In this week's Roundup:
Head's Welcome | The Week Ahead | Key Term Dates | Noticeboard | Photo of the Week
Nursery & Junior | Senior & Sixth Form | Submit a Story
A message from
Rich Jones, Head.
It began, as many things do over Easter, with chocolate and chaos.
One of the younger members of my family had taken it upon themselves to orchestrate a full-scale Easter egg hunt. The kind that starts out sweetly but quickly veers into logistical concerns. The highlight (or lowlight, depending on your perspective) was the announcement that the “golden egg” had been hidden in the dishwasher, which would have been fine, had it not been mid-cycle. Suffice to say, it’s now the cleanest egg I’ve ever seen.
The garden didn’t fare much better — glinting foil wrappers were scattered with liberal abandon, much to the interest of our Labrador and a rather entrepreneurial squirrel who made off with more than his fair share. It transpires that Easter egg hunts and wildlife are an unpredictable pairing.
But amid the melted mishaps and squirrel heists, I was reminded of a more deliberate and moving act involving eggs from St Chris — this time, of the less dishwasher-bound variety.
Just before we closed for the break, I returned to my office to find it transformed into what can only be described as a cocoa-based storage facility. Stacked high were more than one hundred Easter eggs, collected by our Major Officials as a last-minute (week) idea to bring some cheer to children on the long-term illness wards at Lister Hospital.
Originally turned away due to visiting protocols, I ended up finally managing to deliver the eggs over the break — a carload of sweetness, literally and figuratively, I guess... As I dropped them off, I found myself reflecting on a phrase that’s tucked into the founding documents of St Chris: education as service.
It’s a simple sentiment, but a powerful one. And it’s alive and well today — not just in foil-wrapped generosity, but in the countless ways our students step outward. From Duke of Edinburgh volunteering to the Sixth Form service programme, from fundraising cake sales to intergenerational conversations in local care homes, to the upcoming 24-Hour Run in May (more on that soon) — our students are learning to lead with empathy, creativity and community at the centre.
St Chris has never been content to be a bubble. We strive to be a bridge — between ages, between communities, between the measurable and the meaningful. Yes, exams are approaching (both real and mock), and those matter — but they are only one chapter in a far richer, broader story.
One of the things I admire most about this place — is that we don’t believe in a singular definition of success. We believe in curiosity. In character. In service. In noticing when someone else doesn’t get an egg and quietly sharing yours anyway.
And perhaps that’s what education is, at its best — the discovery that joy grows when it’s shared. Whether that’s through a maths revision session, a soggy chocolate rescue mission, or a moment of unexpected kindness.
Here’s to the lessons hidden in odd places — sometimes even in dishwashers.
Notices
Junior School
Tea @t St Chris
On Monday 19 May the Music Department are putting on a concert for Junior School students who play an instrument. If they would like to take part, students should let their visiting music teacher know.
Senior School & Sixth Form
Summer Term Activities and Clubs
We are delighted to share with you the Senior School clubs and activities for this Summer Term. Clubs are now bookable on Evolve. 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.
GCSE & A Level Revision Sessions
Please find below the link to the GCSE and A Level revision session that are running this term.
Summer Term GCSE & A Level Revision
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification
Our National Pool Lifeguard Qualification will be running from Monday 14 - Friday 18 July 2025 for students who will turn 16 on, or before Friday 18 July 2025 and may be looking for some part-time, flexible employment as a Lifeguard at St Chris to fit around their academic studies.
Course details and contact information can be found on the link below. . We have a 100% pass rate and offer a limited number of funding options for St Chris students to support them in accessing the course (this must be applied for and confirmed in writing prior to starting the course).
Whole School
Staffing Update
We welcome the following new staff this term:
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Annie Ward, Sixth Form Learning Support Worker
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Rosie Togher, Marketing & Communications Manager
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Emily Easton, EHCP Learning Support Assistant
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Holly Jackson, English Learning Support Assistant (starting Monday, 28 April); and
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Krzysztof Andrearczyk, Deputy Chef Manager (exact date of starting to be confirmed subject to final safer recruitment checks).
Also, a reminder of changes to current staffing:
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Kirsty Baker takes up her new role as SEMH Lead
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Zoe Woodhouse who has been a SEND consultant since last October, now takes on the role of Strategic Inclusion Lead
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Jenny White was Head of Year covering Emma Bennett-Jones' maternity leave, and now takes on the role Head of Year role permanently.
I am sure that you will make them all feel very welcome.
Community Swim
A reminder of our community swim sessions this term:
- Parent and Staff Swims on a Wednesday (07:00-08:45) and Friday (07:15-08:45); and
- Family Swim on a Sunday (09:30-11:30).
Please note that all swimmers must wear a swim hat for the session and that children under 8 years old need to have an adult swimmer in the water with them at all times (one adult to one swimmer); swimmers aged 8-18 must be accompanied by an adult to supervise from either poolside or in the water. Our Sunday Community Swim session is always a very popular choice for families however, this can mean that we reach the maximum capacity of the pool and may mean you will have to wait until other swimmers leave before you will be allowed to enter.
To attend these sessions, please bring your Staff ID badge or, for non-staff community members, please email sarah.armstrong@stchris.co.uk no later than the Tuesday before you wish to attend with the name of the adult (18+) to be put on the card and your relationship to the school, ie. parent of Joe Bloggs II Group & Bess Bloggs H Group, so that we can create a Community Swim for you to collect on your first swim session. You will need to bring your card to each session to sign in with the Lifeguards at the pool reception.
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. 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.
Week commencing 28 April - Blog: When self-regulation looks like bad behaviour by Hannah Rapp, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapeutic Counsellor
Register for the Wellbeing Hub
Summer Camps
The University of Hertfordshire are running creative summer camps this August for 8-12 and 13-17 year olds; from music videos to game design; fashion illustration to contemporary art there is something for all creative children. For full details please visit www.go.herts.ac.uk/creativeshortcourses or click on the flyer below:
University of Hertfordshire Summer Camps
Barracudas Activity Day Camps return to St Chris this summer for children aged 4½ - 14 year olds. Sessions run Monday to Friday from 28 July to 22 August. Parent discount code: CODE20. For further details please visit www.barracudas.co.uk or click on the flyer below:
The Week Ahead
Nursery & Junior School
- Sunday 27 April: F Group (Year 4) Residential Trip to Bawdsey Manor
- Monday 28 April: F Group (Year 4) Residential Trip to Bawdsey Manor
- Tuesday 29 April: F Group (Year 4) Residential Trip to Bawdsey Manor
- Wednesday 30 April: F Group (Year 4) Residential Trip to Bawdsey Manor
- Friday 2 May: K Group (Reception) Morning Talk
- Monday 5 May: Bank Holiday Monday
Senior School & Sixth Form
- Monday 28 April: A Level Art Exam; IV Group (Year 10) Mock Exams
- Tuesday 29 April: A Level Art Exam; IV Group (Year 10) Mock Exams
- Wednesday 30 April: A Level Art Exam; IV Group (Year 10) Mock Exams; Duke of Edinburgh's Awards Evening
- Thursday 1 May: IV Group (Year 10) Mock Exams
- Friday 2 May: IV Group (Year 10) Mock Exams; Senior School Open Morning; Lower Sixth (Year 12) Geography Residential
- Saturday 3 May: Lower Sixth (Year 12) Geography ResidentialFont
- Sunday 4 May: Lower Sixth (Year 12) Geography Residential
- Monday 5 May: Bank Holiday Monday; Sixth Form Gold DofE Practice Expedition to Snowdonia
Summer Term Diary
| Monday 5 May |
Bank Holiday Monday Sixth Form Gold DofE Practice Expedition to Snowdonia |
| Tuesday 6 May |
Sixth Form Gold DofE Practice Expedition to Snowdonia IV Group (Year 10) PSHE Drop Down Day A Level 3D Design Examination |
| Wednesday 7 May |
Sixth Form Gold DofE Practice Expedition to Snowdonia A Level 3D Design Examination A Level Food & Nutrition Practical Exam |
| Thursday 8 May |
Sixth Form Gold DofE Practice Expedition to Snowdonia A Level 3D Design Examination A Level Food & Nutrition Practical Exam |
| Friday 9 May |
V Group (Year 11) and Upper Sixth (Year 13) Final Day before Study Leave III Group (Year 9) Bronze DofE Training Campout Parents' Circle Quiz Night |
| Saturday 10 May | III Group (Year 9) Bronze DofE Training Campout |
| Monday 12 May |
V Group (Year 11) and Upper Sixth (Year 13) Study Leave starts E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight |
| Tuesday 13 May |
E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight Lower Sixth (Year 12) Geography Fieldwork Day |
| Wednesday 14 May |
E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight Film and Philosophy Screening |
| Thursday 15 May | E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight |
| Friday 16 May |
E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight IV Group (Year 10) Mock Reports issued |
| Monday 19 May |
Monte (Nursery) Trip to Willows Farm POSTPONED Tea @t St Chris - Junior School music concert |
| Tuesday 20 May |
G Group (Year 3) Trip to Living Rainforest IV Group (Year 10) GCSE Drama Devised Performance |
| Wednesday 21 May | IV Group (Year 10) Parents' Consultations |
| Thursday 22 May |
H Group (Year 2) Canal Trip III Group (Year 9) PSHE Drop Down Day |
| Monday 26 - Friday 30 May | Half term holiday |
| Wednesday 4 June | III Group (Year 9) Trip to Bletchley Park |
| Thursday 5 June | II Group (Year 8) Illustrated Children's Book Workshop |
| Friday 6 June | IV Group (Year 10) GCSE Geography Residential Weekend - Norfolk |
| Saturday 7 June | IV Group (Year 10) GCSE Geography Residential Weekend - Norfolk |
| Tuesday 10 June |
Senior School Sports Day |
| Wednesday 11 June |
Junior School Sports Day I Group (Year 7) Trip to Hampton Court Palace II Group (Year 8) Science Trip (TBC) LAMDA Examinations |
| Thursday 12 June |
LAMDA Examinations Sports Award Evening |
| Friday 13 June |
LAMDA Examinations IV Group (Year 10) Silver DofE Practice Expedition |
| Saturday 14 June |
IV Group (Year 10) Silver DofE Practice Expedition III Group (Year 9) Bronze DofE Qualifying Expedition |
| Sunday 15 June |
IV Group (Year 10) Silver DofE Practice Expedition III Group (Year 9) Bronze DofE Qualifying Expedition |
| Monday 16 June |
Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams |
| Tuesday 17 June | Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams |
| Wednesday 18 June |
D Group (Year 6) Trip to Sky Studios Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams G Group (Year 3) Residential to Thriftwood |
| Thursday 19 June |
Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams G Group (Year 3) Residential to Thriftwood |
| Friday 20 June |
Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams G Group (Year 3) Residential to Thriftwood |
| Saturday 21 June | St Christopalooza Summer Celebration |
| Monday 23 June |
E Group (Year 5) Trip to Woburn Safari Park LAMDA Showcase |
| Tuesday 24 June |
GCSE & A Level Art & 3D Design Exhibition I Group (Year 7) Transition Day |
| Wednesday 25 June | I Group (Year 7) Transition Day |
| Thursday 26 June |
I Group (Year 7) Transition Day Junior School Transition Day I-III (Years 7-8) Lower School Play |
| Friday 27 June |
I-III (Years 7-8) Lower School Play V Group (Year 11) to Sixth Form Transition Day |
| Wednesday 2 July | E & F Group (Years 4 & 5) Early Transition Event |
| Thursday 3 July | V Group - Upper Sixth (Years 11-13) Summer Ball |
| Friday 4 July |
H Group (Year 2) Morning Talk I-III Group (Years 7-9) Reports Issued Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Reports Issued Senior School ends at 1200 noon for LSP Week |
| Saturday 5 July | II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District |
| Sunday 6 July |
II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine |
| Monday 7 July |
LSP Week in Senior School I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples |
| Tuesday 8 July |
LSP Week in Senior School I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples |
| Wednesday 9 July |
LSP Week in Senior School I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples |
| Thursday 10 July |
LSP Week in Senior School I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples |
| Friday 11 July |
1200 noon Academic Year ends I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine |
Careers Newsletter
Edition #7
Our weekly Careers Newsletter has a different theme and excellent links to further information to help students explore careers they might be interested in. It features up to date Labour Market Information, an Employer Spotlight and a University Spotlight. We encourage you to explore this resource with your child to help spark careers conversations at home.
If you have any further questions about Career Related Learning at St Chris, please contact Lizzie Hedderson.
Nursery & Junior
We hope you all had a restful and joyful Easter break. It’s been wonderful to see our students return with big smiles and bright energy as they’ve been getting back into the swing of school life.
A quick reminder: Junior School clubs resume next week – we’re looking forward to all the creativity, exploration and fun they’ll bring! If you would like to book wraparound care for before or after school please email jswraparound@stchris.co.uk.
| Reception (K Group) |
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This week, K Group rolled up their sleeves and got to work in the vegetable patch, planting out their peas and spinach with great care. The students learned why planting in a line is important, how to prepare a planting hole, and how to make sure roots are well-covered and watered. They also discussed weeds—what they are and why our vegetables need space to thrive. The teamwork and attention to detail on display were fantastic to see. A brilliant start to the term! |
| J Group (Year 1) |
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J Group returned full of enthusiasm and ready to rehearse for their upcoming performance. A reminder to parents: if your child has an outfit that represents your country, please send it in with them. The students also have a song to practise at home – any time you can spend singing it together would be hugely appreciated! |
| H Group (Year 2) |
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In PSHE, H Group explored The Learning Line through a fun Bean Bag Challenge, helping them reflect on the process of tackling something new – from confusion to confidence. Over in the garden, the group showed real gardening know-how, earthing up potatoes, weeding with care, and planting celery and carrots. They even practised using forks to remove weeds and stones, becoming true young horticulturists in the process. A brilliant blend of practical skills and scientific curiosity. |
| G Group (Year 3) |
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This week’s science lesson saw G Group exploring seed dispersal—learning how seeds spread in nature and what conditions help them grow. As part of their investigation, they planted sunflower seeds, and will now observe which environmental factors support the best growth. A perfect project for the sun-filled days ahead! |
| F Group (Year 4) |
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F Group kicked off their exciting new topic: Famous People. They began with the incredible Frida Kahlo, learning about her life and her art. In the classroom, students created expressive portraits inspired by her iconic style – with self-portraits to follow soon. A reminder to F Group families: the residential trip is this Sunday. Please arrive at school at 12 noon, and remember to send students with their rucksack containing essentials like a water bottle, coat, sun cream and a snack. Full checklist details were shared earlier this week via Class Dojo – let us know if you need any further information. |
| D Group (Year 6) |
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D Group have launched into their new topic on the ocean with great enthusiasm. In Iain’s group, students reflected on why the ocean matters and began researching to uncover even more fascinating facts. Their curiosity and critical thinking set the tone for what promises to be a deep dive into an important and awe-inspiring subject. |
Senior & Sixth Form
Figure Skating Competition
Congratulations to Cally, a V Group (Year 11) student who had her first figure skating competition during the Easter holidays. She had a brilliant first competition result, coming 6th (out of 15) in National Level 1 free skate and passed her level 1 free skate test. She really enjoyed it and is looking forward to further competitions.
RAF Air Cadets
Congratulations also to Sachin in III Group (Year 9) who attended the Hitchin 1066 RAF Air Cadets annual awards evening last week at The Cloisters. Sachin was awarded the Tom Young Trophy by the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire for demonstrating the greatest improvement in the 1066 squadron over the last year - well done, Sachin!
