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NOTICES
SCHOOL NEWS
Children In Need
As part of our Amazing Africa topic, Year 2 enjoyed a wonderful trip to Drusillas Park. The children explored the park in search of African animals and took part in an engaging Maasai workshop. During the session, they had the opportunity to dress as members of a Maasai family and as warriors, while learning about daily life in a traditional Maasai village. The workshop also included a fascinating look at various animal artefacts, such as cheetah skin, an elephant’s tooth, and a giraffe’s tail that had been crafted into a fly whisk. After lunch, the children had a fantastic time in the adventure playground - joined enthusiastically by Mrs Clarke - before finishing the day with a few rides. It was a truly memorable and enjoyable day for everyone involved. Louise Hawtin, Year 2 Teacher
Pre-Prep School Council Rallies Support for Battle Christmas Tree Festival
This week, the newly elected members of the Pre-Prep School Council have been hard at work mustering support for the MHV entry to the Battle Christmas Tree Festival, which opens this Saturday. With this year’s theme set as “Charity,” the children have enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to make a positive impact. Our wonderful after-school club coordinator, Mrs. Datchler, has been busy preparing our school’s entry, created in aid of the Kit Wilson Animal Charity. Kit Wilson, which rescues abandoned and vulnerable animals, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year—making it a particularly meaningful cause for the children to champion. A huge thank you goes to all of the children and families in Pre-Prep who have generously donated cat and dog food, biscuits, and treats. Kit Wilson will be visiting the school on December 8th to collect these wonderful contributions, all of which will help support the animals in their care. The MHV Christmas tree will be one of many on display at St. Mary’s Christmas Tree Festival in Battle, opening at noon on Saturday. We encourage families to visit either this weekend or next—and don’t forget to cast your vote for the MHV tree!
Nicky Whittaker, Head of Pre-Prep
Exploring Hanukkah
This week, our class has been exploring Hanukkah as part of our ongoing theme of festivals around the world. The children were fascinated to learn about a new culture and enjoyed taking part in a range of activities, such as: • Crafting Stars of David – practising fine motor skills while learning about an important symbol. • Discovering traditional Hanukkah foods – talking about latkes and doughnuts and why they are special. • Learning about the menorah – understanding the significance of lighting the candles during Hanukkah.
The children showed great curiosity and enthusiasm, asking thoughtful questions and sharing their own experiences of celebrations. This builds on our previous learning about Bonfire Night and Loi Krathong, helping the children appreciate the diversity of traditions around the world.
We look forward to continuing our journey by learning about how Christmas is celebrated in different parts of the world, including the Czech Republic, Sweden, and the UK. Cathy Fuggle, Kindergarten Teacher
PREP
Junior Form Shield awarded to 4P Senior Form Shield awarded to 6PR House Cup awarded to Saxton (Yellow)
Good Person Break at the Melon Garden
Tuesday morning marked the first Good Person Break of the school year, a cherished tradition dating back to the 1960's. Back then, pupils were invited to the Melon Garden for an extra-special afternoon tea in recognition of their kindness, effort, and positive contribution to the school community. Children were treated to bread, butter, and jam, with a special treat of sponge cake or fruit loaf served with cups of milky tea or orange squash. Today, this tradition remains one of the most fondly remembered experiences for Vinehall alumni, and we are delighted to continue sharing it with the MHV pupils. This week, twelve children earned their place at the (garden) table by reaching 25 house points or more. Despite the chilly 5 degrees, they enjoyed a well-deserved ice cream, loaded with chocolate brownie, cream and chocolate sauce - a substantial upgrade from bread and butter! We look forward to welcoming more pupils next Tuesday to celebrate their achievements at Good Person Break.
Congratulations to: Francisco AG, Agatha S, Henry P, Mika L, Kit F, Aayat K, Caspar K, Diego C, Rory C, Ariana T, Harry I, Mireille F-T
Liz Powis, Admissions Manager
Final Hockey Match
The girls enjoyed an excellent final day of hockey. After their interhouse matches on Tuesday, the U13 1st Team travelled to Marden to compete in the UKSA Hockey Tournament. They played seven teams—Holmewood House A and B, Claremont, Skippers Hill, Croydon High School, and Sevenoaks. MHV won six out of seven matches, with a narrow 1 – 0 loss to Sevenoaks being the one that got away. The defence was outstanding all day, with our keeper called upon to make only four saves in total! The attack performed brilliantly too, scoring 13 goals and conceding just two. Well done to all who played, and to Grace, who stepped in as keeper superbly. What a wonderful end to the season for a hardworking and greatly improved team.
Rob Mathers, PE Teacher
MHV Adventurers Finding Some Autumn Fun
Flexi Boarding Activities
We ensure that a night in the Boarding House is a really positive experience for our full, weekly and flexi boarders. In addition, we have two dedicated activities every week which may be of particular interest to our flexi boarders. Activity nights are on a Wednesday and Thursday and details of activities up to the end of November are available below.
To arrange for your child to flexi board, please contact the Boarding Team on the link below:
CALENDAR
Please find below the calendar for Week 13.
MENU
Please find below the menu for next week. The menu is complemented by a wide selection of salads, jacket potatoes and cold food options, available daily to all pupils in the Prep School.
Useful Links
Please note that the SOCS password is: mhvsport