St John’s School Weekly Newsletter
Issue 103
Firework extravaganza
From the
Headmaster
I hope you all enjoyed a good break and
that you are looking forward to a busy
and exciting second half of term.
This week we have been building
towards Remembrance with the Year 8
boys busy selling poppies. We have a
series of assemblies planned which will
focus on the meaning of Armistice Day
and why it is so important that we
remember all those who lost their lives.
It was lovely to discuss the Homes for
Wildlife entries in assembly.
Congratulations to all of those boys who
took part in the competition over the
summer.
In sport I was able to see the progress
all of the U8 teams have made during
their matches against Caldicott. The
Senior House rugby produced a close
result in the end after some excellent
play from all four teams.
I am sure you will have enjoyed the
Fireworks evening last night and many
thanks to the St John’s Association
Committee for their planning and
organisation of such a big event. Thank
you also to the St John’s staff team for
their efforts. The next Association event
for your diary is the Christmas Bazaar
on 10th December.
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Over 400 years ago, the
infamous Gunpowder Plot was
foiled. Intending to create havoc
at the opening of Parliament on
November 5th 1605, a group of
thirteen men, most famously Guy
Fawkes, had plotted to blow up
James I, the first of the Stuart
kings of England along with everyone sitting in the Houses of Parliament. The story
is remembered each November 5th when ‘Guys’ are burned in a celebration known
as “Bonfire Night”.
Whilst St John’s annual ‘Firework’s Night’ is not quite as famous as this part
of our country’s history, it is however a firm favourite in our community, and this
year’s celebration was no exception. As darkness fell, the crowds arrived. Hot food,
treats and sweets added to the building excitement, and the amazing bonfire, guys
and pumpkins enhanced the expectation of the display itself, which was truly
wonderful. An amazing display that seems to be more beautiful and powerful as
each year passes. A very big thank you to the St John’s Association who worked
tirelessly arranging this event for us all; it was a huge success.
November 4 2016
Firework night in pictures
Winning pumpkins and Guy Fawkes
We received many entries into the pumpkin competition which was kindly judged by Mr Spellward. Pictured here are those
placed 1st and 2nd. The winner was James Watson in 8C with Ed Hannam in 5S being the runner up. The excellent Guy was
created by Ben Hellewell in 7H.
1st
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2nd
November 4 2016
Eco Council competition results
We had a good response to the Homes for Wildlife
competition that encouraged the boys to ‘Do Something
for Nature’. The competition required the boys to make their
gardens more accessible to wildlife in some way and to display
their endeavours in either a poster or bring in their work.
Third prize was given to Shaan Fisher for his amazing (and
large) bug home, which was a work of art as well as being a
splendid place for mini-beasts to hibernate over winter. Second
place was given to Josh Fletcher for his entry, which was also a
mini-beasts house. He produced an informative poster showing
how it was made and where he collected different materials for
its construction and why he used them. First prize was given to
Reece Jones who produced a detailed poster on how he had
transformed many areas of his garden to accommodate
nature including hedgehog boxes, bird boxes, butterfly feeders
and a ladybird home. Runners up were Andreas Georgiou who
made a lovely hedgehog house and Edmond Rickard’s “The
Frog Project”. Mr Lawrence was very pleased with the entries
and happy that many of the boys were doing their bit to care for
nature around their homes.
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November 4 2016
Dental hygiene in the Lambs
Dr Parikh came to the Lambs to talk about dental hygiene. We learnt all about foods that were good and bad for our teeth
and she also told us about sugar bugs. We all cleaned our teeth thoroughly by checking in the mirror and there were hardly any
spillages!
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November 4 2016
Feel the force
On Tuesday afternoon Year 2 watched a presentation from Crew, a visiting Science workshop. The Science workshop
was all about different kinds of forces. Jill used balloons, instruments, huge elastic bands, bouncy balls and puppets to
demonstrate tension, friction and resistance. The whole afternoon was both educational and great fun. The boys loved it!
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November 4 2016
Walk like an Egyptian
The Juniors enjoyed a visit from Aesop’s Touring Theatre Company, performing “The Search for the Lost Tomb”. This
was an hour filled with hilarious adventures through Egypt with the Professor and Omar, his friend and general dogsbody. We
learnt all about Egypt, the tombs, hieroglyphs, robbers, travelling and mummification. Everyone was shocked when one of the
Y3s was chosen to be mummified! There were screams of horror, together with a lot of laughter, as his insides were removed and
he was wrapped up as a mummy. There was even a donkey called Cranky who kept spitting everywhere!
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November 4 2016
Walk like an Egyptian
Here are some of our thoughts about the
show:
One of my favourite bits was when the
Professor saw some snakes. She got very
scared. The Professor threw the snakes
on the floor, it was hilarious! Kian
There was a Professor trying to find the
tomb of Rameses. There were 3 dreams –
the king with his pet lion, the scribe and It was also interesting because it told you
the thieves. Lucas
about famous rivers and we learnt how to
read in Ancient Egypt, like scribes.
They did some gruesome and revolting
Vivaan
things like pulling Vivaan’s brain out of
his nostrils. Ansh
Omar was very funny and scared of animals in the dark. Nayan
It was a challenge making 1500 in
hieroglyphs. Trian
It was great fun. Darwin
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Omar and the Professor showed us some
hieroglyphs and they said you can write
left to right, right to left and up to down
but NOT down to up. Daniel
We saw what Egypt was like in the Valley
of the Kings. Zian
One of my favourite bits was when Omar
got lost inside the tomb. It was really
funny when Omar thought he was
trapped in the tomb. Benyamin & Anek
November 4 2016
Rugby v Caldicott 19th October
U13 A Lost 5-15
Scorers: Jordan Hui
Outstanding Performance: The whole team
This was a really good match with both sides
giving it their all. Caldicott had the better first
half scoring two tries to one, with St Johns
defending strongly. The score came from a
good team effort finished off by Jordan Hui. In
the second half St Johns spent most of the time
in the Caldicott half putting together good
periods of attacking continuity. Caldicott
defended well and produced a break away try
late on to make the final score 3-1 to Caldicott.
U12 A Lost 20-25
Scorers: Daniel Barnett 3 tries, Dominic Joslin
1 try
Outstanding Performance: Daniel Barnett
An excellent game with two very evenly matched
sides. Caldicott looked strong in the forwards and it
was in this area they managed to dominate.
However, the St John’s team passed and moved the
ball very well but good defence from the opposition
denied us many scoring opportunities. In the
second half, we came back strongly and Daniel
Barnett scored some excellent tries with great team
work from other players in the side. More first time
tackles need to be made but overall this was a super
match. Well played!
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November 4 2016
U8s v Caldicott 3rd November
U8 A Lost 15-25
Scorers: Sahib Singh 1, Amos Goodman 2.
Outstanding Performance: Whole team
This was a much better performance and the St
John’s team attacked with much more confidence
and passed the ball very well amongst each other.
At times we just needed to support the ball carrier
so that the attack could continue with more fluidity.
When we moved the ball we were able to create
good attacking opportunities and from one of these
excellent attacking movements, Sahib Singh scored
a very good team try. We still need to run forward
more as a team but otherwise this was a real
improvement. Well done!
U8 B Lost 25-45
Scorers: Lucas Geffin x 2, Daniel Southon,
Trian Lakha, Zac Waterman
Outstanding Performance: Lucas Geffin and
Trian Lakha
This was a very tough game as the Caldicott team
were playing very fast flowing rugby. This meant
the St John’s boys had to adapt, which they did.
This resulted in a great game of rugby with lots of
great running from both sides. The defence was
much better with often a clear defensive line
shutting down the opposition's attack. A special
mention to Trian Lakha who displayed some great
footwork, even the opposition coach commented
on it.
U8 C Drew 30-30
Scorers: Aarav Rajput x 2, Oscar Wilson, Felix
Ashman-Rodgers, Vihaan Vekaria, Ansh Soni
Outstanding Performance: Aarav Rajput
This was the best performance so for this year with
the boys defending together well and in attack
making better forward runs and more accurate
passes. The first half was very close with Caldicott
in the lead 3-1 . St John’s continued their good play
and the final score was a draw 6-6.
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November 4 2016
U8s v Caldicott 3rd November
U8 D1 Lost 15-20
Scorers: Rohan Shin x1, Shay Patel x 1 and
Albert Vasvari x 1
Outstanding Performance: The Whole team
This team is definitely improving and developing
all the time. A great little match with more
forwards running as well as good passing and
handling. I can tell that the boys running and
evasive understanding is growing too. St. John’s
started strong and scored the first try within 2
minutes although the half time score ended 15-5
to Caldicott. The boys were eager to start the
second half and quickly brought the game to
15-15. Soon after this Caldicott scored their 4th
try. This was followed again by some very good
‘go forwards’ from the St. John’s team and they
were unlucky not to score another try. A big well
done! Moving forwards we will keep working on
running fast and forwards as well as quicker
passing.
U8 D2 Drew 30-30
Scorers: Anek Shergill x 2, Michael Sawyer x 2,
Niam Shah x 2
Outstanding Performance: Michael Sawyer,
Niam Shah
This was a tight match, with strong attacking play
being made by both St. John’s and Caldicott. The
first half had Caldicott leading 3 tries to 2 due to
a handful of astounding breaks being made by
both teams. However, in the second half St.
Johns came into their own, shutting down the
opposing teams danger men whilst also being
supportive of each other in attack, allowing them
to draw the game with 6 tries each in the final
play of the game. A well deserved draw for St.
Johns that reflected the impressive development
of the side. A fantastic performance!
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November 4 2016
Senior House Rugby 2rd November
On a glorious day on Wednesday Year 7 and 8 took part in the Senior House rugby. All the matches were keenly
contested and some of the running and inter-play was excellent. However, two Houses started to dominate and the final was
between Churchill and Lawrence. In the first half it was very close but in the second half, Lawrence pulled away when Jordan
Hui and Daniel Odejinmi scored the decisive tries to win the match and the overall tournament. Oates and Lincoln battled hard
for 3rd and 4th place. Below are the overall results of the senior House Rugby.
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1st Place
Lawrence
2nd Place
Churchill
3rd Place
4th Place
Oates
Lincoln
November 4 2016
House matches in pictures
Sam Gleeson triumphs at Hillingdon Club
Sam Gleeson in 4W took part in the Hillingdon
Swimming Club annual championships at
Uxbridge on Sunday. This event featured an eight
years and under category for the first time. Sam
competed in all four individual races, butterfly,
freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke in this age
group and was awarded 1st place in every race
which is a fantastic achievement.
He can be seen here proudly wearing his four gold
medals and he will be presented his trophies in the
annual awards ceremony in February.
Many congratulations to Sam on these superb
results!
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November 4 2016
We wish you a merry Christmas…….
Please come and see the Brass Band
perform outside the Namaste Lounge in
Northwood Hills on Saturday 19th
November at 4.00pm for the official
turning on of the Northwood Hills
Christmas lights. It promises to kick-start
the festive season! Performers are to wear
school uniform and arrive 3.30-3.40pm. We
start at 4.oopm and will finish approx.
4.40pm after the Mayor of Hillingdon has
switched on the lights.
Watford Music Festival 2017
A message for all boys who learn a musical instrument. Would you like your son to take part next term? Many of you have
already let Mrs Selwood know if you are taking part via the Big Blue Letter and will be receiving further information soon. If you
have not had the Big Blue Letter yet then please let your instrumental teacher know that you would like to take part. The festival
is good experience but not compulsory. Complete beginners shouldn't take part this year. If you learn an instrument outside
school and would like to enter, you should discuss it with your private instrumental teacher and make your own entry. Forms can
be accessed from the Watford Festival website www.watfordfestival.co.uk. The closing date is Tuesday 13th December.
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November 4 2016
It’s all Heath Robinson to me!
Check out these crazy ideas! Just some of the ideas from the great mind of the moustached man, William Heath
Robinson. In D. & T. this week boys from all year groups have been learning about Heath Robinson and his detailed design
ideas for wacky contraptions. Have a look at
this BBC news clip to see more. BBC news clip
Heath Robinson Sometimes the shorter route
isn’t the most fun. Studying his drawings have
given us a lot of giggles! The Heath Robinson
Museum in Pinner has recently reopened and
should be a real treat if you get time to go and
visit.
https://www.heathrobinsonmuseum.org/
Competition Time
Inspired by Heath Robinson’s designs? Then
why not come up with an idea of your own?
Mrs McSween would like to see sketches of
designs in the style of Heath Robinson
following the theme of ‘Making life easier at St.
John’s’. Prizes will be awarded for the best
ideas. Deadline for entries is 5th December.
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November 4 2016
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1.
Reece Jones, Ashok Rodrigo, Chirayu Shah and
Krish Patel in 6H have been learning how to blend
oil pastels.
2.
Boys in Junior Art Club have been busy making red
sparkly poppies for Remembrance Day.
3.
These colourful ‘Tree of Life’ pictures have been
drawn by Zak Rosenbaum in 5S and Qayl Hirani
in 5K.
4.
Boys in 6G have been preparing for St John’s
fireworks night.
5.
Edward Greenaway in 4W has drawn and coloured
a beautiful drawing of his hand, he has been learning
about complimentary colours.
November 4 2016
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November 4 2016
Calendar and important dates
Contact details
Monday 7th November: Google Expedition Pioneer Programme (Years 3-6)
Updates: please continue to visit
www.st-johns.org.uk for all the latest
information on sports fixtures and results.
The website will have
announcements in case of
emergency. You can also
follow us on twitter
@stjsnorthwood.
Tuesday 8th November: Rugby at St Columba’s U9 Tournament
(10.30am-2.30pm)
Wednesday 9th November: Rugby: St Edwards, Oxford U12 Festival
(1.00pm)
Rugby v Davenies: U13 A (h), U12 B (h) (2.30pm)
London Athletics Prep Schools AGM (7.15pm)
Thursday 10th November: Governors' Visit and Meeting at St John's
Rugby v Davenies: U8 A, B, C (h), U8 D, E, F (a) (2.30pm)
St John's Association AGM (7.00pm)
Friday 11th November: Armistice Day
Year 8 Common Entrance Mock French Speaking Examination
Rugby v Thorpe House: U10 A, B, C (h) (2.30pm)
Sunday 13th November: Remembrance Service, Northwood (10.40am)
Mailings: if you have received The Lamb
from someone else and would like to be
sent your own copy direct each week,
please email: Lamb Editor. Let us know
your contact details and you will be added
to the list.
Photographs: Do please continue to send
in any photographs which could be
included in The Lamb.
Notices and Reminders
Armistice Day and poppies. On
Friday 11th November we have two
minutes silence at 11.00am. Please
make sure that you are wearing a
poppy on that day. Year 8 boys are
selling them every day in the
playground. They will also be selling
pencils, wristbands, slap rulers,
friendship bracelets and reflectors on
a first come, first served basis.
Cenotaph Service. Our Head and Deputy Head boy will be
joining the Headmaster to represent the School on Sunday 13th
November in the centre of Northwood when they will present a
wreath at the Cenotaph. You are warmly invited to join them
and many other schools and organisations at this service of
remembrance. Proceedings begin at 10.40am.
Annual Traffic Survey. Please be advised that on Tuesday 8th
November we will be conducting our annual traffic
survey. This will be undertaken by an independent company
which will be within the car park and immediate area recording
car volumes throughout the day.
Secure bike parking at St. John’s. Some boys (and staff)
travel to and from school by bike. If you are considering using
this healthy and green mode of transport we would like to
remind you that there is a secure cycle shed next to the
pedestrian crossing near the science block changing rooms.
Please see Mr Lawrence for further details.
Switch Off Fortnight. Starting from Monday schools all
around the country are taking part in ‘Switch Off Fortnight’. It
is aimed at cutting energy bills and raising awareness of climate
change. Mr Lawrence is launching this initiative at St John’s on
Monday in assembly so hopefully your sons will tell you all
Merchant Taylors’ Photography Competition. Thank you to about what we are going to be doing as part of this national
all the boys who sent in photographs for the Merchant Taylors’ event.
Photography Competition. All entries have been submitted and Enjoy the weekend and keep safe on 5th November.
the results will be in soon.
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November 4 2016