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.
After some considerable effort, my family has finally managed to sell my dad’s flat in Letchworth — the place where he cared for my mum in her final days. He’s now safely and happily settled into a new home, complete with its usual bizarre noises, the overwhelming smell of Paxo, and the ever-present games of bingo.
While this was a positive step, it did mean that my brothers and I had to return to clear out the last of my parents' belongings — the things not needed, not wanted, or simply no longer of interest.
It was mostly a pragmatic exercise. But, as often happens, amongst the saved wallpaper, stamp collections, and endless Wilbur Smith novels, there were sentimental treasures to be found.
The one that struck me most was my mum’s old paring knife. A simple kitchen tool, worn smooth by time and use. It was the one she used daily — to chop vegetables, to prepare meals — and, most memorably for me, to make my favourite childhood sandwich: cheese and tomato, with a dusting of cheap white pepper and an outrageous amount of salad cream. (It was the '80s. Give me a break.)
After nearly 50 years of faithful service, the blade has been worn down into something resembling a miniature scimitar. It’s now in my own kitchen, and I use it daily — a quiet, sturdy reminder of my mum, and of how perseverance and persistence, though increasingly rare, remain deeply valuable qualities.
But the knife also speaks to something else — the idea that tradition and progress can, and must, co-exist. That old and new are not enemies.
This week at St Chris, I’ve been interviewing candidates for an exciting new role focused on the development of AI and educational technology, while also listening to plans for how we’ll evolve our animal care provision, especially with the BTEC in Animal Management soon joining our curriculum.
St Chris has always been proud of its traditions: progressive education, a long-standing commitment to personalised learning, and a culture of care. But that tradition is not a chain holding us back. If anything, it gives us the freedom to innovate — to be nimble in a space where many are fixed or constrained.
It’s the same freedom I feel in that old knife: still sharp, still in use, still doing the job — a perfect blend of durability and purpose.
So no, the knife won’t sit on display or be safely tucked away in a drawer. I’ll keep using it, letting it wear down a little more with each passing day — proud of what it represents.
Even if that means keeping the tradition of salad cream alive…
Notices
Junior School
Skipping for a Cause – Go Asia!
A huge well done to Asia, our brilliant Year 6 Teaching Assistant, who’s taking on the 100 Skips a Day Challenge to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.
Asia has already raised £150 of her £200 target, and she’s still going strong!
👏 Let’s help her reach (and beat!) that final goal. If you’d like to donate, the link is below
Senior School & Sixth Form
Celebrating Sporting Achievements
We’re updating our Sporting Celebrations noticeboard outside the Dining Hall to recognise and celebrate the fantastic athletes within our school community.
If your child is competing at county level or above (or the equivalent in their sport), we’d love to hear from you.
Please send a photo of them in action or in their kit, along with a short description of:
- The sport they play
- How they became involved in it
- The level they’re currently competing at
Please email submissions to james.see@stchris.co.uk.
Let’s share and celebrate the dedication, talent and passion of our young sportspeople!
Whole School
🎭 Top News: Next School Musical Revealed!
All That Jazz… Chicago is Coming to St Chris!
We’re thrilled to announce that our next school musical will be the sensational Chicago: Teen Edition!
This bold and brilliant production promises dazzling choreography, unforgettable music, and plenty of razzle dazzle — all brought to life by our talented students.
24 Hour Charity Run - Still Time to Support!
Our 24-Hour Charity Run may be over, but there’s still time to make a difference. Thanks to our incredible community, we’ve already raised over £3,156 suppassing our original target of £2,000!
If you haven’t yet donated and would like to contribute, please consider supporting these two fantastic charities:
Fundraising pages will close after half term.
Calling all Fashion Designers!
Old Scholar and former Head Girl, Emily Ilott, is currently in Cambodia developing an inspiring NGO that supports ethical employment for 40 rural women. As part of this initiative, she is also helping to extend a village school and sponsor teachers' salaries – a true reflection of the values we hold dear at St Chris.
Emily is now looking for a fashion designer to join the project and help create a core lifestyle product line. The designer will be the creative lead, working with hand-loomed raw silk, cotton, linen and ceramics.
This is a paid role on a two-month contract, with the potential for sponsored travel to Cambodia to work alongside the women artisans and contribute directly to this meaningful work.
If you, or someone you know, would be excited to help shape something both beautiful and impactful, please do get in touch.
Applications to be sent to: ellieponte@me.com
Any questions regarding the role please send them to: emilydilott@gmail.com
Thank You & Welcome from the Parents’ Circle
Hello everyone,
A big thank you to all who joined us for the AGM on 9 May—and for making the quiz night such a fun and lively evening! We’re delighted to share that a new Parents’ Circle committee has now been elected, and we’re looking forward to a collaborative and enjoyable year ahead.
Introducing Your New Committee
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Chairperson: Elena Pascanu (Parent of children in Year 3 & Year 8)
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Vice Chair: Jiri Pospisil (Parent of children in Year 7 & Year 11)
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Secretary: Lucy Fisher (Parent of children in Year 1 & Year 9)
We’d also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Deborah Brill, our outgoing Chair, for her dedication and energy. You’ve made a real difference—thank you!
Get Involved!
We’re always looking to welcome new faces. Whether you can offer a little time or a lot, your involvement is always appreciated. There’s no pressure—just a chance to meet other parents and support the school community in a way that works for you.
Save the Date: Christopalooza – 21 June
We’ve got some great events coming up, with our next big focus on Christopalooza on 21 June—one not to miss!
If you’d like to get involved or simply find out more, please get in touch at parentscircle@stchris.co.uk.
Warm wishes,
Elena
On behalf of the Parents’ Circle
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
Week Commencing 26 May: PODCAST: The relationship between challenging behaviour, diet and nutrition with Lucinda Miller, bestselling author and founder and clinical lead of NatureDoc.
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: 8am–6pm
💥 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!
Waterpolo Taster Session: Sunday 25 May - CANCELLED
Unfortunately, this Sunday’s Water Polo taster session at the Letchworth Lido has been cancelled due to low numbers.
If you'd still like to give it a try, do get in touch with Dan at Hitchin Water Polo directly. His contact details (email and phone number) can be found on the poster included in this week's RoundUp.
New players are always welcome!
Two Weeks Ahead
Nursery & Junior School
- Week Commencing 26 May: Half term
- Thursday 5 June: J Group (Year 1) Trip to Southend Aquarium
Senior School & Sixth Form
- Week Commencing 26 May: Half term
- Tuesday 3 June: I Group (Year 7) Trip to Whipsnade Zoo; IV Group (Year 10) GCSE Drama Devised Performance
- 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 in Norfolk
- Saturday 7 June: IV Group (Year 10) GCSE Geography Residential in Norfolk
- Sunday 8 June: IV Group (Year 10) GCSE Geography Residential in Norfolk
Summer Term Diary
| 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 Paris 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 #11
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 #7
Please click on the link below to find out the latest updates from the St Chris Major Officials.
Nursery & Junior
| Student Success! |
|---|
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Making a Splash for North Herts! Congratulations to Milan in D Group (Year 6), who was selected to represent the North Herts team in the HSSA Primary Schools Inter-District Gala on Friday 9 May. Milan competed in the Boys’ 11-Year-Olds 50m Backstroke and swam the second leg of the 4 x 25m Freestyle Relay. The team swam brilliantly, securing a Silver medal in the relay event! Well done, Milan |
| Nursery (Monte) |
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This week, our Nursery children have been learning about countries and cultures different to our own, with a special focus on India. Together, we discovered the beauty and symmetry of the Taj Mahal, and the children were inspired to get building! Some headed outdoors to construct their own homes and temples, while others used building blocks inside to bring their ideas to life. This hands-on learning sparked lots of creative thinking, all part of helping each child to understand more about the wider world while exploring their own unique ideas. |
| K Group (Reception) |
| Reception (K Group) enjoyed a lovely afternoon outdoors to round off the half term. The children spent time swinging in the hammock, crafting light sabres, and sharing hot chocolate around a cosy campfire – an idea suggested by Lucas. They also tended to their pea plants in the vegetable patch, making the most of the sunshine. Wishing all families a restful and happy half term! |
| J Group (Year 1) |
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This week, J Group (Year 1) took part in a whole-school litter picking initiative alongside E Group (Year 5), supported by some enthusiastic Sixth Formers. The children headed into the local community to help tidy the area and were full of thoughtful reflections during Morning Talk about why this work matters — “for the wildlife,” “to reduce plastic in the ocean,” “to make us feel good,” and “to make a difference.” Their enthusiasm and care for the environment were truly inspiring. After their community work, J Group enjoyed time in Forest School, where they practised stick clapping, growing in confidence with rhythm and coordination. They also discovered a new favourite activity — finding their own quiet ‘magic spots’ in nature to pause, reflect, and enjoy a moment of peace. This tranquil moment was inspired by one of the children lying peacefully in the grass, and everyone agreed it was good for the soul. The group also checked on the wildlife arriving in the pond and, of course, made time for imaginative play. |
| H Group (Year 2) |
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During this morning’s Forest School session, H Group (Year 2) took part in a spot of litter picking to help care for our natural surroundings (see Dojo for more). With the rest of the session a little more open-ended than usual, it was wonderful to see the children rise to the occasion with imagination, teamwork and problem-solving. Whether working out how to get a rope around a branch, tie a knot, or deciding which natural materials might help them complete a task, the children showed great initiative and creativity. Increasingly, they’re being encouraged to ask “How might we solve this together?”—and the answers they come up with are nothing short of brilliant. We also enjoyed a couple of impromptu band performances—a real celebration of the freedom, curiosity and joy that Forest School inspires. The photos truly speak for themselves! |
| G Group (Year 3) |
| G Group (Year 3) had an exciting trip to The Living Rainforest this week, where their visit began with a warm welcome from none other than the resident sloth! After an initial explore of the tropical environment, the children enjoyed a sunny lunch and playtime before heading off on their guided educational tour. With the gift shop visit to round off the day, there was much to see, learn and remember. |
| F Group (Year 4) |
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This week, F Group (Year 4) fully embraced the outdoors with a joyful foraging trip to gather elderflowers from the front lawn, followed by a Forest School session where they made their own elderflower cordial. The day began with rhythmic stick clapping before the children got hands-on with the recipe — tasting last year's batch and working together to create something delicious. Later in the week, there was more excitement as F Group spent Wednesday afternoon getting to know the school’s newest arrivals — our recently hatched ducklings! |
| D Group (Year 6) |
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As part of Litter Picking Week at St Chris, Bryan’s D Group teamed up with H Group (Year 2) and a group of supportive Sixth Formers to help tidy the area on the way towards Willian. It was a brilliant display of team spirit, with pupils of all ages working together to care for our wider environment. There was a real sense of purpose, community, and shared responsibility. A big thank you to everyone who took part and helped make a difference—every little action adds up! |
Senior & Sixth Form
Impressive Play from Our I/II Group Golf Teams
Congratulations to our I & II Group (Years 7 & 8) teams, who each scored an impressive 47 points in this Texas Scramble style event – just one over par on the 6-hole Academy course. Their efforts earned them a joint 2nd place finish, missing out on the top spot by only 3 points!
A special well done to those taking part in this format for the first time, and to Alex, Ed, and Massimo, who showed fantastic leadership by supporting teammates with less experience. It was a real testament to the strong St Chris spirit and sense of community.
Cricket vs Kingshott – Match Highlights
It was a brilliant afternoon of cricket on Wednesday as our I, II, and III (Year 7 – Year 9) Group teams faced Kingshott School. Two exciting softball matches took place at home, while our hardball team travelled away to represent St Chris.
Across all fixtures, the teams played with great spirit, demonstrating impressive teamwork, skill, and sportsmanship throughout. A fantastic effort from everyone involved!
Cricket Success for the III Group
Our III Group (Year 9) cricket team put in two superb performances this week:
Firstly against Fearnhill, finishing with a strong 92 for 3 thanks to confident batting and solid partnerships. The team’s bowlers then maintained the momentum, holding Fearnhill to 84 for 4 to secure a well-earned home win. A brilliant all-round display!
They then rounded off a busy week—and a successful half term—with a superb win against Thomas Alleyne’s. Bowling with real purpose and precision, the team limited the opposition to just 62 runs, taking 9 wickets in only 15 overs. A standout performance came from Alex F, who claimed an impressive 6 wickets. He was ably supported by Seb, Henry and Ed, who each added a wicket to the tally. Behind the stumps, Dom was in excellent form, playing a key role in several sharp run outs.
Carrying the momentum into their innings, our batters rose to the occasion, chasing down the target confidently with 64 runs in just 8 overs—without losing a single wicket.
A brilliant end to the half term—congratulations to the whole team!
Mocktails with a Mission 🍹
Our IV Group (Year 10) Enterprise students have been busy shaking things up in support of Garden House Hospice—and doing it in style!
As part of their Options programme, they launched a mocktail stall at break time, using market research to choose the most popular flavours: Mojito, Shirley Temple, and Piña Colada.
This creative initiative didn’t just raise money for a brilliant cause—it also gave our students practical experience in marketing, budgeting, teamwork and organisation.
Business brains, community hearts. Well done, all!
Exploring Stalin’s Russia in LVI History
This week, our Lower Sixth History students have been delving into the rise of Stalin’s dictatorship, examining the development of the Stalin cult and the dramatic economic shift known as the 'Great Turn'.
This afternoon, they brought their learning to life by creating their own pieces of Soviet-style propaganda, echoing Stalin’s priorities of collectivisation and industrialisation. A creative and thought-provoking way to deepen their understanding of a complex period in history!
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