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.
Some of our students leave this afternoon for their final examinations. This morning, I found myself in conversation with a few of them—tall, confident, ready to go—and we ended up reminiscing about their time at St Chris. Inevitably, we found ourselves talking about COVID, about lockdown, and—perhaps predictably—about lockdown lessons.
It’s a peculiar thing, lockdown. It seems to have been seared into our collective psyche while simultaneously becoming something we’d rather quietly forget, like an awkward uncle at a wedding. With this particular cohort, the irony wasn’t lost on me: I was meant to be teaching them about the Black Death. Given the circumstances—masks on, no vaccine in sight—I thought it best to swerve that topic.
Instead, I asked them what they thought they had learned from lockdown. They even did an essay called lessons from lockdown. What had changed? What had stayed the same? What had revealed itself in that strange pause in time?
I expected tales of frustration—missing football, friends, and freedom; annoying siblings and irritating parents; days of being stuck. But what they gave me was something far more surprising: joy. Their essays were stuffed with the stuff of childhood—garden games, family dinners (with conversation!), rediscovered board games, garden cricket, bike rides, hide and seek, even full-blown family Olympics (ours featured toilet roll skittles and dry Weetabix challenges—not recommended).
They remembered to take time—time to breathe, to talk, and to notice things they’d been too busy to see before. And this morning, those same students, now on the cusp of adulthood, laughed as they recalled my attempts to energise 9.00am Monday Team lessons—most of them still horizontal, if not actually asleep.
In those conversations and memories, I was reminded again of what sits at the heart of St Chris: the spirit of childhood. Not simply in games or bedtime stories, but in something deeper—the curiosity, the sense of wonder, the instinctive compassion that children bring with them into the world. The natural, almost instinctive, sense of reason and determination not to take things on face value. These are vital parts.
It’s so easy for our young people to grow up fast, especially now—in a world of AI, information overload, and the subtle pressure to be older than they are. But real childhood isn’t something to rush through. It’s the foundation of resilience, creativity, intelligence and kindness.
I will miss this group in the weeks that follow. They’ve been a joy to walk alongside. But I know St Chris has supported that walk carefully and purposefully, helping them grow into people ready to stride forward with confidence. Lockdown was extraordinary—for better and worse—but even in that strange stillness, truth finds its way through.
Notices
Senior School & Sixth Form
Charity 24 Hour Run: Friday 16 - Saturday 17 May
The countdown is on for an extraordinary event in the St Chris calendar! From 9.00am on Friday 16 May to 9.00am on Saturday 17 May, our school community will be taking on a 24-hour continuous run/walk around the athletics track — all in support of two brilliant charities.
The rules are simple: there must be at least one person moving on the track at all times throughout the 24 hours. More than one participant is not only allowed but encouraged — the more, the merrier!
This is going to be both a logistical, physical and mental challenge so we have decided to ask for donations to two superb charities that were chosen by our Major Officials. The two charities are:
TRACKS Autism. A charity and Early Years Centre in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, that supports autistic children and their families. To donate to Tracks via our Just Giving page, please click below:
Sport in Mind. Sport in Mind offer programmes, at all life stages, to support and improve mental health through our free sports and physical activity programmes. They aim to tackle Mental Health issues around the country in both Adults and Children through running free sport events and getting the nation exercising.
Sport in Mind Just Giving Page
This is a wonderful opportunity for students, staff and families to come together for a cause that truly matters. Here’s how pupils can get involved:
- All pupils are welcome to join in during the school day
- I Group to V Group (Years 7 to 11) can take part between 4.00 and 9.00pm
- Sixth Form and staff will be taking the night shift and camping out
- On Saturday morning from 7:30am, local pupils are invited back to complete the challenge
- At 9:00am, we’ll come together for one final ceremonial lap to end the 24-hour effort
We’d love to see as many families and students taking part as possible, whether for a single lap or several miles. Thank you in advance to everyone who is supporting, running and donating!
Whole School
We're Hiring: School Nurse (Maternity Cover)
We are currently looking to appoint a qualified and caring School Nurse to join the St Chris community on a fixed-term, maternity cover contract.
This is a full-time, term-time only role—perfect for a Registered Nurse who thrives in a warm, student-centred environment. Based in Arunfield, our medical centre, the successful candidate will oversee the day-to-day care of students from Nursery to Sixth Form. Duties will include providing both routine and emergency medical support, liaising with families and healthcare professionals, and working closely with our pastoral and boarding teams to support the wellbeing of all pupils.
For further details or to apply, please visit the Vacancies page on our website.
Netball Star Natalie Metcalf is Coming to Hertfordshire! - Monday 25 August
We’re excited to announce that England Netball and Manchester Thunder star Natalie Metcalf will be in Hertfordshire for a special coaching event — and it’s open to all students in Year 5 through to Sixth Form (ages 9–16+)!
This is a brilliant opportunity to be coached by one of England’s top players — a Commonwealth Games gold medallist (2018), Netball World Cup silver medallist (2022), and former England co-captain.
📍 Date: Monday 25 August
📍 Venue: Stanborough School, Welwyn Garden City
💷 Cost: £25 per session
Sessions available:
- Ages 9–11 (Years 5–6): 9:00–10:30am
- Ages 11–13 (Years 7–8): 10:45am–12:15pm or 12:45–2:15pm
- Ages 14–16 (Years 9–11+): 2:30–4:00pm
- Back to Netball (open session): 4:30–6:00pm
- Adult Ladies (16+): 6:15–7:45pm
📧 Book your place:
Email hertsnetballevents@gmail.com with your preferred session and time. Please note, bookings are only confirmed once payment is received — and sessions are filling fast!
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.
Register for the Wellbeing Hub
Free Waterpolo Taster Session - Sunday 25 May; 2:30-3:30
We’re excited to announce a free Water Polo taster session here at St Chris, led by a coach from Hitchin Water Polo Club — recently nominated for Club of the Year!
Open to pupils aged 8 and over, this is a brilliant chance to try a fun, fast-paced team sport that builds strength, stamina and confidence in the water.
To take part, children should be able to swim 50 metres continuously and tread water for at least 30 seconds. If you're unsure whether your child meets the requirements, we’d be happy to advise.
Interested? Please sign up here: https://forms.office.com/e/0e4jqQug0n
For any questions, contact Sarah Armstrong at saraharmstrong@stchris.co.uk
The Week Ahead
Nursery & Junior School
- Monday 12 May: E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight
- Tuesday 13 May: D Group (Year 6) Sea Life Centre Sleepover; E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight
- Wednesday 14 May: D Group (Year 6) Sea Life Centre Sleepover; E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight
- Thursday 15 May: E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight
- Friday 16 May: E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight
Senior School & Sixth Form
- Saturday 10 May: III Group (Year 9) Bronze DofE Training Campout
- Monday 12 May: V Group & Upper Sixth (Year 11 & 13) Study Leave starts
- Tuesday 13 May: Lower Sixth (Year 12) Geography Fieldwork Day
- Wednesday 14 May: Film & Philosophy Screening
- Thursday 15 May: IV Group (Year 10) Helen Pankhurst Talk
- Friday 16 May: IV Group (Year 10) Mock Reports issued; 24 Hour Charity Run
- Saturday 17 May: 24 Hour Charity Run
Summer Term Diary
| Saturday 17 May | 24 Hour Charity Run |
| Monday 19 May |
Tea @t St Chris - Junior School music concert Thermomix Parent Event |
| 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 |
| Friday 23 May |
K Group (Reception) Trip to Whipsnade Zoo III - V Group (Years 9-11) English GCSE Trip 'An Inspector Calls' |
| Monday 26 - Friday 30 May | Half term holiday |
| Tuesday 3 June | I Group (Year 7) Trip to Whipsnade Zoo |
| 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 |
| Monday 9 June | I Group (Year 7) Interhouse Swimming Gala |
| 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 to Cambridge LAMDA Examinations |
| Thursday 12 June |
LAMDA Examinations Sports Award Evening |
| Friday 13 June |
LAMDA Examinations IV Group (Year 10) Non-fiction talk and workshop 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 |
K Group (Reception) Trip to Wicken Fen Water Safety Week Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams |
| Tuesday 17 June |
Water Safety Week Junior LAMDA Showcase Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams |
| Wednesday 18 June |
Water Safety Week D Group (Year 6) Trip to Sky Studios Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams G Group (Year 3) Residential to Thriftwood |
| Thursday 19 June |
Water Safety Week Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams G Group (Year 3) Residential to Thriftwood Monte (Nursery) Sports afternoon |
| Friday 20 June |
Water Safety Week 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 Senior 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 'Alice in Wonderland' |
| Friday 27 June |
I-III (Years 7-8) Lower School Play 'Alice in Wonderland' V Group (Year 11) to Sixth Form Transition Day K Group (Reception) Morning Talk H Group (Year 2) Camp Out |
| Monday 30 June |
K Group (Reception) Trip to Ashwell Springs Senior School Stage and Screen Concert |
| Tuesday 1 July | Junior School Summer Gathering |
| 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 IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| 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) STEM LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples IV Group (Year 10) Elite Sports LSP to Loughborough Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to Paris IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| 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) STEM LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples IV Group (Year 10) Elite Sports LSP to Loughborough Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to Paris IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| 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) STEM LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples IV Group (Year 10) Elite Sports LSP to Loughborough Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to Paris IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| 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) STEM LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples IV Group (Year 10) Elite Sports LSP to Loughborough Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to ParisI V Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| 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 Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to Paris IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| Saturday 12 July | IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
Careers Newsletter
Edition #9
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.
Major Officials Newsletter
Edition #6
Please click on the link below to find out the latest updates from the St Chris Major Officials.
Nursery & Junior
| Nursery (Monte) |
|---|
| Despite the chill in the morning air, the children in Monte (Nursery) embraced the outdoors with typical energy and joy. As the sun warmed, they turned their attention to caring for the planet — reflecting on how they could help beyond just picking up litter, as they did last week. Watering plants was high on the list, and soon they were debating whether grass, trees, and cow parsley all counted as plants. The newly planted apple trees certainly appreciated the attention! The session then turned inventive, with children designing and constructing swings of all kinds — from simple rope swings to a clever double swing. Bow-making, knot-tying, and resource-gathering rounded off a morning filled with imagination, independence, and shared discovery. |
| Reception (K Group) |
|
K Group (Reception) had a fascinating and fun-filled visit to Lydia’s Eco House today, discovering how sustainable living works in practice. The children learned how solar panels heat the home and water, how an earth-covered roof helps to retain warmth, and how a composting toilet supports eco-friendly waste management — a particularly curious topic of discussion! They also met the family’s animals and found out how they contribute to the household, from providing eggs and wool to supporting the growing of crops. The children were especially intrigued to learn that the bees on site weren’t kept for honey, but for pollinating the many plants and vegetables. After their learning adventure, the group enjoyed exploring the grounds — walking over the bridge, swinging in the trees, and spotting pond life from the platform near the summer house. A brilliant day of outdoor learning and discovery! |
| H Group (Year 2) |
|
H Group (Year 2) set off on a historical journey this week as they delved into the lives of significant explorers. With world maps in hand, the children traced the routes of famous expeditions, learning in detail about Christopher Columbus. Their discussions went beyond simple facts, exploring the wider impact of his journeys, especially on Native American communities, and reflecting thoughtfully on the consequences of his discoveries. Back outdoors, curiosity led the way once again. Those yet to try printing leaves on bunting took their turn before the group dispersed to discover what spring had quietly delivered. Luke and Freddie transformed a swing to suit their ideas, while Jackson was drawn to the tiny life teeming in the pond. With nets and magnifiers, the whole group joined in, examining beetles, mosquito larvae, and rescuing a curious worm — twice! A week full of imagination, exploration and thoughtful observation. |
| G Group (Year 3) |
|
Forest School brought sunshine and purpose for G Group (Year 3) this week. Children carefully weeded and watered their flourishing sugar snap peas, now proudly displaying their first blossoms. The pond was also topped up after a week of warm weather, ensuring the surrounding wildlife continued to thrive. With their helpful tasks complete, the children poured their energy into self-directed play and challenges. A 'how long can you hang from a branch?' competition sparked plenty of friendly determination. Others chose quieter moments — some took to cooking, a few opted to relax, and several headed skyward for a spot of tree climbing. |
| F Group (Year 4) |
|
This week, F Group (Year 4) have continued exploring their topic of Famous People, with activities that sparked curiosity and thoughtful discussion. In Science, the children set up an experiment to investigate the effects of different drinks on our teeth and how they may cause tooth decay — a great hands-on way to understand real-world health topics. In Art, they proudly completed their striking portraits of Frida Kahlo, before turning their attention to another inspirational figure: Helen Keller. As part of Deaf Awareness Week, they explored her remarkable life and the challenges she overcame. The children learned how to fingerspell in British Sign Language and even wrote their names in Braille — asking reflective and compassionate questions throughout. A meaningful and memorable week of learning. |
Senior & Sixth Form
Senior School Sport: Cricket Season Off to a Winning Start
A huge congratulations to our II Group (Year 8) cricket team, who made a fantastic start to their league campaign this week — and for many, their first official hardball match.
Facing a well-drilled Nobel side, our team bowled first with impressive pace, accuracy, and focus. Alex, Ieva and Ed led the charge, claiming four wickets between them and restricting Nobel to 69 runs from 15 overs. With the bat, St Chris rose to the challenge — Alex retired after a confident performance at the crease, helping the team to reach 71 runs in just 13 overs and secure a well-deserved win.
A brilliant opening game full of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship — well done, everyone!
Upper Sixth (Year 13) Tackle the Obstacle Course!
In their penultimate week at St Chris, 20 Upper Sixth (Year 13) students took on a thrilling obstacle course at Bassingbourn — a well-earned afternoon of challenge and laughter in the sunshine. With more than 40 obstacles to conquer, from tunnels and ropes to mud and water, students showed boundless energy and teamwork, helping each other navigate every twist and turn. A brilliant way to celebrate their final weeks together!
Sixth Form: Gold DofE Practice Expedition in Snowdonia
This week, nine of our Year 12 students completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Practice Expedition in the stunning setting of Eryri (Snowdonia National Park). Blessed with beautiful weather and unforgettable views, the group camped in some incredible locations — including their first site at the foot of the majestic Tryfan mountain.
Over four days, the students developed their navigation and teamwork skills through expert-led training sessions, including challenging night navigation across rugged terrain. They then embarked on a mini expedition through the Snowdon range, travelling independently while being remotely supervised by our experienced partners at Crag & Compass.
Staff accompanying the trip spoke of the students' excellent behaviour, resilience, and camaraderie. It was a fantastic adventure — and a brilliant foundation for their qualifying expedition this October.
Senior School Sport: Rounders Season Begins
This week marked the start of the Rounders League season for our Senior School teams, as four St Chris sides faced St Francis in their opening fixtures. While we didn’t quite have full teams in any year group, the passion and team spirit on display more than made up for it — a brilliant show of determination from everyone involved.
A special mention goes to the I Group (Year 7), who narrowly missed out on victory by just half a rounder. Meanwhile, Emily M deserves huge thanks for stepping in at the last minute to support the III Group (Year 9) with some excellent batting. Mabel impressed with her accurate and reliable throws to second post, and Tascha showed great speed and control in fielding powerful hits straight into the posts.
It’s been a fantastic start to the season — we look forward to seeing what the teams can achieve together in the matches ahead!
PSHE Drop Down Day for IV Group: Healthy Relationships
On Tuesday this week, the IV Group students engaged in a mature and respectful way in our RSE unit of PSHE about Healthy Relationships. This began with discussions about what is meant by enthusiastic consent and the importance of communication and respect surrounding relationships.
We then welcomed in a visiting speaker from It Happens who delivered a session on Digital Relationships which covered learning about influencers, deepfakes and algorithms, as well as a sensitive conversation about pornography and the impact it can have on wellbeing.
The day finished with some essential signposting about what to do if you have concerns about these issues and how to seek help.
It can be hard talking to our children about healthy relationships.
Please see below 10 Top Tips from Andrew Bernard, who delivers workshops for schools about masculinity and equality.
