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.
First of all, well done everyone. You have navigated the first couple of days of a new school year as parents.
I can imagine many of you have had a healthy and heady mixture of nerves, anticipation, excitement, and panic as September approached. All entirely natural. In fact, if there aren’t elements of those feelings swirling about for you or your children, I’d worry more about that.
I remember my first days at school in rather vague terms, but the fallout one year was spectacular. I was starting my first year at primary after oafishly completing my infant tenure, full of glue sticks, painting, times tables and grammar. I was pleased to be moving into a bigger setting with old friends, new kids, bigger playgrounds and the holy grail of a climbing frame and metal slide (in reality it was probably a rusting, tetanus inducing deathtrap but…simpler times!)
I was packed off for the first day, resplendent in an ill-fitting shirt already stained with toothpaste and jam splodges, a hand-me-down jumper from my older brother, and a tie that would soon be used as bandana, whip and lasso. My main memory is confusion. I was put into a class with none of my friends. Everyone was new. I sat on my own and felt a bit lost. The work added to the confusion. We were reading a book called Stig of the Dump, which I couldn’t really understand or even read. I was bemused but got stuck in.
This went on for two days. I told my mum on the second day that I thought I was a bit stupid and that I was stuck with people I didn’t know. On the third day, Mrs Pitts, the formidable headteacher, flew into the class and demanded I get up immediately and go to her office without delay. I assumed it was due to a particularly competitive and increasingly violent game of trip-up Bulldog or perhaps my illegally vinegared conker.
I was for it.
However, it turned out that because I looked like a sort of pre-pubescent André the Giant, I had been put in the class three years ahead of my age. No wonder the book made little sense. I was somehow still blamed and was swiftly and unceremoniously plonked back where I belonged with my mates and with texts I could actually decipher.
I was confused and embarrassed, but the relief is the main memory.
It wasn’t a formative moment, but I remember it clearly and can conjure the feelings of isolation, confusion, disappointment and trepidation quite quickly. It was telling.
The start of things matter, and those moments stick.
One of the reasons we put so much focus on transition, and on making those opening days warm, thoughtful and embracing for your children, is that they help to shape what follows. We are a school determined, almost ruthlessly, to see students as individuals, including those with different needs. That is why we place such importance on connection, but connection with purpose and ambition.
So it has been a real joy to see friendships emerge in the corridors and fields over the last few days. I’ve seen board games pulled out in the Mulberry building, new connections giggling in Arunfield, students squirting their water bottles in hysterics with new friends who were strangers only hours before, small kindnesses in the lunch hall as juniors navigated new food lines, and teachers spending time before and after lessons to make sure students are okay and know where they are meant to be.
All of this matters.
All this builds confidence, resilience and a sense of capability that sits wider than any maths or history lesson.
The American poet Louise Glück wrote, “We look at the world once, in childhood. The rest is memory.” It can sound a bit stark, but she is pushing a truth about how first encounters shape us. After that first look, much of life becomes remembering, replaying and interpreting what we have already seen. At St Chris, our task is to make sure those first looks in each new stage are generous, stretching and full of possibility. This is our moment with our children. It helps to shape and define. Important stuff.
I don’t think I ever finished Stig of the Dump.
Senior School Autumn Co-Curricular Programme
Please find below our co-curricular programme for the Senior School this term. Co-curricular activities are not compulsory, however we strongly encourage our students to take full advantage of the many opportunities available to them. Activities start next week and run from 3.45 to 5.00pm Monday to Thursday. On Friday if students need to stay until 5.00pm they can join Homework Club in the Mulberry building. Sign-up went live via Evolve earlier today (accessed via My School Portal.)
Activities in this booklet are organised into the following categories in order to allow you to develop a varied co-curricular programme or to focus on the areas students love:
- Physical Activities & Sports
- Skills and Challenges
- Creative Arts
- Performing Arts
- Wellbeing and Community
- Science, Technology, Maths and Engineering
- Curriculum or Subject Focused
Notices
Whole School
Entry to Main Reception
Over the Summer holidays we installed a new entry system to the Main Reception door in the Senior School. To be let in, all visitors now need to press the buzzer located on the control panel on the right hand side. Once the buzzer is pressed, Reception will be able to let you in. Once the door has been released, please push the door (do not try to pull it.)
Shape of The Day - Reminder
Nursery
Junior School
Senior 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
Our Autumn Term Community swim sessions commence from next Monday, 8 September as below:
- Parent & Staff swims on Tuesdays 07.15-08.30, Wednesday at the new time of 07.15-08.30; and on Fridays at 07.15-08.30; and
- Sunday Family Swim at 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 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.
Masters Swim Session
Our Masters level swimming classes will be returning for the Autumn term however these will be at an amended schedule for this term only. The classes will run on alternate Mondays from 12.00-13.00 starting from Monday 15 September.
The sessions will be led by Alice Barnes, a St Chris swim teacher and coach with extensive experience (including personal participation) in competitive swimming, triathlons and open water events. Training will be centred around enhancing fitness, stamina and technique, predominantly focusing on front crawl. To be eligible for the sessions, you must be able to swim a minimum of 200m continuously in one of the four main strokes.
For further details, session dates and to sign up to the sessions, please complete this form
Adult Beginner and Improver Class:
Following the success of our Adult Beginner and Improver classes last year, we are excited to be able to offer these sessions again for Autumn term. Sessions will take place every Tuesday, starting Tuesday 16 September (excluding the half term).
These classes are suitable for beginners just starting out in their swimming, through to improvers looking to refine technique or learn a new stroke in a supportive and encouraging environment.
For further details, lessons costs and all term dates, please email sarah.armstrong@stchris.co.uk
ESSA Boys Secondary Team Gala : Friday 19 September 2025
We have begun the process of identifying potential swimmers for the ESSA Boys Secondary Team gala taking place on Friday 19 September. Jenny White will be in touch next week with swimmers who may be interested in particpating in the gala but if there are any swimmers who would be keen to participate or any new students who would like to be considered for the team, please email jenny.white@stchris.co.uk details of your preferred stroke and any relevant times you have acheieved.
Staffing Update
We updated parents at the end of the last term on staffing changes this Academic Year, but there have been some additional changes over the Summer holidays, as below:
Leavers
-
Aleksandra Kukielka in Payroll, who was covering Cleo Headland's maternity leave, has left and until Cleo returns from her maternity, Clive Eggs has returned to St Chris to help Finance out this term on a part-time basis.
-
Elena Sapsford, Individual Needs Assistant, also left and Laurene Lee (Teacher of MFL) will be covering her MFL teaching until Edel Davies's return from maternity leave in November.
-
Suzanne Spaven has stepped down as Counsellor and we are currently recruiting her replacement.
We thank them all for their work at St Chris and wish them all the very best in their future plans.
Unfortunately, Lihmarra Ogilvie (LSA linked to EHCP) and Erin Van Tam (School Nurse, maternity cover) will now not be joining us and we are currently re-advertising for these posts.
Changes
- Simon Holmes has taken on the role of Director of Operations. Simon will focus fully on the operational running of the school and ensuring that our systems and day-to-day functions are working at their very best. He will also ensure that the significant area of compliance is at the forefront of the work we do as an organisation.
New Staff
Junior School
We are delighted to welcome the following new members of staff to St Chris:
-
Annette Keech – Junior School Teacher (part-time)
-
Yuliana Dimitrova – Early Years Educator
-
Kayleigh Howell – Early Years Educator
-
Laura Smith – LSA linked to EHCP
-
Due to a last-minute increase in D Group (Year 6) student numbers it was necessary to appoint an additional teacher over the summer holidays and we have appointed Rachael Mileham who will be starting after October half term, subject to safer recruitment checks.
Senior School
- Princess Curtis-Broni - Head of AI, Computer Science and Technological Innovation
- Lucy Valerio - SEMH Senior School
- Ines Holguin – Spanish Gap student
- Lili Gossare – French Gap student
- New lifeguards: Josh White, Alfie Cartwright and Dillon Raja; and lastly
- We have appointed a new part-time Finance Strategy Lead, who will be starting with us as soon and we will let you have details of the postholder shortly.
Governors
I am delighted to announce two new additions to our Governing Board:
-
Georgiy (George) Danilenko: George took his GCSEs at St Chris in 2017-2019. He is currently working in London in investment banking.
-
Aashish (Ash) Bansal: Ash is a GP and has two children in the Senior School.
Junior School
Meet the Teacher
Our ‘Meet the Teacher’ evening takes place on Monday 8 September from 6.00 to 7.00pm. This is a parents-only event and we kindly ask that no children attend.
During the evening, your child’s class teacher will share key information about the term ahead, including curriculum highlights, class routines, expectations, and timetables. It’s a great opportunity to find out more about your child’s school day and ask any questions you may have.
Please come directly to the Junior School for the event.
Please note we will also be running a Preloved Stall at the event in the foyer - which will include PE kits, wellies etc. If you have any items to donate to the stall please leave them in the box outside the Junior School Reception.
Clubs and Wraparound Care
Our after-school clubs and wraparound care provision begins on Monday 8 September. If your child is attending after-school care, please make sure you have booked their place in advance by emailing jswraparound@stchris.co.uk.
If you have any questions about clubs or wraparound care please do email Jo in the Junior School Office: joanna.pitts@stchris.co.uk
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
Week commencing 1st September - Podcast: Puberty and adolescent changes for boys with Amy Forbes-Robertson, Author and Founding Director of It Happens Education.
Autumn Term Diary
Monday 8 September | Nursery & Junior School Meet the Teacher, 6.00 - 7.00 pm |
Thursday 11 September | Lower Sixth (Year 12) Bonding Trip |
Friday 12 September | Lower Sixth (Year 12) Bonding Trip |
Saturday 13 September | Boarders' Trip: Orienteering |
Monday 15 September | Junior School Apple Day |
Tuesday 16 September |
Junior School Apply Day GCSE & A Level Drama Trip to see Operation Mincemeat |
Wednesday 17 September |
IV Group (Year 10) GCSE Art Trip Parliament Talk to Senior School Junior School BMX Workshop |
Thursday 18 September | Sixth Form Oxford Visit |
Friday 19 September |
Sixth Form Oxford Visit Alumni Football Tournament Junior School Parent Forum |
Saturday 20 September | Boarders' Trip: Go Ape at Alexandra Palace |
Monday 22 September |
Junior School Peace One Day GCSE & A Level Business & Economics Trip to Cadbury World |
Tuesday 23 September | Senior School Adviser Parents' Consultation Evening |
Wednesday 24 September |
Senior School & Sixth Form Open Day Senior School Adviser Parents' Consultation Evening |
Thursday 25 September | Silver DofE Qualifying Expedition |
Friday 26 September |
McMillan Coffee Morning Silver DofE Qualifying Expedition I Group (Year 7) Bonding Trip |
Saturday 27 September |
Silver DofE Qualifying Expedition Boarders' Trip: Homesteading |
Tuesday 30 September | Sixth Form Gold DofE Qualifying Expedition |
Wednesday 1 October |
Sixth Form Gold DofE Qualifying Expedition IV Group - Sixth Form (Years 10-13) Music Recital |
Thursday 2 October |
Sixth Form Gold DofE Qualifying Expedition Nursery & Junior School Open House G Group (Year 3) trip to Anglesey Abbey |
Friday 3 October |
Sixth Form Gold DofE Qualifying Expedition Flu Vaccinations |
Saturday 4 October |
Boarders' Trip: Seaside Adventure in Brighton Sixth Form Gold DofE Qualifying Expedition |
Sunday 5 October | Standalone 10K Race |
Monday 6 October |
E Group (Year 5) Visit to the National Space Centre Sixth Form Conference: UCAS Create Your Future |
Tuesday 7 October |
Solutions Not Sides Discussion Senior School LSP Information Evening |
Wednesday 8 October |
H Group (Year 2) Visit to Hitchin British SchooSenior School Open Days for current E & D Group (Years 5 & 6) families A Level Biology Field Trip III Group (Year 9) Battlefields Trip I Group (Year 7) Parents' Consultations |
Thursday 9 October |
A Level Biology Field Trip III Group (Year 9) Battlefields Trip |
Friday 10 October |
Knit and Stitch Trip A Level Biology Field Trip III Group (Year 9) Battlefields Trip |
Saturday 11 October | Garden City Gambit VEX Robotics Competition |
Tuesday 14 October |
J Group (Year 1) Trip to Wimpole Senior School & Sixth Form Open Day |
Thursday 16 October |
D Group (Year 6) Trip to Sky Studios V Group (Year 11) Parents' Consultations |
Monday 20 October | half-term |
Tuesday 21 October | half-term |
Wednesday 22 October | half-term |
Thursday 23 October | half-term |
Friday 24 October | half-term |
Monday 27 October | half-term |
Tuesday 28 October | half-term |
Wednesday 29 October | half-term |
Thursday 30 October |
half-term Chicago rehearsals |
Friday 31 October |
half-term Chicago rehearsals |
Tuesday 4 November | IV Group (Year 10) Parents' Consultations |
Wednesday 5 November | II Group (Year 8) Trip to London Docklands |
Thursday 6 November |
Nursery & Junior School Open House F Group (Year 4) Visit to the British Museum |
Friday 7 November | III Group (Year 9) Gothic Tales Performance |
Saturday 8 November | 3D Design Saturday SHED |
Sunday 9 November | Chicago Technical Rehearsal 1 |
Monday 10 November | Lower Sixth (Year 12) Art Trip to Tate Britain |
Saturday 16 November | Chicago Technical Rehearsal 2 |
Monday 17 November | Chicago Dress Rehearsal 1 |
Tuesday 18 November | Chicago Dress Rehearsal 2 |
Thursday 20 November |
Junior School Book Fair Illustration Workshop Chicago Performance |
Friday 21 November |
Junior School Book Fair Chicago Performance |
Saturday 22 November |
Chicago Performance (matinee) Chicago Performance (evening) |
Monday 24 November |
Junior School Book Fair Lower Sixth (Year 12) Politics Conference V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
Tuesday 25 November |
Junior School Book Fair V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
Wednesday 26 November | V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
Thursday 27 November |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams A Level Psychology Conference III Group (Year 9) GCSE Options Information Evening |
Friday 28 November |
Lower Sixth (Year 12) Creative Process Lecture Deadline for Bursary & Art Scholarship Applications V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
Monday 1 December | V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
Tuesday 2 December |
Nursery & Junior School Open House V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
Wednesday 3 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams Early Years & KS1 Nativity 1 |
Thursday 4 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams Early Years & KS1 Nativity 2 Community Christmas Tea |
Friday 5 December | V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
Monday 8 December |
Flu Vaccinations (catch up session) V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
Tuesday 9 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams Senior School Christmas Concert |
Wednesday 10 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams II Group (Year 8) Pantomime Trip Junior School Gathering |
Thursday 11 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams I Group (Year 7) and Sixth Form (Years 12 & 13) Ice Skating Junior School Gathering |
Friday 12 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams Last day of Autumn Term 2025 |
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 Spring 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.