In this week's Roundup:
Head's Welcome | The Week Ahead | Key Term Dates | Noticeboard | Photo of the Week
Staff Spotlight | Nursery & Junior | Senior & Sixth Form | Submit a Story
A message from
Rich Jones, Head.
Earlier this week a couple of students came for a chat after school.
They were both a bit fed up, both a bit frustrated. They are both keen sports participants and neither of them had managed to get a starting position in their respective teams in the first game of the year.
It is always tough when you don’t get the gig, the job, the position, when you don’t get picked first, don’t get invited and do get overlooked.
I remember the sting in my eyes when I was informed that I had been unsuccessful in my audition to play Joseph in the nativity, with the consolation prize of being cast as ‘actor holding up the star/the innkeeper’s third friend’. I am proud of the standout performance that I gave, I might add! I also remember not getting a job at an excellent post-production company, losing out to someone three years my junior who also worked under me at my current position. I was really bothered and it took me a lot longer than it should have to realise that she was infinitely more talented and able than me (and didn’t turn up to the interview with a blob of toothpaste resting on their shoulder, of all places). There are also the rugby teams I didn’t get into, the grades that I didn’t think I deserved and the fact that the indie rock band my friends and I formed in the sixth form (‘The Philosophy of Insignificance’) to this day remains unsigned.
I imagine those reading this will also have their tales of unsecured jobs, fledgling sporting disappointments and auditions that went the other way. Such is life.
This is largely what I said to the students earlier this week.
I asked them if they knew why they didn’t get a starting position. Both did and could acknowledge there was still work to be done. Secondly and brilliantly, they were able to articulate what they needed to do to improve to possibly secure that place and were working towards it, once the grumpiness subsided of course.
I also said, this won’t be the last time that this will come to pass. There will be other setbacks, other disappointments and other moments of frustration. BUT, there will also be successes and opportunities that grow and develop, even out of these very disappointments.
Life is always about balance, surely.
At St Chris we are careful not to drift into that peculiar world of ultra-competitiveness in sport, academics and school positions with children. However, having an absolute absence of potential disappointment is also not fair, it’s not realistic and certainly not setting them up carefully for a world beyond St Chris. We are carefully inclusive; all success and achievement is celebrated and every disappointment is managed carefully – we understand the nuance, the context and the effort. I have always been proud that at St Chris when those inevitable disappointments happen, the safety nets we put in place are robust, careful and personalised.
It is scary that one in five children and young people between the ages of eight and 25 in England are now thought to have a mental health disorder, according to official figures. Unsurprisingly, the NHS is struggling to keep up.
In 2024 Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children's Commissioner for England, described the situation as "shocking" and said the system was in "crisis".
What's less clear is why this is happening now.
Some experts in the field have raised the polarising question: is there really a mental health crisis or are young people simply not resilient enough?
In other words, are they lacking the capacity to withstand or recover quickly from day-to-day difficulties that generations before them faced too?
That is certainly a big question and one that has nuance, swathes of research and strong opinions.
Certainly though, just assuming one generation has ‘no resilience’ is odd and not what I see.
As a snapshot, from my conversation this week, as long as our young people can talk about it, reason about it and have support to deal with it – they will be fine and I am pleased that St Chris works hard to develop those relationships so that can happen.
Happy 2025 and have a lovely weekend. I am off to ponder just why the innkeeper needed so many ‘friends’ to support his explanation of the overbooking issue in Bethlehem in my primary school production – I’ll just have to make my peace with it I guess.
Notices
Junior School
Barracudas Holiday Camp
Barracudas Holiday Camp is returning to St Chris this Summer! The lowest booking rates are guaranteed until 31 January 2025.
Let's Leap Holiday Camp
We are delighted to be hosting the Let's Leap Sports Academy at St Chris over this coming half term break. There are plenty of different opportunities for students to get involved with; from archery to nerf tag and canoeing, there's lots of different activities available.
The details:
- Running from 17 - 21 February 2025
- For students aged 4-12
- Standard day rate of £50.00
- Book via letsleapsportsacademy.co.uk
For further details, please see the poster below.
Senior School & Sixth Form
Spring Term Activities and Clubs
We are delighted to share with you the Senior School clubs and activities for this Spring Term. Clubs will be bookable on Evolve from 4.00pm on Friday 10 January 2025. Please see posters below indicating the clubs and activities available to students this term.
If you have any questions about clubs, please contact Emma Roskilly (Assistant Head, Co-Curricular) via email at emma.roskilly@stchris.co.uk.
Jersey Swim Trip 2025
We’re excited to announce the re-advertisement of the 5th Jersey Swim Trip for October Half Term 2025, open to students in E Group (Year 5) to Lower Sixth (Year 12). This bi-annual trip promises a blend of swimming training, aquatic adventures, and excursions to explore Jersey's highlights.
Key details include:
- Dates: 27–31 October 2025 (subject to flights)
- Activities: Morning swim training, afternoon aquatic sports (e.g., SUP-Fit, SCUBA, water polo), Creepy Valley zip wires, and more.
- Accommodation: 4 nights at The Merton Hotel (3*, Half Board).
- Cost: £950–£990 (includes insurance and tour hoodie/sweatshirt).
To secure a place, email Jenny White (jenny.white@stchris.co.uk) with a passport copy and pay the £200 deposit by Tuesday, 21 January at 9.00am. Parents and students can attend info sessions from 13 January to learn more. Further details are in the full letter below.
Solutions Not Sides Bridge Builders Programme
We’re thrilled to share an exciting opportunity for Sixth Form students who participated in the Solutions Not Sides Youth Education Programme. They are now eligible to apply for the Bridge Builders Programme, a 5-day residential in Cambridge this summer.
This unique experience focuses on Israel-Palestine, interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding, and the Abrahamic Faiths. Students will engage with inspiring speakers and meet like-minded peers from across the UK.
Key Benefits:
- Enriches UCAS applications, especially for theology, politics, or international relations.
- Alumni often set up university societies, visit the region, or work with NGOs and the FCDO.
The programme is open to students aged 16–19. Further details are available in the attached flyer below. If you have any questions, please get in touch with the programme organisers.
Music Competition Opportunity
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for students to showcase their musical talents! The competition is open to:
- Years 7–11: Students working at grade 6 and above.
- Sixth Form: Students working at grade 8 and above.
Eligible categories include musical theatre, jazz, or traditional exam boards, though unfortunately, rock and pop applicants are not being accepted this time.
If your child fits the criteria and is interested, this is a wonderful chance to shine and gain valuable performance experience. Further details are available upon request.
I Group (Year 7) PSHE Drop Down Day
In January, the I Group will cover 'Health and Puberty' in their PSHE lessons and a drop-down day next week on Tuesday 14 January 2025.
Further information can be found in a letter (click here) from Lizzie Hedderson, Assistant Head (Pupil Development and Wellbeing).
You can also read more about what all year groups in the Senior School have covered this term in the PSHE newsletter linked below in the Roundup.
Whole School
Wellbeing Hub
Teachers and parents from St Chris are empowered to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people through an innovative online platform provided by The Wellbeing Hub. Alicia Drummond, adolescent psychotherapist and founder of The Wellbeing Hub, commented: “Schools do an extraordinary job of educating their pupils in the most challenging circumstances. We are thrilled to partner with St Chris as they take this proactive and holistic approach to support the mental health of their entire school community.”
Parents and guardians can sign up to use The Wellbeing Hub using the button below.
We do encourage you to look through the extensive resources available, including podcasts, online courses, events and Q&As.
Further information can be found in a letter from Lizzie Hedderson, Assistant Head (Pupil Development and Wellbeing) here.
Register for the Wellbeing Hub
Next week, Natasha Devon MBE will be hosting a webinar outlining what parents can do to help their children have a healthy relationship with their bodies. She will address the link between mental and physical health, the role of so-called ‘health influencers’ online and the growing issue of muscle-building obsession in boys.
You can register directly here.
Hertfordshire’s Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) Survey
Hertfordshire’s Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) system wants to understand what parents and carers need when they are faced with supporting their child or young person’s poor emotional wellbeing.
It can be difficult to understand why they might be experiencing low moods, anxiety or self-harming behaviours, how to cope as a family, or knowing the strategies that could help at home. In preparation for commissioning a new service, we want to make sure parents and carers feel supported, have professionals and peers to speak to and share experiences with, all while knowing they are far from alone.
The survey will be open until Sunday 26 January 2025.
The Week Ahead
Nursery & Junior School
- Friday 17 January: Junior School Winter Ball (Monte (Nursery) - G group (Year 3): 3.30-5.00pm and Junior School Winter Ball (F Group (Year 4) - D Group (Year 6): 6.00-8.00pm
Senior School & Sixth Form
- Monday 13 - Friday 17 January: Upper Sixth (Year 13) mock exams
- Monday 13 January: GCSE Food & Nutrition tour
- Wednesday 15 January: The Great Debate (Senior School) and II Group (Year 8) football vs The Thomas Alleyne Academy
- Thursday 16 January: V Group (Year 11) basketball game vs The King James' Academy Royston
- Friday 17 January: V Group (Year 11) mock exam reports issued
The Term Ahead
Please see the term dates for this academic year below.
| Tuesday 21 January | II Group (Year 8) basketball game vs. The Thomas Alleyne Academy (at Home) |
| Wednesday 22 January | I Group (Year 7) football match against Fearnhill School (at Home) |
| Thursday 23 January | V Group (Year 11) Parents' Consultations |
| Wednesday 29 January |
Under 11s touch rugby game against The Sherrardswood School (at Home) II Group (Year 8) football match vs. Fearnhill School (Away) |
| Thursday 30 January | Senior basketball game vs. Marriotts School (Away) |
| Monday 3 February | Young Voices |
| Thursday 6 February |
II Group (Year 8) HPV vaccinations I Group (Year 7) football match vs. The Knights' Templar School (at Home) |
| Friday 7 February |
Senior School Assessment Day Upper Sixth (Year 13) mock reports issued |
| Tuesday 11 February | Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) Parents' Consultations |
| Wednesday 12 February | D Group (Year 6) Transition Day |
| Thursday 13 February | Lower Sixth (Year 12) devising practical exam |
| Saturday 15 - Sunday 23 February | Half Term Break |
| Wednesday 26 February | II Group (Year 8) Parents' Consultations |
| Saturday 1 March | Recycled Fashion Show |
| Thursday 6 March | Junior School Musical |
| Friday 7 March |
IV Group (Year 10) reports issued Junior School Musical |
| Monday 10 March | Young Musicians Competition |
| Thursday 13 - Friday 14 March | III Group (Year 9) English and maths exams |
| Thursday 13 March |
V Group (Year 11) GCSE Drama practical exam |
| Monday 17 - Friday 21 March | D Group (Year 6) bikeability |
| Monday 17 March |
PE GCSE & A level practical subject assessments |
| Friday 21 March | Upper Sixth (Year 13) practical A level Drama exam |
| Monday 24 - Friday 28 March | D Group (Year 6) residential trip to York |
| Tuesday 25 March | I Group (Year 7) Parents' Consultations |
| Wednesday 26 March | Junior School Open Day |
| Friday 28 March | V Group and Upper Sixth reports issued |
| Monday 31 March - Tuesday 1 April | GCSE Art & Design exam |
| Friday 4 April |
Easter Holidays begin at 12.00pm II Group (Year 8), III Group (Year 9), and Lower Sixth (Year 12) reports issued |
| Friday 4 at 12.00pm - Tuesday 22 April | Easter holidays |
Staff Spotlight.
Kirsty Baker,
SEMH Pastoral Assistant
Kirsty joined St Chris this year, bringing with her a deep commitment to fostering an environment where students feel seen, heard, and supported.
This is Kirsty Baker's story.
Kirsty is full of praise for the St Chris community, describing the students as “amazing, polite, and creative.” She admits that she has limited experience working in educational settings, but appreciates the unique approach at St Chris, where flexibility and individuality are central.
Nursery & Junior
This week, the Junior School has embraced the new term with enthusiasm and energy. Monte (Nursery) explored the great outdoors, keeping warm with active play and birdwatching, while J Group (Year 1) kicked off their new "Around the World" topic with a memorable tune and a boost to their independence.
Creativity and collaboration were the focus for G Group (Year 3) as they took their Computing lesson outside to experiment with filmmaking. Meanwhile, F Group (Year 4) enjoyed a busy first day back filled with Maths, Music, swimming, and a fun new game. D Group (Year 6) dove into their science topic on light, combining hands-on experiments with plenty of curiosity and dedication.
Read on to find out more about the exciting activities our Junior School pupils have been up to this week!
| Monte (Nursery) |
|---|
| Monte (Nursery) kept warm this week with plenty of active play and movement outdoors. The children observed and listened to the cheerful calls of blue tits and took care to fill bird feeders for their feathered friends. A roaring fire was lit, and everyone gathered around to enjoy the warmth while sipping hot chocolate and watching the flickering flames—a perfect way to embrace winter! |
| J Group (Year 1) |
| J Group (Year 1) began their exciting new topic, "Around the World," by learning about the seven continents with the help of an irresistibly catchy song. Parents, watch out—you may find yourselves singing along soon! Starting tomorrow, the children will begin their mornings in Before School Care in the hall, helping them grow in independence while mixing with older pupils. As they’ve already had practice on Fridays, they’re sure to handle this change like seasoned pros! |
| G Group (Year 3) |
| This week, G Group (Year 3) took their Computing lesson outside, where they explored the art of filmmaking. Using iPads, the children practiced filming one another, capturing their creativity and collaboration. |
| F Group (Year 4) |
| F Group (Year 4) jumped straight into a productive first day back on Tuesday, packed with engaging activities. The children shared news, got to know their new classmate (as well as fun new things about each other), worked on area in Maths, and enjoyed Music with Ann-Marie, swimming, spelling, and even some housekeeping. Highlights included a game of "Tell me about," calculating areas using squares, and, of course, their lovely first-day-back photo! |
| D Group (Year 6) |
| In Iain’s class, D Group (Year 6) launched into their new science topic on Light with great enthusiasm. The children explored experiments hands-on before saving their planning and write-ups for later in the week. Their energy and excitement for learning have been inspiring, and it’s been wonderful to see their dedication and happiness as they dive into the new term! |
Senior & Sixth Form
Our basketball team had a brilliant performance against The Knights' Templar School on Wednesday evening. We showed brilliant teamwork moving the ball around quickly leading to lots of players getting points on the board for a 23-12 victory to start the new year. A massive well done to all involved!
