HM's Letters
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Letter to parents 19th May 2010
Dear Parent
It is difficult to believe that half term is almost upon us, the term has been very busy and time seems to have flown. Towards the beginning Year Seven spent an excellent week in Chateau de la Baudonniere, Normandy. The good weather enabled them to enjoy numerous outdoor activities - the extremely muddy assault course being the favourite - essentially and by nature their French improved markedly. On return the year group was immediately pressed into action as guides on Open Day. Indeed we were so busy we had to call for reinforcements in order to host our guests in the traditional warm and polite manner customary at the school. Thereafter many children have enjoyed considerable success at the Weston Arts Festival; at the last count children from The Downs had won 14 classes which clearly says a great deal about our all round provision. In regard to sport I have watched some excellent cricket being played and two of our girls rounders teams are very close to qualifying for the national finals. I have also just noticed the Junior Athletics Team return with the Monkton Winners Silver Plate. Much already achieved, we look forward to more success as the term unfolds.
School Exams; Monday 7th June - Thursday 10th June
Mr Morgan has recently written to Prep School parents about the School Exams that take place immediately after half term. We do not want the children to become anxious about the exams but, particularly in the case of the older year groups, it is important that they appreciate the need to prepare sensibly. Would you therefore please make sure that they revise appropriately in the coming weeks. In addition it would be entirely to their benefit if the children went to bed at a reasonable time over half term - without the temptation of electronic games.
Common Entrance Examinations Monday 7th June - Thursday 10th June
Both the internal and external Year 8 candidates will take the Common Entrance Exams over four days immediately after half term. The candidates have prepared reasonably well to date and earnest revision will enable them to secure more marks in the next few weeks. The need to prepare well cannot be underestimated not least as it will reduce anxiety when it comes to the reality of the occasion. As half term comes to an end on Sunday 6th June, I will be pleased to spend a few hours with the external candidates. They should come to school at 2.00pm when we will organise the exam room before doing a little final revision. Mrs Gunn will then host a barbecue before collection at 4.30pm. Internal candidates are very welcome to join us.
Although centrally set, external candidates have their exam scripts sent on to their individual senior schools for marking. The internal candidates have their papers marked by their teachers at The Downs. All the candidates results are coordinated at The Downs. I will give them the results after lunch on Thursday 17th June. The pupils will then be given the opportunity to phone home with the good news.
Speech Day Marquee
You will be aware the DSA Ball takes place on Friday 2nd July. It was a huge success last year and so I encourage you to buy your tickets early.
The ball finished, the marquee will remain on the back lawn for a week when we will use it for Speech Day. Should anyone then wish to use the facility between Saturday 3rd July and Tuesday 6th July for a corporate event, charity fundraiser or such like, we can make it available at preferential rates. Please contact my secretary, Mrs Alison Felton, if the opportunity is of interest.
The Downs School Network; a business breakfast club - Friday 25th June
We are very fortunate to have excellent neighbours in the Children's Hospice South West. Over recent years we have been able to work together on a number of projects and we have enjoyed and been privileged to regularly raise money for such a worthy cause. Indeed only last week, through an outstanding concert with Lions Brass4Youth at QEH, we raised £500
Mr Eddie Farwell is the Chief Executive of the Children's Hospice South West. He has been instrumental in the development of Little Bridge House (Devon) and Charlton Farm and he is now working on opening a third hospice in Cornwall. I am very pleased to relate that Mr Farwell will be speaking to the breakfast club on Friday 25th June. He will outline his plans for the future and give an insight into the valuable work of the CHSW. We will be very pleased to welcome any parents for breakfast. Please let the office know of your intention by Monday 21st June. There will be no charge for members. There is a cost of £10 for non members.
It is hoped that Dr Liam Fox, Conservative MP for North Somerset will address the next meeting in the Autumn Term. More details will follow once a date has been confirmed.
Coffee Morning - Friday 21st May
A quick reminder that Valerie will be delighted to welcome anybody for coffee on Friday morning, 8.45 am. This time money raised will go to Weston Hospicecare in Uphill
Conclusion
The pupils have been reminded that we expect them to shake hands with their teachers at the end of the day. It is a pleasant courtesy that should be extended to any staff who might be supervising as a child leaves school. An expectation of children in Reception to Year 6, the older children have been told to use their discretion. I would be grateful if on occasion you would help us establish consistency in this area by prompting your child as necessary.
I attach two letters from the DSA. They are busily preparing for the Summer Fete and the DSA Ball. Mr Marsden will soon be writing to you about the arrangements for imminent events. In the meantime I remain extremely grateful for your excellent support.
Yours sincerely
Marcus Gunn
