|
|
|
To be a Pilgrim, Episode 4
… is to celebrate Harvest together
The Christian festival of Harvest combines ancient folk traditions celebrating the successful gathering in of crops (a custom that is found in most, if not all, countries) with an opportunity to give thanks to God for the goodness of creation, and the generosity and fruitfulness of his provision. It allows us to acknowledge our dependency on God, and also on the expertise and endeavours of those who produce and supply our food.
A few months ago, I dared not think that the whole school could celebrate a Harvest service together, certainly not (as we would normally do) in the incredible setting of the Cathedral in these times of Covid-19. But nothing could be more appropriate for a Harvest service than to have it outside in the open air, especially standing on the grass of our wonderful Wolvesey playing fields – a place of so much sporting endeavour, triumph and, dare I say, even a few disappointments (i.e. learning opportunities).
So, on Tuesday morning at 0900 the Pilgrims gathered on Wolvesey (in form bubbles) looking towards the Alex Halliday pavilion. The Year 7 wind ensemble arranged themselves on the bank and tuned up. The readers were prepared. Boys stood neatly in lines. I told them it was as if they were centuries of Roman soldiers and, while not strictly accurate, the analogy seemed to help – boys puffed out their chests, grew a few inches taller and stood beautifully still! Reception did a particularly super job (especially given their ages and that they are new to school), and with the low October sun in their eyes, they clutched their service sheets. All the boys were excited to see Canon Roly, in his vestments, join us.
After a few words of welcome from me, the responses were led by our Lay Chaplain, Mr Bryant, and then the Year 7 ensemble struck up a rousing ‘We plough the fields and scatter’. It was moving to hear the whole school join their voices for the first time this year. What a wonderful way to be able to thank God for his provision and also those who have worked so hard and been so creative in feeding us in difficult conditions this term; our wonderful Mrs Razza and her catering team.
Monty S read the lesson from 2 Corinthians 9 superbly. Representatives of each form came forward to offer gifts of food while Autumn by Vivaldi was played on the PA system (amazingly learned and recorded by the Year 8 string ensemble the day before in one ‘take’). Canon Roly began his sermon by asking the boys to turn 180 degrees to face the Bishop’s Palace. With amazement and delight, we saw a rainbow in the sky behind us – a simultaneous sign of science and creation. We could not help gasping. It reminded me of all the rainbows we painted for the NHS just a few months ago. To close, Shane S and William H lead us movingly in prayer and, as the forms left Wolvesey, the Year 7 wind and brass ensemble played several more verses of ‘We plough the fields and scatter’. What a wonderful service! Different to previous years, yes, but (I am told) no less wonderful.
Thank you so much to the boys who read and played, and to all the adults who made it possible to hold our Harvest service outdoors, and altogether, this year.
|
|
|
|
Latest news on further re-opening of activities within the school
Pre-Prep library has been re-opened
The Pre-Prep Library has been back in use for all Pre-Prep classes this week. Books are quarantined one they have been returned to school from home. The library is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to allow time between bubbles.
Mrs Ross
More singing and playing music
We are continuing to phase in our new bubbled choirs and ensembles. Currently, we have nine groups rehearsing weekly.
Time, space, and staffing present challenges, but these are being overcome, one by one!
Year 8 and Year 7 Wind and Strings groups are up and running, as are the voluntary choirs in Years 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (Year 3s are small enough classes for singing to continue in class music lessons.) As of next week, Year 6 Wind and Strings and Chamber Choir for boys in Years 6, 7, and 8 will also be in operation.
Year 5 ensembles are logistically more challenging, but we consider them to be a high priority and are working on solutions.
Year 4s are forming classroom ensembles, which will give both formal and informal instrumentalists an opportunity to make music together.
The boys have clearly missed their communal music making (as have we!) and it is a moving experience to hear each group swing into action.
We are grateful both for your enthusiasm, and for your patience, as we negotiate what is a very complicated chessboard.
Mr du Plessis
Visual Arts
The move back into the dedicated D&T and Art rooms is imminent. We are finalising the plan and will start to have forms back in these rooms (with control measures: gaps, enhanced cleaning, separate equipment and others) week commencing Monday 12 October.
Masks at drop off and pick up
May I take this opportunity to thank parents very much for wearing masks at drop off and pick up as we asked you to do from Thursday 8 October. We understand a few parents have medical exemptions and thank you for letting us know.
|
|
|
The next 10 days ahead
Saturday 10 October - Year 7 - The Big Match!
Saturday 17 October - Year 6 - The Big Match!
Tuesday 20 October - Year 3 and Year 6 parents' evening via Zoom (details in separate message)
Wednesday 21 October - Half Term begins:
Pre-Prep boys should be collected at 1145. Parents should enter through the back gate or Deanery Garden and walk to their son’s normal collection point. Please ensure you have departed by 1155.
Junior boys, including boarders, should be collected at 1200, from their normal pick up points. Please ensure you have departed by 1210.
Senior day boys should be collected at 1215, from their normal pick up points.
Senior boarders should be collected at 1245 – Year 6 and 7 from the Yard, and Year 8 from Pilgrims’ Hall. The boys will have had lunch.
For parents with boys in different year groups, please collect both/all your sons at the earliest pick-up time that applies, whether they are boarders or day boys. We will ensure that the boys are there to meet you.
|
|
|
Artwork of the Week
Paper Maquette by Minwoo C (5P)
Following on from last week’s snapshot of George S’s Year 5 design process sketches, this week we celebrate Minwoo C’s ingenuity in creating a paper maquette (a rough version of a product or sculpture) of his ‘Big Bling’ crown. Well done, Minwoo! What a brilliant realisation of your concept.
Mr Walters
|
|
|
|
Congratulations to:
Form of the Week is 7Y
Junior Plus Badge Winners
5W Bertie Wilson & Ben Allfrey
5P - Fraser Noble & Neil Chen
4M - Rafael Cordon
4B - Elijah Afshar & Rian Dhital
3G - Archie Williams & Austin Short
3E - Eddie Qi
Mr Burton
|
|
|
Senior Assembly with Mr Duncan
Mr Shroff and I have been taking Senior year group assemblies this term on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, which has allowed other Seniors to visit their tutor. Mr Shroff has obviously been talking about matters relating to Well-being, but what was I to focus on?
Well, they say talk about what you know, and so I decided on ‘great sporting moments’ of the past. Of course, any list of this type is heavily influenced by your own experience, so I decided to explore things that have affected me.
Week one was ‘Super Saturday’, that remarkable day during the 2012 London Olympics (the best single ‘day’ of sport I’ve ever enjoyed). We considered the power of sport to unite a nation. Week two covered the 1995 Rugby World Cup, and we looked at how sport can affect politics - for a flavour we watched a highlights package and snippets of an amazing interview with Francois Pienaar .
In week three, I decided to cover perhaps the greatest summer of my life: 2005. I told them of my taking a plane to Edinburgh, and how people crowded round TVs before take-off (leaving the scramble for the gate to the last minute), and that when we landed we all dashed to find the nearest TV (cricket was, of course, free to air at that time). The most amazing thing that summer was to regularly find oneself in animated conversations about Simon Jones’ ability to reverse swing after x number of overs with strangers you would never meet again. I signposted this incredible two-hour highlights package on YouTube: here. If you’ve never seen it, you're in for a treat.
This week we talked about the Miracle of Medinah, and I don’t mind admitting to having a tear in my eye (on all three viewings!) when Olazabal talks about the great Seve Ballesteros at the end of this highlights package. I challenge any sport lover to watch this and not become emotional.
Sport is a powerful thing. Through these assemblies I want the boys to get a sense of the rich history of sporting events, and how they have affected both individuals and society. I hope that, as they grow, they too will collect a series of events that they treasure. In tough times it is a source of great comfort to remind myself how much I love, and have been moved by, sport.
The only question is, what do I include in the remainder of the term?
|
|
|
Choir News
This week, the Choristers had the privilege of recording Henry James's favourite hymn for his funeral. He was very fond of Alleluia, sing to Jesus to the wonderful Welsh tune Hyfrydol and we were able to utilise the Cathedral’s new audio/visual technology.
It was also very good to welcome the Quiristers to sing Evensong in the Cathedral – a great experience all round.
Mr Lumsden
|
|
|
|
Winchester College Prep School Poetry Competition - Years 7 and 8
Drawing on the theme of this year’s National Poetry Day (‘Vision’), and in celebration of the 250th anniversary of William Wordsworth’s birth, Winchester College are inviting boys in Years 7 and 8 to take part in their poetry competition and submit a poem of no more than 40 lines, titled 'Every Common Sight'.
The title is drawn from Wordsworth’s ‘Immortality Ode’, in which the poet remembers how, when he was a child, ‘every common sight / To me did seem / Apparelled in celestial light’. Reminding us to look for beauty and joy in the seemingly mundane, the poem has become especially significant in these uncertain times.
The competition will be judged by the poet Rebecca Watts, who has recently published her second collection, Red Gloves (Carcanet, 2020). Her first collection, The Met Office Advises Caution (Carcanet, 2016), was a Poetry Book Society Recommendation, a Book of the Year in the Guardian and the Financial Times, and was shortlisted for the Seamus Heaney Centre Prize for First Full Collection.
Boys should submit their poems to their English teacher, typed-up, no later than Monday 2 November so that we can enter them under the Pilgrims’ banner.
Miss Adkin
|
|
|
Sport News
As term is progressing, the pupils are enjoying their autumn sport. We staged our first competitive match since March in the form of the Year 8 Big Match - actually two full matches encompassing the year group - a premier league game and a championship game, if you will. It was great to see parents back on the pitches supporting their sons and we look forward to more of the same this Saturday (10 October) for Year 7 and the following Saturday for Year 6 (17 October). We are working towards inter-school fixtures and are entered into U13 and U11 ISFA competitions.
I am expecting to transition to rugby and hockey in due course. This would normally happen following the November exeat. Under current circumstances it makes sense to continue with football until the end of term and make the change for the start of the Lent term in January. The RFU return to rugby guidance puts us at Stage D which allows for 15 minutes of contact per session.
Why not play football through next term? I think it's important to provide breadth across our curriculum and allow for other players to step into the limelight. A change in sport invigorates the programme and builds fresh excitement. Nevertheless, as we don't need to put up the rugby posts (the sport doesn't demand it for our age groups), we shall keep the football goals out to keep the opportunity for any inter-school fixtures in the association code.
From January, all pupils from Year 4 up must have mouthguards and they are recommended for TAG (non-contact) rugby in Year 3. To help with this we normally have a visit from Opro later this term. I don't expect this to happen but please see the flyer (link below) about buying an Opro mouthguard, either using their power-fit or custom-fit systems. Both come with a twelve month dental warranty. Other mouthguards are available!
Mr Short
|
|
|
The Big Match - Year 8
Last Saturday saw the first of the ‘test events’ getting parents back on site to watch their sons play football. The event was a huge success with parents enjoying being able to support again, and the boys upping their level with a crowd to play in front of.
The mixed As/Bs match was highly entertaining. Despite even play, the Reds were far more clinical in front of goal in the first half; despite some heroics from James Whiteley in the stripes goal, they were soon comfortably in control. Seb Kingsbury hit a cracking volley from distance half way through the first half, and Alberto Gianni poked home after a long range shot from Walter Burnand to leave them 2-0 up at half time. When Kingsbury scored a second half way through the second half, it looked like it was all over. However, the Stripes came storming back, earning a penalty (which was, sadly, missed), and then scoring two late goals through Shane Shelley. The Reds clung on to win 3-2.
Much fun, which the boys enjoyed hugely.
Mr Duncan
|
|
|
School Notices
A very big thank you to all parents who have tried out our new 'bespoke birthday cupcake service'. Catering staff have been baking over the last two weeks for eager birthday boys. If your son has a birthday coming up, please request a form from Mrs Payne (ipayne@pilgrims-school.co.uk), and remember, please allow a lead time of three days prior to cupcake delivery.
Thank you also to parents for giving us prior warning if your collection times change on a Wednesday afternoon. As we get numerous requests, it would be great to have any changes by lunchtime on Wednesdays. Please email Mrs Payne (ipayne@pilgrims-school) to let us know. Thank you.
A reminder that if your son has a medical or dental appointment coming up, please email Mrs Payne (ipayne@pilgrims-school.co.uk) if he is to miss school, arrive late or leave early. If he has a school visit or other activity that needs Dr Essex's permission for absence, please email Mrs Pacey (kpacey@pilgrims-school.co.uk), with as much notice as you can.
Menus: weekly menus can also be found on My School Portal.
|
|
|
From the Base - Mental health is for all
Saturday 10 October is World Mental Health Day.
As a school, we will be focusing our attention on the UK's Children's Mental Health Week, 1-7 February 2021, but I'd also like to acknowledge this day, where the theme is mental health for all.
One of the concerns I have when discussing mental health is the tendency to equate it with a negative perception. A lot of people think 'Mental Health = poor mental health'. But of course, just like 'Diet = poor diet' is incorrect, this is comparing two different qualitative terms.
Just this week, I was discussing with Year 7 the vocabulary that is used for mental health. If you make two lists to describe mental health, one with negative terms and the other positive, the group almost always completes the first, whilst the second is sparsely populated.
As a society, we have made huge steps in the last ten years. But we still have a long way to go. I will keep banging my drum, shouting from the rooftops, with support very much from Dr Essex.
Mental health is for all. It is not good or bad in itself. It is just life. And we all know, we need help with life sometimes.
Mr Shroff
|
|
|
|
Lego for boarding - can you help?
Any unwanted Lego?
The boarding houses would love to take it off your hands! We understand just how many of our boys are mad on Lego and are keen to create a fantastic collection that would be available for the boys to let their imaginations run wild in the evenings and over the weekend here at school.
Please contact vford@pilgrims-school.co.uk if you can help.
|
|
|
Sunday boarding excursion report - 4 October
Last Sunday saw a fierce competition break out with the first (maybe?!) Pilgrims’ Priory games championships and tower building tournament. The boys took part in a three event round-robin, every pair played one another at multiple events and played each event twice.
  
The afternoon whizzed by. I had a movie tucked up my sleeve if things got dull too quickly, but gladly this wasn’t needed as the level of challenge and the pairings of boys kept the events fun and competitive scores were close at the top of the table and it was all still to play for with the tower building competition left. The eventual winners were the dynamic duo of Michael J and Alberto G who stomped to victory in every event,and they remained victorious as the only tower to challenge theirs came crashing down with just 10 seconds remaining.
  
I’m glad that the boys had a good tim. The weather restricted us to indoor activities, but nothing could stop the fun and friendly atmosphere.
Mr Cleaver
|
|
|
|
This week, Year 2 joined Dr Essex and Year 3 boys, via Zoom, for the 'Big Anti-Bullying Assembly 2020'.
We raised our hands and pledged to become anti-bullying ambassadors. Year 1 and Reception boys also made their pledges in their Class Assemblies with Mrs James and Mrs Kent. The boys and teachers watched a video showing Prince William and other celebrities pledging to become anti-bullying ambassadors. This video has inspired us all to create our own hands... we wrote the names of people (or animals!) that we would talk to if we became worried about anyone's behaviour. We have also practised being assertive if someone behaves towards us in a way that upsets us, using the words "Please stop! I don't like that".
The theme of 'kindness' underpins our Pilgrims' ethos and will continue to be an important part of our assemblies next week as we relaunch our Behavioural Policy and Pilgrims' Shell Awards.
Mrs Ross
|
|
|
Year 2With the topic this term being ‘Time Travel’, the boys eagerly set to work designing and constructing their own model ‘Time Machines’. There was initially a discussion about what needed to be included on these machines – dials to show speed, numbers in order to type in the date required, and then buttons to send the boys into the past or the future! The past few weeks have seen Year 2 learning about some key landmarks in London, the River Thames, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament to name a few. Now they are due to travel back in time to discover some of the history of this great capital city. Mrs Judd |
|
|
|
Year 1A great deal of active learning has been done in Year 1 this week as the boys have enjoyed developing their own alien character profile and exploring the properties of materials. During Topic lessons, the boys partook in lively and creative role play as they imagined themselves into the persona of their alien character. Their drawings and descriptive captions of their aliens reflected their wonderful imaginations and fun was had by all! During Science, the boys have been learning to describe the properties of materials. On Wednesday afternoon, the boys enjoyed a hunt around their classroom and the Pre Prep garden during which they had to find a materials that matched each property card. The discussion and teamwork was amazing to see and I was so proud of the out of the box thinking that went on to find an object to match each and every property, including boys walking around with only one sock or odd shoes! (elastic shoe lace for "springy" and a sock to partner "stretchy"!) Mrs James |
|
|
|
|
A cardboard boxJust how much learning comes in the form of a cardboard box? All seven areas of the EYFS curriculum were covered by the arrival of one into our classroom; so much talking, collaboration and turn taking. - Turn taking
- Speaking and listening
- Large and small motor skills
- Learning that we gain information from the form of print
- Estimating and counting the bricks, discussions on size and shape. (Well done, Alexander, who managed to transport 28 bricks around our garden)
- Discussions on a what wheelbarrow is and its uses
- Using our imagination, when playing
Mrs Kent |
|
|
|
Forest SchoolAs the weather turns ever more autumnal, many of the boys enjoyed the fun aspects of rain this week. Squelching through soggy leaves, listening to raindrops landing on the giant ‘dragon’ plants and of course lots of puddle splashing! ‘Sound’ has been the main theme of Years R and 1 as we continue our exploration of the Senses, with Year 1 producing super sound maps on their river walk. Meanwhile, the Year 2 boys have been building on the understanding of how teamwork can help us problem solve. Knot tying and creating autumn pictures were the outcome of their weekly session. Mrs Judd |
|
|
|
|
|
