headmaster's roundup...oct 11, 2019 · or try out gymnastics; as well as our very own eddie...
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Headmaster's Roundup
On Monday morning our assembly was about clean energy. All of the children, without
exception, felt that they would like the electricity coming into their homes to be provided by
wind turbines and solar power so that it doesn’t cause damage to the environment. In
previous bulletins we have mentioned switching to green electricity providers. Having 100%
green electrical energy coming to your home is eminently possible and is now even
cheaper than the majority of fossil fuel suppliers. So, our challenge is to have a school
where every family home has clean electricity. Our children may not be on the streets of
London campaigning, but they do really care about climate change and would still love to
do their bit. By encouraging their parents to switch to a company such as Ecotricity a
typical home can save around 20 tonnes of CO2 each year and this is probably the single
most significant change anyone can make. If every family in the school switched, that is
about 4,000 tonnes less CO2 going into the atmosphere annually. Will you take up the
challenge and help protect our children’s futures?
Quote from Mrs Taylor - ‘Following our assembly on Monday morning when Mr Culverwell
discussed the importance of using wind turbines to create green energy and how important
this is for our planet, I've gone ahead and switched suppliers. It was incredibly
easy! Completely hassle free and in addition I am making an annual saving of £147! I feel
so much happier (as does my daughter!) knowing I'm doing something that will make a
difference.’
On Tuesday we had our two Harvest services. These were both highly enjoyable
celebrations of the harvest and the blessings we enjoy living where we do in the
world. Our Year 3 & 4 choir sang at the start of our Upper School service and the Lower
School children spoke and sang particularly well.
On Wednesday morning we were delighted to welcome Olympian Gymnast Kieran Behan
to our 5W Assembly. He is the coach to one of our most promising gymnasts and he
joined 5W in delivering a brilliant assembly all about resilience and not giving up. Both
Kieran and all of 5W spoke about pursuing your dreams and working hard even when you
don’t feel like it. Kieran had been through some horrendous physical setbacks including a
tumour on his leg and even brain damage which left him in a wheelchair and yet battled
through to reach the 2012 Olympics. The children shared their learning about other
inspirational people who have overcome difficulties to reach their goals and I think
everyone left that assembly more motivated than when they arrived. A big well done to
5W!
A giant E drawn on the playground yesterday was to remind everyone to bring in £1 for our
harvest charity, the Easter Project. If your child forgot to bring in a £1 coin, do encourage
them to do so on Monday.
We celebrated World Mental Health day this week and further to the information shared on
the portal last week, please see more helpful information below.
Marcus Culverwell
World Mental Health Day
From the health of the planet to our children’s mental health, yesterday 10 October was
World Mental Health Day and the children had a range of activities and lessons helping
them to understand it is just as important to look after their mental health as it is their
physical health. Please find here a link to some of the input the children received which
stimulated further conversations.
Dick Moore's Presentation
Helpful reading - The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Phillipa Perry
5W Class Assembly - Special Guest Olympian Keiran Behan
Kieran was diagnosed with a cancerous growth in his leg at a very early age. Unfortunately
there were complications and he ended up in a wheelchair being told he’d never walk
again. However, Kieran was determined to get back to the love of his life, gymnastics, and
this helped him to focus really hard! Unbelievably he overcame all the hurdles put in his
way and got back to being a gymnast. After his return to training he fell from the high bar
whilst practicing and hit the back of his head. He suffered brain damage; was in hospital
for 9 weeks and once again ended up in a wheelchair. This time he literally had to learn
how to do everything again. This began with him sitting in his wheelchair and learning
how to follow a pencil with his eyes. It took him 3 years but he did it! He recovered and
got back to his gymnastics aged 12, having to relearn everything he’d previously known.
His strength and determination are incredibly inspiring.
The Year 5 children were extremely privileged to have a question and answer session with
him …
Mrs Wright “The children at RSM have enjoyed an assembly on self-talk and its
importance; before a big final what self-talk goes through your mind?”
“My life goal was to get to the Olympics. I was overcome with emotion as I walked out. I
could see all of my family, it was surreal. It was a life battle I’d overcome. Rio was
different, I had total focus and knew my routine inside out. We have a saying in
gymnastics which I use as my mantra – ‘you train as you compete and compete as you
train.’”
“How many medals do you have?”
“I couldn’t tell you exactly how many medals I have, but winning the gymnastics whole
world cup in 2011 and being ranked number one in the world, I’d say were my greatest
achievements!”
“Have you qualified for the 2020 Olympics?”
“No I haven’t as I’ve actually retired now. I knew the injuries I’ve sustained would mean I’d
have to stop. I’ve also had to have a full knee replacement. This is why I now coach.”
“Who would you say is better at the moment – you or Eddie!?”
“He’s good…but I reckon at the moment I’d still have him!!”
“How many injuries could you have in a year?”
“I think the worst year for me was having ruptured the ligaments in my right leg which took
a long time to heal; I finally got back to training, only to suffer the exact same injury to my
left leg immediately!”
“What other sports do you enjoy?”
“With gymnastics you are an everyday sporting hero; flying through the air like superman or
batman but for real! I enjoy football and dance – not ballet or ballroom but hip hop.”
“What’s your favourite part of gymnastics?”
“Coaching now. My aim and goal was to be a world Olympian and to train a world
Olympian!”
“Did you ever want to give up?”
“Yes! In 2013 I was just back from the 2012 Olympics and on such a high, a high which you
naturally come down from. I had to have some invasive surgery which I was told possibly
might not work and my knee might not remain strong enough. I wasn’t able to return to full
training until 2014. All my knee surgery has been done by Mr Twyman in Epsom.”
“How long have you been coaching for?”
“I started coaching at 16 and I’m 30 now so 14 years! More seriously for the last three
years.”
“Why did you want to become a coach?”
“I found it very natural. You can see errors and you know how to correct them. I struggled
at school; I’d missed a lot due to my injuries and I also had learning difficulties and
dyslexia. I felt that being able to coach was a wonderful way for me to give something
back, something I knew I could do and was good at. I also wanted to complete my
ambition not only to be an Olympian, which I’d achieved but to train a future Olympian.”
Kieran coaches’ national team members; regional gymnasts and anyone wishing to take up
or try out gymnastics; as well as our very own Eddie in Year 5! After Kieran had left, Eddie
told us “Kieran’s a really inspirational coach. He’s so supportive. He’s like a Dad, a Dad in
the gym!”
Key Dates
Tuesday 15 October - Year 6 Parents Evening, 4.15 pm
Wednesday 16 October - 5A Class Assembly, 8.45 am
Thursday 17 October - Year 1 Coffee Morning in the School Library, 8.30 am - Year 3
Parents Evening, 4.15 pm
Friday 18 October - Breakup for Half Term - Returning on Monday 4 November
School Notices
Parent Portal
Please use the hot button below where you will see the following items on the Parent Portal
including consent forms which are contained within the interactive tab at the top.
Whole School - Term Dates for 2020 and 2021, Dick Moore Presentation and
Notes, Health and Wellbeing Session, Wrap Around Care
Early Years - Weekly update
Lower School - Curriculum Meeting Notes
Upper School - Curriculum Meeting Notes, Current Year 5, Year 6 Charity Initiative
Electives
Stingrays - Will not be running on Thursday 21 November
Mini Crickets - Kindergarten and Reception will not be running on Tuesday 15 October
and 5 November. Years 1, 2, 3 & 4 - will not be running on Thursday 17 October and 7
November
Vacancy
Reigate Grammar School currently has the following vacancies:
Part Time School Receptionist - Required as soon as possible
If you know someone who may be interested in applying, please ask them to download the
information from the RGS website or contact Dawn on 01737 229327
Parent Portal
Holiday Clubs
RSM Holiday Clubs
Our Holiday Clubs are available from 8 am to 6 pm for all RSM children from Green Shoots
(2 years) upwards.
For October Half Term the RSM Holiday Club will run from Monday 21 October to Friday 25
October 2019 and the RSM Early Years Holiday Club (Age 2-4 years) will run from Monday
21 October to Friday 1 November 2019
Bookings are now open via SchoolsBuddy.
Ultimate Activity
Will be running their fantastic camps at Reigate St Mary's School this October Half Term
from Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November.
Days run from 8:30 am until 5:15 pm* (Extended Day Pass for an extra £5 covers 8
am-6 pm)
For children aged 4-11 years
Book by the day or week.
Children get some fresh air fun, meet new friends and try new activities!
Please visit their website www.ultimateactivity.co.uk or call their friendly and helpful
customer service team on 0330 111 7077.
Music
Music Monday with Kamran
If you would like to take up an instrument this term, please contact Mrs Johnson. If you are
interested please click here for additional information and a form.
New Team Members at RSM
Mrs Van Pelt
Mrs Van Pelt worked at RSM for many
years before she left for the birth of her
first child. Four children later, Mrs Van Pelt
has recently returned as a supply teacher
and she teaches throughout the school.
Mrs Van Pelt
Mrs Van Pelt worked at RSM for many
years before she left for the birth of her
first child. Four children later, Mrs Van Pelt
has recently returned as a supply teacher
and she teaches throughout the school.
Mrs Sanderson
Mrs Sanderson has been a member of the
supply team at RSM for a number of years
and I am sure those of you who have
been part of the RSM community for a
while will recognise her. Mrs Sanderson
tends to cover in Lower School.
Mrs Saunders
Mrs Saunders has recently joined our bank of supply teachers. Mrs Saunders worked at
RSM for 15 years up until 5 years ago when she had her twin boys. I am sure you will join
me in welcoming Mrs Saunders back.
Year 3
Fun with Fossils
This week, excitement filled the air as our Year 3 palaeontologists discovered some
fascinating finds! The children set to work in search of some fossils. To their amazement,
they managed to unveil some hidden deep within the clay moulds that they had created the
previous week. Adding a splash of paint, the children were able to make these look truly
authentic too! Great fossil hunting Year 3!
Year 1
Wonderful sun filled day in Wisley
Yesterday Year 1 went to the beautiful Wisley Gardens and were blessed with incredible
weather. First we walked along the path and smelled the candy floss tree and saw the
strawberry tree that had fruit and flowers at the same time! Next we went to the Learning
Centre and met our guides who gave us a safety talk about the gardens. Then we took
some collecting buckets and went on a walk to find things for our crowns. Before we had
lunch on a bench, we planted our marigold seeds that looked like caterpillars and talked
about things the seeds would need to grow and be healthy. Afterwards we went to the
vegetable patch and saw a huge variety of vegetables that our Mums and Dads would buy
from the supermarket. We chose some of the vegetables to sketch and label in our
science books. Next we went out and played in the amazing new playground. We climbed
on the wooden bridge, saw the bat wings machine waving, bounced on the trampolines
and swung on the monkey bars. After that we reluctantly got back on the coach and finally
got back to Reigate St Mary’s. Year 1 had so much fun at Wisley Gardens!
Sports
On Thursday last week, the U9A boys football team took part in the Lingfield football
tournament. After playing some impressive football and scoring some excellent team goals,
the boys finished as runners up in the cup competition. On Saturday morning the U11 girls
hockey team took part in the Hawthorns hockey tournament. The girls faced some very
strong opposition in every game and although they didn’t win their matches, they showed
huge determination. As the tournament progressed, the team continued to improve. Thank
you to all the parents for your support.
This week, the boys U8 football teams played Banstead Prep school. The A team were
beaten by a very strong Banstead side and there was success for the B and C team. On
Tuesday afternoon, the girls who take part in the after school netball elective had the
opportunity to play in an ‘off season’ netball match against Chinthurst. The girls played
fantastically in their first netball match of the year and demonstrated how much they have
been improving during the elective. It was particularly impressive to see how the team
managed to use many of the strategies they have been learning in their training sessions.
On Wednesday afternoon, the girls U10 hockey teams played three matches against
Hazelwood. They were all exciting matches with some excellent hockey played by both
schools. The A’s were eventually beaten 3-1 and the B’s were beaten by a stronger side
but demonstrated much greater determination and team spirit in the second half. The
highlight of the afternoon however came in the C team match. Having trailed 4-0 at half
time, the C’s battled back to lead 5-4 in the second half before eventually losing a thrilling
match 6-5.
The Colts A-E football teams were also in action on Wednesday afternoon against
Micklefield. A fantastic team performance in the E’s led to RSM’s only victory of the
afternoon. There were defeats for the A, B C and D teams and despite some strong
performances, the boys were unable to convert the chances they created into goals.
Sports Persons of the Month
Congratulations to the following children who received the Sports Person of the Month
award this week. These are awarded to the children who have consistently impressed the
sports staff during Games and PE lessons with their attitude, hard work, effort,
sportsmanship, leadership and their ability to work as a team and encourage those around
them. Well done to; Kai-Amara and Kazuya in Year 3, Rachel and Rafi in Year 4, Charlotte
and Kieran in Year 5 and Bella and Theo in Year 6.
Have a great weekend
RSM Sport Website
FOSMA
Fireworks - Friday 8 November
Tickets for the Firework extravaganza are now on sale. We will be selling on the
playground at drop off and pick up next week or you can leave a cheque or cash in a
clearly marked envelope in the FOSMA box in the RSM Reception.
There will be a cash BBQ and bar on the night and the usual treats for the children, these
no longer include single use glow items but light up toys will be on sale.
Thank you to those of you who have stepped forward to help with this event, the extra
hands will be put to work.
FOSMA Survey - Don't forget to tell us what you think
Love something, hate something else, have an amazing idea for an event, can volunteer
some of your precious time to help out.......
Takes less than 5 minutes to fill in over a cuppa and can be completed anonymously if you
prefer.
Get started, click here . All responses appreciated and all views welcome.
The FOSMA Team
Open Events -Autumn Term 2019
We are hosting a range of exciting open events at RSM this term. Please join us if you can
for refreshments and various fun activities on the following dates:
Little Shoots Toddler Group
Our Little Shoots toddler groups are open to anyone with children up to 2 years old. The
next one takes place on
Monday 11 November 2019 - Musical Signing – Book here
Stepping Stones Play Group
Our Stepping Stones playgroup is open to anyone with children aged 3 or 4. The Autumn
term session will take place on Monday 14 October at 2.15 pm to 3.15 pm - Book here
"The Haunted House" is an event by Aceairplay Entertainments who are supporting The
Giant Pledge to Help Beat Childhood Cancer this Halloween with two Kids Monster Bashes
at Robert Denholm House from 10.00 am-1.00 pm and 2.00 pm -5.00 pm.
Tickets are available here
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