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.
Earlier this week a couple of students came to see me. Not about lunch queues, WiFi, exam timetables or LSP. Something more pressing.
Who did I, as Head, think killed JFK?
In some ways, perhaps, easier to address than the lunch queue. I did have to work quite hard to hide my interest in the question.
When I was younger, I had a habit of becoming completely absorbed by things. If I am honest, not much has changed. At the moment, it is the genius of Bob Mortimer, the pursuit of a genuinely excellent Greek salad outside of Greece, and why some mornings it feels like I am still swimming through treacle. When I was younger, the list included the Shroud of Turin, what really happened to Amelia Earhart, Yetis, why Nick Drake sounded so full of longing, and yes, who shot JFK.
So, I did what most people do. I gave a slightly vague answer. I mentioned the usual suspects. I signposted a few books and films. Then something unexpected happened. Both students questioned the authenticity of the infamous Zapruder film of the shooting itself and suggested it was “clearly AI rubbish”.
That stopped me.
Because here we are, in a world where young people are not just asking what is true, but whether anything they see can be trusted…at all.
And the twist is, the research suggests they are right to be cautious… but not always right in how they apply it.
Studies show that many young people struggle to reliably distinguish between real and false information online, particularly when it looks convincing or aligns with something they already believe. At the same time, most of them get a significant chunk of their news from platforms like YouTube or TikTok, where the line between expertise and opinion is, at best, blurry.
Even more interesting, and slightly worrying, is that we all tend to think we are better at spotting misinformation than we actually are. Confidence is high. Accuracy, less so.
So we end up in a strange place.
A generation growing up surrounded by more information than any before it, but with less shared agreement about what is actually true. A world where images can be generated, voices cloned, and stories amplified before anyone has had time to check them. A culture where the question is no longer “Is this true?” but “Do I believe this?”
And if we are honest, adults are not exactly covering ourselves in glory here either.
We talk about a “post-truth” world as if it is something that has happened to young people. It has not. It is something we have built, and they are now trying to navigate.
So what does that mean for us as a school?
I think it sharpens our purpose. Not to become arbiters of truth, standing at the front declaring what is right and wrong, but to equip young people with the habits and instincts to work it out for themselves.
To pause before sharing.
To ask, “Who made this, and why?”
To check more than one source.
To be comfortable saying, “I am not sure yet.”
And perhaps most importantly, to develop the confidence to change our mind when new evidence comes along. Because that, I guess, is where truth still lives. Not in certainty but the willingness to keep testing.
There is a real risk that cynicism becomes the default setting. That everything is dismissed as fake, manipulated or “AI rubbish”. It feels quite sophisticated to say that.
But total cynicism is just as dangerous as blind belief. If everything is false, then nothing matters. And if nothing matters, then we stop thinking altogether.
That is not a place we want our young people, or ourselves, to end up.
So perhaps the real question is not “Who shot JFK?” it is….
How do we stay curious without becoming gullible?
How do we stay sceptical without becoming cynical?
How do we hold onto truth in a world that makes it increasingly easy to distort?
No small task, but I reckon a worthwhile one.
Because in the end, the aim is not to raise children who have all the answers. It is to raise young people who know how to ask better questions than the adults in the room.
And, ideally, who are just a little bit less certain than they were five minutes ago.
Which, come to think of it, might be the most honest position any of us can take. Even on JFK.
Although, if I am honest, most of us have always been far more likely to believe something that confirms what we already think rather than something that challenges it.
AI did not invent that…it just made it faster.
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.
Upcoming Events
Live Q&A: with Dr Maryann on 5 May 2026 @ 1:00 pm (GMT)
A live expert-led Q&A session and ask any question you need about wellbeing and parenting.
24-Hour Charity Run - We're Off!
This morning at 8.30am the starting gun went for the first runners taking part in the St Chris 24-Hour Run, organised by our Major Officials in support of Prostate Cancer UK.
The runners - students, staff and animals alike - have made solid progress so far and the laps are ticking up!
In a brilliant display of community spirit, the whole school was on the field at 10.30am with students from the Nursery to Upper Sixth moving around the track together.
The boarders and Sixth Form students (and staff!) are taking on the tricky night shift later. Please do follow the school's Instagram account to keep up with how they're doing - and whether they'll beat last year's distance - and to send your support. They'll keep going until 8.30am tomorrow morning and so far as a school we've made it from Letchwroth to Rome!
And of course, if you would really like to show your support, the students are trying to raise as much money as possible for Prostate Cancer UK. Please follow the link below to donate. Thank you!
Good luck to everyone taking part.
What's On Summer Term
Please find a handy printable calendar containing events taking place this term.
As a reminder, the school calendar can be found on My School Portal, and you can subscribe to the whole calendar (or different sections based on year group) and sync it with your personal online calendar.
Notices
Whole School
Volunteers Needed: Mock Interview Day
On Tuesday 30 June, our IV Group (Year 10) students will take part in their first Mock Interview Day as part of their careers learning programme. We are looking for parents, guardians and members of the St Chris community who could offer a little time to support the day by interviewing students and sharing brief, constructive feedback.
This is a valuable opportunity for students to practise presenting themselves, speaking with confidence and reflecting on their strengths as they begin to explore future pathways. Volunteers are welcome to join us for the whole day or part of the day.
If you feel you could help - or know someone who might be able to - please do get in touch with Lizzie Hedderson (Assistant Head, Pupil Development and Wellbeing) - lizzie.hedderson@stchris.co.uk. Your support will make a real difference to the experience our students gain from the day.
Family Lives Workshops
We are pleased to share a series of online parenting groups and workshops running this summer term through Family Lives, funded by Hertfordshire County Council and available to parents and carers living in Hertfordshire or with a child attending a Hertfordshire school.
These sessions offer practical guidance, reassurance and strategies to support children and young people at different stages of development.
Programmes this term include:
- Bringing Up Confident ADHD/ASD Children: Thursdays, 14 May – 25 June (7.00-9.00pm)
- Less Shouting, More Cooperation: Wednesdays, 13 May – 24 June (7.00-9.00pm or Mondays, 1 June – 6 July (9.30- 1.30am)
- Getting on with your Pre-Teen/Teenager: Fridays, 5 June – 10 July (9.30-11.30am)
Additional online workshops (dates to be confirmed):
- Anxiety around ADHD
- Reducing Conflict
- Sibling Rivalry
Parents and carers can book a place using the referral form linked on the flyer:
Senior School and Sixth Form
School Lunches
To help us manage catering more accurately, we have recently introduced a daily lunch list for Senior School students. This follows a review which showed that a number of students were regularly taking school lunches without being signed up for them.
Our priority is always that no student goes without food during the school day. If a student does not have a packed lunch, they will still be able to eat as normal, and the meal will simply be added to the family bill.
If you would like your child to have a school lunch as part of their routine, please email billings@stchris.co.uk to opt in. This helps us plan provision carefully while making sure everyone is supported.
Ski Trip 2027 - Spain
We are delighted to be launching the February Half Term 2027 Ski Trip to Alp 2500 (La Molina & Masella), Spain, open to students who will be in III Group - LVI (Years 9 - 12) in 2026-2027. It promises to be a fantastic week, combining excellent skiing, engaging evening activities and a cultural visit to Barcelona before returning home.
Students will enjoy:
- Five hours of ski instruction each day across terrain suitable for all abilities
- A full programme of evening activities, including swimming, bowling, ice skating, night skiing and more
- Modern full-board accommodation with hot mountain lunches included
- A day trip to Barcelona as part of the experience
- All travel, ski pass, equipment hire and lessons included in the trip cost
Trip dates: 14–20 February 2027
Cost: £2,050 (with staged payment plan available)
Places available: 30 students
To secure a place:
Sign up via Evolve
Pay the £250 deposit by 15 May 2026
Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so early booking is encouraged. Read the full trip letter and details here:
Ski Trip February 2027 - Letter
Co-curricular Clubs - Summer Term 2026
There are still spaces available in our Senior School co-curricular programme for the Summer Term, with a wide range of after-school activities running Monday to Thursday, 3.45 - 5.00pm (with Homework Club continuing on Fridays in the Mulberry). Booking is available via the link on My School Portal to Clubs, Trips and Activities - Evolve.
Activities are organised so that every student can build a balanced programme or follow particular interests across seven key areas:
- Physical activities and sport – including athletics, rounders, tennis, cricket nets and swimming
- Skills and challenges – cooking, Lego Masters, chess and problem-solving activities
- Creative arts – digital art, slateboard mural design, painting and sketching sessions
- Performing arts – orchestra, jazz band, drama and Lower School Play rehearsals
- Wellbeing and community – animal care, natural dye gardening, Palooza Prep, British Sign Language and DofE support
- Science, technology, maths and engineering – robotics, science activities and subject enrichment
- Curriculum-focused sessions – GCSE and A Level support, EPQ and language immersion
Senior School Co-Curricular Guide - Summer Term 2026
Year 11 & Year 13 Summer Exams: Timetables & Study Leave
Summer Examination timetables are now available on My School Portal under My Children → Exam Timetable.
Note: Languages Speaking and Practical Exams may show TBC while internal scheduling is finalised; updates will appear automatically. Queries can be sent to Examinations Officer Nikki Timbers at nikki.timbers@stchris.co.uk.
National Contingency Day: Students should remain available until 24 June 2026 in case of national or local exam disruption.
Study Leave:
-
Year 11 (V Group): last school day 7 May, study leave from 8 May
-
Year 13 (Upper Sixth): last school day 8 May, study leave from 11 May
Class teachers will remain available for lessons during study leave, should students wish to attend in their usual timetable slots.
Careers Newsletter
Edition #28
This week’s Careers Newsletter includes a wide range of news, guidance and upcoming events and opportunities.
Highlights include:
- A call for volunteers to support our IV Group (Year 10) Mock Interview Day on Tuesday 30 June - helping students practise CV and interview skills with real professionals
- Green careers and sustainability opportunities, including an apprenticeships webinar and Earth Day activities exploring climate-focused pathways
- STEM careers events over May half term, with live Q&A sessions with professionals through the EDT Future Skills Programme
- Guidance on T Levels and technical education pathways for students considering alternatives alongside A Levels
- A series of Unifrog university subject taster webinars, including psychology, forensic science, sport, and international medicine
- Support for writing personal statements for law, business, psychology and health-related courses
- A Medicine Summer School opportunity exploring clinical reasoning, patient care and medical ethics across multiple specialisms
- The Young Professionals Summer Conference in London, offering networking with major employers in finance, law, engineering and technology
- A spotlight on the career of an ethnographer, alongside insights into youth employment trends across OECD countries
Read the full Careers Newsletter below. If you have any further questions about Career Related Learning at St Chris, please contact Lizzie Hedderson.
The Week Ahead
Nursery & Junior School
- Saturday 25 April: 24 Hour Charity Run and Swim
- Sunday 26 April: F Group (Year 4) Residential Trip to Bawdsey Manor
- Monday 27 April: F Group (Year 4) Residential Trip to Bawdsey Manor
- Tuesday 28 April: F Group (Year 4) Residential Trip to Bawdsey Manor
- Wednesday 29 April: F Group (Year 4) Residential Trip to Bawdsey Manor
- Monday 4 May: Bank Holiday Monday - no school
Senior School & Sixth Form
- Saturday 25 April: 24 Hour Charity Run and Swim
- Tuesday 28 April: Senior School Open Morning
- Wednesday 29 April: A Level 3D Design Practical Exam
- Thursday 30 April: A Level 3D Design Practical Exam
- Friday 1 May: A Level 3D Design Practical Exam
- Monday 4 May: Bank Holiday Monday - no school
Summer Term Diary
| Monday 4 May | May Day Bank Holiday |
| Tuesday 5 May | A level 3D Design Practical Exam |
| Wednesday 6 May | A Level 3D Design Practical Exam UVI (Year 13) A Level Food Assessment |
| Thursday 7 May |
A Level 3D Design Pratical Exam |
| Friday 8 May | UVI (Year 13) Final day before Study Leave |
| Sunday 10 May | Silver DofE Practice Expedition |
| Monday 11 May | E Group (Year 5) Residential to the Isle of Wight Silver DofE Practice Expedition LVI (Year 12) A Level Geography Fieldwork Day 2 |
| Tuesday 12 May | E Group (Year 5) Residential to the Isle of Wight Silver DofE Practice Expedition IV Group (Year 10) Parents' Consultation |
| Wednesday 13 May | E Group (Year 5) Residential to the Isle of Wight I Group (Year 7) Trip to Hampton Court Palace |
| Thursday 14 May | E Group (Year 5) Residential to the Isle of Wight G Group (Year 3) Visit to The Living Rainforest |
| Friday 15 May | Bronze DofE Qualifying Expedition |
| Saturday 16 May | Bronze DofE Qualifying Expedition |
| Wednesday 20 May | IV-LVI (Years 10-12) Music Recital Evening |
| Friday 22 May | Senior School Culture Day |
| Monday 25 May - Friday 29 May | Half term |
Nursery & Junior
From hands-on learning in Forest School and close encounters with wildlife in our pond, to scientific discovery, art and outdoor play, this week every year group has embraced opportunities to learn both inside and beyond the classroom.
There has also been a wonderful sense of community across the school. Pupils showed fantastic determination and team spirit as they took part in the whole school 24-hour run, supporting one another throughout this special event. Meanwhile, children in Years 4, 5 and 6 impressed audiences with their energy and commitment in their performances of Aladdin, showcasing their growing confidence and theatrical talent.
We hope you enjoy reading more below about the wide range of experiences each year group has taken part in this week.
| Monte (Nursery) |
|---|
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Nursery enjoyed an exciting trip to the Eric Morecambe Centre to watch Tales From Acorn Wood. They were captivated by four charming stories brought to life through a combination of live actors and puppetry, before enjoying a relaxed picnic lunch together. Back at school, Nursery embraced the wonders of Forest School, focusing on the new pond habitat. With magnifying glasses in hand, they carefully observed emerging tadpoles, pond skaters, beetles and tiny wriggling larvae, developing their curiosity about the natural world. Alongside this, the children delighted in free play, balancing, climbing trees, cooking and playing games beneath gently falling apple blossom, as well as helping to care for young trees in the dry spring weather. |
|
K Group (Reception) |
|
K Group (Reception) have combined creativity and curiosity this week through their learning. In the classroom, they produced beautiful observational drawings of daffodils, using magnifying glasses to notice intricate details, and explored their “Growing” topic by learning about the lifecycle of a butterfly. This inspired them to design vibrant, symmetrical butterfly artwork, now proudly displayed for all to see. Outdoors, K Group (Reception) made the most of the sunshine during Forest School, watering their spinach seedlings and investigating the orchard pond. They carefully observed tadpoles and released them safely, while also spotting a variety of butterflies, including common blues, orange tips and brimstones. The session was full of exploration, creativity and joy. |
| J Group (Year 1) |
| J Group (Year 1) have been developing their scientific thinking by observing and recording daily weather patterns, noticing changes in temperature, clouds and wind. Their learning extended outdoors, where child-led activities allowed them to apply maths, phonics and social skills through practical exploration, including investigating capacity with water and counting in 10s using fun bean bag challenges. At Forest School, J Group (Year 1) demonstrated care and responsibility while pond gazing, learning how to handle equipment and living creatures thoughtfully. They discovered bloodworms, mosquito larvae, tadpoles and other tiny organisms, all while continuing to enjoy their favourite outdoor activities. |
| H Group (Year 2) |
| H Group (Year 2) have had a busy and engaging week, blending environmental awareness with hands-on learning. In Forest School, they tended to their vegetable patch, earthing up potatoes to encourage growth and practising careful watering techniques, developing practical gardening skills and vocabulary. In the classroom, H Group (Year 2) explored descriptive language through their own version of Down in the Jungle and began thinking about water conservation as part of their environmental studies. The class also enjoyed time in the orchard, observing apple blossom and revisiting the pond, where they spotted tadpoles, a diving beetle and even newts, reinforcing their appreciation of the natural world. |
| G Group (Year 3) |
| G Group (Year 3) focused their learning on close observation of the pond ecosystem this week. They identified a range of living creatures, including tadpoles, newts and shrimp-like organisms, and developed their understanding of how to handle wildlife with care and respect. The group also enjoyed spotting butterflies, including a small blue and both male and female orange tips, making the most of a beautiful day outdoors while deepening their connection with nature. |
| F Group (Year 4) |
| F Group (Year 4) have been preparing for an exciting upcoming residential trip to Suffolk, with a focus on planning, organisation and readiness for the experience ahead. Alongside this, several pupils from F Group (Year 4) took to the stage as part of the Junior School production of Aladdin Jr. After dedicated rehearsals and commitment over recent weeks, they delivered a fantastic performance to a full audience and are looking forward to performing again, showcasing their confidence and talent. |
| E Group (Year 5) |
| E Group (Year 5) have been heavily involved in the Junior School production of Aladdin Jr this week. Following long and productive rehearsal days, including full run-throughs and costume fittings, the children demonstrated impressive dedication and teamwork. Their hard work culminated in a successful performance to a sold-out audience, with another exciting show to follow, highlighting their enthusiasm and commitment to the performing arts. |
| D Group (Year 6) |
| D Group (Year 6) have shown excellent dedication to their learning this week, particularly through the high standard and thoughtful approach demonstrated in their recent homework. Alongside this, many pupils have played key roles in the Junior School production of Aladdin Jr, contributing to rehearsals and performances with maturity and enthusiasm. Their efforts, both academically and creatively, have been a fantastic example of leadership within the Junior School. |
Senior & Sixth
III Group Cricket – Strong Start to the Season
Our III Group (Year 9) cricket team played their first league fixture on Wednesday afternoon in a closely contested match, chasing a target of 121. Baxter and Alex both batted confidently, each retiring after reaching 25, and set up a strong run chase for the team. Despite a determined effort, St Chris finished just short on 116 for 3.
A promising opening performance from the side, with plenty to build on as the season continues. We look forward to the next round of fixtures.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
In March, we marked Neurodiversity Celebration Week through a student-led Morning Talk coordinated by our Chair of EDI Major Officials, Penny Beaujeux and Isabel Plunkett.
We heard directly from several students who shared their own experiences, offering thoughtful reflections on learning, identity and belonging. Additional student contributions were read by Kirsty Baker, our SEMH Lead, alongside Angie Westwood (Autism LSA), helping ensure a wide range of voices were represented and heard.
The Morning Talk was both informative and uplifting, and reflected the confidence and care shown by our Major Officials in leading conversations that matter. Moments like this speak to the culture we continue to nurture across the school - one where difference is understood, wellbeing is supported, and every student is encouraged to grow with confidence.
