Daneshill Diary 16/01/15

Headmaster’s Notes

At this time of year the weather inevitably plays havoc with the school runs. Heavy rain has flooded many areas of the lanes surrounding the school. It is, however, imperative that we continue to observe the one way system from the Wellington Arms Hotel as passing space is even more limited and it is very difficult for cars to manoeuvre in order to accommodate those going the wrong way.

With much colder weather and possibly snow forecast next week it is important to remember that no pupil is ever penalised for arriving late in the morning. Safety is clearly the main priority. 

It is extremely rare for the school to be closed on account of the weather and every effort is made to communicate information in this respect via e-mail and the school website. Please see our ‘Snow Policy’ which can be found on our website.

On a more positive note the school is now operating additional minibus services. One of the buses offers morning pick-ups from the Crondall, Odiham and Hook area. The second minibus offers an evening drop-off service to Old Basing and through to Hartley Wintney. If anyone is interested in joining either of these routes then please register your interest with Mrs Dainton in the School office. The minibuses are driven by members of the teaching staff.

Mr Spencer

News from the Pre-Prep

It has been great to return to school and welcome the children back from fun and exciting Christmas holidays. Two new boys have joined the Pre-Prep into Year 1 and Reception and everyone has made them feel right at home, as is customary at Daneshill.

The Spring term is a time for focusing on work and observing how the children are making progress in all areas of the curriculum. It is so rewarding to see the younger children free write for the first time and the older children being able to grasp a wider comprehension of the books they are reading. Additionally it is great to hear the children share their mathematical ideas of how various problems can be solved.

As the weather forecast is predicting colder weather next week, please can we ask that all children have a hat and a pair of gloves in school every day.

Miss Bull

Nursery Corner

We have had a lovely start to the term with happy faces returning and our three new starters settling in well too – a warm welcome to you. The children have come back refreshed from their holidays and keen and eager as always to see their friends and enjoy our topics and activities.

In a bid to keep those ‘January blues’ at bay we have a Travel Agency in the Nursery and the children have been busy booking flights and accommodation to many an exotic location. They have been fascinated by the world map currently in the role play area and have really enjoyed working out how they would get to different locations by land, sea or aeroplane. 

We have introduced the children to ‘The Rainbow Fish’ which is a lovely tale about sharing and friendship and the children have been busy with craft activities around this story and we have recapped all sounds covered to date and introduced ‘d’ this week.

With this rather unpredictable weather please can I ask that all children bring their waterproof trousers back in and that they keep a hat at school. Many thanks in advance.

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Beeching

        
Sporting Fixtures
Boys:                                                                           Girls:
RUGBY TERM                                                               NETBALL
Friday 16th January                                                     Friday 16th January
U.9 A vs. Bishopsgate     L 10 – 15                              U.9 A vs. Holme Grange              W 5 – 3
U.9 A vs. St Piran’s         W 20 – 0                                U.9 B vs. Holme Grange              W 6 – 0         
U.9 B vs. Bishopsgate    L 0 – 10                                  U.8 A vs. Holme Grange              W 9 – 0         
U.9 B vs. St Piran’s         W 25 – 15                              U.8 B vs. Holme Grange              W 14 – 0
U.8 A vs. St Piran’s         D 9 – 9                                   U.8 C vs. St Mary’s                       L 0 – 5                                   
                                                                                      U.8 D vs. St Mary’s                       W 3 – 1         
                                                                                       U.8 E vs. St Mary’s                      W 2 – 0
 
                                                                                   

Weekly Sports Reports

The hockey season has started in earnest and I am pleased to welcome Mr Pereira to the department.

The focus for this week has been developing the girls’ basic stick skills. We have reminded the girls of the different types of grips and when these are used. We have also been working on passing and receiving. The sessions have finished with some small sided games as we look forward to our first inter-school matches next week.

Miss O’Neill

It has been a great start to the term on the rugby front. The hard work at the end of last term has paid off and the boys have hit the training pitch with enthusiasm and a depth of knowledge. The understanding of what they are trying to achieve is very important as is the tactical framework in which they operate.

We have been working on closing space in the pre-tackle before making the tackle itself. In the older age groups we have also been through body position at the breakdown and the counter ruck. On attack we have looked at promoting continuity and support play. With fixtures against Bishopsgate and St Piran’s this afternoon we are hoping to see these processes occur, irrespective of whether the result are positive or negative. The U.13s and Colts have their first fixtures on Wednesday which we are also very much looking forward to.

Mr Baldwin