A Message from the Headteacher

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I hope that this Newsletter finds you well. Although we have only been back at School for two weeks, it has been a busy time.

We returned, though saddened by the terrible news of the death and destruction caused by the Tsunami in South Asia. In common with many others, we observed a three minute silence last week. This week, normal lessons were suspended on Monday morning and a lesson was set aside for each tutor group to learn more about Tsunamis and the facts behind this terrible natural disaster.

On Friday, the School Council has arranged a non-uniform day. All students will be expected to pay £1 to be out of uniform. It is also hoped that each will bring in some small change to contribute. The Council hopes to raise a minimum of £1,000.

As I wrote to you before the holidays, the focus for this term is on homework and Homework diaries. All students are expected to have their Diary with them every day and to use it to note down the homework which has been set. We also ask that you sign the Diary each week, and talk with your child(ren) about the homework they have been given.

As always, I look forward, to welcoming you to the School in the very near future.

With very best wishes,

Simon Harris
Headteacher

East Meets West Concert
Monday 10th January 2005

Inspiring! Abstract! Energetic! Just a few of the words that come to mind to describe the efforts of a unique show, East meets West. An impressive menu of performers began with headliner, Mrs Gouri Choudhury, sharing traditional Bengali folk and Hindi songs. She was followed by The Anomalies, a teacher/student "movement" with embellished rap and rhythm, seasoned with improvisation. Along with special guests The Freestylers and Shaz, these musicians captured the ears and hearts of an enthusiastic audience. Many thanks to all the performers and student organisers from Year 10 who helped to raise £180 for a worthy cause - the Tsunami disaster appeal. Let's do it again!

Mr. Thomas

8P's Jack Petchey Award Trip

On Friday 10th December, 8P went on a trip to the Science Museum. It was absolutely great. We left the school at 9.40am and returned at 5.00pm.

After we entered the Science Museum, we were escorted to a room in the Energy Gallery where a lady gave a short presentation for us. It was all about fuels and the world without fuels. It was really interesting, and afterwards we could go and see all the objects and games. Luckily after that we were allowed to see a bigger area of the museum - as long as we met up at a certain time. It was great fun! Just when the fun began it was time for lunch. We went to a pizza restaurant in Soho and had a buffet. The food was delicious, as well as the service. The waiters deserved great credit for it.

Next, we had a walk through the West End, went through Chinatown, and got to a big street (Covent Garden Piazza). There were two comedians performing in the open street. They were really good: they made 8P full of laughter and giggles. At one stage we had to volunteer to help them, and luckily I was chosen! I helped them with their tricks and found that I won £2 at the end. I was grateful but returned the money at the end for a donation. I could tell 8P were really enjoying themselves.

We then went inside a bookshop and got to spend £5 on a book. We had a reasonable time to spend choosing the books, and by looking at everyone I’d say that the whole of 8P was proud of their results.

The day came to an end, but before we left we passed a fountain in Trafalgar Square, which people said was a wishing fountain. So everyone got their coins out (or got the teachers to) and wished a wish. It was lovely.

Unfortunately, the day ended and we had to go home. It was a lovely day and I want to thank all the teachers who organised it and took part. We had a wonderful and terrific time.

Thank you. This is my story of how 8P spent the prize money won by one of their classmates, Shamia Begum, on a wintry Friday.

Rukshana Aktar, 8P

Parents and carers: Did you know nearly all the big museums in central London are now free, so you can go to the Science Museum, the British Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Geological Museum and have a wonderful time!