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.
Last week, I had the absolute privilege of attending a magical, unbelievably sad, and ultimately celebratory event.
I heard stories of tenderness, kindness, and support—and stories of loss and absence. I was surrounded, in a church, by immense love, sustenance, and compassion.
I was reminded, as we so often are these days, that we are all entirely temporary.
But I don’t think it’s a bad thing to be reminded of the fragility of our existence—that our time is not guaranteed, and our boundaries not defined.
As parents, we make so many choices. We’re asked to make decisions whose consequences we can only ever guess at.
And our children are not us. They are their own selves—uniquely formed—with dreams, thoughts, aspirations, and perspectives that will so often differ from our own.
We need to place our most precious cargo in a place that honours all of that: that supports endeavour, curiosity, freedom, and choice. That’s why this school, and this community, matters so deeply.
I heard this read aloud last week, and I couldn’t think of a poem more fitting:
I told them,
“When I grow up
I’m not going to be a scientist
Or someone who reads the news on TV.
No, a million birds will fly through me—
I’m going to be a tree.”
I told them,
“When I grow up
I’m not going to be a DJ,
A computer programmer, a musician, or a beautician.
No, streams will flow through me,
I’ll be a home to eagles.
I’ll be full of nooks, crannies, valleys and fountains.
I’m going to be a range of mountains!”
They said:
“You can’t be that!
No, you can’t be that!
You’re just a child,” they said.
“And children always become
At least one of the things
we want them to be.”
They do not understand me.
I’ll be a stable full of fresh hay.
I’ll be a lost glade in which unicorns still play.
They do not realise I can fulfil any ambition.
They do not realise—among them,
Walks a magician.
As we finish the academic year, I’m holding onto that reminder: that our children, and indeed we ourselves, are still becoming.
They are not projects to complete, nor products to perfect. They are people in motion. And our job is to give them the space, love, and encouragement to imagine big, impossible things… and then go after them.
Among us all, there are magicians everywhere.
Have a wonderful summer.
Notices
Whole School
Save the Date - 30th Annual Inter-School Recycled Fashion Show
Alternate Realities
We’re very excited to announce that the 30th Annual Inter-School Recycled Fashion Show will take place at St Chris on Saturday 28 February 2026.
This much-loved event has been running for nearly four decades and brings together schools from across the region for a thought-provoking celebration of creativity, sustainability and self-expression through fashion.
This year’s theme is: Alternate Realities
From futuristic dreamscapes and magical worlds to wild eco-utopias and parallel lives, the theme invites students to imagine different versions of reality – and bring them to life through wearable artworks made from recycled and repurposed materials. Whether playful or powerful, conceptual or character-led, the focus is on imagination, bold thinking, and making something beautiful with limited means.
The show will feature a live catwalk in the St Chris Theatre, stalls, industry judges, and of course the legendary interval. It’s always a highlight of the creative year, and this milestone event promises to be particularly special.
More details to follow in September – but for now, save the date and start imagining your alternate reality…
Proceeds from the event will this year go to local mental health arts charity H'Arts in Mind
Community Swim Sessions
Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the swimming pool will not be fully operational until next week and therefore our last Sunday Community Swim session is cancelled.
Our Autumn Term Community swim sessions will return in September, as below:
- Parent & Staff swims on Wednesday at the new time of 0715-0830; and on Fridays at 0715-0830; and
- Sunday Family Swim at 0930-1130
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 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, eg. 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.
Staffing Update
We have a lot of staffing changes to let you know about which take effect at the end of this Academic Year and the start of next:
LEAVERS
Junior School
- Avril Harker – Teaching Assistant
- Corrine Toller – Teaching Assistant
- Debra Clabburn – Teaching Assistant
- Jane Drage – Teaching Assistant
- Vicky Watt - Teacher J Group (Year 1)
- Rebecca Simon - Teacher K Group (Reception)
Senior School
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Rhoanna Newman - Individual Needs Tutor
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Ed Commodore-Mensah - Head of Maths
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Adam Eldin - Head of Computer Science
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Eleanor Mulhall - Head of Politics and KS3 History
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Mia Hoskins - Art Technician
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Sarah Ben Dhaou - French Boarding Assistant
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Carolina Andrade - Gap Student
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Nicola Wilson - Swimming Teacher
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Thomas Aldred - Lifeguard
NEW STAFF (including very recent appointments)
Junior School
- Annette Keech – Junior School Teacher
- Yuliana Dimitrova – Early Years Educator
- Kayleigh Howell – Early Years Educator
- Laura Smith – LSA linked to EHCP
- Lihmarra Og – LSA linked to EHCP
Senior School
- Princess Curtis-Broni - Head of AI, Computer Science and Technological Innovation
- Angela Westwood - Autism LSA (started June 2025)
- Holly Tompkins - Inclusion Administrator (with responsibility for EHCP Co-ordination) (started May 2025)
- Lucy Valerio - SEMH Senior School
- Ines Holguin – Spanish gap student
- Lison (Lili) Gossare – French Boarding Assistant
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Erin Van Tam – School Nurse (maternity cover)
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Three new lifeguards: Josh White, Alfie Cartwright and Dillon Raja.
CURRENT STAFF CHANGES
Junior School
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Chloe Burton - internal promotion to SEMH Junior School LSA
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Shabana Butt – becomes a permanent, full-time, Junior School teacher.
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All Teaching Assistants are now Learning Support Assistants, bringing them into line with the Senior School - we will communicate more fully details of the new Inclusion Team at the start of the new Academic Year
Senior School
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Connor Vincent - becomes our Teacher of LAMDA/Performing Arts & Saturday Boarding Activity Coordinator; and continues as Resident Tutor.
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Flora Barton has been promoted to Head of Politics in addition to her current History teaching.
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Sarah Davies has been promoted to Acting Head of Maths (for one year).
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Anna Grady, School Nurse, will be going on maternity leave.
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Rebecca Twiston-Davies is stepping down as Head of Year UVI (Year 13); and consequently James See (current Head of LVI (Year 12) is promoted to Second in Sixth Form.
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Martin Goodchild, Director of Music, will be reducing his hours to 0.7.
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Helen Hunt, Lead Teacher of Biology will be reducing her hours to 0.8.
- Simon Cockle, Teacher of English/Film Studies, will be reducing his hours to 0.9.
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Becky Wilson, Teacher of English, will be reducing her hours to 0.2.
We thank our leaving staff for all their hard work during their time at St Chris and wish them all the very best for the future.
I am sure you will join me in congratulating current staff on their respective internal promotions; and that you will also welcome in all our new staff in September.
Senior School & Sixth Form
A Level Exam Results Day: Thursday 14 August
A Level Results will be available for students to collect on Thursday 14 August from 8.30 am until 4.00 pm. Staff will be available between 8.30-10.30 am to offer advice. Results can be collected in person or given over the telephone (01462 650850). Results not collected on the day will be posted first class. Details regarding the appeals process and access to scripts will be included with statement of results. Lastly, please note that if students wish another person to collect their results on their behalf (including their parents), permission for this needs to be given to the School beforehand by the student.
GCSE Exam Results Day: Thursday 21 August
Please be advised that the GCSE results day is on Thursday, 21 August from 8.30 am until 4.00 pm. Results can be collected in person or given over the telephone (01462 650850). Results not collected on the day will be posted first class. Staff will be available between 8.30 - 10.30 am to offer advice. Details regarding the appeals process and access to scripts will be included with statement of results. Lastly, please note that if students wish another person to collect their results on their behalf (including their parents) permission for this needs to be given to the School beforehand by the student.
Junior School
Junior School Clubs
Junior School Clubs for the Autumn Term will be bookable from Thursday 17 July at 10.00am via Evolve.
Junior School Clubs - Autumn Term 2025
Summer Cycle Training for children in Hertfordshire!
Looking for a fun and educational activity for your children? Check out Hertfordshire's comprehensive cycle training programs available in St Albans, Stevenage, Hertford, and Watford. We offer a variety of courses tailored to different skill levels and interests:
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Whether your child is just starting out or looking to improve their cycling skills, we have something for everyone. Join us for an exciting journey on two wheels! For more information please look up your local Cycle Hub: Hertfordshire Cycling, Walking and Wheeling. For Children with SEN please visit our partners at: Herts Disability Sports Foundation
Save the Date! Students Vs Alumni Football Tournament
Friday 19 September 2025
Arrive for 3.30pm for a 4.00pm kick-off
We’re delighted to share an early heads-up for one of the highlights of our Autumn Term calendar – the return of the Students vs Alumni Football Tournament for those students leaving Sixth Form or V Group this summer.
Join us pitch-side as our current students face off against St Chris alumni in a friendly 7-a-side tournament filled with energy, team spirit, and a touch of competitive flair.
The event promises more than just football, with a barbecue, time to reconnect with old friends and staff, and all proceeds going towards our bursary fund, it's a brilliant way to celebrate the strength and generosity of our St Chris community.
Whether you're keen to play or prefer to cheer from the sidelines, we’d love to see you there.
Wellbeing Hub
At St Chris, we’re proud to empower our staff and families to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people through The Wellbeing Hub — an innovative online platform offering expert guidance and practical resources.
Parents and guardians are warmly invited to register for access via the button below. Once signed up, you'll find a wide range of support at your fingertips — including podcasts, online courses, live events, and Q&A sessions with leading professionals in the field.
To help you make the most of the platform, a monthly round-up will be delivered directly to your inbox, highlighting the latest and most relevant content.
For more details, please read the letter from Lizzie Hedderson, Assistant Head (Pupil Development and Wellbeing), linked here.
Register for the Wellbeing Hub
WEBINAR: Wednesday 16 July, 6:30pm
We all know that children are growing up in a world where technology is seamlessly integrated into their daily lives. From social media to online gaming and AI-powered learning tools, the digital space offers both opportunities and challenges for young minds. This webinar aims to teach you how to build a digitally healthy family culture and how to empower young people online. It will also provide you with practical strategies to help your child/young person navigate the digital world with confidence, resilience, and responsibility.
This session is FREE for all members of The Wellbeing Hub. A recording will be sent via email the next day and will be available on The Wellbeing Hub for one month afterward. Click the link below to register today. NB. Our webinars are run in Microsoft Teams - if you are prompted to 'sign-in' during the registration process, you simply need to enter a valid email address.
Film Makers Summer Workshop
North Herfordshire & Bedfordshire are running FilmClub Workshops on 11-15 August 2025 at Westmill Community Club in Hitchin for students aged 6 to 13.
Does your child like being creative, making films, writing short stories, learn about special effects, would like to build confidence? Or would like to learn the roles of Director, Camera operator & star in their very own film. Working with Green Screens to bring amazing Film results. Just £5.90 per hour (for 15 hours). The film will be fully edited and given to each attendee. Certificate and awards at the end of the week. 5% Sibling discount.
To secure your Childs place now scan the QR code or visit our website! Contact Gill on 07341 305131 with any questions.
Barracudas Summer Holiday Camp!
Monday 28 July - Friday 22 August | For children aged 4½ to 14
Barracudas Holiday Camp is returning to St Chris this summer!
With over 80 exciting activities to choose from each week – including swimming, motorsports, archery, dance, drama, arts & crafts, an aqua slide and so much more – there’s truly something for everyone. Children can tailor their own day across six activity sessions!
⏰ Standard hours: 8:30am–5:30pm
🌅 Optional Early & Late Clubs: 8.00am–6.00pm
💥 Exclusive school discount: Save £20 on a full week or £4 per day with code HSCP25
🔗 Book now: www.barracudas.co.uk
Spaces fill quickly, so don’t miss out – a summer of fun awaits!
The First Week Back
Nursery & Junior School
- Monday 1 September: Staff INSET Day
- Tuesday 2 September: Staff INSET Day
- Wednesday 3 September: I Group (Year 7), Lower Sixth (Year 12) and all new pupils' induction/conference day
- Thursday 4 September: First day of the Academic Year
Senior School & Sixth Form
- Monday 1 September: Staff INSET Day
- Tuesday 2 September: Staff INSET Day
- Wednesday 3 September: I Group (Year 7), Lower Sixth (Year 12) and new all pupils' induction/conference day
- Thursday 4 September: First day of the Academic Year
Autumn Term Diary
Full Autumn Term 2025 Diary Events will be communicated at the beginning of term
Creative Arts Careers Evening
Invitation to Take Part
We are excited to announce a special upcoming event at St Chris: our Creative Arts Careers Evening, taking place in the Autumn Term.
This will be a dedicated evening for students to explore career pathways within the creative sector. We will bring together professionals from across the creative industries – including visual arts, design, digital media, music, theatre, and film – to offer real-world insight and guidance to students considering careers in these fields.
Importantly, this year’s event will also shine a spotlight on the expanding world of creative technology, including areas such as: Game Design and Development, Animation and Visual Effects (VFX), Digital Content Creation – including YouTube, TikTok, and podcasting, Creative Coding and Interactive Media, UX/UI Design and Digital Storytelling.
The event is open to students from Years 10 to 13 at St Chris (IV Group to Upper Sixth), and we will also be inviting students from local schools and colleges. Our aim is to facilitate meaningful, focused conversations between students and creative professionals – enabling our young people to hear directly from the source about what it’s really like to work in the creative arts, how different roles and industries function, and what steps they might take to pursue a future in these areas.
We are currently gathering a team of contributors to take part in the evening, and would love to hear from any parents who work in a creative field and would be willing to share their experience. This might involve joining a subject-specific group to answer student questions, offering insights into your career journey, or simply helping students understand the broader landscape of the creative world.
If you would be interested in taking part – or if you’d like to find out more – please email emma.semple@stchris.co.uk to register your interest.
We hope this event will inspire, inform, and empower our students – and we would be delighted to include voices from within our own creative parent community.
Nursery & Junior
As the term draws to a close, we've enjoyed a brilliant final week filled with sunshine and celebration. Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Summer Gathering – what a wonderful way to end the year together. We also want to say a heartfelt thank you to our Junior School Librarians, who have worked hard all year cataloguing, sorting and recommending books to our readers. Librarian application forms for next year will be available in the new academic year for students in Years 4–6. The Library remains open every day for holiday borrowing – we hope your summer is full of wonderful stories!
| Nursery |
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The Nursery wrapped up the year with a pirate party, joined by their fabulous friends in F Group. There were games, singing, and plenty of joyful noise – the perfect way to celebrate! Later in the week, students gathered for their final Forest School session of the year. Hot chocolate was enjoyed around the fire, and students discussed fire safety, how to start a fire, and where chocolate comes from. The play was full of imagination – from fire engines and train stations to animal adventures and tree stump swings. |
| K Group (Reception) |
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The celebratory hot chocolate on the campfire quickly turned into a cool and splashy water session in Forest School! K Group had a blast using their feet to make footprint art, cooling off their hats, and even creating watery hairstyles. There was drumming, storytelling in the shade, and some very impressive self-swinging techniques. We checked in on our peas and carrots, and even harvested a carrot to try. A brilliant way to end the year as K Groupers! |
| J Group (Year 1) |
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J Group celebrated their final Forest School session with a traditional campfire hot chocolate – and managed to light the fire despite the recent rain! There were caterpillar discoveries, muddy hands, giggles in the grass, and clever seesaw creations in the apple tree. Special mention to Tilly for bravery and to everyone for playing so kindly and cooperatively. A super way to wrap up the term. |
| H Group (Year 2) |
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H Group’s final Forest School session was packed with energy and exploration. They welcomed Margo, who quickly found her feet – literally – as the first to go barefoot! Students tucked into plums from Eleanor’s garden, and invented a “mud sprinkler” using a suspended bucket of ‘chocolate’ mud. From wool-wrapped sticks to cinnabar caterpillars, it was a perfect farewell session. |
| F Group (Year 4) |
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F Group’s final Forest School session featured hot chocolate on the campfire, with Reeva and Sophia helping to light the fire – a proud moment! Students reflected on their confidence and independence with matches and fire safety, and got stuck into gymnastics, nature spotting and imaginative games. It was a lovely way to round off a term of exploration and friendship. |
| E Group (Year 5) |
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The second half of E Group had their turn in Forest School this week. Students challenged themselves with rhythmic clapping stick activities and then ventured into all sorts of creative play. From Milo’s evolving zip wire project to Tobias’s peeled stick-turned-xylophone, it was a session full of problem-solving and imagination. The group also explored plant reproduction and sampled sour apples from the garden! What a fantastic way to end the term. |
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