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.
There are words that drift in and out of fashion in education. You may recognise them. Growth mindset. Black box thinking. Educating the whole child. Metacognition drives. They arrive with great energy, circulate the conference circuit, and then gently fade.
One that has stubbornly hung around, both inside and outside of education, is resilience.
How do we develop it? How do we teach it? How do we ensure our children “have” it?
There is barely a week that goes by when I don’t receive a call or email from a company offering, at a very reasonable price, to come in and provide a workshop that will “give our students resilience”.
Wonderful. One morning off timetable and our 3 to 18 year olds will be… resilient.
It is, of course, nonsense.
Resilience is not delivered in a keynote. It is not built in a carousel of activities. It is not constructed out of flipcharts and motivational slogans.
Resilience is grown. Slowly. Through experience, time, pressure and, ultimately, resolve. Much like precious stones, it forms under strain.
I can pinpoint the moment mine began to take shape.
As a boy, I was given what felt, at the time, like a deeply unfair task. I had to stand up in school and read a series of Old Testament passages aloud. There were Benaiahs and Shear-Jeshubs and Zacchaeuses everywhere. I did not want to do it. I felt uncomfortable doing it. I was, frankly, not very good at it.
So I practised. I stood at the top of the stairs at home, projecting my “big boy voice” (mum’s words, not mine!) into an imaginary hall, stumbling over names I could barely pronounce, let alone understand.
My mother, it should be said, was the architect of the entire arrangement. She ensured she was stationed firmly at the bottom of the stairs, beady eyes locked on the performance. There was no quiet retreat. No convenient glass of water. Just repetition, encouragement, and the clear expectation that I would do the thing I was nervous about.
When the day came, I got through it. Fully aware of the spectre of those beady eyes somewhere in the hall. She was amused. She was proud. And she was absolutely right to make me do it.
There is rarely a week now when I do not stand in front of a large group. And, if I am honest, my “big boy voice” still makes an appearance.
That was not a workshop. That was discomfort, preparation, support and ultimately doing the thing anyway.
That is resilience.
I have seen it everywhere this week.
In teachers adapting lessons mid-flow to meet a new question or a different need. Taking on a situation dynamically. Staff having to adapt their work to fit other school needs.
In students and staff navigating the uncertainty and last-minute disruption around the ski trip. Plans changed. Expectations shifted. Emotions ran high. And yet what I saw, overwhelmingly, was patience, adaptability and care for one another.
In rehearsals where lines are forgotten and tried again in quiet spaces around the school, supported by friends who are not part of the performance but are there to listen and help nevertheless.
In the quiet bravery of a student joining a group at break when they are not quite sure how it will go.
That is resilience. Not a team-building pyramid.
And here is the important part. Real resilience carries the possibility that it might not work out. You might fall over.
You might forget the line. The hotel might change. The plan might shift.
Sometimes resilience is standing at the top of the stairs with your “big voice”. Sometimes it is standing in ski boots not quite knowing what the next instruction will be. Sometimes it is accepting that the original plan will not unfold as written.
And that you will be okay.
At St Chris we are determined that our young people are exposed to ideas, challenges and opportunities that stretch them. From wassailing to coding. From drama performances to ski slopes. Each carries risk. Each carries uncertainty. Each carries the possibility of imperfection.
What we are teaching is not how to avoid failure. We are teaching how to move towards challenge without being paralysed by it. To hold your nerve. To adjust. To try again.
We do not manufacture resilience at St Chris. We build it. Slowly. Intentionally. Together. And if, at times, it feels a little uncomfortable, that is usually a sign that something important is happening.
And just for clarity, while the “big voice” still makes a regular appearance, thankfully, these days the audience is usually kinder than my mother’s beady eyes.
Senior Basketball Triumph
in Final League Fixture
Our Senior Basketball Team brought their league campaign to a thrilling close with a hard-fought victory against Marriotts — a side we had not overcome in more than five years.
Made up of a blend of Year 10, Year 11 and Sixth Form students, our squad has often faced teams comprised entirely of Sixth Form players. Despite this, they have competed with determination and belief throughout the season.
The match itself was fiercely contested from the first whistle. Both sides exchanged baskets and produced crucial defensive stops, with neither able to pull away. Heading into the final quarter, the scores were level, setting up a tense finale.
In the closing stages, our players demonstrated impressive composure and maturity. Through disciplined defence, intelligent decision-making and calm game management, they edged ahead to secure a 36–34 win.
The progress shown over recent fixtures has been significant, and it has been a privilege to see this group grow in confidence and cohesion. The team currently sits third in the league and now awaits other results to discover whether a place in the district finals awaits.
A tremendous achievement and a fitting way to end the regular season.
Safeguarding 7-Minute Safeguarding Briefing
At St Chris, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. As Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Alistair Phillips (Assistant Head Pastoral & DSL) ensures our staff are well-informed about potential risks facing young people today.
To support this, Alistair introduced a fortnightly 7-Minute Safeguarding Briefing for staff last year. These short, focused updates explore emerging safeguarding issues or provide deeper insight into existing concerns, helping staff stay alert and knowledgeable.
Some of the topics covered may feel challenging, but please be reassured - they are not a reflection of specific issues at St Chris. Instead, they are designed to raise awareness, strengthen understanding, and promote vigilance across our whole community.
This 7-Minute Safeguarding Briefing focusses on Incel groups and the risks they pose.
7-Minute Safeguarding Briefing
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.
Wednesday 18 February
Children's Mental Health Week/Safer Internet Day
Last Friday, Morning Talk in the Senior School prepared us all for Children's Mental Health Week this week, centred on the theme of 'This is My Place'. The talk focused on the importance of belonging and how strong connections in our community help us all to thrive. I talked about different strategies we can all use to support ourselves and others' wellbeing. Lucy Valerio and Kirsty Baker also shared what support is available in both The Mulberry and at Arunfield, when things are feeling a bit too much. Throughout the week, mindful activities have been on offer in both these spaces, to help our students enjoy a moment of calm during this last week of half term, highlighting the importance of children's mental health.
Within Children's Mental Health Week, is Safer Internet Day, and on Tuesday we welcomed Lena Chauhan and Angeline Corvaglia from GEN:R to deliver a series of talks about AI, from E Group to Upper Sixth (Year 5 - Sixth Form). Each session explored questions surrounding the use of AI and some of the moral questions this poses, as well as helping students to develop online safety skills.
Our students showed excellent knowledge and understanding of the benefits and risks of using AI throughout the day and it was helpful to share time together to explore this important element of their PSHE learning.
Our parent session in the evening offered much food for thought about how to have good conversations with children and young people about the use of AI.
Unfortunately, due to a technical issue, (I didn't press the button hard enough) a recording of the event is not available, for which I can only, rather embarrassingly, apologise.
Please can I recommend the following resources for parents:
Top Tips for parents and carers - UK Safer Internet Centre
Resources for Parents | SWGfL
The Wellbeing Hub has extensive tips and advice
If you do have any further questions about these topics, please do get in touch, lizzie.hedderson@stchris.co.uk
Introducing our New Counsellor, Jennifer
Counselling offers a safe, confidential space where students can express and work through any difficulties that they are facing.
St Chris offers access to counsellors who are able to provide sessions at school during the school day.
Each of our counsellors brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to our practice, enhancing the quality and depth of the services we provide.
Please find below information about our new counsellor, Jennifer, who starts with us after half term. Read all about her below.
To action a referral complete this form, and Jennifer will then contact you with the next steps.
Notices
Whole School
Muddy Stilettos February Half Term Activity Guide for Kids
In search of fun things to do with the kids this half-term?
From animal magic to indoor skiing and free creative activities, here’s everything you need locally in and around Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire for a great week!
Donations Needed: Barbie Dolls for GCSE Art Project
One of our Year 11 students is currently developing her GCSE Art project, exploring the theme of societal pressures experienced by women and girls. As part of her creative process, she is hoping to work with Barbie dolls (or similar fashion dolls) as a medium for her ideas.
If you have any unwanted Barbie dolls or similar items at home that you would be happy to donate, they would be greatly appreciated and thoughtfully repurposed as part of this important and reflective piece of work.
Please bring any donations to Reception. Thank you for supporting our students’ creative journeys.
Reminder: School Bus Service to St Chris
As we look ahead to the coming weeks, we would like to remind families of the range of transport options available for students travelling to and from St Chris.
Our extensive school bus network supports families across a wide geographical area.
Our current school bus routes operate from:
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North London (Highgate or Cockfosters)
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St Albans and Harpenden
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Welwyn Garden City and Hadley Wood
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Hitchin railway station (coordinated with trains from London, Cambridge and Peterborough)
Each route includes a number of planned stops along the way.
Students are eligible to use the school bus service from E Group (Year 5) onwards.
Full details of stops, routes and timings for both day students and boarders are available to help families plan effectively.
ST CHRISTOPHER BUS SERVICE - ZEELO
EPQ Research Survey – Parent Participation Requested
One of our Sixth Form students, Jen, is currently completing her EPQ, exploring the question: “To what extent does the media portrayal of female MPs in the UK House of Commons reinforce gender stereotypes?”
As part of her primary research, Jen has created a short survey and would greatly value responses from parents and other members of the St Chris community. A wide range of perspectives will help strengthen the depth and balance of her findings.
If you are able to spare a few minutes to contribute, please follow the link below:
Media Portrayal of MPs – EPQ Survey
Thank you in advance for supporting Jen in this important and thought-provoking piece of research.
Royal Academy of Arts Young Artists Summer Show 2026 - Call for Entries
We are delighted to invite our visual artists to consider submitting work to the Royal Academy of Arts Young Artists Summer Show 2026. This respected annual exhibition is open to students aged 4–18 and celebrates creativity in all its forms.
Students may submit one piece of artwork in any medium. A clear colour photograph of the work will be required, along with a title and a short description.
The Art Department has created a school account to make the process straightforward. Entries can be completed from home by searching for ‘St Christopher School’ on the Royal Academy website:
https://youngartists.royalacademy.org.uk/schools/lookup
The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 4 March 2026 at 5.00pm.
Students are warmly encouraged to speak with their art teacher if they would like guidance in selecting a piece.
Please find the submission guidance and permission form attached.
Senior & Sixth Form
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:
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Year 11 (V Group): last school day 7 May, study leave from 8 May
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Yewar 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.
Literary Festival 2-6 March 2026
As we look forward to the Senior School and Sixth Form St Chris Literary Festival running from Monday 2 March - Friday 6 March, we wanted to send out a special reminder regarding one of the week's most anticipated highlights.
World Book Day Fancy Dress – A Little Reminder!
On Thursday 5 March, we will be celebrating World Book Day. We are looking forward to seeing everyone’s wonderful costumes again this year, and we are especially eager to see high engagement across the Secondary School.
Students are warmly invited to come to school in optional fancy dress as their favorite book characters. Whether you choose a classic protagonist or a more contemporary figure, we can’t wait to see the creativity and imagination on display. Let’s show the whole school how much spirit the secondary years can bring to this celebration!
Don't Miss Out on Other Festival Events:
- Book Fairs: Browse the Bow Books Book Fair in the Social Library on Tuesday or grab a bargain at the Pre-Loved Book Fair on Friday. Every pre-loved book is just £1, with all proceeds going to charity.
- Drop Everything and Read!: On Wednesday, students in I, II, III, and IV Groups will participate in this special reading event.
- Workshops: Throughout the week, various groups will be heading to Creative Writing and Poetry Workshops to showcase their brilliance
We look forward to a fantastic week of celebrating literacy together.
Pre-Loved Book Fair
During Literary Week, we will be hosting a Pre-Loved Book Fair. Every book will be available for £1, with all proceeds going to charity. We would love your support in collecting books for the fair.
If you have any pre-loved books you could donate, please could students bring them to E1 at school, where they will be stored safely until the week of the fair.
Two Weeks Ahead
Nursery & Junior School
- Monday 23 February: Second half-term begins; Junior School Faith Week; Year 6 (D Group) Bikeability
- Tuesday 24 February: Year 5 (E Group) visit to Neasden Temple; Year 1 & Year 2 (J & H Group) Trip to St Mary's Church, Willian; Year 6 (D Group) Bikeability
- Wednesday 25 February: Year 6 (D Group) Bikeability; Year 4 (F Group) Trip to the Gurdwara, Hitchin; Nursery & Reception (Monte & K Group) Meditation Walk
- Thursday 26 February: Year 6 (D Group) Bikeability
- Friday 27 February: Year 6 (D Group) Bikeability
- Saturday 28 February: Recycled Fashion Show
Senior School & Sixth Form
- Monday 23 February: Second half-term begins
- Tuesday 24 February: Year 12 (Lower VI) Food Exam
- Wednesday 25 February: Senior School Careers Fair; Senior Basketball vs Marriotts (Away); DofE Awards Evening
- Thursday 26 February: B Team Netball Fixture at St Francis; Year 7 (I Group) Parents' Evening
- Friday 27 February: VEX Robotics Nationals - Coventry
- Saturday 28 February: Recycled Fashion Show
Spring Term Diary
| Monday 2 March |
Literary Week GCSE Food Practical Eam (Group A) Head of Department/Head of Year Meetings |
| Tuesday 3 March |
Literary Week GCSE Food Practical Exam (Group B) |
| Wednesday 4 March |
Literary Week Year 5 (E Group) Holi Festival |
| Thursday 5 March |
Literary Week Sixth Form Psychology in Action Conference World Book Day U11 Football Match vs Stonehill Academic, Pastoral & Education Committee |
| Friday 6 March |
Literary Week Year 3 (G Group) visit to Celtic Harmony GCSE Food Practical Exam (Group C) |
| Saturday 7 March | Welwyn Garden City Youth Drama Festival Performances |
| Monday 9 March |
Year 1 (J Group) visit to The Paddinton Experience, London Year 4 (F Group) visit to Hobbledown Year 10 (IV Group) Geography GCSE Fieldwork Day |
| Tuesday 10 March |
Year 10 (IV Group) GCSE French Immersion Trip Full Governing Board |
| Wednesday 11 March |
Year 10 (IV Group) GCSE French Immersion Trip Senior School Film and Philosophy Screening |
| Thursday 12 March |
Year 10 (IV Group) GCSE French Immersion Trip U11 Football Match - Details TBC Year 9 (III Group) Mock Exams A Team Netball at St Francis Safeguarding & Boarding Committee |
| Friday 13 March |
Year 10 (IV Group) GCSE French Immersion Trip Year 9 (III Group) Mock Exams |
| Monday 16 March |
Year 6 (D Group) Residential Trip to York GCSE & A Level PE Practical Subject Assessments |
| Tuesday 17 March |
Year 6 (D Group) Residential Trip to York C Team Netball Fixture at St Francis |
| Wednesday 18 March |
Year 6 (D Group) Residential Trip to York Year 8 (II Group) Parents' Evening |
| Thursday 19 March | Year 6 (D Group) Residential Trip to York |
| Friday 20 March | Year 6 (D Group) Residential Trip to York |
| Saturday 21 March | Brozne DofE Practice Walk |
| Monday 23 March |
Year 2 (H Group) visit to Apsley Canal Year 12 (LVI Group) A Level Geography Fieldwork Day 1 GCSE Art & Design Practical Exam |
| Tuesday 24 March | GCSE Art & Design Practical Exam |
| Wednesday 25 March |
A Level Psychology Grade Booster Conference Senior Jazz Band at Club 85 |
| Friday 27 March | Spring Term Ends 12 noon. |
Careers Newsletter
Edition #21
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 21 below. If you have any further questions about Career Related Learning at St Chris, please contact Lizzie Hedderson.
Nursery & Junior
| Chinese New Year |
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Year 4 have been enjoying learning about Chinese New Year in the lead-up to the celebrations beginning on 17 February. Students explored traditions associated with the festival and deepened their understanding of its cultural significance. To mark the occasion, Year 4 shared a banquet together, tasting noodles, a range of sauces and bamboo shoots. With great determination, students practised using chopsticks, embracing the experience with enthusiasm and curiosity. |
| Junior School Winter Ball |
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Students had such a great time at our two Winter Balls last Friday. Huge thank you to the Parents' Circle for the disco, which was the highlight of the event! |
| Chair of Be Green visits Junior School |
| Major Officials Chair of Be Green Eva Kitchener attended the final Junior School Council meeting for this term. Students in Junior School shared their ideas they have been discussing this term. Students from across the Junior School confidently shared the ideas they have been developing this term, engaging in thoughtful discussion about how these could be taken forward. It was an encouraging and constructive conversation about collective responsibility and positive change. |
| Children's Mental Health Week |
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As part of Children’s Mental Health Week, and following on from Morning Talk, Year 4 explored the theme of belonging, reflecting on what it means to feel valued within the groups and places that matter to us. Through thoughtful discussion and personal reflection, students are now creating their own ‘My Place’ maps, considering the environments and communities that help them feel understood, supported and connected. |
| Nursery Forest School |
| This week, Nursery students embraced the mild weather during Forest School, taking real responsibility for their garden. Working together, they carefully transported compost collected from Arunwood and added it to a growing container in the Nursery garden. |
| J Group (Year 1) |
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As Year 1 concluded their maths unit and completed their assessments, the focus turned to practical, hands-on exploration. Students immersed themselves in problem-solving puzzles that required careful rotation and reasoning, stretching their spatial awareness and logical thinking. Using cubes to devise their own calculations, students challenged both themselves and their friends, deepening their understanding through creativity and collaboration. It was a joyful celebration of mathematical thinking in action. |
| H Group (Year 2) |
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Year 2 students have been busy in Topic lessons, setting off on imaginative expeditions of their own design. Their detailed maps featured wonderfully inventive creatures, from ‘buttergers’ to ‘catguins’, each one brought to life through thoughtful storytelling and illustration. Meanwhile, during Forest School, Year 2 made the most of the dry and milder weather by crafting willow platters along the trail area, sensibly avoiding the mud in the orchard. Through careful weaving and perseverance, students developed practical skills while enjoying time outdoors together. |
| F Group (Year 4) |
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In Science, Year 4 have been exploring environmental change and considering both human and natural factors that can lead species to become endangered or extinct. They also examined the positive actions being taken to protect vulnerable species. Choosing to work independently or in pairs, Year 4 students selected an endangered species to research in depth. Using iPads to investigate habitats, needs, threats and conservation efforts, they are now compiling detailed fact files that reflect thoughtful enquiry and growing global awareness. Forest School provided a practical extension of this learning. Before lighting a fire to toast marshmallows, Year 4 discussed the risks posed to local habitats by construction, noise pollution, drought, flooding, litter and neglect. They also explored the concept of climate change and why greenhouse gases are so named. After revisiting fire safety skills, students responsibly built and enjoyed a well-managed fire. |
Senior & Sixth
A Level History: Exploring the Second Boer War
This week, the LVI History group (Year 12) delved into the Second Boer War with the help of a fascinating primary source: Head of Politics Flora's grandfather’s collection of original 1902 British serialised magazines, With the Flag to Pretoria.
Students explored the differing perspectives of British, Boer and Indigenous South African soldiers and civilians, comparing and contrasting how each was represented. It sparked thoughtful discussions about bias, narrative and the complexities of historical interpretation.
The group were also intrigued by the adverts and products of the early twentieth century, particularly the unrestrained promotion of tobacco; a reminder of how much everyday life and marketing has changed over time.
District Cup Semi-Final Effort for Year 9
Our III Group (Year 9) team travelled to face John Henry Newman on Tuesday afternoon in the semi-final of the District Cup, marking an impressive milestone in this season’s competition.
We knew the challenge ahead would be considerable. John Henry currently sit at the top of Division One — a league above us — and their quality and tempo reflected that standing from the outset.
Our boys approached the match with determination and courage, competing with real commitment throughout. Although the result did not fall in our favour, the team showed resilience and character against strong opposition, continuing to press and work for one another until the final whistle.
Attention now returns to the league campaign, where the goal remains clear: securing promotion to Division One next season. Reaching the semi-final is an achievement to be proud of, and the performance demonstrated the progress this group continues to make.
Well done to all involved for a strong cup journey and a wholehearted display.
Sixth Form Spotlight: Year 12 Politics in Action
Our Lower Sixth (Year 12) Politics students have recently been undertaking detailed research and critical evaluation of the Labour Party’s time in government so far. Drawing on current affairs, policy analysis and independent enquiry, they have been developing thoughtful, well-evidenced perspectives on contemporary political leadership.
We are pleased to feature the work of Stella Davis and Louis Hann, whose analysis demonstrates careful research, balanced argument and confident political understanding.
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