Dear Parents and Friends,

Last Sunday evening the Chapel was full to capacity for our first Choral Evensong service of the term. The combined choirs, directed by Philip Bell and, for one piece, by Year 13 student Lily Addis, were in fine voice and it was very encouraging to see a large number of new recruits to the Choristers and Barbershop. Congratulations to Lily Addis, Thalia Selby and Edgar Heath-Pampin who sang their solo parts so very well.

On Monday morning I was very pleased to address the Junior School at their assembly and to share with them a prayer of St. Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556), which I learned by heart my own childhood: “Teach us Lord to serve thee as thou deservest, To give and not to count the cost, To fight and not to heed the wounds, To toil and not to seek for rest, To labour and not to ask for any reward save that of knowing that we do thy will.” After introducing the prayer, we reflected that “thy will” was best delivered in the School community through ‘Non Sibi Sed Omnibus’.

There have been some tremendous performances from our sport teams this week in football, netball, hockey and basketball. Congratulations to the Senior netball squad for their performance in the Surrey Finals and commiserations to the Senior football team and U15 hockey side who narrowly lost their cup matches against Alleyn’s and Brentwood.

Our young actors have been busily preparing for two productions after half term. A group of Years 8, 9 and 10 pupils are performing ‘Twelfth Night’ in the Shakespeare for Schools Festival at Leatherhead Theatre on Tuesday, 7 November. The School Play, ‘To Kill a Mocking Bird’ will run in the Performing Arts Centre from Wednesday 22 to Friday 24 November inclusive.

Our French exchange students have returned to Orleans having enjoyed five days with us in school. Our own French students will travel for their exchange visit during half term. Thank you again to those Royal Russell families who have looked after our guests this week.

Yesterday, students and staff from Hitachi High School in Japan arrived for the start of their exchange visit and our International Model United Nations Conference this weekend. The Japanese students gave a presentation on Japanese culture to Sixth Formers at lunchtime and are sampling the delights of Brighton before returning for the Conference this weekend.

The Royal Russell MUN team are transforming the site from a school into an international conference centre this afternoon, in preparation for the Model United Nations conference which will open on Saturday. I know that the staff and student officers have put a great deal of time into planning for a successful few days and I look forward to seeing their hard work come to fruition as delegates arrive this weekend. I am sure that ‘Madden and Friends’ will enjoy their trip to Thorpe Park this afternoon as will the large number of CCF Cadets attending their training camp at Pirbright which will allow them to develop skills introduced during their Monday evening training sessions.

I will sign off for half term by congratulating all those pupils and staff who joined the Royal Russell community in September. I have been hugely impressed by the positive start that this group has made collectively and individually and by the support given by those who are more established within the Royal Russell community to ensure they have all settled well. I hope all will enjoy some time for recharging batteries over the next two weeks. With best wishes,

June Year 8 CCF Induction Day

Headmaster’s Weekly

Newsletter

13 October 2017

Chris Hutchinson Headmaster

From the Chapel

School Services

The singing in Sunday’s wonderful Choral Evensong was led by our super Choir. We began with an Introit from the Book of Common Prayer’s Office for the Dead – Thou knowest, Lord, to music by Purcell. Later we heard the hymn, For the beauty of the earth, sung as an anthem to music by John Rutter. Charlotte, Thea, Safia, Lina, Amisha and Lily with furry friends Alma, Tara, Ella, Amy , Emilie and Jiya. In the Monday services Buchanan House told of the need to respect animals and revealed the use of animals in research for cosmetic products. In the first chapter of the Bible, animals, along with humans are the last to be created by God. This may indicate their importance in God’s eyes. Humans are called to care for them. On Thursday we heard of Jesus healing a woman who reached out to him in a crowd [Mark, Chapter 5]. We then saw demonstrated the suffering of being ignored by others and our ability to heal them by showing interest in them.

National Gallery on YouTube

The Audacity of Christian Art is a fascinating, new series. Two short films are now available: 1. The Problem with Christ [being depicted as

both God and Man]; and 2. Signs and Symbols. The latter includes

symbolism of the snail in the bottom left of Carlo Crivelli’s The Virgin and Child with Saints Francis and Sebastian (1491)

Chapel Quiz 115

What does the snail symbolize? Double prizes for pupils.

Answer to Chapel Quiz 114

Stigmata are bleeding wounds in the hands, feet and side, which correspond to the wounds Christ received on the cross. it is claimed that St Francis of Assisi, and others, have spontaneously received them.

Looking Forward to Half-Term

A clergyman has nothing to do but be slovenly and selfish – read the newspaper, watch the weather, and quarrel with his wife. Jane Austen, Mansfield Park

Year 9 Battlefields Trip

Thursday, 46 Year 9 pupils went on the history battlefields trip. We took the Eurotunnel over to France and then drove to Ypres. During the day we visited many cemeteries such as Lijssenthoek, Langemark, Essex Farm and Tyne Cot. We also visited the Flanders Field Museum and had the chance to buy some gorgeous Belgium chocolates before watching a memorial ceremony at the Menin Gate where we laid a wreath from Royal Russell to all those who died during the war. We then rushed back for dinner and finally sleep.

On the second day we left Belgium and headed for the Somme where we visited a battlefield, even more cemeteries and finally the Thiepval War Memorial where we found five Old Russellians. We then drove back to Calais, boarded the Eurotunnel and returned to England.

The trip was very interesting and as always, a lot of fun. Thank you to all the staff who came especially Mr Hutchinson.

Luke McCabe Year 9

My great, great Grandad is an unknown solider of WW1 whose name is engraved on the Thievapel memorial. On the Belgium trip I was given the chance to go see his name. We laid poppies in remembrance and I was the first family member to see his name up on the wall.

It was lovely to be able to pay my respects for what he did for his family and his country.

Elesha Jepson

Junior Inter-House Mathematics Challenge In a closely fought competition, thirteen House teams comprising pupils from Years 6, 7 and 8, undertook a range of mathematical puzzles in the Junior House Maths Challenge. This was followed by sandwiches and squash.

In the overall competition, Madden House took third place, Queen’s took second place and the Exeter team clinched overall victory.

There was great excitement as this was the first time that the Junior School had won the competition and deservedly so.

Congratulations to all participants and a big thank you to Mrs Smith for organising the competition and to our Sixth Form helpers for running it.

Boarders Bowling Trip

The boarders went bowling on Sunday taking up 7 lanes at the refurbished Purley Way alley. In a hotly contested competition, Ivan and Namo came out on top stringing together a number of spares and strikes. We then had a spot of lunch before returning to school in plenty of time for the evening activities.

Year 12 CamTech Nutrition Year 12 made their own Isotonic, hypotonic and hypertonic sports drinks before competing in a blind-folded taste test this week with Mr Brennan.

Mini MUN This year we have had record numbers

attending Mini MUN on a Wednesday evening.

Over forty Year 6, 7 and 8 students have been

debating topics as wide ranging as all countries

having to introduce gender neutral uniform to

legalising cannabis for adults via continuing with

the Death Penalty. On Wednesday we had the

annual debate in Great Hall with students

having the chance to debate in the General

Assembly set up for our annual conference.

Royal Russell Students at THIMUN This year is the 50th anniversary of the first THIMUN conference in the Hague. THIMUN is the largest conference in Europe with over 3,500 delegates from all over the world attending. Royal Russell School is one of only three English schools whose conference is affiliated to THIMUN and every year we look to send a delegation to the conference.

This year we have been selected to represent Ghana, an important African ECOSOC country. Three of our students have been given posts on the THIMUN newspaper, the largest circulation daily secondary school student paper in the wold during the week of the conference - Peter Ngyuen Minh and Max Shirley as reporters and Claudia Bata as an artist. Lucas Jones has also been appointed as a Deputy President of ECOSOC.

Year 12 Business BTEC As part of their course the students are required to undertake a unit entitled, ‘Managing an Event.’ In preparation and to gain an insight into the logistics of running a successful and safe event, the class arranged for two members of Royal Russell to visit and discuss their roles.

Ciara Campbell – Marketing and Communications Manager

Ciara came along and discussed how to plan, stage and manage an event from an organiser’s perspective. Topics covered included selecting a suitable venue, the documentation required, booking facilities and equipment, personal traits, delegation, problem solving and how all this and much more besides has to come together to meet the client brief.

Colin Leggatt – Head of Security

Colin came and spoke to the group regarding Health and Safety, Security, undertaking risk assessments and insurance. The class now appreciate the significance of having evidence to prove that each element has been taken into consideration and acted upon thus ensuring that those attending have a safe but enjoyable time.

Both answered numerous questions, provided examples and brought their section to life. This has given Year 12 much to think about and consider in the upcoming months as they plan their own events. I would like to thank them on behalf of the class for giving up their time.

Lynne Faulkner

Historical Society On Thursday, Year 11, 12 and 13 History students met in the Douglas Higgins Library to discuss the question: “Can acts of terror in history ever be justified?”. The majority of the debate was focused around defining the term “terrorism” in order to establish the criteria needed to answer the question; a vital aspect of every history essay and key to any historian. We questioned whether key figures who have been labelled as ‘freedom fighters’, such as Nelson Mandela, should instead be labelled as terrorists, and the extent of which public opinion shapes these definitions. The world today accepts that the demands of these opposition groups to apartheid, or the suffragettes for example, were justified due to their oppression, but at the time these views were rejected and their militancy was seen as terrorism. We also discussed how media can influence this public opinion - does the media represent the majority of people's views or force a view upon the majority of the people? Overall, it was a fruitful debate and the Historical Society looks forward to further meetings. Meera Eldridge

Design Technology Year 7s completed their first D&T project within this half-term, entitled ‘The Desk Tidy Project’. The purpose of the project was to introduce pupils to a variety of workshop tools and machinery, through the design and manufacture of their wooden and plastic pencil holder.

Year 9 Mechanical Toy Project

Within the first half-term, Year 9s completed their mechanical toy project entitled ‘The Hippo Toy’. The project gave them a further insight into the subject as a GCSE option by completing a product that would attain a GCSE grade C.

Year 10B Mechanical Toy Project

Within the first half-term Year 10s completed their mechanisms project, which gave them a better understanding of the level of complexity and challenge that needs to be included within an A grade product at GCSE.

Japanese Culture Talk

The Library was delighted to welcome pupils from Hitachi First High School to give a presentation on Japanese culture at lunchtime on Thursday. The pupils chose to wear traditional dress (and footwear) and explained that the Yukata is a more casual form of a Kimono worn by both men and women.

The pupils’ talk focused mainly on Japanese food: How and why particular foods are eaten during

each season That sushi evolved as a way of preserving fish

by pickling before the invention of refrigeration And the symbolism of certain foods, for example, shrimp is eaten to promote a long and healthy life. In a section on “sweets and treats of Japan”, we learnt about a fascinating restaurant in Harajuku, the Kawaii Monster Café, with its psychedelic themed rooms, such as the Mel-Tea Room.

The presentation ended with a much more serene look at another side of Japanese culture – Origami. Unfortunately, time ran out so we were unable to see a practical demonstration of this ancient and intricate art but we took the pupils’ word for it that it takes a lot of practice to produce a piece such as this example of an origami Godzilla! Thank you, Hitachi First pupils and Mr Moseley, for organising such an entertaining and enlightening lunchtime talk.

From the Sport Department

FOOTBALL

Our U13s were away to City of London School this week, looking to turn round some positive performances into results. The Under 13Bs started the stronger of the two teams but unfortunately found themselves behind after a quick breakaway goal from City. A quick response was needed before half time and with some excellent football, we managed to get not just one goal but three before the break. This then lead us to dominate a large majority of the game and extend our lead further in the second half. Great flight back from the City of London made the game a close affair but Royal Russell on this occasion were too strong and were able to see the game out 7-4.

The U13Cs beat City of London 3-0. End to end football throughout the game but solid defending from Joe and Campbell kept the attackers at bay with Royal Russel the more clinical of the teams.

The U13Ds stayed in positions and kept shape, they played well and started positive. This only lasted 10 minutes or so, they then lost focus and lost shape, which quickly put us a few goals down. After half time we managed to get a goal however they didn't keep this up for long and when another goal went in heads started to drop. Archie Barnes got MOTM, he gave 110% throughout the whole game and never gave up.

The U15s were away at Brentwood this weekend and the effects of a long geography trip took its toll on the teams. The Under 15As did the best they could with what they had but unfortunately the opposition managed to exploit the changes needed for this fixture to go ahead. Both teams had chances early on with Brentwood taking theirs before half time. They came out in the second half trying their best but unable to capitalise on the chances they created. Brentwood took the advantage and managed to see the game out 3-0.

HOCKEY

The U13A team were unfortunately at the helm of a very well organised Danes Hill team, but the score line was not a true reflection of the game. After a slow start to the game and finding ourselves under the pump at 6-0 down at half time, the girls stepped up their game and scored two fantastic goals from Bethany Long and Khalia Charles, that wouldn’t look out of place on the international stage. Mentions go to Khalia Charles for her goal, Melissa Thompson for numerous fine saves and to some excellent defensive performances from Cassie Exall, Amy Tree and Bethany Long.

The U13B squad convened on Saturday for their second competitive fixture of the year. They took to the frosty turf like a fish to land and before they knew it they were trailing by 6. Half time was a welcome relief. As the second half whistle blew the girls came out the traps like a greyhound chasing a hare. Strong and determined to improve their performance. Only one conceded and many an attack forged, the difference in application and motivation was clear to see. A sublime showing of determination just proved what the girls can achieve if they focus on the task in hand. A 7-0 defeat but as the old saying goes, it was a game of two halves.

The U14A team took on Reigate Grammar at home last Saturday in what was sure to be a highly competitive game. The start of the game moved to Royal Russell's favour, with some excellent goal scoring chances from Ruby Whitley and Becky Ward, with Becky then scoring before half time. Reigate Grammar then responded by stepping up their press and the intensity of the game. Louisa continued to make excellent saves, whilst Anna Stone repeated game changing tackles, but unfortunately we ran out of time to increase the score line. Final score 5-1 to Reigate.

CROSS-COUNTRY

Well done to the Year 7 girls cross-country team who came first in the Croydon Schools Cross -Country. Special well done to Holly Perks who finished third, Evie Lloyd finishing fifth and Yasmin Williams who finished seventh. The Year 7 boys also ran and finished third overall with top ten performances from Thomas Beare, Tyrique George and Jack Low.

Not to be outdone, the U14 boys team continued the winning ways becoming the second team to WIN a Croydon Schools Championship in a day! Deji Elerewe was 6th, Calum Firth 7th, James Lloyd 8th and James Springate 10th. An outstanding result.

NETBALL

This week the U14, U15, U16, and U19 went to the Surrey tournament.

Well done to all teams for their performances, all the girls fought extremely hard. Both the U14s and U19s qualified through to the surrey finals that take place in March.

This is the first time a Royal Russell Senior side has qualified through to the final round so huge progress made by all the girls.

Well done girls! Players of the day for each team were as follows:

U19 – Eddi Morrissey

U16 – Amelia O’Sullivan

U15 – Emily Taylor

U14 – Anna Stone

During half term the Surrey Storm hub academies begin at the School. This is a weekly U17 and U19 program run externally by Surrey Storm.

This performance pathway program is where athletes are sent to train at a hub close to their home. Royal Russell was selected out of a variety of schools to host this performance academy with a number of our staff also coaching. This is the first time Royal Russell have been involved in the running of an elite program such as this and is a fantastic step towards the positive direction our netball is going.

BIATHLON

The Biathlon team recorded solid times at the SE Regional qualifier scoring valuable points (the aim is 2000 points) towards the rankings for the National finals.

The day started well with Eivie, Yasmin and Lucas swimming PBs. James and Jemima both recorded solid times too just outside the target times.

In the running Eivie ran a 3 minute 800m time scoring well over 2000 points. Yasmin improved her 1600m time for last week’s event by 10 seconds, to go under 6.30 mins. James went well under the target time too in his 1600m finishing on 1950 points.

Jemima ran well in a tough race, well done. Lucas finished off a very successful day with a PB 1600m run scoring well over 2000 points and finishing fifth overall.

Lucas and Eivie should now qualify for the National finals a fantastic achievement alongside 5 Junior school qualifiers!

1853 Society Russellian Ball and Auction

The inaugural Russellian Ball will be held on Saturday 4 November and will include a 3 course supper, dancing and an auction for some fabulous prizes. There are only four tickets left, so if you would like to attend, please email 1853Society@royalrussell.co.uk for details. If you are not attending, but would still like would like to put in a sealed bid for any of the auction lots, please email Jeremy Lloyd-Jones: jlloydjones@royalrussell.co.uk.

Lot 1: Signed Chelsea Football Shirt

Chelsea football shirt signed by last season’s Premier League Champions. All your favourite players – Hazard, Willian, Cahill and many more! Donated by Uben Grey

Lot 2: Dinner for 2 at Mosimann’s

Dinner for two people at one of London’s most exclusive fine dining clubs. A 3 course meal and wine included. Donated by Philipp Mosimann

Lot 3: 2 Nights, B & B at Merchants Manor Hotel, Falmouth

Occupying a Queen Anne-style house dating back to 1913, this fantastic hotel is within walking distance of the amazing Gyllynvase beach (heaven for surfers and rock-poolers). With views across Falmouth Bay and a 9 minute walk from Pendennis Castle, Merchants Manor features a mini gym, an indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub and newly refurbished top-end spa area. And if you are a foodie, there is an excellent brasserie and restaurant. Falmouth and the surrounding area is packed with interesting things to see and do. Available Autumn/Winter. Donated by Nick and Sioned Rudlin

Lot 4: One Golf Four-Ball at the Grove Hotel, Herts

This is one of the best courses in England set in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside beside the five star Grove Hotel. Ideal for corporate entertaining or a relaxing weekend off. Donated by Daniel Levy

Lot 5: One Named Bench in front of the Pavilion This is your chance to leave your name at Royal Russell forever! This is the ideal opportunity to have your family name on a bench in front of the new pavilion or another place of your choice on the campus. Donated by Royal Russell School

Lot 6: One Week in fabulous adjoining Villas in the Estrella region of Spain: Cortijo Villa

Los Conillos comprises two renovated houses set in two acres with large tiled pool. The houses look out to the stunning Lujar mountains to the front and the Sierra Nevada to the back. Lovely 15 minute walk into the bustling town of Orgiva, which offers a range of shops, bars and restaurants with stunning views of the Alpujarras. One hour from Grenada Airport. Ample space for 4 cars. The houses are 10-15m from each other on the property which is filled with olive, orange, lemon and pomegranate trees. Each house has a patio for outdoor dining and relaxing.

The Cortijo house is on two floors and has 4 bedrooms (3 doubles, 1 single) and three bathrooms (2 ensuite). The second property sleeps 4. (1 double, 2 singles). Available in June 2018.

Donated by Sarah Gregson and Helena Mackenzie

Lot 7: Addington Palace Country Club Royal Pamper Day for

Two with Afternoon Tea

Come and enjoy a range of luxurious treatments during a Royal Pamper Day at the fabulous Addington Palace with Country Club. Treatments including Swedish Back, neck and shoulder massage, floatation and a Traditional Palace Cream for two.

Donated by the Addington Palace Country Club

Lot 8: Record Your Own Song in Studio

Record your own song in the studio with Squeeze drummer Simon Hanson plus win a signed drum head and sticks. Have you, or your child, written a song or a piece of music simply waiting to be properly produced and recorded? This is your chance! Squeeze drummer, Simon Hanson, can make your dream come true. Date subject to availability. Valid for one year.

Donated by Simon Hanson of Squeeze

Lot 9: Golf at Addington Palace

A round of golf for 4 people at the stunning Addington Palace Golf Club on a date and time to be agreed with the Professional or member of staff. Valid until 1/6/2018 Donated by Kim Seager

Lot 10: Dinner Cooked by Chris Hutchinson for 6 people

The Headmaster’s finest cuisine! A dinner party for 6 in Headmaster’s House. Three courses plus 6 bottles of wine, prepared and served by Chris and Alex Hutchinson. Menu and wines to be agreed. Valid for one year.

Donated by Chris and Alex Hutchinson

1853 Society Christmas Fair

Saturday 18 November 12.00pm – 4.00pm

Our biggest and best event of the year is here!

Put the date in your diary now. Come along with the kids and bring friends and family as there’s something for everyone…

Fun and games on the stalls… Santa Claus…a magnificent raffle… great prizes to be won… the famed Secrets Room

[where the kids can buy nice Christmas presents for their parents]… grand raffle and auction… artisan sellers…and not forgetting, warming, Christmassy food & drink.

Come and be part of the fun.

To make this year’s event bigger and better than ever, WE NEED YOUR HELP. We

always ask and help is always willing given from our amazing Royal Russell community. So, thank you. Here’s what we need…

Donations for the Secrets Room or for a stall that the Parents’ Association will run alongside the wonderfully imaginative stalls that the classes, parents and Houses run. Anything from gift sets, toys, new books, toiletries, perfume, or any other unwanted items for men, women and children. There is a Teddy Tombola, so any grown-out of cuddly toys would be appreciated. Please bring your dona-tions into the Junior School Office or the Performing Arts Centre Reception.

Prizes for the Raffle - Anything from a bottle of wine/champagne to a meal for 2 at a local restaurant or a day out at the races. If you can give something special, big or small, please get in touch - Emma Thistleton, Chair 1853 Society, 1853society@royalrussell.co.uk

Your help - to set up the Great Hall the day before, to help out in the morning of the big event or to run a stall with other parents. Please get in touch and let us know if you can spare an hour.

Happy half term everyone…if you’re clearing out your cupboards, think Christmas Fair!

Royal Russell School Parents’ Association [1853 Society]. Our mission is bring the Royal Russell Community of pupils, parents, staff and friends together with a wide range of social events throughout the year. We also aim to raise money to contribute some of the extra things that will help enhance our children’s school lives.

We look forward to seeing you at some of our events this year.

Royal Russell School

Coombe Lane : Croydon : Surrey : CR0 5RF

www.royalrussell.co.uk Patron: Her Majesty The Queen

Diary Dates

Friday 13 October Madden House Trip to Thorpe Park

Saturday 14 October International Model United Nations Conference Begins

Friday 20 October CCF Camp to Pirbright Departs

Wednesday 25 October Year 11 - 13 French Exchange Trip to Orleans Departs

Monday 30 October Half term Break Ends. Registration 8.15am

Wednesday 1 November Rush Hour Concert Room 5.00pm A10 All Welcome

Friday 3 November Boarders' Halloween Event

Saturday 4 November 1853 Society Russellian Ball

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