The Laurels School
Dear parents,
As we come to the end of the Michaelmas term and begin our preparations for Christmas, it is during Advent that we remind ourselves of the importance of Christ in our lives
Pope Francis encourages us ‘to turn our gaze to heaven and open our hearts to the Lord who carries our burdens and sustains us on our journey’ It is true that life can bring suffering and uncertainty, but in difficult times we can ‘lift up our heads’ and find hope again In this season of Advent, we should seek to come together in positivity and be united as a community as we move onto a new chapter for our school. There is so much ahead to look forward to, and the hard work and dedication of the staff and the enthusiasm and determination of our pupils is wonderful to see It is truly a blessing to be part of such a special school and I want to thank all of you for continuing to support our vision as we move into the Spring Term
I know you will enjoy reading our termly newsletter and I wish you all a very restful and peaceful Christmas
Best wishes,
Mrs Jewell
ACTING HEADMISTRESS
Christmas Card Competition 2024
We are thrilled to announce Nina Z has won First Place in the Junior Division Christmas Card competition for the Catholic Independent Schools' Conference
Her illustration above is beautiful and captures the meaning of the Nativity perfectly along with a quote from the Bible
MICHAELMAS TERM
Wahoo, it looks like Hogwarts!
French exchange from Paris
During the last week of term, we hosted 9 French girls from our exchange school in Paris, Stanislas, better known as "Stan".
Our hosts arrived exclaiming: "Wahoo, it looks like Hogwarts!" They were welcomed by a lovely Full English breakfast prepared by our catering team Different families hosted the girls, and they have been at The Laurels for most of the week in order to learn English and study cultural differences between the two countries.
In June next year, it will be our turn to go to Paris to visit Stanislas and the centre of Paris - an experience students are very much looking forward to ,
Remembrance Day
The first Remembrance Day in Britain and the Commonwealth was held in 1919, the year after World War One, and it was King George V who introduced the idea of a two-minute silence, explaining, “all locomotion should cease, so that, in perfect stillness, the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead.”
This year our Remembrance Service was particularly special as it was the first time that The Laurels, Cedars and Oakwood schools came together to commemorate this special event, held in Virgo Fidelis Church It was wonderful for all three schools to be together as we paused the busy “locomotion” of the school day and took the time to reflect and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in war
Included in the order of service was the list of over 20 relatives from our school community who have served in the military, and it was particularly poignant to see their names listed alongside the name of their family member who is a pupil or teacher in our schools We also heard inspiring stories from Laurels, Cedars and Oakwood pupils and staff about their relatives’ experiences during World War One and Two These accounts included stories about relatives who had fought and survived the 1916 Battle of the Somme, were involved in the 1940 evacuation from Dunkirk and took part in the 1944 Normandy Landings We also learned about family members serving from different countries, such as the British Indian Army and the French Resistance, as well as relatives who risked their lives to save others and overcame trauma such as being a prisoner of war or sustaining life changing injuries
It was a privilege to hear their testimony, but our role is not purely passive; it is our duty to ensure that we, and future generations, do not forget their service and sacrifice as they endeavoured to replace tyranny with freedom 2024 is a year of particular historical significance, marking events such as the 25 th anniversary of the end of the war in Kosovo in 1999 It also marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of NATO, the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in World War Two and the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale alliance between the UK and France, signed in 1904 prior to World War One As we face somewhat uncertain times it was particularly important to acknowledge these events in our service, to underscore the significance of alliances and solidarity in the face of authoritarianism, as well as holding up examples from our school community of fortitude and resilience It is perhaps more important than ever that we all bear witness to the past and reflect on the sacrifices of those that have gone before us
Special Thanks
Special thanks to the Sixth Formers who delivered a lovely lesson to Year 5 and Year 6 pupils at Oakwood and ran the Poppy Shop for all three schools, raising a very impressive £410 for the Royal British Legion Also thanks to The Laurels and Cedars choirs for the beautiful music during the service, and our trumpeter who played The Last Post, as this added to the solemnity of the service.
As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, let us commend their souls anew to God’s eternal mercy and compassion, and let us pray that God would grant us grace to serve faithfully until our life’s end, to the honour and glory of God’s Holy Name.
Debate Club launched this term
Dr Obano was pleased to launch a new Debating Club this term, aimed at all students in Years 7 to 11
Modelled on the MACE debating format, the club offers all students a chance to develop their argumentation skills in a positive and engaging way, tackling a range of debating topics from the serious ('media organisations put profit before serving the public') t o the insouciant (is it better to have super strength than the ability to fly?) Debating club will be continuing in the Hilary Term and is open to all. It's a great way to improve your communication skills, develop confidence and learn how to win an argument!
MICHAELMAS
Lower 6th Art Trip
The Lower Sixth Art Trip to some of London’s best galleries earlier this month was most captivating Starting at the Royal Academy we explored classical artworks including a mini exhibition of 'works in progress ' We also visited the Michael Craig Martin retrospective which sees the artist present his ideas through digital, sculptural and 2D artworks Some of these were conceptual and some works of art made connections with the Old Masters We then headed to the Tate Modern and explored the collections there. The Anthony McCall ‘Solid Light’ exhibition left us feeling disoriented but intrigued!
Michael Craig Martin retrospective
We visited the Michael Craig Martin retrospective which sees the artist present
In drama, the girls have been expending their energy in after school and lunchtime rehearsals for the school play "Daisy Pulls it Off", performing in March 2025 This dynamic comedy spoof of life in a 1920s English boarding school has brought air of fun and laughter into the rehearsal rooms and will encompass an ensemble cast of over fifty girls In the curriculum, Year 8 have been immersing themselves into the topic Commedia Dell'Arte They have worked on developing their physical interpretations of the master and servant stock characters and the vocal skills needed to perform " cross talk" and "put on the spot dialogue" This will accumulate in creating their own Commedia scene in the last week of term.
The Science Club at The Laurels School is a very popular extra-curricular activity and focuses on specific disciplines while also being cross curricular Activities include practical experiments, investigations, group work, discussion and reflection Most of all, it is a fun with an extremely hands on approach to learning
Drama News Science Club
Some of our most popular activities this year include; making magnetic slime, making Oobleck – the Non-Newtonian liquid, using acids and alkalis to make a rainbow in a testtube, curdle milk and the science behind cheese-making and many more
YEAR 7 STUDENT
‘‘I find Science Club very interesting; I like all the experiments and I love that we don’t know what will happen next, it’s so exciting!’’
MICHAELMAS
Year 10, Whole School Assembly
GCSE art trip to Whitstable
As part of the GCSE Art course we took the pupils to Whitstable on the Kent coast to observe and capture a natural environment on Monday 16th September.
This trip provided an exciting and valuable opportunity for GCSE pupils to kickstart their Y11 Art project ‘Natural Forms’, where they recorded and collected information first hand. The pupils also visited an exhibition at The Horsebridge Arts Centre and took part in a practical workshop run by a local artist Debra Ivens.
MICHAELMAS
Exploring Robotics and the Ocean with LEGO League
Our Robotics Club is making waves this year with its participation in the FIRST LEGO® League Competition exciting challenge, SUBMERGED℠ This mixed club, open to students from both The Laurels and The Cedars, represents the collaborative spirit of our schools as we prepare to transition to a co-educational environment next year.
Last year, The Laurels team impressed the judges and earned an award in the Robot Design category This year, we ’ re competing as one united team representing the future of our STEM team The SUBMERGED℠ theme invites students to explore the wonders of the ocean, learning about its intricate ecosystems and the innovations driving underwater exploration With over 80% of the ocean still unexplored, our young engineers and researchers have plenty of opportunities to dive into exciting challenges, develop creative solutions, and share their discoveries
The Robotics Club isn’t just for coders! We need researchers to investigate the fascinating questions proposed by this year ’ s oceanthemed challenge
Researchers work alongside coders, builders and designers to ensure our team develops innovative, well-rounded solutions Together, they bring ideas to life while practicing the core values of discovery, inclusion, teamwork, and fun The club is open to all students, and we still have room for more curious minds eager to take on the challenge! Everyone is welcome If your child is interested in becoming part of our Robotics Club, they can expect a truly rewarding experience and maybe even the chance to bring home another award! For more information or to sign up, please contact Mr Nelson (The Cedars) or Mrs Pardo (The Laurels)
GCSE Further Maths Challenge
The Year 10 GCSE Further Maths class have already completed over 50% of the course
This is a tremendous achievement for a course commonly introduced in Year 11 designed to challenge those who have mastered algebra to the depth that GCSE Maths covers On the course they have been exposed to some challenging A Level Maths content. In October they covered a topic called The Binomial Expansion In one particular lesson the pupils were given quite a complex binomial to expand. Featured here you can see some of our pupils using up the entire interactive white board and also the whole desk space to find the solution Don't worry the desks were wiped clean and ready for more challenges in the next lesson!
MICHAELMAS TERM
Ethos
Teen Star Club
By Gimena Q, Year 8
Here are some reflections from Pupils & Parents about what the Ethos team have been up to this term
Teen Star is an amazing club where I have become more mature, self-reliant, and knowledgeable about how the world works. With two incredible volunteers, Jean and Mary who are exceptionally wellprepared and super organized I have learned so much These courses have helped me understand my body and taught me how to talk openly about these things with my parents Jean and Mary have taught me so much about the world and myself, and they relate to us in such an easy, approachable way. Just being around them creates a comfortable atmosphere, especially after the packed school days we experience. They help us unwind, laugh, and have fun with everyone there.
Teen Star is also helping me improve my social skills I’m learning to treat others equally, enhance my emotional mindset, grow spiritually, and view the world as a fair place regardless of who we are or how we look. I now know that my ideas will always be valued and appreciated in this club, where everyone is on the same page. At the end of each session, we always have so much fun playing games together as one big team, which helps us improve our teamwork skills We also take turns bringing snacks so no one feels hungry during the club
Overall, this is an amazing club that has helped me grow and develop so much With fantastic people teaching us, we are incredibly lucky to have this opportunity to learn in the right way from trusted and knowledgeable individuals.
Christmas workshops for mothers
At The Laurels, it has become a cherished tradition each November to create our own Advent wreaths while reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas. This beautifully organised event by Irene Barreiro, offers mothers a wonderful opportunity to come together, share in the joy of crafting these meaningful wreaths, and enjoy conversation and fellowship.
The gathering began with an inspiring talk by Louise Newman-Sanders, who shared insights on preparing for Christmas in a truly Christian way during the Advent season We were also privileged to have all our wreaths blessed by Father Frank, adding a special spiritual significance to the occasion.
Adela B Year 9 Mother
Ethos
The Tutorial System
The Tutorial system in the Laurels school provides each student with additional support and guidance in her personal, spiritual and learning journeys Each student's relationship with their tutors is completely unique and a safe space for a student to express their goals, aims and feelings. For me, I know that whenever I am stressed or worried about something, my tutor will be there supporting me and so for this I am really grateful for this unique tutorial system.
ar, (Year 8) received a talk on the Holy Mass It as an amazing opportunity to understand and n in depth what really goes on in every Mass ur session included details about the different f the Mass, what they symbolise and what we believe happens during that part of the mass ing was explained very well so that we could understand After and during the session, we d all the questions we wanted which was nice pecially if you had not understood anything. I larly enjoyed the session because it was very interesting and informative
Monica S
Year 11
Elizabeth H Year 8
Year 7 and Schola
MICHAELMAS TERM
Upcoming events
7 January 2025 5-7 March 2025
Staff INSET ‘Daisy Pulls It Off!’ School Production
8 January 2025 26 March 2025
Pupils Return Easter Preparation for Parents
15 January 2025 4 April 2025
Y11 Parent Teacher Meeting School breaks up for the Easter Holidays
3 February 2025
Y9 Immunisations
5 February 2025
Y10 Parent Teacher Meeting
HALF TERM
17-21 February 2025
26 February 2025
Y8 Parent Teacher Meeting
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