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From the Headmistress

The academic year began with an impressive start. Not only have pupils been learning very well in class but they have also impressed us with their extra-curricular activities. Whether it is camping, sport, music, clubs or trips, I have been delighted to see so many pupils participating in a wide range of activities. Church was absolutely full for our Harvest Festival when you gave very generously to the soup run. We also raised money for the Macmillan annual coffee morning with a delicious cake sale. Thank you for baking! You can read more about school life in this newsletter: I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Claire Osborn

30 September 2015

News Page

Headmistress’s Message .................................. 1

Open Morning .................................................. 1

‘Our World’ in Kindergarten ............................. 1

Kindergarten Forest Walks ............................... 2

News from Year 1 ............................................. 2

Junior Art Club .................................................. 2

Head Boy and Head Girl lead

Junior Assembly ................................................ 2

Oaktree Schools Year 3 Camp........................... 3

Harvest Festival ................................................ 3

Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award

Qualifying Expedition Success .......................... 4

Reading Buddies ............................................... 4

Geography Trip to

Epping Forest Field Centre ............................... 5

Karate Club ....................................................... 4

Woodwind lessons ........................................... 4

Normanhurst School Website and App ............ 5

Rwanda Aid Special Feature .......................... 5-9

Extra-curricular Sport ....................................... 9

NSPA ............................................................... 10

‘Our World’ in Kindergarten The children in Kindergarten are enjoying using the story ‘My Granny went to Market’ as a starting point and way of introducing them to people, animals, plants and landscapes of other countries. The ‘Our World’ topic will continue throughout the term and our journey has started in Africa. Here are the children enjoying dressing up for music and dance; they have also created tribal necklaces and printed using fruits from a favourite African story about Handa. Next stop: Australia!

Normanhurst SchoolNormanhurst School Open Evening - Thursday 8th October 2015 at 6pm (All Years) Open Morning - Friday 9th October 9.15am (Early Years only)

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News from Year 1 In English this week Year 1 have been reading Dogger, a story about a boy who has lost his teddy bear. Unfortunately, Year 1 also lost their class teddy bear called Florence! Year 1 created posters and Miss Greenin put them up around school so children would be on the lookout for Florence. The search gripped the whole school and eventually Mrs Kazim found Florence! She bought her at a market but recognised her from Year 1’s posters. Luckily, Mrs Kazim returned Florence back to Year 1.

Junior Art Club

Pupils in Mrs Willemse’s Art Club have been thoroughly enjoying using a variety of equipment, such as colouring pencils, crayons, felt tip pens and water colours to create a collaborative piece of art work. They were very proud of what they had created and enjoyed working together.

Head Boy and Head Girl lead Junior Assembly On Wednesday 9 September, Michael and I, as Head Boy and Head Girl, took the first Junior Assembly of the year. We talked about what it means to be part of our school, how to be the best that you can be in school, and how pupils can always approach either their teachers or us as prefects with any problems. It was a wonderful assembly and I thoroughly enjoyed how the children all got involved and asked us questions. We learned more about them and it gave them the chance to feel more comfortable and acquainted with us. A great start to the new term. By Victoria, Year 11 Head Girl

Kindergarten Forest Walks Even our youngest children in Kindergarten enjoyed a walk to the forest where we collected acorns. Everyone had a turn at feeding the ducks, and we sang and danced across the plains.

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Oaktree Schools Year 3 Camp On Thursday 17 September, we set off to our overnight camping trip. We participated in lots of different problem-solving, team building and leadership activities throughout the two days. We learnt how to put up and look after our tents. We made our own food and drank hot chocolate with marshmallows in. We especially liked that Mrs Osborn joined us for the evening! Even though on the second day, the rain came pouring down, it did not stop us from trying our best in all the games and coming second in the prize giving! Here are some comments from our Year 3 pupils about camp: My favourite memory of the camping trip was tidying up the fields and coming in second place, I was quite surprised when we all won the award. I liked making tents and then putting them away again. By Rowan Camping was really fun, we made a big tent! In my tent to sleep with was Shaunella and Hannah, we played lots of games and I loved having hot chocolate with marshmallows! By Isabelle My favourite activity was trying to get ourselves from biggest to smallest on a bench without touching the floor, we had good teamwork and it was really fun. By Margarida

I would go camping again because it is great building the tents. I got to help make the dinner as a reward for good behaviour. At the end of the day we did a play about bears and played with our torches in the dark, it was fun! By Emilio

Harvest Festival Normanhurst School joined together for the first of this year’s church services, to share their offerings for those less fortunate than us. The theme was New Life, with the Junior School entertaining us with poems and songs on this theme. Mrs Prior would like to thank everyone who attended, and is especially grateful for the donations and the retiring collection of £136.44. The items donated and monies raised will go towards the St Thomas of Canterbury Soup run.

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Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award Qualifying Expedition Success CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR QUALIFIED EXPEDITIONISTS WHO

MANAGED TO TREK 34KM IN TWO DAYS.

Year 11 Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award participants completed their gruelling qualifying weekend expedition, which took place Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September 2015. On the first night students set their tents, cooked their meals, then planned their 16km route through Waltham Abbey’s hills, forests and fields, under the watchful eyes of their assessors! The next morning, following a healthy breakfast, students packed their equipment into their back packs, filled their water bottles and set out for a 9am start. The assessors met students at various check points, quizzing their orientation skills. On Sunday students left the campsite at 8am, walking a mega distance of 18km from Cheshunt to Chingford Station where they then completed their presentation. When the assessor revealed “Well done, you have all qualified”, there was a sudden burst of applause and cheers for our courageous expeditioners! Participants are now one step closer to completing their Bronze Award.

Reading Buddies A new year sees the recommencement of our reading buddies scheme. Under the guidance of Mrs Zieba, senior students are coached how to listen to our early readers. Every Friday, students from Years 7 to 11 give their time to visit students from the Juniors. This year we have expanded the scheme to include Year 3 as well as Year 2. The scheme is enjoyed by the Seniors as well as the Juniors, and is just one of the ways we encourage links and foster relationships between the different sections of the school.

Karate Club Karate Club offers classes for Junior pupils each Friday after school, from 3.30-4.30pm for younger pupils and 4.30-5.30pm for older pupils. Parents can stay connected, see updates and medal winners on the club twitter. Twitter@OfficialUKA Email lukecuthbert3@hotmail.com

Woodwind Lessons Our Woodwind teacher, Vivienne Callomon, has some vacancies for children from Year 3 or above to learn flute, clarinet or saxophone. She will be offering free ‘Taster Sessions’ in school on Friday 2 October between 2.15pm to 2.45pm. If your child is interested please advise the school office.

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Geography Trip to Epping Forest Field Centre On Friday 18 September, Year 11 Geographers visited Epping Forest Field Centre for a one day field trip investigation into River Processes. On arrival, the group received domestic and safety briefing on how to operate in the building and field safely. Whilst based in the classroom for the morning session, students were asked to set out their own personal and academic objectives for the day, which were to be revisited at the end of the day. Our tutor for the day then gave a detailed location description of the study area, with reference to the water cycle processes which was particularly significant given the week of heavy rainfall preceding our visit. The first half of the day also included a spring site visit where students were able to observe factors affecting river characteristics in the Forest, as well as sampling and describing the local geology through field sketches. Detailed planning followed in the classroom, by identifying measurements for data collection related to the Controlled Assessment title, making reasoned hypotheses, and devising a methodology for collecting their data. The fieldwork took place in the afternoon, where students were split into groups and trained on how to use their equipment to get into the River and collect and record a range of data and evidence such as channel width, depth, wetted perimeter, and pebble size. Despite the unfavourable weather, it was a valuable learning opportunity for the students as, in addition to a day in the country run by field study experts, they took measurements to provide the raw data for the Controlled Assessment element of the GCSE course to be completed this academic year.

Rwanda Aid Special Feature Charity Trip to Rwanda Four of the Normanhurst School staff, Mrs Francine Willemse, Mrs Sarah Zieba, Mrs Sue Fisher and Miss Moreen Barnard, travelled to Kamembe, Rwanda to do some charity work in the summer. Here is a snapshot of their trip. It was with great excitement that I set off for a third time to Rwanda and this time with some colleagues in tow to meet and support the amazing special children of Rwanda.

Normanhurst School Website See the Calendar page for upcoming events. Our News page holds more photographs from our news items.

Normanhurst School App

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Rwanda Aid Special Feature, continued We arrived on 19 July at Kigali airport and set off the next morning bright and early, with suitcases bursting with resources, on a six hour drive to Kamembe in South West Rwanda, a stone’s throw from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Rwanda Aid staff at the Munezera House welcomed us back like long lost family with warm hearty hugs, joyful faces and smiles that stretched from ear to ear. It felt great to be back and we were all itching to get started on all the various projects. Straight away we set off on a brisk walk to the Street Children Village where again we were welcomed like royalty. Some of the other volunteer teachers had started preparing the outside walls of each dormitory with sketches of a lion, gorilla and jaguar (names the children in each house had chosen). For the rest of the two weeks we went there as often as we could to finish these three paintings, as well as a painting of four dancers and the name and sign of the village, Baho Neza Mwana, which means ‘House of Joy’. Our group also trained some of the staff in first aid, sang to them, watched them dance and sing, had a sports day and held a very competitive spaghetti and marshmallow tower building competition. Our next destination was Isha School. For the first few days we supported the teachers and demonstrated lessons where children interact with each other, learn through playing games and having fun inside and outside the classroom, instead of a teacher standing at the front of the class doing all the talking. Our Normanhurst School pilot project was to paint the inside walls of some of the classrooms at this rural school. Unlike UK schools where classroom walls are covered with colourful displays, these village schools have no display boards, no power to run computers and printers, no paper, no staple guns and therefore no displays. We started to create learning walls by discussing with the local teachers what they wanted; soon Biology and Social Studies handbooks were excitedly flicked open and instructions given. From there we spent every spare moment drawing, colouring and painting. We even climbed onto precarious ‘scaffolding’ made from chairs on wobbly tables to mount cupboards on the high walls. Every day a crowd of local villagers and pupils gathered in these classrooms to watch the abazungu (white person) paint. We provided crayons, pencils, paint and paper to keep them entertained; they, in turn, created lovely pictures of cars and houses, copying the maps and diagrams we were painting on the classroom walls. We were so impressed by the drawing talents of one boy, we asked him to help finish off some of the drawings and paintings. We subsequently left all the pencils and some paper and paints for him so that he could keep on developing his talent. One of the highlights of our trip was the visit to Nkombo Island. Our journey there started with a trip across the lake in a traditional Rwandan dugout. At the foot of the island, which looked like a giant ant hill, we were met by many excited local children of all ages who escorted us to the nursery. They were amused by our huffing and puffing as we made our way up the very, very steep hill to the top.

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Rwanda Aid Special Feature, continued On the island our group went to the Vocational training centre, which had been built with Rwanda Aid money. There locals can learn how to build, sow, weld, and work with electricity. The instructors are very keen to develop the centre further with extra classrooms and a workshop. The rest of us went to the nursery where we were greeted by the cheerful singing of the welcome song. We were just in time to help serve cups of porridge to nearly 400 children. Each ‘littl’un’ waited patiently for his or her cup and carefully devoured every drop. Then the fun and games began. There was painting and glitter on a grand scale. We had a fantastic game with a parachute, and the children squealed and yelled while trying to catch soap bubbles! Unfortunately, the nursery does not have enough spaces for all the children on the island, and many children stood and watched the fun from the side lines, unable to take part. We decided that our Normanhurst donation should go towards building another classroom for these children. This will mean that many older children will be able to go to school as they would not need to look after their infant siblings. Mrs Fisher used the opportunity to teach colours and numbers alongside the local teacher and then, sadly, it was time to leave. On the long walk back to the boat we were, once again, escorted by the children of which some held on tight to our hands, arms or clothes with their dusty hands. Luckily this time it was a downhill journey. The locals demonstrated their inventiveness by sliding down the great sloping hills on an improvised ‘sledge’ made from a water canister. Another highlight of our trip was our visits at the school in Munyove. Olivia, the head teacher, was keen for the pupils to benefit from some teaching from the UK teachers. Again the aim was to focus on active learning. The enthusiasm of our teachers was met by an equal energy from the pupils. Every afternoon after a couple of lessons, we witnessed and took part in 'practical works'. This involved groups of students and teachers passing bricks from one of the classrooms to outside. The orange dust from the bricks gave us a rather special Rwandan fake tan. The day ended with two games of Handball. It was good to see both the boys and the girls competing with equal energy and physicality. We then walked back to Kamembe, guided through the many hills by one of the teachers, Pascal. On our last morning there, the school held a celebration. After we taught a short lesson, the teachers and children were ushered outside to the courtyard which then became a hub of excitement. We were seated as guests of honour while the festivities took place. After the welcome song and speeches from some of the Rwandan teachers, there was a memorable skit showing the positive influence of Rwanda Aid where the boy who was helped then helped other people. Next we were treated to a traditional Rwandan dance followed by a 'western' dance. We were all invited to join in and duly gyrated so as not to disappoint. Then the children celebrated with a very impressive hand-walking race. We were again amazed by the children’s flexibility and strength.

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Rwanda Aid Special Feature, continued Gifts were given on both sides; we were given some Rwandan toys and a lamp to show what it is like for the Rwandan children doing their homework. In return we gave footballs and books, which were greeted with enthusiasm - the footballs definitely received the largest cheer. The whole feel of the day was truly uplifting and left us feeling that there was a definite beginning of a friendship. One of my favourite places to visit is Ngwino Nawe, the disabled children's village set up by Rwanda Aid. On the day we spent there, we made sock rabbits with the older children. They showed off their fantastic sewing skills and were thrilled with their rabbits, refusing to put them down, even when they had moved on to the next activity! The children then made tissue paper flowers; they were delighted with their brightly coloured creations which will decorate their classrooms. Julian taught me how to sign the word flower. These children are just absolutely amazing: their zest for life and happy, laughing nature amazes me every time I visit them. It was an amazing two weeks and I am pleased that with all the funds Normanhurst has raised Rwanda Aid will be able to build another classroom for the little children of Nkombo Island. Thank you to each and every one who has support this charity this year. The difference you made to their lives will never be forgotten and the impact of your support will be a permanent one. By Mrs Francine Willemse Staff Trip to Rwanda I had no idea what I would find in Rwanda and was filled with a little trepidation and lots of excitement as I left England. On my return I realised that I felt very lucky in so many ways and that whilst Rwanda had been both physically (the altitude) and mentally exhausting I had made a difference. I have lots of memories that are special to me and many I share with my colleagues, friends and family and of course there are the wonderful photographs. I was moved by the conditions at the nursery on the island; who wouldn’t be, from feeding the children their one meal to facing a class of 120 young faces all looking at me with expectation. Then there was their enthusiasm for my counting lesson and the feeling of enjoyment and fun, albeit in cramped surroundings and with children outside trying to be part of it too. I have no hesitation in using the monies raised to support the building of a new classroom and cannot thank you - the pupils, staff and parents of Normanhurst School - enough for your support. I most certainly will be going back. By Mrs Sue Fisher

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Extra-curricular Sport Clubs All sports clubs for this half term are now up and running. The new golf club has been a great success. There are still four places available so if your child is interested in attending on a Monday 3.30-4.30pm then collect a form from the office (there is a £10 fee for the term). This is now open to all students from Years 4 to 11. On Fridays there is short tennis in the playground which will be opened up to all Juniors from Years 1 to 6 as there is only currently a small group from Years 1 to 3. Once again if you are interested then please see the office, and the first six names will be accepted. Netball Normanhurst Senior girls’ netball team has made a very committed start to the Waltham Forest League. This year the teams have been put into two ability leagues based on the previous year’s results. Due to our strong finishing position last year we are in the ‘A’ League and will be playing the strongest teams in Waltham Forest. Our team has been practising hard at netball club and in lessons and is ready for the challenge! Good Luck for all your upcoming matches. Football The Normanhurst annual 5-a-side Senior football competition begins this Wednesday 23 September at the Peter May Centre, with 6 different sides taking part. This competition will run until we finish in December at the end of the Autumn term. Year 8 football fixtures begin with a game against Buxton School at Low Hall Farm fields on Thursday 24 September. Year 10 have only been entered for the cup and this fixture is yet to be arranged. We wish all players the best of luck for the coming season. PE Department

Rwanda Aid Assembly On Monday 21 September, the founder and CEO of Rwanda Aid, David Chaplin, attended our whole school assembly and received a cheque for £4,500 from the school. This incredible amount was raised over the past year through the generosity of pupils, parents and staff in supporting the various charity activities organised by Mrs Prior and her charity committee for Rwanda Aid.

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Normanhurst School Parents’ Association Hello to all the parents at Normanhurst School We are so delighted to introduce the work of the Normanhurst School Parent’s Association, affectionately known as the NPSA. The NPSA is made up of parents who work together with the school to raise funds to give a little extra for all the Normanhurst pupils and students.

Through the NPSA activities the school has been able to purchase the AV system in the school hall, which has been used in assemblies, school plays and other performances. We have also paid for playground equipment, and have funded extra-curricular activities, school trips and end of year treats! The NPSA organises social events such as bingo nights, children discos and the summer Family BBQ. We also help at other Oaktree Schools’ events, including a stunning Fireworks Night, and for this academic year, the biannual Summer Ball. All of these events are fantastic opportunities to meet other parents and the Normanhurst staff team. The following are already planned:

Fireworks Night at Oaklands School on Sunday 8 November 2015 Bingo Night at Normanhurst School on Friday 27 November 2015 Early Years and Primary School Disco on Friday 12 February 2016

Other activities planned include a playground competition event and a pamper evening. The NPSA also organises a fund raiser twice a year called Phil the Bag, so you can get rid of unwanted clothing items and also raise money for the school. The next Phil the Bag collection is Friday 6 November 2015. As a registered charity, the NPSA has to hold an AGM, and this will take place on Thursday 15th October from 18.30 – 19.30. There will be refreshments available and you can find out more about the work of the NPSA. We are always delighted to welcome new members of the NPSA, so if you are interested come along to the next NPSA meeting on Monday 12 October 2015 in the school library from 19.15 onwards. We all look forward to seeing you at the NPSA events throughout the year. NPSA committee