Weekly News - Friday 16th May 2025

Life Skills Day

At St. Helen's College we prepare children for life now and after primary school. As part of their personal development on Tuesday this week every child took part in an exciting Life Skills Day, designed to teach (or allow children to practise) some essential life skills which are not always taught in school.

Age-appropriate activities were provided for all of the children to teach a wide range of skills such as financial planning, sandwich making, shoelace tying, tent pitching, den building, clothes hanging and folding, gift wrapping, car washing, recycling, making a bed, Muay Thai mindset and different ways of looking after our bodies. There truly was something for everyone!

The children were so enthusiastic about having a go at new activities and consolidating existing knowledge and skills, and we are delighted that they made the most of the opportunities on the day. We hope your child came home and spoke to you about their day and all the wonderful experiences they had. 

We would also like to extend sincere thanks to all of the parents who visited us on the day to run workshops or assist our staff - and, of course, to all of the staff who worked so hard to put on such a special day. It really was a community event and such a valuable experience for the children.

You can see some more photos from the day on our Galleries page here.

 

Year 4 Residential Trip - Flatford Mill

Our Year 4 children are returning tired, happy and enlightened today following their three day residential trip to Constable country! They stayed at the stunning Flatford Mill and, while there, spent time developing their artistic, geographical and scientific skills and knowledge by taking part in a range of outdoors activities.

The children spent time pond dipping to observe aquatic life and investigate organisms under the microscope; den building to create strong and waterproof structures; mammal trapping to catch small mammals in 'hotels'; twilight walks to explore wildlife; campfires and much more.

Building on the life skills day here at school on Tuesday, the trip was a brilliant opportunity to put into practise teamwork and to develop and build confidence in their personal independence whilst away from home. 

Owls Class Assembly

Wow! What super work from our Owls Reception children in the assembly they presented to their families on Thursday morning. Theming their performance around traditional fairy tales, the children each spoke out loud very eloquently and with confidence. The children shared a thoughtful poem all about how books and reading can expand our knowledge, broaden our horizons and empower us to fully advocate for ourselves in the world. To view a clip, click here. Thank you Owls for reminding us of the joy of reading and how the themes from traditional fairy tales, such as kindness, sharing and thoughtfulness, convey important lessons for building successful relationships as we navigate through life. 

 

Prep and Pre-Prep Sports Day

Sports Day is always a highlight of the summer term and we are very much looking forward to welcoming families along! Information about both the Prep and Pre-Prep Sports Day has been sent out to parents via email this week. The dates are as follows:

Pre-Prep Sports Day (N-Y2) - Thursday 12th June at Court Park

Prep Sports Day (Y3-6) - Friday 20th June at Hillingdon Sports & Leisure Complex

Ducklings - Thursday 3rd July at 2.00 p.m. on site

 

Year 5 Senior School Transfer Meeting

Thank you to the Year 5 parents who joined us for the senior school transfer meeting on Wednesday evening. We hope that you found the information provided useful and we look forward to guiding and supporting you and your children through the 11+ application, examination and interview processes for your chosen schools. 

Month End Music Recital

We enjoyed another super set of performances from our young musicians at today's Month End Music Recital in the Evans Hall at Upper School. This is a great opportunity for the children to practice playing to an audience informally to build confidence and celebrate their progress. This month children from Years 1 - 6 performed pieces on the piano, violin and flute and we also enjoyed also a vocal performance. Very well done to all of those who took part.

Walk To School Week

Next week it is national 'Walk to School Week' and on Tuesday 20th May - ‘Shoesday Tuesday’ - our TfL Explorers would like to get everyone walking to school in their favourite pair of shoes! Children may wear odd shoes, or even a pair of shoes that are really wacky to school that day! Please ensure that the shoes your child wears will be suitable for the whole day's activities (including PE/Games, if they have these timetabled on a Tuesday). Strictly no high heels allowed!

 

 

 

Harefield Cricket Club Junior Training

Harefield Cricket Club are welcoming new junior players for the summer season. Sessions are open to all boys and girls aged 8+ years and of all abilities. Training takes place every Friday evening between 5.30 - 6.45 p.m. For more information please email: ha.cricket.club@gmail.com or call Stephen Croft on tel: 07555 371910

Next Week

Monday 19th - Friday 23rd May - Year 6 Residential Trip To France
Thursday 22nd May - Wrens Coffee Morning/Class Assembly (from 8.15 a.m.)
Thursday 22nd May - Year 1 - 5 Parents' Evening (4.00 - 7.00 p.m.)
Friday 23rd May - 3B Coffee Morning/Class Assembly (from 8.15 a.m.)

Monday 26th May - Friday 30th May - HALF TERM (Holiday Club running Tuesday to Friday).