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.
One of the biggest treats you could have as a little boy, if you came from deepest, darkest Somerset, was the regular school visit to Bristol Zoo. You will, of course, have to remember that this was the 1980s, and the zoo in reality was a deeply troubling place. Small cages, depressed polar bears and the odd irritated and irrational emperor penguin were your job lot, but it was out of the classroom, and we were able to bring sweets on board the diesel-stinking coach.
On one trip, my best pal at the time, Geoffrey and I found the chimp enclosure, and we were greeted by a rather disruptive, aggressive and argumentative cluster of chimps. Some arguing, some preening and some doing things that should be saved for the bedroom. We were entranced by it all – how human-like and how ruthless and disruptive. I always remembered it, as I imagine did our teacher, who quickly dragged us away from the impromptu show. I was in stitches. I even drew a sketch which resulted in a series of well-deserved detentions…
I have a friend who worked with chimps for a large period of his professional life, and he would often regale me with tales of his time hand-rearing chimps and living with abandoned babies. He once talked about a time that he had gotten sloppy and stepped between one he had brought up and a potential mate. Shockingly, he was drop-kicked about 8 feet and then it went in for the kill. Luckily, nobody was harmed, but he was understandably shaken. It was a pivotal moment for him. He had misunderstood, mistimed and dropped his practice. Where was the empathy? Where was the chimp’s understanding of their relationship? Where was its compassion?
DNA-wise, chimps are about 98.8% the same as us. But the 1.2% makes all the difference. It is where sophistication, compassion, critical thought, nuance, and yes, sometimes absolute folly, sit. That 1.2% is the bit that writes symphonies, paints murals, creates code, kicks balls, generates balance, sends rockets to the moon, and argues endlessly on WhatsApp. It’s the margin where humanity becomes messy and brilliant.
And in many ways, that is the territory we work in as a school. Our job is not to produce carbon copies trained to perform the same set of routines. It is to lean into the 1.2%; the unpredictable spark, the individuality, the creativity, the difficult question, the challenge to the norm. That’s the bit that can’t be contained in neat cages or tick-box assessments. It’s also the bit that takes patience, empathy, and courage to nurture.
Primate expert Jane Goodall passed away this week, and my pal was rather sad but was so impressed that she was STILL working at 91. She didn’t just watch chimps. She lived with them. She didn’t just study them. She listened to them, named them and understood them as individuals, not data points. In doing so she changed not just primatology but the way we think about ourselves as humans.
At the time, many scientists dismissed her. They told her she was wrong to give chimps names instead of numbers, wrong to suggest they had emotions, wrong to say they used tools. And of course, many men told her she simply should not be doing the work at all.
Her legacy is a challenge to us. She showed the courage to see beyond cages and categories, to sit with the chaos and the beauty, and to recognise that empathy is as valuable as analysis.
Goodall spent her life watching closely enough to see that every chimp had its own personality and story. We must do the same with our young people. Not reducing them to exam results or league table positions, but noticing who they are, what makes them different, and how those differences enrich the whole.
That’s why a place like St Chris matters. Because here, the 1.2% is not an inconvenience to be managed, I guess its kind of the whole point.
Goodall once said, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
Not a bad way to finish. It was either that or a sketch...
Wellbeing Update
Sign Up for the 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 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.
WELLBEING HUB LOG INRegister for the Wellbeing Hub
This Week on the Wellbeing Hub
World Mental Health Day - Friday 10 October
The week aims to empower, equip, and amplify the voices of all children and young people.
Register for The Wellbeing Hub to access lots of great resources for the week!
Notices
Whole School
Care4Calais Appeal
Care4Calais, the charity we supported over the summer, is now calling for donations of warm clothing as the weather turns colder. They are especially in need of coats and waterproofs for men aged 16 and over.
Calling All Old Maps!
The 3D Department is planning a series of craft projects using old maps. If you have any at home that you no longer need, we would be delighted to give them a new life.
Barracudas Half Term Activities; 27-30 October
Barracudas Activity Camp is back at St Chris this October half term, running from 27–30 October, for children aged 4 to 14.
Floating Sound Bath at St Chris
Join Claire White of Heart Led Sounds for a calming floating sound bath in our swimming pool.
- Dates: 5 & 19 October, 9 & 23 November, 7 December
- Time: 4.30pm–5.45pm
- Cost: £45 per session, or £191.25 for all five (15% discount)
During the session you will:
- Float on a mattress while listening to crystal bowls, gongs and chimes
Please note:
- Comfy clothes recommended (you won’t be in the water directly)
- Guided onto and off your mattress at the start and end
- 2 lifeguards present for reassurance
- No experience needed – just come with an open mind
Claire White – 07702 110939
EMAIL CLAIRE TO BOOK & MORE INFORMATION
Parents and Carers Information Session: Understanding Self-Harm and Recovery
We are pleased to invite parents and carers to an online information session on Tuesday 7 October, 7.00–9.00pm via Zoom, focusing on the sensitive and important topic of self-harm and recovery.
The session will be led by a guest speaker — a clinician from Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). They will share their expertise to help families better understand self-harm, explore pathways to recovery, and provide practical advice on how to support young people with compassion and care.
This session is designed to offer reassurance, guidance and a safe space for parents and carers to gain insight and ask questions.
Nursery & Junior School
Read with the Librarians
We are starting Read with the Librarians sessions on Monday from 8.00 to 8.30am for our younger students. If you would like a calmer start to your week, pop into the Library for a story — the Librarians are ready and waiting!
Of course, everyone is welcome to visit the Library. We are open every morning from 8.00 to 8.30am, as well as during Big Breaks on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Senior School & Sixth Form
Senior School LSP Information Evening - Tuesday 7 October; Theatre
- I, II and II Group (Years 7, 8 and 9) 6.00pm
- IV Group, V Group and Lower Sixth (Years 10, 11 and 12) 7.00pm
Come along and hear about our late summer residential programme for 2026. We will be giving as much detail as we can about destinations, accommodation, food and activities to allow you to make an informed decision about your child's participation in LSP. You will also hear from pupils who attended the trips last year. Please do bring your child along as well so they can hear all about their trip and ask any questions. For those who are unable to make it on the day we will be recording the event and putting it in the Roundup on Friday. Unfortunately we are not able to livestream the event.
Staff Spotlight
Angela Westwood
Learning Support Assistant (Autism Specialist)
From Hostage Negotiator to Autism Specialist: Meet Angela Westwood
After 17 years in the police force, Angela has brought her skills, compassion and calm to her role supporting students at St Chris.
Guided by both professional expertise and personal experience as a mum to two autistic sons, Angela helps our students feel safe, understood and confident every day.
The Week Ahead
Nursery & Junior School
- Monday 6 October: E Group (Year 5) Visit to the National Space Centre; Morning Talk on Dyslexia.
- Wednesday 8 October: H Group (Year 2) Visit to Hitchin British Schools; Senior School Open Days for current E & D Group (Years 5 & 6) families
- Friday 10 October: G Group (Year 3) visit to Anglesey Abbey
Senior School & Sixth Form
- Monday 6 October: Sixth Form Conference: UCAS Create Your Future
- Tuesday 7 October: Senior School Solutions Not Sides Discussion; Senior School LSP Information Evening
- Wednesday 8 October: 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; III Group (Year 9) Football vs HBS (home)
Senior Football vs Priory (away)
- 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 - CANCELLED
Autumn Term Diary
| Tuesday 14 October |
J Group (Year 1) Trip to Wimpole Senior School & Sixth Form Open Day II Group (Year 8) Basketball vs Priory (home) |
| Wednesday 15 October | IV Group (Year 10) Basketball vs Priory (away) |
| Thursday 16 October |
D Group (Year 6) Trip to Sky Studios Sixth Form Open Evening for Year 11 |
| Friday 17 October |
School finishes for half-term (Junior School 3.30pm, Senior School 3.40pm) |
| Monday 20 October to Friday 31 October | half-term |
| Thursday 30 October |
Chicago rehearsals (during half-term) |
| Friday 31 October |
Chicago rehearsals (during half-term) |
| Monday 3 November | School begins for second half-term |
| Tuesday 4 November | IV Group (Year 10) Parents' Consultations |
| Wednesday 5 November |
II Group (Year 8) Trip to London Docklands III Group (Year 9) Football vs Nobel (away) U11 Girls' Football (home) |
| Thursday 6 November |
Nursery & Junior School Open House IV Group (Year 10) Football vs HBS (home) Senior Football vs Fearnhill (away) |
| Friday 7 November |
F Group (Year 4) Visit to the British Museum 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 IV Group (Year 10) Football vs Fearnhill (home) |
| Tuesday 11 November | District Cross Country (away) |
| Wednesday 12 November | II Group (Year 8) Basketball vs KTS (away) |
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Thursday 13 November |
U11 Netball vs St Francis (away) I & II Group (Years 7 & 8) Football vs HBS (home) |
| Saturday 16 November | Chicago Technical Rehearsal 2 |
| Monday 17 November | Chicago Dress Rehearsal 1 |
| Tuesday 18 November | Chicago Dress Rehearsal 2 |
| Wednesday 19 November | III Group (Year 9) Basketball vs KTS (home) |
| Thursday 20 November |
Junior School Book Fair Illustration Workshop Chicago Performance 1 II Group (Year 8) Football vs Priory (home) Senior Basketball vs Nobel (away) |
| Friday 21 November |
Junior School Book Fair Chicago Performance 2 |
| Saturday 22 November |
Robotics Competition - Coventry Chicago Performance 3 (matinee) Chicago Performance 4 (evening) |
| Monday 24 November |
Junior School Book Fair Lower Sixth (Year 12) Politics Conference V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams Senior Basketball vs HBS (away) |
| 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 II Group (Year 8) Basketball vs Barnwell (away) |
| 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 |
| Saturday 29 November | Robotics Competition - London |
| 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 I & II Group (Years 7 & 8) Rugby vs KTS (home) |
| Thursday 4 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams Early Years & KS1 Nativity 2 Community Christmas Tea III & IV Group (Years 9 & 10) Rugby vs KTS (home) |
| 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 III Group (Year 9) Basketball vs Marriotts (home) |
| 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 Senior Football vs KTS (away) II Group (Year 8) Football vs Barclay (home) |
| Friday 12 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams Last day of Autumn Term 2025 - term ends at 1200 noon |
| Monday 15 December to Monday 5 January | Christmas Holidays (school closed) |
| Monday 5 January | Staff INSET |
| Tuesday 6 January | First day of Spring Term |
Careers Newsletter
Edition #5
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.
Please see Edition 5 below. If you have any further questions about Career Related Learning at St Chris, please contact Lizzie Hedderson.
Major Officals - Recycle Week
Daniel Dasilva
Major Officials - Chair of Be Green
Recycling: Thinking Beyond the Bin
Exploring Innovative Solutions for a Greener Future
From copper in whisky to steel, glass and wind turbines; Recycle Week inspired us to think differently about how materials can find new life.
During Recycle Week, Daniel led the school community in exploring how recycling goes far beyond bottles and bins. In his Friday morning talk and through a fascinating “Lunch & Learn” with university researchers, he invited us all to think differently about waste, innovation and solutions for the future.
From the unexpected by-products of whisky making, to the challenges of recycling steel, glass and even wind turbine blades, Daniel’s report showcases the creativity and determination needed to build a more sustainable world.
We invite you to read Daniel’s summary below – it’s an inspiring reflection of how our young people are engaging with some of the biggest challenges of our time.
Nursery & Junior
| Junior School Coffee Morning! |
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A big thank you to all the parents who joined us for our Junior School Macmillan Coffee Morning last Friday, raising over £200. It was a lovely opportunity for our community to come together, share coffee and conversation, and support such a wonderful cause. We are so grateful for the warmth and generosity shown — a true celebration of community spirit. |
| Monte (Nursery) |
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The Nursery children have been exploring their senses this week. They used their noses to identify a variety of different smells and enjoyed making their own fruit salad. The children also had the opportunity to taste a range of fruits, including mango, passion fruit, figs, and physalis. |
| K Group (Reception) - From Orchard to Crumble |
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This week, Reception enjoyed a wonderful experience in Forest School where they were joined by a few Sixth Form students. Together, they picked cooking apples ready to be made into a delicious apple crumble for lunch in the dining hall. The older students peeled and chopped the fruit, while K Group students passed apples carefully from tree to ladder to box, working as a team to collect three full boxes. |
| J Group (Year 1) |
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Year 1 explored the idea of biodiversity at Forest School, discussing all the creatures we share our orchard, school, and planet with. Students then took on the challenge of building a ladder using a pallet, problem-solving how to make it safe and secure. A lively game of tug of war followed, where they tested different team sizes, adding a touch of maths into the fun. In PHSE, the students reflected on emotions—thinking about how we feel, how we can recognise how others are feeling, and who we can trust to talk to when we need support. |
| H Group (Year 2) |
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It was a creative week for Year 2, who have been writing their very own fables. Each student did a fantastic job and shared their stories with pride by reading them aloud to the class. Their imagination and storytelling skills shone through brilliantly. |
| G Group (Year 3) |
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Year 3 took part in an exciting treasure hunt to learn more about France and Paris, showing excellent teamwork, kindness, and enthusiasm throughout. At Forest School later in the week, the students noticed the signs of the changing season—from fewer leaves on the trees to beetles in the grass. Knot-tying was a big focus, with hammocks and branches providing the perfect practice spaces. As always, imaginative play was at the heart of their afternoon, alongside developing attentive listening skills. |
| F Group (Year 4) |
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Year 4 began their week with a memorable trip to Anglesey Abbey. Students spent the day exploring the grounds—climbing, building dens, collecting treasures, and enjoying the autumn colours. They shared picnics, worked collaboratively, and had plenty of time to wander and chat together, making the most of a wonderful outdoor learning experience. |
| Wraparound Care at St Chris |
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We know that family life can be busy - that’s why we offer Wraparound Care before and after school for Junior School children from Nursery to Year 6. Our Wraparound Care provides a calm, homely space at the start and end of each day, helping children to feel settled and cared for while parents enjoy peace of mind. Students can relax, play, or join in seasonal activities - a gentle transition into and out of the school day. Breakfast Club (7.30am–8.00am)
After School Care (3.30pm–6.30pm)
👉 To book, please email jswraparound@stchris.co.uk or call 01462 650962. |
Senior & Sixth
Arunwood Update
It’s wonderful to see Arunwood coming back to life as the term gets underway. This year we have launched our BTEC in Animal Care for students in the IV Group (Year 10), and their very first project has been to help develop our new reptile room. We were delighted to welcome its first inhabitant this week – a beautiful leopard gecko, named Echo by the students.
Environmental Studies continues for the I and II Groups (Year 7 & Year 8), and this year we have also extended it to the III Group (Year 9). Our I Group pupils made the most of the last of the summer sunshine by building a bonfire and enjoying some s’mores.
Robotics is back!
Our Sixth Form Robotics team have retired the mighty Snowflakes in order to focus on their A Levels this year, but that hasn’t stopped them from inspiring younger students and training up their successors.
Welcome, then, the St Chris "Icicles" – a team made up of students in Years 8, 9 and 10 – who had their first competition on Saturday. The opening tournament of the season took place at The John Warner School in Hoddesdon, where the Icicles made an impressive showing, reaching all the way to the semi-finals.
They are now back in their brand-new Robotics space, making adjustments and refining tactics, ready for the next contest.
In addition, some of our I Group students have already been bitten by the Robotics bug and have formed a VEX IQ team who will compete in the Middle School league. It’s safe to say that the legacy of the Snowflakes is secure for the future.
Boarding Update
Saturday Boarding Trips – Theme: The Great Outdoors
This half term’s Saturday trips have been all about the great outdoors.
In the first week, we went punting in Cambridge. The following week, we enjoyed a hike with Joe's dog. Last week, the group headed to Go Ape, and this week we collected honey and eggs from Arunwood. The eggs and honey were then put to good use, with students baking delicious honey biscuits and cakes.
II Group Netball: First League Match
The II Group team (Year 8; including Elizabeth, Sophia, Isla and Libby) played their first League match this week. Unfortunately, illness meant the team was reduced to just six players — with two very kind I Groupers, Casey and Eva, stepping in at the last minute to help, despite not yet having played a I Group (Year 7) match themselves!
Their opponents, Hitchin Girls' School, proved formidable and towered at least two feet taller, but the team showed great determination. They worked hard throughout the game and managed to reduce the score in the second half. Well done, girls!
St Chris Hosts Netball Tournament with Duban Warriors
On Sunday, our V Group (Year 11) Netball Team, led by School Netball Captain Stella, and our IV Group Team, guided by LVI Captain Jen Bunker, took part in a tournament we hosted at St Chris to welcome the Duban Warriors Netball team from South Africa. As you would expect from a southern hemisphere club side, their standard of play was outstanding. I was especially proud of our IV Group Team for securing 5th place and our V Group Team for finishing as Runners Up in the tournament.
The atmosphere was fantastic, with Priory, KTS and St Francis also joining us to play — and of course, everyone enjoyed scones and jam afterwards! A big thank you as well to our four II Group (Year 8) students, Elizabeth, Libby, Anya and Sophia, who supported the event by helping with the running of the tournament and with refreshments.
Music Recital Success!
Students from IV group through to Sixth Form performed in a recital evening on Wednesday. A number of the students were performing for the very first time and their ability shone through despite their nerves. It was a wonderful showcase of the hard work that students have been putting into their instrumental and vocal studies in only a few weeks since the start of term.
International Language Day at St Chris
This morning’s Morning Talk was led by our Head of Modern Languages, Cyrille Simon, in celebration of International Language Day. Cyrille spoke about the many benefits of speaking more than one language, before playing recordings of students sharing words and phrases in their native languages. The rest of the school had the fun challenge of guessing which language was being spoken — a wonderful way to celebrate the diversity of our community.
