted of five Lower Sixth chemistry students, including Charlotte (L6 EJ), Rudrani (L6 CAG), Naadiya (L6 GAM), Thalia (L6 JYB) and Anaya (L6 JJM).

They too loved the experience, solving and deciphering a series of complex questions. Despite being up against teams of mainly Upper Sixth students, they stuck steadfastly to their task. Braving a barrage of challenging questions, they dealt with it all with good grace and humour. A true credit to Habs.

Habs on the podium in British Physics Olympiad

This year, 3,137 students from 482 UK schools took part in the British Physics Olympiad. Proving ever-popular, the event has nearly doubled in the size from 1,616 students and 270 schools in 2020.

Alongside a handful of overseas schools and a further 3,500 students from China, our Habs entrants yet again embraced the competition.

About the Olympiad

The Physics Olympiad challenges students’ knowledge, preparation and ability, allowing access for good students, while also providing stretch for the top young physicists in the country.

Each question demands a different perspective, with fluency in recognising topics and linking ideas being key to developing students’ confidence and mastery.

Students put to the test

Lasting close to three hours, the British Olympiad Round 1 paper put our budding physicists through their paces, with both Habs Girls and Habs Boys sitting the exam.

Medal winners aplenty

Our students picked up medals across both our schools. For Habs Girls, Amarleen (U6 TD) claimed Gold, while Ananya (U6 TD) and Taisia (U6 KXO) claimed Silver, and Aaliyah (U6 JHB) scooped Bronze.

For the boys, Aaryan (U6S1), James (U6C2) and Oliver (L6M2) all won Gold, with Silver awarded to Pranav (U6M2), Shivank (U6M2), Matthew (U6H1), Nadav (U6H2), Rohan (U6C1) and Sahrid (U6R1).

Well done to all who took part and good luck in the next round.

Joutes Oratoirs debate

Amelia (L6 E ) and Gemma (L6 CAP) took part in the outes Oratoires, a French debating competition at Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe.

Gemma, for one, loved the experience. As she explained, “We competed against a variety of very strong schools such as Highgate School, Wycombe Abbey School, Royal Grammar School and Habs Boys.

We debated extremely interesting and academically stimulating motions – for instance debating for and against the motion: ‘Les jeux vidéos ont un impact négatif sur la santé mentale des jeunes/ Video games are bad for the mental health of teenagers.’

Even though we did not win this time, it was an incredible experience, and I feel it largely improved our levels of French, as well as our debating skills. It was also super-enjoyable and I would love the opportunity to take part in it again if I could!”

Events

Holocaust Memorial Day

To commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, the school held two thought-provoking events.

To begin with, the grandmother of Ayelet (L6 ADL), a first-hand holocaust survivor spoke to senior school students of both Habs schools in a poignant video call.

Relaying her experiences of such a horrific time, Ayelet’s grandmother spoke from her home in Amsterdam, from where her family originated.

Surviving together

It was a beautiful and moving speech, full of charm. Ayelet’s grandmother remained positive throughout her talk, ending by saying how she did not have the best start to life, spending the year following her release from a concentration camp in hospital. However, our guest speaker revealed she has since lived a full life with her husband, a fellow survivor from the camps who was taken in by the resistance.

The couple now have children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren together. With all the students fully engaged in the story, you could have heard a pin drop during the call.

Escaping WWII France

The second event in commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day saw Dr Noemie Lopian, the daughter of two holocaust survivors, visit the school to speak to Years 4 and 5.

On the day, she shared the remarkable story of her mother, Renee Bornstein, and her escape from occupied France during World War II.

Thank you to all who attended the talks and especially to our two wonderful speakers for sharing their stories.

HabsMUN welcomes neighbouring schools

Recently, we hosted the HabsMUN conference, the first joint conference hosted by both Habs Girls and Habs Boys. Welcoming nearly 200 visitors to our joint campus, they travelled from the other side of London and rural Northamptonshire.

HabsMUN is an abbreviation of Habs Model United Nations. The event develops ambition through its global outreach, curiosity through addressing global perspectives and finding solutions to pressing problems, courage in developing public speaking and leadership skills plus a sense of local and worldwide community through widening participation in our conference and its ideals.

There were 11 schools and events in venues across the entire campus. This huge logistical exercise was overseen by our (Joint Organising Committee) led by Secretaries-General from each school, Aparna (U6 TD) and Manav (U6S2), alongside a joint Secretariat of volunteer students, ably led by Asha (U6 CLH) and Suren (U6H2).

Students in session

Delegates spent Friday lobbying for their draft resolutions, Saturday preparing their chosen resolutions for Security Council and Sunday modelling the General Assembly of the United Nations.

Resolutions passed by General Assembly included addressing the peace and humanitarian crisis in Yemen, the historic injustice of the treatment of the Chagos islanders and the widening permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

Equality and sustainability

For the first time ever, committees included the Commission on the Status of Women and a Committee for Environmental Protection. Meanwhile, Equity, Empowerment and Inclusion were the conference themes, reflected both in debate and the equitable management of the conference itself, with staff Conference Directors from both schools: Miss King and Mr Pedroz.

As Huriyyah (L6 DXF) commented, “I attended my first HabsMUN conference in 2019 as a Year 7 student: this experience ignited a passion for international affairs. Fast-forward to 2024, I find myself not a delegate navigating the complexities of committee sessions, but rather the Head Chair of the Security Council, presiding over debates and guiding discussions on pressing global issues. The journey from delegate to Chair has been one of growth, learning, and transformation.”

Of course, our students had a lot of fun during the conference too. We hope to see even more schools and students involved in HabsMUN 2025.

Time for another Science Week

Science week saw students across our unior and Senior Schools take part in a multitude of ‘Time’ related activities.

It all kicked off with a thoughtprovoking assembly delivered by the Biology Society. Students are still scratching their heads at the thought of the Ichthyostega - the first land dwelling organism - being a common ancestor of all in the room. Not to mention the possibility that travelling forwards in time may actually be possible.

The sands of time

The prequel to Science Week involved students from Years 5 and 6 making the trip from Junior School to the Physics department. There, they competed in a challenge to create the most accurate 10-second timer. Using simple equipment like sand, water, funnels, cups, marble and tracks, there was more head-scratching to be done as the teams worked on their inventions.

One Year 5 group used sand and a funnel together to complete the challenge, with an accuracy of 10.06 seconds. Our Physics Society students were on hand to test each timer, with the same challenge tackled by senior students on the Tuesday and Wednesday.

Chemical reactions

Sticking with the theme of ‘Time’ during Monday lunchtime, our Biology department was the place to be. There, students tested their reaction times using an interactive game. Eunice (L6 DYV) set an impressive score of 53, which went unmatched for the rest of lunchtime.

The Chemistry labs buzzed with excitement on the Thursday, as our Lower Sixth settled their grudges with ‘phenolphthalein’, battling to be the best titrator of them all. 12 teams of three students took part, representing all houses and both schools.

Working together to determine the concentration of three solutions, the winners will be announced in the final assembly.

The week came to a close with Dr Bridges’ Elements Treasure Hunt Challenge, where students scoured the boulevard and surrounding area for chemical element clues, before using the letters to complete a science quote.

Finally, there were some amazing submissions for the Science Week poster competition. The best entries will be submitted to the national competition.

Students celebrated at Extended Research event

We welcomed Parents, Governors and External Examiners, along with our Sixth Form to the Habs Diploma Extended Research Project celebration.

The Extended Research Project aims to give all students across Habs Girls and Habs Boys the chance to explore their own interests and passions in an academic format.

The 15 best projects

Extended Research Projects are completed in the Lower Sixth, with the top projects marked by external experts in their chosen field.

The event celebrated the 15 best projects in the faculties of STEM, Humanities and Social Sciences and Creatives. During the ceremony, the winners of each faculty presented their fascinating pieces.

Creatives presented The Artist Parable. STEM students asked ‘Is carbon mineralisation the key to tackling climate change?’ Humanities and Social Sciences, meanwhile, shared their project, ‘Reflections on a wine-dark sea; investigating ancient colour perception.’

Upper Sixth inspire Lower Sixth

The event was a wonderful celebration of our Upper Sixth students, giving them a chance to reflect on the skills the Habs Diploma has given them.

It also serves as a rallying call to their Lower Sixth counterparts to embrace the opportunity, one that will see them delve beyond the constraints of their A Level courses and pursue research in their chosen field.

We look forward to June and to seeing what fascinating research Lower Sixth will produce.

Students and speakers wow TEDx audience

TEDx@HabsElstree Youth 2024 marked a triumphant milestone in the event’s fledgling history.

Now in its third year, the standard of speakers and production value reached unprecedented heights. It is all thanks to our student-led committees and their dedication to inspiring the Habs community.

Three years ago, we held the event in a dimly-lit Seldon Hall. This time around, our guest speakers stood under the bright lights of the Bourne stage. With no fewer than 17 speakers making an appearance, the topics covered were as diverse as they were fascinating.

Transcending boundaries

From the moment the curtain lifted, attendees were immersed in a captivating journey of inspiration, innovation and introspection. Each speaker brought a unique perspective and story to the stage, leaving an indelible mark on the audience.

Transcending traditional boundaries and igniting meaningful conversations, subjects included everything from technology and entrepreneurship to art and social activism.

Sparking change, fostering connections

In true TEDx style, our speakers exemplified the power of ideas to spark change, foster connections and ‘Shift Perspectives’.

As the curtain closed on the event, our audience left feeling inspired and empowered. The event served as a testament to what happens when such remarkable speakers, driven individuals and curious listeners come together with a shared vision.

Our roster of speakers:

1. David Gauke - Former Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor

2. Dean Canham OBE - Head of the Centre for Army Leadership at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

3. Ji Hyun Park - North Korean human rights activist and defector

4. Stephen Gillen - Ex-convict turned international entrepreneur and peace advocate

5. Ms Bowie - Teacher of English at Habs Girls School

6. Viren Dulabh - HSBC Degree Apprentice, OH 2022

7. Dr Ooi - Teacher of Biology at Habs Girls School

8. Christopher Ovia - Head of Computer Science at Habs Boys School

9. Ian Phillips - Former Head of Computer Science at Habs Boys School and tech education advocate worldwide

10. Nabil Freeman - Serial entrepreneur, tech expert, AI and technology visionary

11. Lissele Pratt - Fintech entrepreneur, co-founder of Capitalixe and Forbes 30 Under 30

12. Jimmy McLoughlin OBE - Host of Jimmy’s Jobs Podcast and Former Business Advisor to Former British PM Rt Hon Theresa May MP

13. Dr Roger KneeboneProfessor of Surgical Education and Engagement Science, Imperial College London

Students take centre-stage

Addinged to our superb list of visiting speakers, TEDx@HabsElstree Youth 2024 featured brilliant talks from our very own students, Faraz (U6R2), Aaryan (U6S1), Aryan (U6R2) and Asher (U6R1).

This was fitting for an entirely student-led event, apt testament to their hard work and dedication. Thank you to the whole committee who put the event together, whether speaking, leading, organising or simply being present.

The TEDx@HabsElstree Youth 2024 team:

Suren (U6H2), Faraz (U6R2), Aaryan (U6S1), Aryan (U6R2), Oliver (L6M2), Aniruddh (U6S2), Manav (U6S2), Rishi (U6R2), Josh (10H1), William (10J1), Dylan (U6S1), Suleman (U6R1), Isaac (11S1), Aparna (U6 TD), Asha (U6 CLH), Eddie (L6M2), Asher (U6R1), Zakariya (L6M2), Devarshi (L6J2), Rajarshi (L6J2), Dawei (L6C1) and our very own Mr Ovia.

Students compete in Dragons’ Den Grand Final

Habs Girls and Habs Boys hosted the Habs Dragons’ Den Grand Final.

Taking place during an extended morning assembly, the event was attended by a glittering array of special guests. With TV and radio presenter, Sonali Shah acting as host, our panel of Dragons featured Lord Alan Sugar’s adviser, Tim Campbell MBE, along with 2022’s The Apprentice winner, Harpreet Kaur, and Khilan Dodhia from competition sponsors, Encore Capital.

In a thrilling finale, five student teams took turns to present. After a hotly contested round of pitches, it was VitalGuard Innovations who came out on top. In a unanimous verdict, each Dragon on the panel chose VitalGuard Innovations as their winners, stating they would love to see a working prototype of the concept.

The winning team featured Ishana, Amaya and Hiira, all from M5 Alpha.

The four other teams in the den were:

• Nanohealers: Rian (10C1), Vivaan (10C2), Moksh (10H1) and Keshav (10C1)

• UniPloy: Vivaan (10M2) and Aaarav (10H2)

• Vertigrow: Amar (11R2). Ishan (11H2), Rian (11M1) and Laksh (11M1)

• TheWaitingRoom: Amayah (M5 Ansuz), Yanxl (M5 A) and Jessie (M5 Aesc)

The road to the den

Before the Grand Final could take place, a large and excellent field of teams had to be whittled down, meaning the competition was just as fierce in the semi-finals.

All boys and girls across Years 10 and 11 delivered outstanding pitches, responding impressively to some very challenging questions. It was an agonising choice for the judges.

Contestants had to answer detailed questions from our judges about their business plans. With 43 students pitching over a two-week period leading up to the semi-finals, it was an incredibly popular event and quite the achievement to make it to the final.

The heats were on

Even before the semi-finals, earlier heats saw students across both schools pouring the effort in to ready their pitches. Having undergone pitching preparation workshops with experienced entrepreneurs earlier this term, the teams delivered highly polished three-minute pitches to our panel of external judges.

In the process, they received valuable feedback on all aspects of their business ideas. With three heats in total during February, it is little wonder our finalists stood up so well to the scrutiny of our visiting Dragons.

We are extremely grateful to Laura Rudoe and Emma Harvey for delivering the pitching workshops, not to mention Khilan Dodhia, Rajesh Shah and Gemma Lyons for their time, support and invaluable feedback during the contest.

More amazing teams

Finally, thank you to all our Dragons and everyone who took part, not least the other teams who competed so brilliantly.

The other contestants were:

Habs Girls:

• DR. M: Mia (M5 Aesc), Diya (M5 Alpha), River (M5A)

• AbleChefs: Ameila, Karis and Jesse (all M5 Alpha)

• Why Waste It?: Sajini (U5 Aib), Larissa (U5 Aesc), Kheya (U5 Ansuz)

Habs Boys:

• Air Reformers: Joshua (10R1), Kian (10H1)

• Aztech Solutions: Shiv (11M2), Mike (11C1), Jamie (11J1)

• EcoPrint: Hari (10C2), Shay (10C2), Richard (10R1), Lucas (10C2)

• SecondLife Threads: Ben (11M2), Sahil (11C2), Jeet (11R2)

• Kai and Dan: Kai (11M2), Dan (11S2)

Joint team:

• SpikeStop: Eva (U5 Alpha), Deveshu (11H2), Nathan (11R2)

Music, Art and Drama

Piano Day strikes a chord

Piano Day is our way of celebrating the best pianists from across Habs Girls and Boys community. With events happening throughout the day, it was a chance for everyone to get involved.

At lunchtime, over 150 students performed alongside staff on pop-up stages across Habs Girls and Habs Boys.

Performances were not limited to the piano; in the spirit of ‘open mic’, anyone who plays an instrument was welcome to take the stage. With musicians of all ages and abilities taking part, it was a lunchtime like no other.

A class apart

After school, students enjoyed a special class with our visiting pianist, Simon Watterton. During the session, Mr Watterton played piano compositions written by students and gave expert feedback in the process.

Needless to say, it was a rare opportunity for the young composers to hear their music performed by a professional musician, one that is sure to inspire and guide their music going forward.

A recital to remember

Rounding off Piano Day, the evening brought a special recital in the Old Refectory, which had been transformed by Rob Hammond into a beautiful performance space.

The recital featured our finest pianists from across both schools. With the standard of music being incredible, it was a memorable evening for all who attended.

Habs musicians inspired by BBC orchestra

Our Habs Elstree Symphony Orchestra were inspired by a wonderful concert at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Part of a programme called Streets of America, the performance was given by the outstanding BBC Concert Orchestra.

An American classic Conductor Kwamé Ryan opened by leading two American cityscape compositions, including West Side Story, as thrilling today as in 1957, with a tragedy at its heart as raw and real as ever.

A particular highlight from the musical was Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances, a piece that formed part of our Orchestral Concert at St John’s Smith Square. Students were in awe of the musicianship on display, a high bar for us to strive for in the coming months.

A British twist

Also in the programme was the UK premiere of a moving work about homelessness in America. Written by composer Gabriel Kahane, it featured a libretto using lyrics from the form people fill in to access a shelter.

The message was a powerful one relevant to our times. Yet the most poignant moment of the evening saw the orchestra joined by The Choir With No Name, a group formed of people who have experienced, or are experiencing homelessness.

With the concert due to be broadcast on BBC Radio 3, we look forward to listening back and reflecting on a thought-provoking evening of music, one the students are sure never to forget.

Orchestral Concert hits high notes

It was a joy to return to St ohn’s Smith Square for our Orchestral Concert – the perfect way to finish a fantastic term of music.

Featuring on stage were the String Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Orchestra and our Boys’ School Choir, with the Habs Elstree Symphony Orchestra headlining in the second half.

Reunited with maestro conductor, Bjorn Bantock, our Symphony Orchestra scaled new heights during the concert. Performing Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, the students showcased the scale of their ambition, but also the sense of playfulness and fun within our musical community.

Quite simply, the audience were blown away by their memorable performance - an amazing feat for any young orchestra.

10 out of 10 in Musicians’ Finals

Bringing ten students together from ten different Habs schools across England and Wales, our oint Musicians’ Finals were the perfect platform for showcasing talent.

The evening event saw students play to an incredible standard, all while mixing socially and enjoying each others’ performances.

While we did not win on the night, our talented young musicians certainly did themselves proud. Representing Habs Girls was Sedona (M5 Aesc), with Aarav (10H2) appearing on behalf of Habs Boys.

Ten schools, one winner

The ten Habs schools represented were Habs Girls, Habs Boys, Monmouth School, Academies Trust South, Hatcham College, Knights Academy, Borough Academy, Abraham Darby and Adams. Last but not least, were the final’s ultimate winners, Crayford Academy.

Congratulations to all students for making it to the finals and creating an unforgettable evening of music.

Joint Chamber Music Concert

This was a special concert in the music school calendar: our oint Chamber Music Concert at London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) St Luke’s.

In the last few years, chamber music has been one of the most exciting areas of development at Habs. In fact, our string quartets and wind groups are phenomenal and not to be missed.

East meets West

The full repertoire for the evening included works by Mendelssohn and Schubert. We also showcased our tabla ensemble, which performed in collaboration with our jazz and Western classical musicians.

The evening closed with our choir singing in Hindi, accompanied by all the musicians who performed on the night.

Dance and drama students showcase talents

Our Dance and Drama Showcase took place, with students from Upper 4 through to Upper Sixth all playing their part.

The showcase was a real success, shining a spotlight on pieces the students had created, learnt and worked on over the past term.

The audience enjoyed a range of performances, including commercial dances and lyrical offerings, ranging from Shakespeare to Matilda.

Not only did the show demonstrate the incredible talent within our school, it also highlighted the dedication and hard work of all students involved, whether performing on stage, or working behind the scenes.

Musicians capture joys of Spring

From instrumentalists to choral singers, we have a thriving musical scene within the Habs community.

Celebrating this wealth of talent, our Spring Concert featured more than 130 musicians from across our Senior School.

The programme included a wonderfully diverse range of repertoire, from the dramatic symphonic writing of Berlioz’s March to the Scaffold and Dvorak’s Slavonic Dance, to the ethereal choral world of Tavener and Whitacre.

Special congratulations must go to the evening’s guest soloist, Helen (U6), who performed a beautiful rendition of the slow movement from Mozart’s Piano Concerto in C major, Op.21.

The power of music

Amid smiles and tears, we bid a fond farewell to our Upper Sixth musicians, for whom the Spring Concert was one of their last. With special presentations made by fellow students, it was moving to see what music has meant to them during their time at Habs.

The empathy, trust and friendships the students build within our orchestras, ensembles and choirs is a powerful testament to the transformational power of music. Needless to say, we are incredibly proud of everyone who performed so superbly.

Sport Girls perform in gymnastics Nationals

A number of Habs Girls students performed at the Independent Schools Gymnastics Competition. Appearing in the National rounds, the competition was of an incredibly high standard.

Our Under 13s team was made up of Lottie (L4 Ansuz), Zoe (U4 Ansuz), Sky (L4 A), Annika (U4 Aleph) and Jessie (U4 A). Placing eighth overall, the girls also scooped the Endeavour Trophy. The award is handed out to the team making the biggest improvement in their scores since the previous year’s contest.

More great results

Meanwhile, our Under 10s came third in group sequence and fourth in the team event. Sienna (5 Aleph) finished eighth, less than a single mark shy of an individual medal.

For our Under 9s, good things came in threes. Coming third overall, they finished third in group sequence and third again in the team event.

Miranda (4 Aesc) and Alayna (4 Aesc) from the team both came sixth individually, while Shaylee (4 Aleph) placed fourth.

Elsewhere in the contest, our over 13s finished fifth in group sequence and repeated the trick in the team event. That just left our Under 15s, who also came fifth in group sequence while sealing seventh place in the team event.

SKI SCHOOL

Girls conquer slopes in USA

A group of us Lower Sixth students flew out to ay Peak Resort, Vermont (USA). There, we would ski our little hearts out, on a trip planned by the lovely Mrs Barrett Walsh.

Although we spent seven hours flying over land and sea, and a subsequent four hours cruising through other states in a coach, it was definitely worth it as soon as we got to the resort. Even the -7°C weather could not cool our enthusiasm.

Snowballs and scenery

Honestly, I had no idea what to expect, but after a long nap, we got our boots, skis, boards and helmets and assembled into our groups, ready to go out to the slopes. By the way, thank you everyone for accommodating my “professional” snowboarding skills.

Once on the slopes, we shuffled into our groups and headed up the mountain. I cannot possibly do justice in describing the serene beauty of the slopes at the US-Canadian border. The snow was a gorgeous powder, ringed by glades of evergreens, and I just never wanted to leave. It was even perfect for a couple of snowball fights.

Five days of fun

We skied and snowboarded for five days, but the evenings put a special touch on what was already shaping out to be a great trip. We visited the resort’s waterpark (complete with hot tubs), then the ice rink to go skating (my favourite), before chilling out in the resort cinema where everybody sung along to Pitch Perfect (obviously). We also enjoyed the tuck from the convenience store. Though in case any parents are reading this: we totally bought fruit and veg.

Not only did I make friends with many students I had not previously talked to, but also got to know my teachers better, which came in handy after a few mishaps and trips to the hospital (everybody is fine, they did brilliantly I promise).

All ups, no downs

I can honestly say I miss this trip so much. I knew I would, as soon as I stepped foot back in rainy, cold and cloudy England. I even miss the strange American accents I would hear. However, I still wear my pink ski trip hoodie as a reminder of my time on this fantastic trip - also because it is so comfy, while matching with the faculty was another highlight.

It was also good to hear Mr Sabato speak so highly of our time at Jay Peak. “Ski trips are a really special part of school life,” he commented. “Watching students progress from beginners, having never put on a pair of skis in their lives, to getting down a mountain in five days, is one of the best things you will experience as a teacher.”

By Miranda (L6 GAM)

Teams impress in Lacrosse Nationals

The Lacrosse Nationals saw students from 50 schools competing over four days. Ranging from Under 13s to Under 19s levels, all our teams finished in the higher reaches of the rankings.

Under 19s A

Our Under 19s A team clinched a place in the top two of their pool, advancing to the final 16. Following morning play on Sunday, they finished first in their pool, drawing to St Swithun’s and winning against St Albans High and Downe House.

In the first knockout round, Habs triumphed over Marlborough College with a score of 5 -1, advancing to the national final eight. Despite an intense double overtime battle against St Catherine’s School, our opponents clinched the tie. Achieving fifth overall, it rounded off an impressive tournament performance with seven wins, two draws and just one defeat.

Under 19s B and C

The Under 18s B team showcased some impressive play of their own, securing two big wins and advancing as a higher seed in the playoffs. Regrettably, they suffered a narrow defeat against Caterham School by a single goal. Nonetheless, their defence was outstanding, letting only 16 goals in across the whole tournament. This marked the lowest conceded in the school’s B team history.

In another landmark moment, Habs entered an Under 18s C team for the first time in over a decade. They, too, performed admirably, securing two notable draws and battling bravely in their defeats.

Under 13s to Under 15s

Elsewhere in the tournament, our Under 15s A team secured 12th place nationally, matching the school’s previous record for the highest finish in the Under 15s tournament.

Both the Under 14s As and Under 13s As showed remarkable resilience in their matches. The Under 13s also secured a spot among the top 16 nationally, experiencing just one loss throughout the day.

That left the Under 15 Bs, competing in the school’s first B team match at national Under 15s level. Drawing with Downe House, they delivered an excellent performance.

Well done to the team and all our players competing at the nationals.

District double for Habs netballers

The sporting achievements continue at Habs, with a pair of huge wins for our Upper 4 and Senior students on the netball court.

Competing in the recent District Tournament, our Upper 4 girls played a total of ten games during an evening of netball action, going undefeated in all.

Our Under 18s squad were also named District Champions, winning their tournament games by a large margin. They too went undefeated throughout the tournament, matching their Upper 4 peers with another astounding result.

A special thank you must go to Coach Nikki for an amazing job she has done with the netball teams.

Coach Nikki is sadly leaving us after many years at Habs Girls. Good luck Nikki, you will be sorely missed!

Trips

Welcoming our Düsseldorf exchange partners

A group of 12 Lower Sixth students from Habs Girls and Habs Boys welcomed their Düsseldorf exchange partners. Being hosted by their counterparts for a full week, the German students enjoyed a wide range of work experience placements.

Lasting from Monday through to Thursday, placements included roles in law, management consulting, physiotherapy, hospitality, pharmacy, real estate, design and architecture.

We are incredibly grateful to all the employers who offered places in their companies, many of which were kindly arranged by Habs parents.

School, sightseeing and more

On the Friday, the visiting students joined us for a day at Habs, a very different experience compared to their own Mataré-Gymnasium school.

Taking part in a German lesson, they enjoyed a range of presentations delivered in their language by Habs students.

Themes ranged from social media influencers to cyber security and online bullying. Then on the Saturday, all students and teachers met in London for sightseeing and a meal, before bidding our German friends goodbye.

Our students are now looking forward to the Düsseldorf return leg in April. There, they will complete their own week of work experience and putting their German skills to good use. To quote our students, “Wir können es kaum erwarten,” translated as “we can’t wait.”

Students watch democracy in action

As part of their A Level Politics studies, 17 Lower Sixth students from both Habs Girls and Habs Boys took a trip to the Palace of Westminster.

The visit began with a tour of the Houses of Parliament, including the House of Lords and House of Commons chambers. The students then took part in a lively workshop on Debating and Laws, led by staff from the Parliamentary Education Unit. The workshop involved a quiz on parliamentary procedure and how laws are made, not to mention a lively mock debate on whether the UK’s laws on assisted dying should be changed.

Parliament in session

Next, the group sat in the public gallery to watch an hour of the House of Commons in session. With issues ranging from Justice Questions, mental health provision in schools and an opposition debate on NHS dentistry, the students heard from many well-known Members of Parliament.

Lord Cameron gives evidence

In the afternoon, the group walked over to Portcullis House to watch Lord David Cameron give evidence to the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. During the session, the former Prime Minister and current Foreign Secretary spoke on a range of pressing global issues.

All in all, it was a fascinating trip, so a big thank you to the Parliamentary Estate staff for giving our students a courtside view of UK democracy in action.

Alstom STEM trips sparks imaginations

To celebrate International Women’s Day, ten Upper 4 and Lower 5 students visited railway company, Alstom.

Igniting their passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), the company’s “inspirHer” initiative proved an immersive dive into the world of engineering and innovation.

Aimed at celebrating and promoting women within the STEM fields, it gave our students a glimpse behind the scenes at the software and hardware developed for train signalling systems.

The experience gave invaluable insights into the real-world applications of STEM principles.

The students then spoke to a female project manager and graduate apprentices, who shared their personal journeys within engineering. Through inspiring anecdotes, they showed the diverse pathways available within STEM. Then came a hands-on group challenge to build the tallest structure possible using paper cups. Each group member acted as project manager, engineer, or finance officer, developing their leadership, problem-solving and resource management skills.

This was followed by the design challenge, where students conceptualised the external aesthetics of a train. With Scarlett (U4 Aesc) winning for her innovative train design, Dheeksha (L5 Alpha) drew acclaim for her budgetfriendly approach. A lively quiz then rounded things off, ending an inspiring STEM trip.

Spanish play wows Sixth Form

Year 13 students from Habs Girls and Habs Boys embarked on a trip to see Lorca’s famous play, La casa de Bernarda Alba.

The group was made up of 11 Spanish students from both schools, all seeing the production together at the Cervantes Theatre near Southwark.

Enjoyment meets education

The actress playing Bernarda was particularly convincing and menacing, keeping the students on the edge of their seats. A tense and tragic tale, our students had no problem following the play’s poetic language.

The timing of the visit was excellent too, with students set to write about the play in their forthcoming A Level exams.

Thank you to our Spanish assistant, Mrs Lecanda-Meschede, who accompanied the group. La casa de Bernarda Alba proved enjoyable and educational in equal measure.

Royal Navy cadet expedition

Every two years, the Royal Navy Section of the Habs Combined Cadet Force (CCF) embarks on an expedition in the Bedfordshire countryside. It brings together the entire section of the CCF.

For the first time, the Section included cadets and staff from both Habs Girls and Habs Boys. Following five weeks of training in kit management, navigation, tent pitching and cooking, our cadets were dropped off in the area surrounding Ampthill after school.

A thrilling experience

Once on site, the cadets set up their tents and cooked their dinner. After a chilly and chatty night, the students awoke on Friday morning, bleary-eyed, but ready to cook breakfast and prepare for a day of activities led by our Year 12 cadets.

While it is easy for staff to declare an event a success, it is often more interesting to hear from those taking part. Across all ages and activities, the feedback from cadets in both schools was highly positive. Here are just a few words of praise from Upper 5 cadet, Tamara:

“I was really looking forward to Ampthill because it posed an incredible opportunity both to learn important skills (such as navigation and cooking), as well as to get to know the entire navy contingent better.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to spend so much time chatting to everyone in a way which we do not always get the opportunity to do, with lots of my friendships improving in such a short period of time, especially those between the Girls and Boys Schools. The PLTs were very fun as well, and I loved getting to do activities which I would not do in any other scenario.

Some of the highlights of the trip included the evening hike, as well as mealtimes when we got to see what everyone was cooking and could spend time talking to each other. Overall, I had such an incredible experience during Ampthill and loved getting to spend time with

my friends in such an exciting environment. I cannot wait for the next Ampthill in two years’ time!”

Tamara (U5 A)

Thank you to LtCdr Hardman, SLt Willows, Miss Harrison, Mr Harper, Mr Yarlett, Mrs Makepeace-Welsh, Dr Chapman and Mr Teague for braving the cold. Further thanks must go to Mr Dunlop, Mr Sandercock, Mrs Adams and Squ Ldr Pearson for their help in preparing for the trip.

Students speak at European Youth Parliament

Following the European Youth Parliament National Session in Liverpool, a group of Habs students represented the UK in Denmark.

Staying in Vejle, the delegation included Aniruddh (U6S2), Aryan (U6R2), Dylan (U6S1) and Mimi (U6 CW).

With 50 other delegates from 14 different countries attending, the students enjoyed a day of team-building, a further day of committee work and another debating resolutions in the General Assembly.

The session’s theme centred around building a sustainable future for Europe’s citizens. Debates included children’s mental health in post-pandemic Europe, self-driving vehicles, a secure and sustainable energy supply, human trafficking, human rights for samesex couples and ‘deep fake’ AI.

Embracing the event and making lots of new friends, our delegates were praised for their public speaking. After Aniruddh’s speech to the General Assembly on human rights for same-sex couples, the Vice President of the session from Spain remarked, “I have been doing the European Youth Parliament for seven years and that is the best speech I have ever heard.”

Next, four other delegates who won awards in Liverpool will speak at April’s National Session in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Good luck to all those attending.

Junior news

Exploring nature at Capel Manor Gardens

Our Year 1 Pupils enjoyed a fascinating trip to Capel Manor Gardens. Roaming the beautiful grounds with wide-eyed wonder, they discovered lots of fun facts about plants and insects.

The students were just as excited to explore the zoo, listening to a very informative talk on monkeys. Then came a challenge as our young adventurers navigated the Capel Manor maze, showing great teamwork and resilience to find their way through.

World book day

To help celebrate World Book Day, we were visited by author Holly Webbe, known for titles such as The Lost Bear Club and The Frightened Kitten.

Holly spoke to both our KS1 and KS2 pupils during their English classes and also signed copies of her books.

Amigas raise biodiversity awareness

Our latest Amiga event saw all Lower 4 and Upper 4 students working together in the Dining Hall.

There, they made collages to raise awareness around biodiversity at Habs and plastic pollution in our oceans. The materials used were all donated items that would have otherwise been thrown away.

Our students worked superbly together, producing some striking pieces, with the winning collages earning their creators a chocolate prize.

Here are some of the collages the students made.

Performing arts students shine on stage

Our ensembles and soloists delighted an audience of family and friends with their enthusiasm for performing arts.

In a joyous evening, our students showcased their abundance of talent in music, drama and dance. Indeed, we are lucky to have such talent and dedication within the Junior School. The girls performed brilliantly and should be incredibly proud of themselves.

A magical day of drama

Conjuring the spirit and adventure of the jungle, students from Years 3 and 4 in Habs Girls and Habs Boys joined together for a day full of theatrical enchantment.

The day began with collaborative drama workshops, delving into the characters from The Lion King. The discussions around the story were extremely thoughtprovoking. Topics explored included Simba’s pivotal decision to run away after Mufasa’s death and how the character’s perspective changes throughout, adding depth to the students’ understanding of the story. The excitement only heightened after lunch when the students boarded a coach to the West End. There, they watched a live production of The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre. The students could be heard gasping in awe, captivated by the intricate costumes, mesmerising staging, sophisticated lighting and exceptional musical performances. It was a magical experience for all, rounding off an unforgettable day of drama.

Year 4 girls dazzle in Peter Pan

Our talented Year 4 Pupils transported us all to the enchanting world of Neverland, with a spectacular performance of Peter Pan.

The students worked incredibly hard to bring this famous story and its iconic characters to life. From the first readthrough and choreography drills, to fine-tuning each song and honing characterisation, the journey resulted in a truly polished performance. One where the students’ enthusiasm and commitment was never in doubt.

It was a pleasure and privilege to see them develop. The girls’ character, dedication and flair left the entire audience in awe.

Habs community Giving Day raises £247,000

We celebrated our third annual Habs Giving Day.

Over the space of 36 hours, some 1,732 parents, students, staff and Old Haberdashers showed their support, taking part in the Habs MiniDash and GivingDash.

Thanks to their amazing contribution, Habs Giving Day 2024 was a huge success. It was a true joy to see parents and students getting into the spirit of things, running in their assorted ‘silly hats and headgear’.

Gift Day keeps on giving Cheques and online donations are still trickling in, with a total of 609 donors having made a gift in support of the day. Better still, 224 donors felt inspired to make their first ever gift to Habs.

Together, we have collectively raised nearly £247,000 for the Bursary Fund, Habs Community Partnerships and other important initiatives. If you have not already seen the Habs Community Partnerships video, please take a few minutes to watch it. The video is one of three on the Giving Day website’s carousel. You can watch it here: https://habs.givingday.co.uk/

Clearly the spirit of philanthropy and community that founded our schools is still alive and well. Thank you for supporting Habs Giving Day 2024.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

This term the Senior School celebrated Neurodiversity Week 2024 with a host of events for students and staff to help change the way learning differences are perceived.

The week opened with an assembly led by members of the Neurodiversity Society. They focused on dispelling myths and highlighting their unique talents and strengths as neurodiverse individuals.

Habs Girls and Habs Boys jointly hosted a coffee morning featuring Dr. Thevan, a consultant in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders. Parents had the opportunity to connect with others in the Habs community and ask questions about ADHD.

Former Habs student Natasha Cowan, who has both ADHD and ASD, shared her personal journey and emphasised how her neurodiversity became her superpower in her career journey.

Other activities included ‘NeonDash’, a screening of an episode of Percy Jackson complete with popcorn, wearing brightly coloured accessories for a day and exploring a sensory trail along the Maths corridor. The Neurodiversity Society also hosted an event where students were able to make their own fidget toys.

Overall, Neurodiversity Week aimed to foster understanding, appreciation and celebration of different minds within the school community.

People make partnerships

What do we want a Habs student to be? Smart, thoughtful and courteous: that is a given. But what makes them really special – capable, indeed, of having a profound impact in the world? The answer lies in the work they do beyond the classroom - and even beyond the school gates.

This term has been no exception. Every day, we create extraordinary learning opportunities for both the children in our wider community and our students. Partnerships in full flow is a truly magical thing. Students from different worlds are forming genuine, lasting and trusting relationships over weeks and months; thrilled to see each other and build on their learning every single week.

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

61,000 hours per week of co-curricular and academic sessions

56

Habs staff involved every week

321 hours in total spent working in partnership

Habs students involved every week

1,400

48 Partner school students involved every week

Afrobeats gets Habs moving

We held a very special event celebrating African culture. Our Afrobeats event was a night filled with rhythm, laughter and pure joy.

All who attended agreed it was a brilliant occasion and incredible fun. A huge thank you to everyone who joined in and helped us celebrate the vibrant spirit of African culture. We are sure many are hoping for another Afrobeats evening.

Students eat together for Ramadan

During Ramadan, it is common to have one meal, known as ‘the suhoor’, just before dawn and another, ‘the iftar’, immediately after sunset.

Ramadan is when Muslims fast between dawn and sunset. Fasting lets them devote themselves to their faith. It is thought to teach self-discipline, while reminding them of the suffering of the poor.

During this year’s Ramadan, Habs students enjoyed eating an iftar meal together. With students from both schools attending, they represented a variety of faiths and backgrounds.

Students celebrate Purim

Habs Boys and Habs Girls played host to a joint Purim Party for both Habs schools. Around 150 students turned up in fun and creative costumes.

With music and dancing to celebrate the festival, they feasted on pizza and hamantaschen. Alongside the food, there were games linked to Purim, with prizes for the winners.

There were further awards to be had for best costume, including staff entries too. It was a close contest, with a horse and rider, Pikachu and Iron Man among the many impressive efforts.

Habs Visiting Speaker Programme

The Visiting Speaker Programme (VSP) is an exciting and enriching part of the Habs Diploma programme.

Its aim is twofold: to broaden students’ horizons and encourage critical thinking and to engage students by empowering them to think and ask questions about important developments and issues in academia, business, charity, government and society today. The VSP takes place across both schools on a fortnightly basis. The students choose between a number of speakers each session. Speakers are from a multitude of backgrounds and are sourced by students, societal leads and heads of department.

Netball game raises £1,300 for Mencap

Organised by the oint Mencap Committee, a highly entertaining fundraiser saw Habs Girls take on Habs Boys in an epic netball match.

It was an opportunity for Habs Boys to redeem themselves after a previous defeat by Habs Girls, with sell-out crowds watching on.

Hundreds and thousands

The match itself was held on the netball court at Habs Girls.

With over 200 student spectators and a further 200 students in the lecture theatre watching live on the big screen, excitement around the game was huge. So much so, the event smashed last year’s £700 total, raising an astonishing £1,300.

Dunking and doughnuts

In the lead up to the game, the Habs Boys first team football players underwent months of training in netball, getting them ready to face the Habs Girls first team.

Tickets were sold courtside, and while dunking might be illegal in netball, it was certainly allowed off the court, with Krispy Kreme doughnut stands feeding lots of hungry students.

Girls triumph again

Habs Boys put up a heroic fight, but it was Habs Girls who took the win. Retaining their title from last year, they recovered from losing the first quarter to triumph once again.

Whether on the court, in the stands or watching on the big screen, everyone enjoyed the event as they cheered the teams on. Plus, let us not forget the hilarious running commentary from Mrs Childs, bringing even more entertainment to proceedings.

Well done to both teams and thank you to everyone who supported the event. We look forward to another epic game next year.

Mencap’s Got Talent 2024

With 700 tickets sold, 660 doughnuts consumed and five incredible acts having taken to the stage, Mencap’s Got Talent 2024 was a remarkable event.

Bringing together all our year groups across both schools, our students enjoyed a string of superb performances.

Our four judges, Ms Childs, Mr Foster, Mr Broadwith and Mr Dunlop, gave the acts their valuable feedback, offering both compliments and some (arguably justified) criticisms. Taking the constructive feedback in good spirit, all the acts, from bands to Bollywood dancers, performed remarkably. It was immensely entertaining too, while giving our students in the audience a well-deserved break following a busy term.

First prize in the contest went to Jessica (U4 A) and Layla (U4 A). The duo from Year 8, sang Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid.

Winning over the judges and audience alike, the pair captured everyone’s hearts with their perfect harmonies and enchanting demeanour.

A huge difference made

While this year’s show may be over, its impact will endure long in the memory. The money raised from the sale of tickets and doughnuts will go towards organising the Habs Mencap Funday in summer, which works in partnership with the Mencap Charity to provide a much-anticipated day for children with learning disabilities. It also allows hard-working parents and guardians to sit back and enjoy a well deserved rest, as each child is paired with a Habs student volunteer.

A massive thank you to everyone who supported the event – you made a huge difference. We look forward to seeing you once again, both at the Funday this coming June and next March for another Mencap’s Got Talent.

Staff news

Appointments

ustin Burke

Grounds Person

Emma Kilbane Learning Support Assistant

Keith Hannah SCITT Trainee MFL

Poppy Mann

Junior School Adminstrator

Ian Harding Talent Acquisition Lead

Anthony Kelly Football Coach

Sonia Mashru People Partner

Neil Mitchell Music Admin

Katie Patman People Operations and Employee Relations Coordinator

Christine Scarborough Interim Payroll and Pensions Manager

Deborah Strazza Interim Head of People Operations and Employee Relations

Holly Youngs HR Advisor

Leavers

Samit Chauhan

Lead AV and IT Technician

Daisy Gershon Sports Administrator

Lauren Rosenfield Teacher

Nikki Danzig Payroll Manager

Denise ones Counsellor

Mike Rowland Projects Officer

Carmel Du Parc Braham Archivist

Ailya Najam Fees Officer and Finance Assistant

Nigel Tu Teacher of Chemistry

Internal movers

Martyn Allison

Teacher of Physics - Boys School to Teacher of Physics - Girls School

Emily Morris

Teacher of Chemistry to Acting Assistant HoY 11/ U5

Matthew Nichols

Head of Performance and Music to Assistant Headteacher