Mr Schumm’s Blog

Dear Parents/ Carers,

Well, this has certainly been an eventful week! Just catching up a little earlier this week as tomorrow, I will be supporting our football team as they take part in the EFL finals in Reading. They have done brilliantly so far and I will be fully focused on their skills though as my son Max says, ‘you’re always on your phone when you watch me play!’ There’s nothing like watching a clip from a musical when you’re stood in the freezing cold (I am so embarrassing!)

I thought it would be worth outlining our plans if we were directed to close the school. Our aim would be that your child can still continue to enjoy the broad curriculum of work we offer at St Stephen’s, albeit in a home environment. Teachers would be regularly offering specific guidance on projects/activities that they would like your child/ren to do on their class pages on the school website, so please keep it in your bookmarks and check it regularly, treating it as their main learning hub.

Alongside the usual Mathletics work we send out, the majority of work set will be conducted via London Grid for Learning (LGfL) website. We are fortunate enough to have a subscription to a wide range of excellent online learning resources via the LGfL, and are happy to offer these to your child/ren during these unusual times.

In order to access LGfL resources, your child would require their USO (Unified Sign-On) username and password. Many children know their USOs, as we already make regular use of LGfL resources at school. However we will send these details additionally via to each family. Please also note that myself, all the teachers and members of the admin team will be available via email during school hours.

A few further updates but as always check out the school website for regular updates – http://www.ststephensce.lbhf.sch.uk
and don’t forget to please follow us on Twitter (@StStephensLBHF)

Grandparents Day
Having reviewed the situation regarding our proposed Grandparents Day, I have now made the decision to postpone it. This event is such a special part of our school calendar and we would really love as many grandparents, as possible, to attend.
The new date for Grandparents Day will be Thursday, 18th June and as it will be the height of British summer time (we hope) why not have a Grandparents Garden Party, I say! So, after our whole school assembly, tour of the school it will be out into the playground for cream teas and fizz with the odd gazebo thrown in for shade or sheltering from the good old British summer rain.

The Swimming Gala
Our swimming squad literally swept the boards at the borough gala this week – winning both the boys and girls championships, the boys and girls relay and achieving overall champion status. That’s at least 5 trophies and numerous medals heading our way. Well done guys you are amazing and of course that includes Alastair and Clare – what a sports year we are having!

Art Exhibition
A quick reminder that tomorrow afternoon from 3 -5pm is our Art Exhibition in the main hall. Please come along and view the terrific art work the children have produced, having been inspired by Klimt’s ‘Tree of Life’. There will be tea, coffee and a slice of cake available to fortify you as you peruse the gallery walls.

Lamda
On Monday our after school Lamda club children acted their way through their examinations. Under the expert tutelage of Virginia Ashcroft (affectionately known as Gin by the children) the children had rehearsed their speeches and poems. The external examiner was very impressed by their standard and they now await their results.

International Women’s Day
Do please read the great piece from Miss Mahon on our International Women’s Day celebrations on the school website.