Headmaster’s Weekly Newsletter 9 June 2017 · Top Pitch was used to film a scene in a park, the...
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Dear Parents and Friends, Congratulations to Mr Statholpolous and his team of Year 6 students who combined with Old Russellian Duncan Hui to launch their balloon flight from the fields of Cambridgeshire on Sunday. The balloon was successfully recovered having reached an incredible 29,680 metres (97,376 feet in old money!) and the film of the flight can be viewed here. Scouts, Guides, Police Cadets, Fire Cadets and Army Cadets joining our own CCF Cadets on Sunday at the London Youth Organisations in Uniform (YOU) competition. I was delighted to welcome Her Worshipful, the Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Toni Letts along with the Deputy Lord Lieutenant to view the competition and enjoy the BBQ supper provided by the catering team! After the terrible events which occurred at London Bridge on Saturday night, we held a minute’s silence on Tuesday at 11.00am for all those victims caught up in the violence. Prayers were said in Chapel and we have sent messages to the brave officer currently recovering in hospital after fighting off the attackers with just his baton. A shining example of ‘non sibi sed omnibus’. This week I was also saddened to hear that our friend Graham Clark lost his battle with motor neurone disease. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. Examinations have dominated all year groups as we have completed our internal examination week for Years 7 to 10, alongside the continued public examinations for Year 11, 12 and 13. The examination focus has meant a quieter week in all other areas of school life and this is therefore a shorter newsletter than our usual offering. On Wednesday morning I was pleased to interview some of the Year 5 pupils from the Junior School as part of their Senior School transfer process to talk about their future aspirations as well as their interests and hobbies. The Year 12 pupils have enjoyed a very full and challenging ‘University Preparation Week’ which has focused on the first stages of their journey to university and included guest speakers from the Institute of Contemporary Music, Pearson College, Future Sports and an amazing presentation from Eyrca Freemantle on ‘Overcoming disability.’ On Thursday and Friday they have attended a series on workshops to learn more about student finance, public speaking, first aid, teaching English as a foreign language, personal safety and enjoyed the chance to take their first driving lesson around the site! The week has been organised by Mrs Culbert, our Head of Sixth Form and has clearly been an inspiring few days of learning with a different focus. This morning, we welcomed Heads of Theology and Philosophy from local independent schools to join with our Year 12 Religious Studies students and hear from Professor John Cottingham, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Reading. Today, I very much enjoyed seeing the Junior School Sports Day in action on the astroturf and at many other venues across the site. It was very clear from the enthusiastic participation of the pupils, despite the challenges of the weather, that the House competition is taken very seriously! Good luck to our Cricketers who travel to Glyn School tomorrow. Our Chapel Service will be at 6.00pm on Sunday. All are welcome. With best wishes, CF Headmaster’s Weekly Newsletter 9 June 2017 Chris Hutchinson Headmaster
Transcript of Headmaster’s Weekly Newsletter 9 June 2017 · Top Pitch was used to film a scene in a park, the...
Dear Parents and Friends,
Congratulations to Mr Statholpolous and his team of Year 6 students who combined with Old Russellian Duncan Hui to launch their balloon flight from the fields of Cambridgeshire on Sunday. The balloon was successfully recovered having reached an incredible 29,680 metres (97,376 feet in old money!) and the film of the flight can be viewed here.
Scouts, Guides, Police Cadets, Fire Cadets and Army Cadets joining our own CCF Cadets on Sunday at the London Youth Organisations in Uniform (YOU) competition. I was delighted to welcome Her Worshipful, the Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Toni Letts along with the Deputy Lord Lieutenant to view the competition and enjoy the BBQ supper provided by the catering team!
After the terrible events which occurred at London Bridge on Saturday night, we held a minute’s silence on Tuesday at 11.00am for all those victims caught up in the violence. Prayers were said in Chapel and we have sent messages to the brave officer currently recovering in hospital after fighting off the attackers with just his baton. A shining example of ‘non sibi sed omnibus’.
This week I was also saddened to hear that our friend Graham Clark lost his battle with motor neurone disease. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
Examinations have dominated all year groups as we have completed our internal examination week for Years 7 to 10, alongside the continued public examinations for Year 11, 12 and 13. The examination focus has meant a quieter week in all other areas of school life and this is therefore a shorter newsletter than our usual offering.
On Wednesday morning I was pleased to interview some of the Year 5 pupils from the Junior School as part of their Senior School transfer process to talk about their future aspirations as well as their interests and hobbies.
The Year 12 pupils have enjoyed a very full and challenging ‘University Preparation Week’ which has focused on the first stages of their journey to university and included guest speakers from the Institute of Contemporary Music, Pearson College, Future Sports and an amazing presentation from Eyrca Freemantle on ‘Overcoming disability.’ On Thursday and Friday they have attended a series on workshops to learn more about student finance, public speaking, first aid, teaching English as a foreign language, personal safety and enjoyed the chance to take their first driving lesson around the site! The week has been organised by Mrs Culbert, our Head of Sixth Form and has clearly been an inspiring few days of learning with a different focus.
This morning, we welcomed Heads of Theology and Philosophy from local independent schools to join with our Year 12 Religious Studies students and hear from Professor John Cottingham, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Reading.
Today, I very much enjoyed seeing the Junior School Sports Day in action on the astroturf and at many other venues across the site. It was very clear from the enthusiastic participation of the pupils, despite the challenges of the weather, that the House competition is taken very seriously!
Good luck to our Cricketers who travel to Glyn School tomorrow.
Our Chapel Service will be at 6.00pm on Sunday. All are welcome.
With best wishes,
CF
Headmaster’s Weekly
Newsletter
9 June 2017
Chris Hutchinson Headmaster
From the Chapel
LONDON BRIDGE TERRORISM
Last weekend's terrorist attack happened next to Southwark Cathedral
The Bishop of Southwark has written:
‘At this difficult time, following the events on London Bridge and in Borough Market last night, it is important that we join together in strong prayer for all those who were affected by last night’s events, especially for those whose lives have been changed by the terrible events on our streets. Please also prayer for the emergency services as they respond to the needs of those affected, seek to keep us safe and care for the injured. Pray for the coming of God’s Kingdom in our troubled work.’
The Dean composed this prayer:
Loving God, when terror came to our doorstep,
and stalked our streets
you were there with us
In the fear and agony.
Remain with us
and with all those caught up
in the horror of these events,
the injured and distressed
those who died
and all who seek your peace
which passes understanding.
Amen.
The Bishop and the Dean have both preached in our Chapel. The Cathedral and our Chapel both have images of St Christopher carrying the Infant Jesus.
There will be a Chapel service at 6.00 p.m.
this Trinity Sunday.
All welcome.
Watch ITV Drama ‘Fearless’ Filmed at Royal Russell! Following the exciting filming of The Durrells, the School was once again used as a film location - this time for new ITV crime thriller Fearless, with filming taking place during the October half-term last year.
Top Pitch was used to film a scene in a park, the Douglas Higgins Library as the solicitor’s London office and Oxford House was perfect to depict an American high school.
The six episode drama series, written and produced by Patrick Harbinson,(24, Person of Interest, ER, Homeland) stars Sir Michael Gambon and Helen McCrory.
It follows the story of a solicitor known for defending lost causes. She’s investigating the killing of a schoolgirl in East Anglia and trying to free the man she thinks was wrongly convicted of the girl’s murder. However, as she digs ever deeper into the case, she begins to sense powerful forces, in the police and the intelligence services at home and abroad, who want to stop her uncovering the truth. Fearless premiers on ITV on Monday 12 June
2017 at 9.00pm.
Art and Design Headdress Project
Another class of Year 9s had fun completing their designer headdress project - with some more stunning results.
Francesca Pringle to hold Farewell Concert
After 16 years at Royal Russell, Francesca is leaving to join one of the UK’s top Conservatoires. Before she goes, Francesca will perform in one final concert to which all are warmly invited. The programme includes Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate, operatic arias and duets and French and English songs, accompanied by pianist Martin Ford. This special concert will be held on Monday 26 June 2017 from 7.00pm in the Performing Arts Centre Auditorium. Refreshments will be provided. Tickets are free and there is no need to book. Friends and family welcome. There will be a retiring collection for St Christopher’s Hospice in memory of Maria Latessa. Please do come and support Francesca whilst enjoying an evening of exceptional talent.
Please Like this event and let us know you’re coming on our Facebook page
We look forward to seeing you.
Remembering Graham Clark On Monday 29th May, former parent, Graham Clark lost his fight to Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Graham was an active member of the 1853 Society and stalwart of the Royal Russell Players, involved in all of its productions, guiding the group, acting and directing; a real driving force. His energy and enthusiasm will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Following his diagnosis Graham diverted his energy, in true Graham style, to raising money for and awareness of MND, launching the Pie Slap Challenge in August 2016 with his brother Mitch, the Study Centre Crystal Palace Football Club, and the MND Association (MNDA). In November of last year the RRP staged a successful Murder Mystery evening with proceeds going to MNDA and the 1853 Society Nominated MNDA as it's chosen charity for the Quiz Night held earlier this year. Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife Lesley, his daughter Laura, an Old Russellian and the rest of his family. For more details of how to get involved in the Pie Slap Challenge and to donate please visit Graham's Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/Clarkie2016.
Years 7 - 10 Music Concert
On Tuesday 20th June, the Years 7 to 10 Concert will take place in the Chapel, at 7.00pm.
Please do join us to enjoy a medley of pieces, both ensemble and solo, performed by our younger musicians.
Refreshments will be served during the interval.
We look forward to seeing you.
Lily Addis Performs at Minster Lunchtime Recital
Lily Addis joined the Cronx Octet to perform at Croydon Minster as part of their series of lunchtime recitals.
These free concerts are held every Friday at 1.10pm until 16 June 2017.
Following the success of the Lent Lunchtime series, we are delighted to announce our Summer Series which begins on Friday May 12 at 1.10pm.
As with the previous concerts, audience members are invited to bring their packed lunch so that they can combine their lunch hour with listening to some beautiful music in the stunning surroundings of the Minster.
This series features gifted young musicians from local schools and colleges.
When: Every Friday from May 12th, 2017 through to June 16th, 2017 at 1:10 pm.
Location: Croydon Minster.
Cost: FREE. Donations welcome.
Final Call for Sainsbury’s Active Kids Vouchers!
Thank you to all the parents who have handed in vouchers, we have 1,662 so far!
The campaign ends soon, so if you have any vouchers lurking in your wallet or around the house, we would love to have them.
Please drop them in to Reception.
Thank you!
1853 Society Open Air Family Movie Night
The 1853 Society are holding an Open Air Family Movie Night on Saturday 1 July on Lime Tree Quad from 7.00pm. Bring a picnic and rug or chair and enjoy a family movie. Popcorn and other refreshments will be available to purchase on the night. Tickets are £5.00 for adults and £3.50 for children. A family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children is £15.00. Tickets will be available from the Junior School Office and Senior School Reception from Monday.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Win a Pair of Tickets to Royal Ascot!
An amazing parent has generously donated two tickets to Royal Ascot.
The tickets are for the prestigious Queen Anne Enclosure on Friday 23 June 2017.
We are running a silent auction, and the proceeds will go to the 1853 Society Parents’ Association.
For a chance to win, please email your bid to [email protected].
The winner will be contacted on Friday 16 June 2017. Good Luck!
Our Facebook page is now live! Please Like, Follow and Share!
Royal Russell School
Coombe Lane : Croydon : Surrey : CR0 5RF
www.royalrussell.co.uk Patron: Her Majesty The Queen
Diary Dates
Sunday 11 June Trinity Chapel Service
Monday 12 June Year 7 History Medieval Trip to Rochester
Monday 12 June Year 8 CCF Taster Day
Friday 16 June DofE Bronze and Silver Practice Expedition Departs
BOOK SALE
There will be Charity Book Sale in the Library for students at lunchtime on Monday 19
June.
Donations of any books, CD’s and DVD’s would be greatly appreciated. Please bring any
donations to the Senior School Reception.
Thank you.
UNIFORM SALE The next Parents’ Association uniform sale will be on Wednesday 14 June from 3.00pm - 4.15pm
