I hope this finds you well on the increasingly Autumnal days!

I hope that those of you who drop off your child in the mornings will agree with me that our pupils conduct themselves exceptionally well as they arrive at school. It is lovely to see the interactions between pupils and to be greeted by so many cheerful 'Good mornings!'. A few independent travellers are arriving very early, and we are encouraging them to arrive no earlier than 8.30am.

Sports Leaders

Our pupils who are following the Sports Leadership course have been busy this week visiting local Primary Schools to observe and work with Sports Coaches. This course is an excellent way for young people to develop leadership skills which will support them in their future lives and employment.

Diwali Day

We are looking forward to our Diwali Day on Friday 21st October. Mrs Mistry and the Team have been organising a traditional curry lunch for the school, followed by some Diwali sweets for everyone who would like to try one. We are having some daytime fireworks (I didn't know they existed) and this has all been thoroughly risk assessed. If your child might be very sensitive to noise we are providing ear defenders or making alternative arrangements for them. Please liaise with your child's Form Team if you are concerned about this. Pupils are invited to wear Diwali clothing on the day, should they want to, and I know that several staff are looking forward to showing off their Diwali outfits!  (More information in the post further down this bulletin).

Sukkot

In the assembly yesterday we learned about Sukkot, a Jewish Festival that is currently being observed. This festival is when Jewish families build a shelter outside (Sukkah) and decorate it with leaves, flowers and fruit in remembrance of the Israelites who lived in the desert for 40 years when they were following Moses and fleeing Egypt. I was impressed at the questions and answers from pupils. These showed not only great maturity and genuine enquiry, but also pupils were drawing comparisons to their religion, once again showing how we are all far more alike than we are different.

Harvest Festival

As you know, we are collecting donations this Harvest Festival and will donate everything we collect to the HIllingdon Food Bank. Examples of items that are needed are:

• Tinned food
• Tea & Coffee
• Jam
• Jelly
• Custard
• Instant mash
• Cereals
• Noodles
• Sugar
• Other non-perishable food items

In addition:

• Toothpaste
• Toothbrushes 
• Toiletries and 
• Nappies

Even if you can only send one small inexpensive item this would be incredibly kind and will go to individuals and families who are in great need.

And while we're on the subject of food.........

Breakfast Club

We are delighted that more pupils are taking advantage of the free breakfast they can have each morning. Pupils can have a bowl of cereal or half a bagel with various toppings, and we have just ordered some porridge for those who want to warm up in the morning!  Even if your child has had breakfast at home this small 'second breakfast' will help them keep going during the day.

Very best wishes to you all for a good weekend.

Kind regards,