Parent Newsletter 23/10/15

SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS UPDATE Friday 23rd October 2015 Next Half Term at a Glance…

Here are just a few important forthcoming events—for our full calendar, click www.royalmasonic.herts.sch.uk/media/calendar

Information regarding ParentPay We are delighted to let you know that we are introducing a new online payment system, ParentPay,

Tuesday 3rd November Campaign for Excellence

that lets you make secure online payments to School by

Wednesday 4th November FORMS Meeting

as it is already used very successfully by many schools.

credit and debit card. You may already be familiar with it

We will initially be trialling its use for school trip

Friday 6th November FORMS Fireworks Night

payments; if successful it will be extended out to cover other payments made to School, including even the

Saturday 7th November Sixth Form Preview for non RMS students Class of 2015 Certificates Evening

potential for school fees to be paid in this way.

ParentPay gives you a more convenient and flexible

Sunday 8th November Remembrance Sunday Service

way to make payments to School online and to know

Tuesday 10th—Friday 13th November Sweet Charity at Watersmeet Theatre

that your money has reached the School safely. It will

Monday 16th November Chris Hadfield Talk/Book Signing

in for both teachers and in the School Office is reduced.

also help us to be more efficient as administration time

The system allows you to view your account statement

Friday 20th November Year 13 At Home

and payment history, check when payments need to be

Friday 20th—Sunday 22nd November Second Exeat Weekend

made and set alerts to tell you when to pay school

Monday 23rd November Life Skills Evening

account are contained on the attached letter, along with

online. More details about activating your ParentPay a step by step guide ‘Parent Pay Parents User Guide’

Tuesday 24th/Thursday 26th November

which is on the Parent Portal under Documents & Files/

Year 7 Meet the Tutor

Document Tree/Other Information, which tells you more

Wednesday 25th November Year 7 to Stratford Upon Avon

about how the system works.

Friday 27th November Sixth Form depart for Aachen Christmas Market Saturday 28th November FORMS Christmas Fair Sunday 29th November Advent Service

We do hope that you will find this system to be of benefit and convenience to you; please don’t hesitate to contact the Accounts department if you have any concerns or problems.

Mrs Diana Robinson, Bursar

Thursday 3rd December Year 12 At Home Monday 7th December Christmas Concert Thursday 10th December End of Term

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INFORMATION Emails Sent this week If you have not received any of the emails listed below, please contact Pippa Hopkins phopkins@royalmasonic.herts.sch.uk Year 9 Spanish

Alicante Letter

Year 12/13 Spanish

Alicante Letter

Year 7/8

French Trip letter

Whole School

RMS Careers Convention Request for Support

Years 7/8/9

TedEd Club letter

Year 13 Photography

Trip to NPG and East London Photography Festival 13th November

Day Pupils

Information regarding Station Road roadworks

Year 7

Parent Social Contact list

Parent Portal queries & updating contact details To advise us of any changes to your contact details, change of boarding status etc., please contact changeofdetails@royalmasonic.herts.sch.uk . This is a group email address and your communication will be sent to all the relevant parties within the School. If you have any other questions relating to the Parent Portal, please contact our Data Systems Manager Mrs Bulow on bbulow@royalmasonic.herts.sch.uk

School Facebook Page

Mr Cox’s Surgery Mr Cox, Assistant Headteacher, is making himself

We have now launched a school

available every Friday from 8.15am and in periods

facebook page, which will feature

1 and 2 to meet with any parents who would like to

news from school, information

come and have a short chat over any Senior

about events etc.Follow us at

School question, issue or concern they may have.

www.facebook.com/RMSforGirls

Please contact Mrs Hamoudi in the School Office

and also on Twitter at

via email chamoudi@royalmasonic.herts.sch.uk to

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make an appointment. Parents who would like a longer appointment can, as ever, ring to arrange a mutually convenient time. ‘Cox’s Surgery’ appointments are intended for a quick discussion only, which may lead to a further meeting if the issue needs some further thought or investigation.

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS Commander Chris Hadfield, celebrated astronaut, is coming to RMS Tickets are selling quickly for this event on Monday 16th November. To book your tickets, visit the Chilterns Bookshops website http://chilternbookshops.co.uk/events/chris-hadfield.

Tickets are ÂŁ12 per adult and ÂŁ6 per student (senior school age only).

For a snapshot of forthcoming events at the School, click here http://bit.ly/1LlAQ6j

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS Senior School Production 2015 Sweet Charity Watersmeet Theatre, 10th—13th November The Faculty of Performing Arts is delighted to invite you to our bi-annual Senior School musical 'Sweet Charity'. The show features the famous songs 'The Rhythm of Life' and the Shirley Bassey classic 'Hey Big Spender'. The performances are at Watersmeet in Rickmansworth. Tickets are available from the theatre box office, online at http://bit.ly/1G9q2cE or by calling 01923 711063.

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SCHOOL NEWS Year 7s at Woodrow High House Year 7 embarked on their trip to Woodrow with great enthusiasm, not least because of the glorious weather that was forecast and the promise of a visit to the Woodrow Tuck Shop!

Girls took part in a huge range of activities that included archery, the night line, the low ropes, parachute games and many more. All of the activities required the girls to use their sense of teamwork and of course some of our core values: Participation and Courage to Challenge Oneself. Lots of activities involved communication skills too, as well as some maths thinking skills in the Team Ex circuit which was very tricky at times! In the evening the girls were responsible for making sure that their beds were made before we had supper and then took part in the night walk.

The aim of the trip was for girls to develop their confidence in trying new things and we were thrilled to see so many girls challenge themselves in their activities. We hope that all girls enjoyed the challenge of trying something new and are now ready to take on many more challenges during their time at RMS. Miss Lavelle

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SCHOOL NEWS “Get Writing” Conference 2015 It was on Saturday 26th September that we to obtain four tickets to the Get Writing Conference 2015, where prestigious writers gather to discuss literary techniques and different fields of the Creative Writing world. Held by the Verulam Writers’ Circle, this conference enables writers of all kinds gather to listen attends, talks, panels and workshops, but also provides the opportunity to meet and talk with authors experienced in the fields of writing and publication, but also to editors, as well as offering aspiring writers to have their works published.

The day officially began at nine in the morning, with an opening speech from the VWC Chairman, as well as the introduction to the Master of Ceremonies, VWC President, John Spencer.

After that, the RMS girls in attendance were able to get writing.

The first workshop we attended was theatre-famous Peter Leslie Wild’s talk Writing On Air. It was here that we learnt the arts of composing a radio script, and how it far differed from film scripts. The use of sound and stage directions is just as important in a visual script as it is for an audio script, as those directing will compose a mostly dialogue-based story to the audience.

However, radio scripts, as we learnt, aren’t just about speaking: the way in which events are presented, as well as how a voice actor may speak, all influence the character of the script. Wild even allowed us to listen to several audio files stored on his laptop, where we learnt about the development, and how background music and sounds add as much to a script as the dialogue.

Debi Alper’s Make Your Story Sing was the next workshop we attended. She gave advice on the process of composing a piece of literature. The amount of drafts that one story undergo was incredible, as well as the amount of self-critical assessment that must be applied before presenting a manuscript to an editor - very similar to checking through an essay before handing it into a teacher! In this workshop, Alper co-ordinated with everyone in the room to create a particular character, and create a fact file on them. Once that was done, she instructed we pass an item to the person seated beside us and include it in a short piece about Joann – the name of our character. Alper’s insightful workshop taught us that each individual has a different writing style, by getting a show of hands to see what everyone included in their short piece, be it dialogue, description or action.

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SPORT NEWS After a ‘help yourself’ buffet lunch, we were able to attend our third workshop, The Power of Language, once again held by Debi Alper. Once again, she was very inspiring and animated, throwing us straight into a workshop on how many synonyms we could use instead of “walked slowly”. We came up with around 6, and were moderately proud of ourselves, until she told us she had over 100. This workshop was based on how words truly changed the nature of a story, as well as the awkward filler words that often appeared within a manuscript, such as “quite”.

Using comical examples of current authors, Alper brought to realisation that the words chosen and used truly do change the nature of a piece of literature, and that quality counts. Alper also went through how different points of view can change a perspective. She explained the third person narrative, and how it could be used both omnisciently and unreliably. As an example, she gave us the activity of writing an emotional past experience in a first person point of view, but also from the third person perspective of another person present. The exploration of narrative and language effectively brought to realisation that a story could be greatly impacted by who told it and how.

Our final workshop was about characters and the worlds they live in. We listened to Toby Frost’s lecture called Building Worlds Through Characters. Frost focused on the element of fantasy and science fiction. These two genres, as he explained, greatly relied on how characters could interact with the world around them. In particular, these two also depend on characters to create an effect on the plot. Frost told us the antagonist was the active character. It is, after all, the enemy who puts into play the course of events that create a story. Interestingly, Frost said the character in focus didn’t necessarily need to be likeable, so long as they captured the reader or audience’s attention. An interesting character can make a plot function, according to Frost, with the example of Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Arc, where action is not necessarily needed for the outcome that occurred to happen. It was from Frost that we learnt the actions of the character can heavily dictate the events in a story, and how important characterisation is for the reader.

After that, the day ended, and we thanked the members of the VWC for having invited us to such an incredible event. A truly inspiring experience, it can certainly be said that what we heard and took down was fruitful to our skill as aspiring writers.

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SPORT NEWS It has been a busy and very successful final week of this half of the term for the PE Department.

Our Year 7 A and B team between them scored 101 goals without conceding a single point to either Parmiters or Rickmansworth—well done girls!

Netball RMS vs Rickmansworth

RMS vs Parmiters

Year 7 A Team won 42-0 Year 8 A Team won 37-2 Year 9 A Team won 27-7 Year 10 A Team won 19-15

Year 7 A Team won 38-0 Year 7 B Team won 21-0 Year 8 A Team won 20-13 Year 8 B Team won 16-5

Read on for reports of the Year 8 A and B Team victories against Parmiters here‌ A Team On the 22nd October, Year 7 and year 8 went to Parmiters for a netball match. We won the toss and got the first centre pass.

1/4: we got the first goal and then they did. By the end of the first 1/4 it was 6-6 and we were ready to fight back.

2/4: we were really good in the 2/4 as it was stronger and we didn't make as many mistakes. By the end of the 2/4 it was 13-7.

3/4: Parmiters came back harder this quarter and caught up with us. They shot more goals and at the end of the quarter Florie was injured but we still didn't give up. It was 17-10.

4/4: the last quarter we managed to hang on and win the match 20-13. Well done everyone for a great match. Player of the match was Ella as centre. We played really well. Thank you for Mrs Marsh for taking us. (Georgina 8H) B Team On Thursday RMS Year 8 B TEAM went to play Parmiters.

1/4: In the first quarter we were warming up to the match and the score was 2-1 to Parmiters.

2/4: In the second quarter, we improved a lot, and got into lots of spaces and marking are player more, with the end score being 7-3 to us.

3/4: In the third quarter. I felt like we were really working as a team and passing well, with the score being 13-3.

4/4:In the last quarter, we played at our best and we won 16-5 We could improve by dynamic moving and using more of a variety of passes. I think player of the match was Ellie L. She was always getting into spaces and scored lots of goals.

(By Ellie, 8S)

Hockey RMS vs Hitchin Senior Team drew 1-1 Year 10 won 1-0 (MVP Emily H) RMS vs Beaumont Year 9 won 1-0

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FORMS NEWS FORMS Fireworks Night – Friday November 6th Tickets for the very popular FORMS annual Fireworks Night are selling out fast!

PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY CHILD IN YEAR9 AND BELOW MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT. ALSO FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY REASONS PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR OWN FIREWORKS OR SPARKLERS. If you have any wood/wooden pallets that could help us build the bonfire please get in touch. Also it may be a good idea to bring a torch and glow sticks will be available to buy.

Doors open at 6.15 with the fireworks taking place around 7.30pm. This is an amazing family night with a great atmosphere. Advanced tickets are just £5 for and adult and £3 for a child, plus £3 for a meal, should you wish to include it. Tickets on the night will be £8 per adult and £5 per child and food will be subject to availability – therefore we highly recommend you book in advance by emailing forms.fireworks@gmail.com or visiting www.facebook.com/FORMSRMS. Remember, if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities at the Fireworks night, or any of our other events, please email forms.communications@gmail.com FORMS CHRISTMAS FAIR The Christmas Fair has a few spaces for stall holders, so if you know anyone or would like one yourself please contact Anne Marie on forms.xmasfair@gmail.com FORMS events rely heavily on parent support. As well as generating interest with local companies for sponsorship opportunities we would like to ask parents for help with smaller items. We have the Christmas Fair coming up and we are looking for raffle prize donations. So if you can help or you know anyone who can offer anything from a turkey to a TV then please get in touch, we would be extremely grateful. Please get in touch with us forms.communications@gmail.com Facebook and Twitter Don’t forget to ‘like’ our Facebook page to find out details about our events and news from the community. You can find us at www.facebook.com/FORMSRMS. You can also follow us on Twitter @FormsParents

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FORMS NEWS Next FORMS Meeting The next FORMS meeting is 7.30pm Wed 4th November. If you would like to help or have any ideas you would like to share then we would love to see you there.

Please contact Penny Smee at forms.secretary@gmail.com for details and directions.

Other dates for your diary Fireworks – Friday 6th November (tickets now on sale) Christmas Fair – Saturday 28th November Burns Supper – Saturday 23rd January Quiz Night – Saturday 5th March

Second Hand Uniform Sale Information Thank you to the school for facilitating our exciting move to a permanent home for the second hand uniform store…………details to follow after half term. However if you are able to donate any shelving or clothes rails we would really appreciate it. Please contact Abbey Joseph at forms.rms2hu@gmail.com The forthcoming sale dates are: Friday 6th November 8.00am to 9.00am – Open Cupboard and drop in coffee session. Come along to the Governors’ Dining Hall to keep warm and grab any urgent uniform requirements. We’ll provide the coffee/tea and cake!

Friday 20th November 3.00-4.30pm – uniform sale in the Governors’ Dining Hall Friday 4th December 8.00am to 9.00am – open cupboard and drop in coffee and mince pie session in the Governors’ Dining Hall FORMS is pleased to introduce our ‘Gift Wrap Fundraiser’ via Northbrook Fundraising for all your Christmas and Gift requirements. Our school will receive 22% of the value of your purchase back for every item sold. Brochures will also be distributed in school and we hope to run a stall at the Christmas Fair on Saturday 28th November. Orders can also be placed online at www.northbrookfundraising.co.uk – simply select “Royal Masonic School for Girls” in the drop down box.

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COMMUNITY NEWS Fire Walk for St Luke's Thursday 19th November from 6.00pm Ever fancied walking on fire? Well now it's your chance and you can also help to raise much needed funds for St Luke’s Hospice! Fire walking is an inspirational and barrier-breaking experience for all. In simple terms, after a motivational seminar you will walk across 20ft of wood embers burning at over 1200 Fahrenheit without experiencing any pain or injury!

Entry before the 31st October is just £20. For more information, click here

St Luke's Santa Dash Sunday 13th December Join hundreds of Santa’s and Santarinas as they take to the streets of Pinner once again to raise money for your local hospice. Take part as an individual, with family or work colleagues you can even bring the dog! Kicking off at 10.30pm from Nower Hill High School on George V Avenue, Pinner, HA5 5RP, entry includes your very own Santa suit, mince pie and hot drink completion.

Entry before the 13th November only £5 for under 16’s and £10 for over 16’s.

Please note - Santa Suits can be bought at the St Luke's charity shop at St Ann's Shopping Centre, Harrow HA1 1AT. Sign up for early bird entry here http://bit.ly/1LreobW Taking part in the heart of Harrow, this action packed family event promises to be the muddiest

The Mud Run Saturday 7th November fun you’ve ever had. On the day, participants of all ages will be ducking and diving, jumping and climbing over 15 obstacles on a 5km course, including Pond Dips, Tyre Running, Box Hurdles, Slip ‘N’ Slides, Hidden Tracks, Mud Tunnels, Fitness Zone, Leopard Crawl, Tug of War, Tyre Tossing, Stretcher Racing, Cargo Nets, Crawling Nets and Rope Swings.

NOTE: IMPORTANT only suitable for children ages 14 years and above.

For more information and to sign up, click here

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