Friday, 9th March 2018
Upper School Newsletter
Upper School News
It's been another active week here in the Upper School and we have seen lots of student leadership and creativity on display that delights me. From student service leadership events, student art exhibitions, a student led assembly, a student led fundraising concert and students hosting visitors in school, it's been rewarding to see how well they rise to the challenges we set them! It never ceases to amaze me how they model enthusiasm, dedication and motivation here in Dwight. Let's hear from some of our student media club reports about these events.
Photography by Mira, M5
Student Concert for Wings of Hope Charity
From our arts correspondent - Herbie, M1
On Tuesday, 6th March, Ran, Kie, Megumi and Maria in D1 hosted a charity concert for WOHAA, an organisation that helps children in Malawi and India with their education. This concert replaced the Winter Concert that was sadly cancelled because of the snow.
Around £300 was raised through ticket purchases and a fun fundraising idea. After each performance a ceremonial bowl and goblet were passed around for the audience to place sweets and chocolates into if they liked the piece. The audience could purchase the candy from the back of the hall, next to the delicious Japanese food supplied by the students.
There were super solos, sensational singers and brilliant bands. Thank you to the teachers who helped support and parents who donated their money but most of all to the students who organised this amazing event!
Diploma 2 Art Exhibition
From our arts correspondent - Tess, M5
On Monday, I had the opportunity to see the Diploma Art Exhibition and experience all of the incredible artwork that the Diploma art students have been creating over the past year. The variety of pieces was incredible and I really believe the artists were given full creative license and, because of that, created beautiful, original pieces of work.
Photography by Mira, M5
We also had music that was performed by the choir and band at Carnegie Hall last month (which I was a part of!) and it was a pleasant intermission from viewing the artwork. I am very glad that I was able to see these exhibits and experience the immersive art displays and would encourage others to try and visit future art exhibits as the atmosphere and environment was well put together and the artwork was immaculate. Worth taking the time and congratulations to Hitomi, Keir and Keren for their amazing work and to Ms. Ross and the team who supported them.
Photography by Mira, M5
Student led assembly
Three times a term we hold a whole school assembly which is hosted by some senior students. Opportunities are given for students to speak in front of their peers about recent experiences such a trips, matches, house events and competitions or to raise awareness about service projects. Further, we take time to recognise student academic achievement and staff dedication.
This week Clara, Victoria and Luke in M5 led the assembly with me and they did a super job at creating a joyful atmosphere in the hall. We had some memorable music performances and fun videos as well as some surprisingly amusing speakers! Thanks to all involved.
Sports News!
From our sports correspondent - Sterling, M5
The Dwight netball team had a tournament against five different schools this Monday. Niamh (M3), Rena (M5), and Alexia (M4) did a great job at passing the ball around the defenders.
Victoria (M5) was our best shooter and was always in position. Csenge( M3) and Henar (M4) always made an amazing effort to protect the goal from the shooters. Theano (M4) and Reika (M5) were constantly making leads to get in front of the defenders to help our team. The girls played well and can't wait to see how the younger girls do on their tournament Friday afternoon!
The girls football team has just kicked off this week. There are only 10 members now and they are hoping to get a few more so please do sign-up! Training is on Mondays from 4.15-5.15pm with Mr. Williams as the coach. They are very excited for their first game in a few weeks.
In further sports news we're getting excited about the school swimming gala being organised by Ms. Mills for Monday, 19th March at Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre from 10.00am-1.00pm. It's going to be a great competition for our swimmers.
We welcomed Year 5 again for transitions day!
From our correspondents - Auva M1 and Tess M5
At the start of this week we had the second group of Year 5s coming to the Upper School. As well as being in new subjects, the students from the lower school also had the chance to experience being in the vertical tutor periods, with Upper School students from M1 to D1.
National Enterprise Day for M3 and M4
Students are taking part in The National Enterprise Challenge which is the largest enterprise competition in the country with over 60,000 students taking part this year. Today they worked on a project set by Ryman Stationery. Students rebranded the Back 2 School marketing campaign. Our winning team will be representing the school at the National Finals on 4th July in Telford. #TNEC
Photography by Mr. Wynter
Theatre on Monday!
You are all welcome to watch the M5 original plays on Monday, 12th March at Jubilee Hall starting at 6.30pm. Nibbles and wine to be served before and during the performance in café style setting in the hall. Please come along and support the students who are very keen to hear your feedback on their drama progress. The unit title is Shifting Perceptions and the students will be interested to see if their work changes or shifts your ideas about the various concepts presented on the evening! Ask Ms. Kennedy for more information.
School Photo Day
Please note that the Upper School photo day for our group and team photos has moved to Monday, 26th March.
Work Experience
The M5 work experience programme for June is shaping up and I'm glad we've placed a number of students in interesting positions. We are lacking some opportunities in the finance sector so if any parents work for companies with finance departments willing to offer work experience in late June, please contact Fiona McCaffrey in school.
In closing I would like to thank the many parents who completed the surveys for our IB self-evaluation. Your opinions and responses are being analysed by the parent committee and I know it will provide important evidence to triangulate the student and staff input to our ongoing commitment to improve our IB Programmes.
Can I also take this opportunity to remind parents that if students need to be absent for two or more consecutive days, often near the holidays, this can only happen with advanced authorisation from me. We are very understanding about family occasions and cultural celebrations in international contexts but teachers need advanced notice to ensure absences do not impact the student learning. Only students with strong attendance records to date may be able to take time off for such matters. I hope you understand why this is important for their academic progress.
Have a fun weekend everyone hopefully with some Spring sunshine!
Andy Atkinson
Upper School Principal
Upcoming Trips
D2 English Trip
On Wednesday, 14th March, D2 students will be visiting the First World War Exhibit at the Imperial War Museum and watching Julius Ceasar at the Bridge Theatre. Students will need to meet at the the Imperial War Museum at 10.30am, Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ. They will need to bring an Oyster card and either a packed lunch or money to buy lunch.
Dwight School Parent Association
March Out and About – Eltham Palace
Join us for an outing to visit Eltham Place in SE London. Experience the decade of decadence as you are transported back to the 1930's! Created for millionaires, Stephen and Virginia Courtauld, Eltham Palace is part showpiece of Art Deco design and 1930's cutting edge technology, and part medieval royal palace!
Date: Friday, 16th March, 2018
Meet: 9am West Finchley station or 10:30am at Eltham Palace, Court Yard, London SE9 5QE
Cost: £14.40 – we will purchase our tickets at the entrance
Please let Michele know if you plan to join! Michele@seanoneill.com
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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