Spring 2007
Dear Parents
A belated Happy New Year to everyone and welcome to the first newsletter of 2007, with the first signs of Spring definitely in the air!
EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS
Christmas Fun at Moor House School
On Monday 11th December, the catering staff provided students and staff of Moor House School with a very tasty Christmas dinner. Tables were decorated beautifully in the dining room to accommodate everyone.
A raffle was drawn and the students won a number of different prizes.
Thanks to all the staff involved in preparing the wonderful meal!
Students and staff enjoyed pulling crackers and reading jokes, whilst others received Christmas Presents from the raffle.
After dinner everyone piled in to the sports hall for a Christmas quiz, hosted by Miss Burrows. The quiz included a number of rounds including the subjects of music, general knowledge, sport, history and Christmas time. There was also a picture round, and a colouring competition for the Key Stage Two students, which was won by Joshua Maynard.
Green House won the prize for the highest number of words to be made from the words 'Merry Christmas'.
Red House won the overall prize for the quiz, with each student and staff member being awarded a chocolate selection pack.
The next night the children enjoyed a Christmas party and a visit from Father Christmas, whilst the older children enjoyed a Christmas disco in the sports hall.
Crisis at Christmas
The performance of "Mary" this year took place on two consecutive nights, due to popular demand! The first night was ostensibly for the local community, with the Friday performance being for parents and staff. Students once again excelled themselves, with the show as always including just the right mix of all the qualities one would hope for. The acting and singing were superb but above all there was a sense of joy and happiness amongst the students which spread easily to the very appreciative audiences. No less than £601.74 was raised for the charity "Crisis", with another whopping £137.49 raised afterwards, back at Moor House, from a sweets raffle. Thank you to everyone who gave so very generously, and of course to Mrs Hardman and all the staff who made the performances possible. We are already looking forward to Christmas Concert 2007!
London Marathon - April 22nd: Although, sadly, we have no staff representatives running this year (come on staff!), a former pupil has chosen to don his running shoes in order to raise funds for our school. You can read all about it on www.glassaid.com. Please do support him generously and, if you can, get up to London on 22nd April to give him vocal support - it makes a great morning out, even if it can make you a little hoarse for the rest of the day!
Wear It Pink Day - 9th February
Harley Wareham, a student from 4B, showed great initiative in setting up "Wear it Pink Day" on 9th February, when students and staff alike, of both sexes, wore pink (some more than others - see the website for pictures!) in order to raise money for the Breast Cancer Campaign charity. A catwalk was set up in the sports hall where several very realistic modelling performances were applauded by an enthusiastic audience. Approximately £130 was raised on the day for this very worthwhile cause; thank you to Harley for initiating the event and for everyone's support.
Visit to the London Synagogue - 11th January:
On 11th January, six members of year 11 went to visit the Central London Synagogue in Great Portland Street. The purpose of the visit was to fulfil the requirements of an ASDAN silver challenge regarding interviewing a leader of the Jewish faith, and to give students the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the London Underground.
After a journey that was fraught with problems (cancelled and delayed trains) the party eventually arrived at Victoria. From here they made what was, for some, a first time ever tube journey! After alighting, and taking a brisk walk, they arrived at the Synagogue.
The group was met by the Chief Rabbi who made everyone feel very welcome. He was hoping to give them a talk, but it was quickly explained that he had to be interviewed by a year 11 panel! The Rabbi coped admirably, and, with interview over, gave a tour and potted history of the building. The group was lucky enough, with the Ark having been unlocked, to view at close quarters the scrolls of Torah.
Following the Synagogue visit it was back onto the tube, with the students planning the route to "Embankment". From here there was a short walk (in the horizontal rain) to Trafalgar Square, where the sights were admired before another trip on the tube planned by the students.
After purchasing their own lunch at Victoria, the students and staff returned to school to produce an illustrated report!
Thank you to the students for making the trip so enjoyable and thank you to the staff for making it possible.
You can see photographs on our website.
Trip to see "The Mikado" - 22nd February.
(Theatre Visit to The Harlequin, Redhill, for forms 3S and 3M)
Mrs Redgrove writes:-
This Mikado could not have given a better opportunity for Key Stage 3 pupils to appreciate the drama skills they have learned (3M) and are about to learn (3S)
Jonathan Butcher, (who some of you will doubtless know) was Conductor and Director this time, and had brought the familiar story up to the 50s, and set it in a holiday camp! The Gentlemen of Japan were visiting, besuited, bespectacled lap-top clutching businessmen - and the Three Little Maids were from Liverpool!!
The stage was alive with action and colour, and exemplified all the pupils must understand by the terms of, and exercises in, face / body language projection, use of space, etc. etc. There was wonderfully-choreographed mime, and excellent examples of still imaging for dramatic effect.
For some pupils, this was their first visit to the theatre, and they quickly learnt theatre "etiquette" - including sitting still for a considerable period of time!
We were very fortunate to have had this opportunity to hear superb singing, an excellent orchestra and an all-round experience which I believe will stimulate the pupils' interest for future cultural visits
Trip to the Royal Opera House - 16th January
(see website for photos)
Mrs Hardman writes:-
On the 16th January all students in year 11 plus the year 10 music and drama option groups went to the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, to see two ballets performed by the Royal Ballet - "Rhapsody" and "La Sylphide".
This was a unique opportunity for the students to visit one of the most prestigious theatres in the world, and for them to see and experience live ballet.
The initial reaction of the students to the grandeur of the place was a joy to see. "Rhapsody" was the first ballet. This was written to celebrate the late Queen Mother's 80th birthday and was choreographed by Freddy Ashton, giving the Royal Ballet's principal dancers the opportunity to show off.
The second ballet, "La Sylphide", was the first ballet of the Romantic era; a story with witches, nymphs and magic. This ballet was met with mixed reaction, ranging from "fantastic" to "I don't think ballet is for me."
As usual, Moor House School students were immaculately behaved and an absolute pleasure to take out!
Outing to the Craft Show, Olympia
On 25th March, the Senior Girls' Duke of Edinburgh Cross Stitch group took a trip to the Craft Show at Olympia, accompanied by Mrs Basson Kelleher and Miss Short. They watched angora wool being spun and watched various demonstrations. It had been hoped that the girls would be able to try out some of the crafts in a workshop, but this proved to be too expensive. However, the whole experience was very interesting and everyone enjoyed the trip.
Farewell to Mr Ford:
On 7th February, a large contingent of Moor House staff and students turned out to say goodbye to Mr Ford, Deputy Head of Care and member of the Residential Care department for no less than 21 years. Although it was very sad to say farewell, Mr Ford is moving on to another very worthwhile job - as a Community Layman for the Methodist Church. We all wish him and his family well for the future â€" no doubt we shall all be seeing him at our annual Fete!
Hurst Green mobile phone mast
You will all remember that Moor House School lodged an objection to the planned erection of a mobile phone mast in Hurst Green, back in summer 2006. We were all pleased to hear that the planning permission was subsequently refused by Tandridge Council.
Unfortunately, an appeal has now been lodged to the Secretary of State in respect of this application. I will, of course, keep you informed of any developments.
Alan Price Concert
Judging by the buzz at the Barn Theatre on the evening of April 18th, many mothers were delighted to be celebrating their special day watching the evergreen Alan Price perform a fantastic concert in aid of Moor House School. The intimate Oxted setting provided the perfect venue for the rendition of such time-honoured favourites as "House of the Rising Sun" and "Jarrow Song", interspersed with Alan's own special brand of Geordie humour and anecdotes. Many members of the audience were transported back to their youth, if only for the evening! Students and staff alike are enormously indebted to Alan Price and his excellent band for their incredible generosity in performing once again in aid of our school. Those of you who were not involved with Moor House back in 2004 may not realise that in November of that year, Alan Price graced the Barn for the first time, also in aid of Moor House - the 2 events combined have raised no less than £7,371, boosted also by the sale of Alan's CDs, which unsurprisingly sold like hot cakes on the night! Our sincere thanks go also to members of the PSA, who so kindly sold raffle tickets, sweets and CDs in the foyer, as well as to Di Lofts and Corinne Howes, who helped with setting up the whole event and assisting behind the scenes on the night.
Sports Fixtures/ Football
Mr Carroll reports:
02/02/07 Moor House v Canbury School, Kingston-upon-Thames
Three teams competed against a strong Canbury squad and years 7, 8 and 9 managed to squeeze a win in the last match, to the delight of the watching crowd.
02/03/07 and 07/03/07 Moor House v Blossom House
Year 9 and Year 8 students both won their matches with Year 9s winning 6-3
14/03/07 Canbury School Senior Football Invitation Tournament.
A depleted senior squad took part in the Invitation Tournament and covered themselves with merit, finishing in 7th place having run eventual winners Thames Christian College close in their final group match before succumbing 5-2. The pupils went on to win their final match.
22/03/07 Canbury School Junior Football Invitation Tournament.
Two squads attended the Junior Tournament. The "A" team found competition tough as they faced a number of strong and skilful sides whilst the "B" team won one and drew one match to win the "B" tournament.
24-25/03/07 Moor House v Canbury School Sports Weekend.
The third annual Sports Weekend was a resounding success both on and off the "field". Thirteen pupils stayed for the Weekend and enjoyed a swimming gala, badminton competition, basketball match and 5-a-side football tournament. Competition was so tight that both the swimming gala and badminton matches were drawn, but Moor House won the basketball match 14-12 and prevailed in the football tournament to take the trophy for the first time. Congratulations to all students involved and thanks to parents who attended!
Swimming Gala - February 26th:
As always, our superb 25-metre pool lent itself to another nail-bitingly exciting swimming gala on 26th February. Yellow House won most points, but each House was supported loudly and clearly by its army of supporters throughout the afternoon! Well done to all the students, who showed such fighting spirit, and thank you to the staff for ensuring that the whole event ran smoothly. A special thank you to Hazel Ralph, former Moor House School swimming teacher, who came out of retirement to help prepare students for the gala and who did such a superb job on the day. See the website for some great pictures!
Senior Awards
Congratulations to Brandon Hickley-Smith and Sophie Gould, who have earnt the Senior Bronze Award, and to Josh Lake, Luke Thorogood, Matthew Cole and Jules O'Neill, who got the Silver!!
Easter Egg Hunt
Over 800 eggs were generously donated to enable the great Easter Egg Hunt (brainchild of Bradley and George Gill, Harry Dawson and Jonathan Haslett) on 28th March to take place. Various challenges were given to students, all of which ended successfully with much munching of chocolate after lots of running around amidst great excitement! All the students ended up with at least 10 eggs each - some children succumbed to temptation and some were very well-behaved in saving some for going home! Well done to Bradley, George, Harry and Jonathan for their initiative and for providing such fun for all!!
Assemblies
There have been several interesting morning assemblies this term, including one on the topic "My Favourite Object", where our guests that morning, from Limpsfield Chart Golf Club, gave examples of their own favourite things, which were a putter and a well loved book. We have also had two excellent assemblies from 3S and 3H - the former based on the story "The King who Would not Have a Bath" and the latter class re-enacting scenes from the Spanish Armada. Students have also become involved in speaking in assemblies, and have given some excellent PowerPoint presentations, including by Harley Wareham (on Breast Awareness) and Tom Barnard (on the Moor House School electropalatograph). Well done to all!
Forthcoming Events!!
Summer Fete:
I am sure that Saturday, 16th June is already emblazoned on your minds, but, for those of you who don't know, this is Moor House School's Fete day!!!
We still desperately need volunteers to help man our stalls, as well as contributions for Tombola stalls (both bottle and non-bottle). If you are good at baking cakes, then please help us by baking one or two for our cake stall (always popular!), and don’t forget to buy raffle tickets if you have not already done so!
Moor House School turns 60!
This summer sees the 60th anniversary of Moor House School, which was officially opened on June 28th 1947. To mark this very special occasion, the school will be hosting two main events:
On Friday 29th June, there will be an open day for ex-pupils, ex-staff and professionals to come in and see how the school functions today! Various demonstrations will be running in two sessions during the day, from 10am -12 noon and 2 - 4pm, including swimming, gymnastics, music and drama, along with tours of the school from our students. Parents are also welcome, but please note children will not be permitted to leave early, so it may be advisable to come for the later session. Please inform Diane Lofts on reception if you would like to attend.
The other main celebratory event will be a street party on the afternoon of Tuesday, 24th July. This will involve all the current students and staff dressing up in styles from the decades since the 1940s and playing various games popular throughout this time. We would love parents to attend this event to help us celebrate - it should be a fun-filled afternoon with a real party atmosphere! People from the local community will also be warmly welcomed, especially those who actually remember the opening of the school and the visit from the Queen Mother in November 1953.
We will be putting together a commemorative book to mark the occasion, so if anybody has any photos, messages or memories they would like to contribute, please bring them along to one of these events!
Donations:
Moor House School has been extremely fortunate in receiving two generous donations since Easter: £450 from the Limpsfield High Street Traders' Association and £415 from Limpsfield Chart Golf Club.
Tribunal Training
On 24th March, SOS!SEN, a charitable organisation which supports parents going through the Tribunal process, held a fascinating workshop at Moor House School. Several members of Moor House School's staff attended the training, which involved a mock Tribunal scenario. There was also an opportunity to think about how Moor House can best support parents throughout the Tribunal process. Eminent speakers included John Friel (SEN barrister), Melinda Nettleton (solicitor) and Tony Shaw (Principal, Mary Hare Grammar School). Staff who attended will be meeting early in the new term to plan strategies following on from this excellent training.
Visits to Tandridge Confederation Schools
On 19th February, as an inset, Classroom practitioners (ie teachers, therapists and special support assistants) visited schools in the Tandridge area in order to promote links with mainstream schools in the local community. We will be inviting Tandridge Confederation teachers into our school on a reciprocal basis on 3rd May.
THRASS
On 29th January, Hilary Davies (external trainer) delivered training to staff on the Teaching of Handwriting, Reading and Spelling Skills, which forms part of our whole school literacy programme. This training was very well received by staff and should prove to be very supportive and informative for everyone involved in improving the literacy of the students at Moor House.
New Staff:
Welcome to Mrs Elizabeth Ballard, who has joined Moor House School’s Therapy department to work as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
DON'T FORGET !! ....
Students return to school from 4 pm on Monday, 16th April, apart from Year 9s, who should return at 12 noon, in time for Key Stage 4 Options Day. Students should be in summer uniform for their return - polo shirts for boys and summer dresses for girls (no jumpers, formal shirts, ties)
Hilary Dobbie, Principal
THE STAFF AND STUDENTS OF MOOR HOUSE SCHOOL WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY EASTER!