The Quainton Herald - 19th November 2021

THE QUAINTON HERALD Issue 104 – 19th November 2021

HEADMASTER'S MESSAGE Dear Parents, The term is certainly unfolding at a pace and before long the Christmas holidays will be upon us. As ever, the School calendar is packed full of opportunities, events and festivities and there is a great deal organised for the end of term, so please do keep a close eye on all that is planned over the forthcoming weeks.

Next week, the children in Y4 to Y6 will have the chance to go through their exam scripts with the staff. Receiving feedback is an important stage in their learning journey and I would encourage you to chat with your sons and daughters about the areas on which they need to continue to focus in their studies. Specific feedback for parents will come over the next few weeks via Parents’ Evenings and your child's school report. Please ensure you have looked at the calendar to ensure you do not miss your child’s allocated evening. Fr Mike will send out letters to remind you. I would request that parents do not try and make appointments with the staff to discuss their children’s progress before this time.

I must thank Mr Jones, Mr Haswell and Miss Shah for organising our first musical concert since ‘lockdown’. We had two superb evenings where the children in Year 3 & 4 and then 5 & 6 sang, played instruments and danced, showcasing all that they have learnt so far this term.

We were treated to wonderful solo performances on the trumpet and violin and also enjoyed pieces from our small school orchestra. It was wonderful to welcome back Daniel L who won a music scholarship to John Lyon in 2017. Well done to all the children involved in the concert performances!

We enjoyed another super tutor assembly on Friday morning, courtesy of 6SD, centred on the history and traditions surrounding gingerbread. Not only did the Year 6 pupils deliver a clear, engaging and highly informative assembly, but they had prepared, painted and crafted their own masks, props and scenery to provide the perfect backdrop for their performance.

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HEADMASTER'S MESSAGE CONTINUED The children in the Pre-prep had an exciting morning celebrating ‘Children in Need’ on Friday.

Cakes were baked, there was mindful colouring and the children danced with Joe Wickes on screen. The children all looked fabulous in their ‘spotty’ clothes with some wearing Pudsey TShirts and ears - I even saw a onesie or two! This was such a valuable morning in support of the Children in Need Charity and provided lots of important activities to our children in support of their mental wellbeing.

Our Advent Festival will take place at Trinity Church on the evening of 10th December. This is an important date in our school calendar and is a compulsory event for all children in Year 3 – 6. The EYFS and Pre-prep will also be presenting performances that week.

I expect most parents have started planning and even shopping in preparation for the Christmas season. It can often be difficult to know what to buy close friends and relatives, even with Black Friday, but fear not, the Parents are running their annual Secret Gifts Room on Monday 13th December. This will give your children the opportunity to buy that unique gift that you may have overlooked. It is a fabulous day, so please keep an eye out for the posters and information providing further details about the day. Mr Gudka has asked if there are any volunteers from the parent body who are free to help for the day to please contact him or the School Office.

We are reviewing the amount of work that the children are asked to complete in the evenings, as with their many commitments there is an important balance to strike. We have carefully tailored a homework schedule that should support classwork and learning without negatively impacting on the children’s wellbeing and ‘free time’. I would like to remind parents of the times allocated for each year group/subject: Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6

15 minutes per subject 20 minutes per subject 25 minutes per subject 30 minutes per subject

If children do not finish their homework within the allocated time, I ask parents to please write a note in the homework diary to make the teacher aware. This allows us to inform our own planning for future homework tasks. It is very important that the children are given down time in the evenings so that they can spend time with the family, engage in their hobbies and read for pleasure. We would ask that homework take priority over any other work the children choose to complete in the evenings and that parents support the children in ensuring their homework is handed in on time. Feedback and marking of homework by staff will be proportional to the time and task set.

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ENGLISH DEPARTMENT News from the English Department: We are delighted to share a selection of creative writing in response to a picture stimulus written by pupils in Years 5 and 6. Special congratulations go to Zenyah and Shreya in Year 6 who have both been awarded Wizard Writer Certificates for their work.

Sunlit Rocks by Clara Y6 Water glistened as the fiery light of the dying sun drew its last breath, before sinking into the unforgiving ocean. The retreating tide left water glazed upon the rough-jagged surface of the rocks; crevices and cavities imprisoned the sunlit water. With drifting clouds set ablaze by the burning sky, the gentle tongue of the sea lapped at my feet and swaying, straggly tendrils of viridescent seaweed engulfed me in their clutches. Fish darted in and out of tiny cracks, trying frantically to escape the slimy, slithering grasp of the seaweed. Sand grains pierced my feet like minute shards of glass and as I sat upon the slimy sunlit rocks, the sun slowly fell asleep, leaving me in darkness...

The Colourful Land of Dreams by Bhakti Y6 A medley of colours played on the clouds. The sky was filled with colour and projected itself on the serene sea. Segments of candy floss peppered the endless sky and floated to the border of the horizon.

Abrasive rocks peeked out from the body of water and were flooded in its heavenliness. Its usual winged inhabitants bickered and flew to the colossal glowing orb that gently died away in the distance.

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ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CONTINUED Autumn Walk by Zenyah Y6 Stumbling through the forest, I swam through the sea of autumn leaves. I eyed an ominous light peering through the towering trees, standing tall and proud, as if to be soldiers lining up for battle.

Making my way through the forest, I studied the lights of the colours of the autumn leaves.

Colours of red, orange and yellow bleed together forming a relaxing palette. The ground covered with a blanket of colourful leaves that had fallen from the trees like snow, leaving the branches almost bare.

It seemed the entire world is on fire. The bright yellow flames mingled with the orange to create small flames, flickering from the branches of the trees. They fall to the ground and ignite the earth.

Scents of the musty, dead autumn leaves invaded my nostrils, inhaling the wildlife on the ground below me.

Harmonic melodies intruded my ears, blessed with this sound of nature. Leaves twirled together, forming a minute tornado following the orders of the harsh wind. SWOOSH! SWISH! the leaves whipped against the trees.

Hedgehogs curled up safely in their defensive shields, whilst the song-singing birds packed their bags ready for migration. As they did, so too did I - all great things must eventually end.

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ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CONTINUED Autumn Aura by Siddharth Y5 Blazing through the maroon trees, the shining sun sent rays of light in the narrow gaps of the tremendous trees. Blasting through, the rays shone onto the crumpled, scarlet and ginger leaves – laying stationery on the muddy ground.

Lime leaves wandered down from branches of trees to the rough ground, landing on top of the heap of other leaves, rustling them in the mellow sunlight. Shadows lingered nearby trees, casting themselves over ginger leaves, as if trying to block out all their light.

Rustling of crumpled leaves echoed throughout the dense, deep forest. Trees gently swayed in the cool breeze, their leaves shaking around, crumpling and twisting. The crunching of dry leaves can be heard whilst feet drag the poor leaves around the rough, uneven forest floor.

The dry leaves’ smell was wafting in the air, tickling the nostrils of any living being passing by.

The tremendous morning was an amazing sight, but the dry leaves were a hazard to spectators as the floor looked as though it might ignite at any moment!

The sun slowly dimmed as the day came to an end and a new morning would appear tomorrow.

Autumn by Arushi Y5 Beyond the mist, in the distance, I saw a ray of sunshine through the long tall trees. There were red, ripe leaves scattered all over the ground, but the ground was still muddy underneath.

Thankfully I had wellies. Curious to see what was behind the trees I walked forward into the crunchy leaves and saw a lake, a sky-blue, calm lake with ducks and frogs and lily pads!

I watched the frog eat a fly and it was as fast as the speed of light! I walked back looking up to the never-ending trees and spotted a humming-bird’s nest. I tried not to make eye contact for fear of startling it.

Afterwards, I walked back to my mat and lay flat and listened to the birds chirping away, the frogs ribbiting, the ducks quacking; it was all so peaceful and serene I can't explain!

I could smell elderberries that were growing on the trees. I imagined it would make a splendid cordial. Also I could taste the smoky bark and feel the crunchiness of the leaves compared to the calm and still water. It all made me feel safe and soothed.

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ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CONTINUED Autumn by Aditi Y5 The sun shines through the crooked branches of the gnarled trees. The crumbled leaves make a whistling noise.The wind howls in the evening sunlight. A soft zephyr runs across my face. The towering trees hover over my small stature. Ecstasy embraces me as I venture across the golden crispy leaves. A blanket of leaves stretches across the vast, serene area. Like a tornado the leaves swiftly spin around and soar upwards. Like a chandelier, the branches of the trees creep down touching my back. The resplendent autumn leaves are pushed into the depths of the soil.

In the early hours of the morning, a sweet smelling scent crosses my face. I hear the leaves move!

Again and again. I turn around to a beautiful sight. A caramel coral fox; its skin is as soft as candyfloss. Its furry tail undulates from side to side; its sharp silver teeth grin at me.

The sky slowly turns black and it is time to go home. The silvery moon pops out and I can hear wolves howling. I run back to the road and make my way home.

The Storm by Srushti & Thashini Y6

Darkness engulfed the menacing sky, storm clouds looming overhead. The malicious moon shone emitting a faint silvery light. The sleuth of bats soared through the air as their wings were like jagged daggers piercing the ominous sky.

The storm cackled with delight as a wave of fear washed over the abandoned city. Those who survived the calamitous hours before were now kneeling on the filthy ground, arms interlocked and raised into the air begging for mercy. The charcoal storm clouds roared with delight as a spark of lightning filled the sky.

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ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CONTINUED FEAR by Shreya Y6

My mind raced as I swung perilously above crystal seas. Thoughts blocked my mind as the image of dying spread through my paralysed body. Fear surged through my frame like an electric bolt in the midst of a dark atmosphere. My weary hands buckled and I slipped into the abyss of water below. My body scraped against the jagged face of the cliff, hitting my head in every crevice. A red trail marked that I was there.

Fish darted back and forth, giving way to my limp body as I sunk down into the murky waters. A pool of crimson blood stained the waters as I struggled to swim to the mysterious island. Maneating piranhas swarmed at me, feeding on my skeleton, ripping chunks of my skin, mercilessly. A muffled scream for help erupted out of my mouth, as I swam furiously away. Finally, my fatigued body made it to the comforting island. Claret stained, my pallid face resembled one smeared with war paint.

Viridescent trees surrounded me, making me feel a slight sense of comfort. No predatory animal could penetrate the forest’s protectors. My body ached. The naked flesh tormented me. The red scratches painted on my carcass stung painfully as I tried desperately to find my way back home.

A carpet of cream and peach was draped across the sky, not a cloud to be seen. The trees swished peacefully as a mighty gust of wind blew around. I scrambled about trying to find food and water, trying to survive on this marooned island, but I was starting to think it wasn’t actually deserted… deep growling voices echoed through the forests as I listened.

All of sudden, I saw two blood-shot eyes staring at me through the thick barrier of trees. My heart pounded, bashing out of its rib cage as I limped across the isolated plains. Colourful fruits and flowers tempted me with their appetising smells. My voracious stomach rumbled like thunder crackling in a lightning filled sky. I panted and panted; a cool mist appeared out of my bloody mouth like an ice dragon terrorising the sky.

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ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CONTINUED A Bloodcurdling Fright by Zayd K and Ethan Y5

The winding road twisted endlessly through the petrifying forest. Darkness shone down, but the moon still gazed aloft. Towering trees filled the area, looming wickedly, binding deathly shadows.

A dense layer of fog engulfed the rocky floor.

As you travel deeper through the forest, you will find a lonely dark and gritty house. It has a wooden roof, sloping upwards. Light illuminates through the cracked windows. The screams echo from the house, torturing your ears.

Inside, frightening instruments, a grey hand, and a mysterious glass ball full of green gas. Stone sills surround the windows and a broken staircase, covered in ash and soot winds its way upwards.

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ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CONTINUED The Pleasant Savannah by Krish Y5 The peaceful man gazed at the serene landscape that lay before his delicate eyes and absorbed the breath-taking view. With a sigh of relief, the tranquil man spread his arms out and felt the taste of beauty occupy his taste buds. The sight was truly heavenly for its astonishing beauty and magnificence.

The magenta sunset floated through the azure sky as gracefully as an unblemished swan swimming across motionless ripples in the lake. The cacti and sand mounds looked like spots in the distance while the chilly breeze gently caressed the man’s pallid face. Anyone who ventured into this wonderful landscape came back with their hearts filled to the brim with euphoric joy.

As the undisturbed man started to close his eyes, he felt grateful for the pleasant atmosphere and his wonderful place on Earth. The sand waves undulated back and forth across the inky shrubs and weeds. Yonder, the chirping of birds could be heard as they settled into their new homes after migration. This journalist loved to trek and venture to heavenly places like the eye catching Savannah.

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MATHS DEPARTMENT Y4 have been learning about 3D shapes and their properties. They created different 3D shapes by using spaghetti and playdough or blutack. This exercise helped the pupils to visualise the vertices and edges of the shapes.

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SCIENCE DEPARTMENT The reaction between Diet Coke and Mentos became world famous in 2005. There is some amazing science behind the super-cool reaction between a simple carbonated beverage and a chewy mint!

In year 5, we are studying the chemical reactions and properties of material. As part of our practical session, pupils experienced the reaction between Diet Coke and Mentos, in order to consolidate their understanding of chemical reactions and eruption (Mentos cause the production of more and more carbon dioxide bubbles, resulting in the eruption).

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SCIENCE DEPARTMENT CONTINUED

Siddarth's work

Dharsha's work Page 12

ART AND DT DEPARTMENT Year 3 Year 3 looked at Autumn leaves and observed their shapes. They have also learnt the Autumn colours.

They were introduced to watercolour painting and they learnt two techniques - wet on wet and dry on dry.

They drew lots of Autumn leaves and have used watercolour paints to create their artwork.

Aahna’s artwork. She’s tried both techniques.

Jena’s Autumn artwork.

Hobby art Tia enjoys drawing and here is her animal inspired drawings.

Tia’s amazing animal sketches.

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Aryav’s artwork.

ART AND DT DEPARTMENT CONTINUED 'Young Art’ art competition The 'Young Art' art competition is back and we are all eager to start our sketches. Young Art is an annual exhibition of children’s paintings, drawings and prints, held for one week a year, at the Royal College of Art. Every year QHS takes part in the competition but due to the pandemic, we were unable to participate last year.

Pupils will spend time during their Art lessons designing their artworks. The theme this year is ‘Looking Out’ as this is what we did during the pandemic and lockdown - we looked out of our doors and windows.

In order to take part in the competition, every entry (pupil) will need to make a donation of £2.

The money goes to Cancer Research as Young Art supports The Great Ormond Street Hospital. They have raised over £1,250,000 over the last 30 years towards the cause.

Please send the £2 in an envelope addressed to Mrs Durg, or you can leave it at the School Office with your child’s name on it.

Please find more information about the competition and Young Art below. https://www.young-art.org.uk/

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PSHCE As part of Anti-Bullying Week and our PSHCE unit this week, the pupils have been thinking about how to advertise their thoughts on anti-bullying and being kind.

They designed some fabulous posters, here are a few:-

Tia's poster

Shivani's poster

Bhavya's poster

Hiya's poster

Anya's poster Page 15

Ottilie's poster

Aiza's poster

PSHCE CONTINUED As part of PSHCE and Anti-bullying week, Year 6Q studied a poem called 'The Killing Ground' by Adrian Mitchell and then had a chance to write their own poems.

Sanskruti's poem

Srushti's poem

Aahana's poem

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YEAR 2 Christmas is Coming to Year 2!

We have begun some arts and craft work in the classroom this week to aid our preparations for Christmas. We made paper advent wreaths and paper plate snowmen. The children loved the activities and they certainly have propelled us into thinking more about the Christmas celebrations ahead!

These activities have also served to help us with our Literacy work this week, which is all about instruction writing. We have worked hard to use time adverbs, imperative verbs, numbered steps, bullet points and equipment lists - we have followed the instructions given to write instructions about how to make these festive items!

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CHILDREN IN NEED Children in Need 2021 The children from Nursery to Year 2 had a great day raising money for Children in Need. The children came to school in their spotty clothes and then had a special assembly where they found out more about why we were marking Children in Need and what the money would be used for. We then did a special workout with Joe Wicks where we had to answer quiz questions and exercise at the same time. It was great for our bodies and our brains. Then the children made some healthy treats - Nursery made oat bars, Reception made frozen yoghurts, Year 1 made banana muffins and Year 2 made oat cookies. We spoke about the importance of looking after our bodies and doing things to help our minds stay healthy too - like mindfulness colouring and talking about our worries. All the children enjoyed the day and we raised over £450 for charity! Thank you to everyone for all their support.

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CHILDREN IN NEED

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HELEN RICHARDSON-WALSH MBE MEET AND GREET Helen Richardson Walsh (ex GB Ladies Hockey player and captain and an Olympic gold medalist will be visiting John Lyon School, performing a coaching session between 4.15pm and 5.00pm, on Thursday 26th November. This invitation is extended to all Quainton Hall Year 6 girls.

There will be a question and answer session provided shortly after the coaching session. Mr Antoine will be sending the Year 6 parents a link to purchase tickets on Monday 22nd November.

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PANTOMIME

It’s Pantomime time!

Next Thursday – 25th November, a professional theatre company will be bringing Snow White to life at Quainton Hall.

M&M Productions have been visiting us for many years now, bringing lively and exciting performances into our Susan Milner Hall for a day.

They will be performing on Thursday afternoon to all the children from Reception to Year 6, and the show promises to be great fun, as always. The cost (of no more than £4 per child attending) will be added to your termly invoice next month.

There should be plenty of music and those old pantomime favourites – “He’s behind you”, “oh no it isn’t – oh yes it is!” and more.

Christmas really is approaching fast!

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FRIENDS OF QHS - SECRET GIFT ROOM

Friends of QHS – Secret Gift Room – December 13th 2021 Having got over most of the Covid restrictions which were in place last year, we are really pleased to announce that we will be holding our Secret Gift Room again this year, on Monday 13th December.

We have held this great fund-raising activity for well over 10 years now, and the idea is that all children from Reception to Year 6 get the chance to ‘go shopping’ in school for gifts for their families, WITHOUT needing their parents to be with them. Our band of volunteers wrap the presents before the children leave the room, so the gifts they have bought truly are a ‘Secret’ when they come home.

This has been a hugely successful in the past, raising a total (over the years) of well over £10,000 for school projects.

It is only possible with the help of our loyal parent helpers, though. Stock needs to bought, the event needs to be set up (on the afternoon and evening before – Sunday 12th December), and the shop needs to be staffed on the day. Anyone who can volunteer for any or all of these activities is asked to email qhs.friends@gmail.com, and a planning meeting is arranged for Thursday 25th November at 7:30pm.

More details next week, but please get in touch now if you can help in any way. If you have any questions, please get in touch, either using the email address above or contact Fr. Mike, mike.still@quaintonhall.org.uk.

With lots of parental involvement, this is a great way to raise funds, and really get into the Christmas spirit!

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QUIZ - WHO AM I? This week's Quiz Huge congratulations to all the pupils who successfully guessed Mother Teresa as the answer to last week’s quiz. Special congratulations to Vihaan (Y3ZS) who was the first to email me with the correct answer and a certificate will be awarded to him.

One of her famous quotes “I have so much in my life. I want to be of value to the world”.

She is an American Actress, filmmaker and activist.

She was born on June 4, 1975 in Los Angeles, California.

She was reportedly the highest-paid actress in Hollywood.

She became a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in 2001.

She has voice acted for various children’s films including Shark Tale and the Kung Fu Panda franchise.

Please send your answer by Monday via email to Mrs Alwaheidi at arwa.alwaheidi@edu.quaintonhall.org.uk

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UPCOMING EVENTS Chamber Choir Recording Session U9 Football v Norbury (QHS) Reception Parents' Evening M&M Production in School - Snow White - Rec to Year 6 Reception Parents' Evening Year 4 Parents' Evening (in Old Chapel) Year 3JC Parents' Evening U9 Football v Aldenham (Away) U9 Netball v Aldenham (Away) Year 3ZS Parents' Meeting U11 Football v Aldenham (Away) U11 Netball v Aldenham (Away) Chamber Choir Rehearsal (St George's, Headstone) John Lyon Christmas Concert (St George's, Headstone) Pantomime Trip (Dick Whittington) (Reception to Year 2) Christmas Performance (EYFS) Christmas Performance (Year 1 and Year 2) Year 5 Parents' Evening (in Old Chapel) Christmas Performance (EYFS) Christmas Performance (Year 1 and Year 2) Christmas Performance (Year 3 to Year 6)

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BIRTHDAYS

We wish the following children, who celebrate their birthday in the coming week, a very Happy Birthday!

Jeremy W Nursery

Aashi S Year 2

Aadya M Year 2

Jasmine G Year 3

Rishaan L Year 4

Veera S Y4

Don’t forget, QHS is fully supported by social media! Whilst we try to include all of our news in The Herald and on the Website, we also share activity on our social media platforms. So please do like/ follow/ share our postings to keep up to date with everything QHS to ensure you don't miss out!

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