Dear Parents, Katie Milne

Spirits have remained high throughout the lengthy autumn term; energy levels and our pupils’ curious nature have continued to remain resolute - right through to the end. Our pupils have met the many challenges that have come their way and they should be able to reflect upon a very positive autumn when they are able to slip into the holiday mode next week.

I can’t quite believe that a whole term has passed since the end of the summer. This was a summer in which I spent much time thinking about the term ahead and the challenges that it would bring. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my staff for providing valued support and complete professionalism in ensuring that the education your children receive is of the very highest standard. There are exciting, stimulating things happening on a daily basis across our schools. I would like to thank the parents; I have managed to meet the vast majority of you and I have very much enjoyed getting to know you all. The support you have shown at a number of events across the term has been outstanding. The pupils, however, take the prize; their insatiable hunger to learn, create and be prepared to do their best is the reason that both Rosedale and Madingley continue to prosper.

This attitude to learning is highlighted through many of the events that have taken place throughout the last half term, and which have continued to develop our keen sense of community. I hope you continue to read on to enjoy the news reports from some of these moments, most notably the recent PFA Christmas Fair that was held at Rosedale House. A very active group of parents managed to transform the school into a winter wonderland, providing entertainment galore through a medley of exciting stalls. Those who attended had the opportunity to spend their ‘Jingles’ on a second hand book/toy stall, a soft toy lucky dip, a chocolate tombola or see the main attraction, Father Christmas himself!

The experience was finished off with a delicious hotdog and a freshly brewed coffee. Whilst trying to ‘guess the Santa teacher’, there was no finer place to be on a Saturday afternoon!

Our Inspire Me programme has given a valuable opportunity for many of our pupils to widen their horizons and learn a little more about what is going on ‘out there’. A significant event saw our Year 5 and 6 pupils host a visit from a group of Kenyan Farmers from the charity TIST, who run a programme of reforestation and are responsible for the planting of over 15 million trees in Kenya. Our pupils had the opportunity to learn a little more about the importance of looking after our planet, whilst picking up the message to ‘go and do’. The talk was full of positive messaging about the small changes we can make which, added together, potentially have a great impact. I was pleased to see 5Alpha continue this messaging during their class assembly. Please do read our Year 5 assembly news stories, along with the news story on some of our 1 O’clock Talks.

I set the pupils the challenge of creating a sustainable decoration, a challenge which was met wholeheartedly. A medley of creative gems hang from our Christmas trees, proving that not all decorations have to be made from shiny plastic!

Christmas has been upon us for the last week. With our Christmas lunch, Jumper Day, Disco and Carol Service, excitement has been bubbling away. I wish you all a very restful and enjoyable break with family; a chance to recharge and spend valuable time with your children doing all the things that busy term-time constraints make challenging to squeeze in. I look forward to seeing you in the New Year. Spring Term starts on Wednesday 8 January!

With best wishes,

David Hewlett

Head of Rosedale House and Madingley

Sports Round-up

Hockey

The A team had a difficult game to start the term, with Bishop’s Stortford. Stortford came out with strong attacks down the wings and Caterina made some great saves in the first half, denying the opposition forwards any early goals. SPF girls linked well around the pitch and were first to score, however Stortford responded with a goal moments later. With seconds on the clock, Beatrice H scored from a short corner to win the game. The Bs had a more challenging game, with end to end attacks from both teams. The C and D teams played exceptionally well, winning both their matches.

A great game for all the U11’s vs Kings Cambridge, playing plenty of fast passing hockey and thrilling counter attacks into the oppositions defensive circle. The A team in particular had an exceptional game with end to end shots. The B team won 1-0 with an Elle S trademark run down the right wing; skilfully dribbling past defenders, and smashing the ball into the back of the goal.

The U9 girls began their hockey match against Bishop’s Stortford with a good level of intensity and put pressure on the Bishop’s Stortford girls, getting them on the back foot. Some great passing from Chloe L, linking up with Ella P in the midfield and superb tackles from Emily W and Kiki L.

There were a series of competitive games against some strong King’s College players when the U11s played them earlier this month. The A team had a slow start in the first half, making some errors, however, a more composed second half from the girls gave them more opportunities in the attacking circle. The Cs had a fantastic game, working hard through out and only conceding 1 goal and scoring 3.

The U9 girls had a great hockey match against Heathmount, creating many chances up front and building up play from the back. Kiana SP made some blistering runs into the attacking half and managed to score from a brilliant pass from Chloe L. Following this the U9s had a tough game against a very well drilled Bedford squad the girls made some great passes and worked tirelessly in midfield making some good tackles in defence.

The U11s however, had one of their best performances this season from both the A’s and Bs vs Bedford. Imogen PH in particular, skilfully passed defenders and linked up well with Poppy JG, who also had an equally impressive game. The Bs had a thrilling match, which included a hat-trick from Elle S.

Football

Wednesday 20 November U10’s Dame Bradbury's

The U10 A and B teams both played some fantastic football and worked hard throughout the games in what was a very cold afternoon. Both teams achieved their targets and completed individual challenges. The games were a great developmental experience for everyone involved.

Friday 22 November U11’s EFL Kids Cup

The boys A team travelled to Bottisham Sports Centre to participate in the annual EFL kids cup for the Cambridge region. The boys played well throughout the tournament getting some great results against really strong opposition. Losing only one out of the six group games, the team came second in their group and made it through to the third place playoff. After a great match, the boys finished third out of 14 teams from around Cambridge.

Thursday 28 November U9’s vs Kimbolton

We took four teams over to Kimbolton Prep on a very cold and wet afternoon. The day started well with the B team being the first to score with two quick goals, however, the weather seemed to make a large impact on performance and unfortunately we couldn’t come away with a win. Although the results weren’t in our favour, a great effort from all the boys meant we went home having had an enjoyable experience and there were smiles all round.

Wednesday 4 December U11’s vs The Perse

The U11’s took four teams to play at the Perse on yet another cold afternoon, and played some great football in places throughout the afternoon. The B, C and D teams put up a great contest looking to play some nice football but we couldn’t get a positive result. The A team managed to come away with a 1-1 draw, battling against a very physical Perse team in their last fixture of the year.

Thursday 5 December U9’s vs Heath Mount

The U9 A,B and C teams played a triangular tournament with Heath Mount Prep and Duncombe Prep. Each team got to play over 45 minutes of football in a three game period and all three teams came away with wins and great performances. Particularly the A team who didn’t concede a goal or lose a game and in the B and C teams saw some people getting their first ever goal in a fixture.

Monday 9 December U9’s vs Sancton Wood Prep

Monday saw the U9 boys team finish off a great term with a convincing win vs Sancton Wood. Yet again, the weather wasn’t our friend, but we played some brilliant passing football and that culminated in a 6-1 win. Another amazing effort by every U9 involved.

Overall football term round up

This has been a very successful term for football at Stephen Perse across all year groups. The Year 5 & 6 A team have performed very well; gradually improving from the very first match to win the Plate at the Perse School tournament and finished third out of 14 teams in the EFL kids cup. Alongside the A team, there has been huge improvements in the B-D teams as well, scoring goals and playing some brilliant passing football. The Year 3 & 4 teams have also continued to develop through the term with some great performances against strong opposition such as Kimbolton and the Perse. The standard of football has improved week by week with the particular highlight travelling to Heath Mount Prep and coming away with strong performances and wins for all of the U9 teams. There is now a footballing identity at Rosedale House across all years, with passing and fluid movement being the theme throughout. A big congratulations to every single pupil that has represented Rosedale House with pride this term, you’ve shown great sportsmanship, passion, collaboration and resilience.

For all other news, results and information on fixtures, please follow us on twitter @SPFSport and remember to check the sports website www.stephenpersesport.com for fixtures, results and team selections.

Notices

Sports Round-up

PFA Notices