Lyonsdown News - 8th November 2019

From the Headmaster’s Desk

The second half of the Autumn Term may not always start as energetically as the first week in September, but the triumphant opening of our new Dining Room, Kitchen and Small Hall ensured that Lyonsdown was buzzing with excitement this week. These facilities join our new Library, Laboratory and refreshed classrooms and allow our Nursery and Reception children to enjoy hot lunches with the rest of the school, as well as creating a multi-purpose area that can be used for other activities such as Music and Drama.

Towards the end of this week, Mrs Windsor and I travelled north, to take part in the ISA Autumn Study Conference. Such events are always a great opportunity to keep abreast of new educational developments and share best practice. For those of you who follow @hammondteacher on Twitter, you will have seen the great breadth and depth of these sessions and speakers, but the personal highlight for me was meeting one of my heroes, British athlete Derek Redmond.

You may remember that, last year, I used the story of Redmond's 1992 Barcelona Olympics 400 metre semi-final to teach the children about the value of perseverance. I am sure many of you have seen that race, either at the time or online (if you haven't, please take a look and share it with your child). However, what I did not know was what his story was after that infamous race.

With seven operations in 18 months after his hamstring tear, Redmond was told his career was over by his surgeon. However, it was not the end of his athletics career that upset him, but being told he would never compete for his country again. Following his graduation in electrical engineering in the USA, Redmond returned to the UK and joined his local basketball team, Northampton Fire for the 94/95 season. He was subsequently scouted for the Birmingham Bullets, a professional team, for 95/96 season and then selected by England to play in a friendly, to prove his doubters wrong and represent his country once again. Since then, he has combined raising his family with competing semi-professionally in motocross and various martial arts. Barcelona was not the end of Redmond's sporting career, but the beginning of something bigger. As he said when I spoke to him: "When one door closes, it is not just another door that opens, but a whole room. If you want something badly

enough, you can achieve it. Don't give up on yourself." This shows how important the learning journey is to us all, and why effort trumps attainment every time.

The Conference also hosts the ISA Annual Art Competition, at which Lyonsdown has a strong track record. Mrs Cowie will update you further as soon as possible, but stay tuned to social media for updates.

Finally, a reminder to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up-to-date with life at Lyonsdown.

All the best for a relaxing weekend.

Mr Hammond

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@LyonsdownSchool @LyonsdownSchool @LyonsdownSport

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Notices

Commemorating Remembrance

We warmly invite parents, grandparents and other family members to join with us on the playground for a short 15 minute Service of Remembrance on Monday 11th November which rather fittingly, is Remembrance Day itself.

The service will begin at 11am, and include poetry, reflection and prayer, as well as a two minute silence. If you are able to attend, please arrive at the school playground gate by 10.50am Monday 11th November. In the afternoon, Year 6 will pay respects on behalf of the School at the New Barnet War memorial.

Opening Ceremony

We look forward to welcoming parents, children, alumni and neighbours to visit us and explore our new facilities on Monday 18th November. The event starts at 3:45pm and finishes at 7:30pm, so please pop along when you can. To confirm your attendance, please reply to the e-form you were sent before half term. If you cannot find this email, do let the Office team know and they will send you another copy.

FLS News from the Co-Chair

Hi everyone I thought I would introduce myself.

I’m Charlotte and I have 2 daughters at Lyonsdown in Year 5 and Year 3. Thank you for everyone who attended last half terms FLS AGM where I was elected as Chair of the FLS. I’ve decided to Co-Chair with Natalie as her wealth of experience within the Friends Group is immeasurable. I have been involved with the FLS since 2014 and enjoy helping out at the events as well as trying not to lose at the annual spring Quiz night with varying degrees of success!

Every parent is a member of The Friends of Lyonsdown and we organise many fundraising and fun events throughout the school year. Many hands make light work and I know my children love seeing me at school when I’m helping out, especially wearing Easter bunny ears at the Easter egg hunt or a Santa hat at the Christmas grotto.

We are gathering momentum for Christmas and the FLS always love organising the Santa’s Grotto for the children. Each child receives a present from our resident Santa and a photo with their friends inside the magical grotto.

FLS volunteers work hard preparing for this and this is where we need your help. I’d like to warmly invite you to come along to a Friend of Lyonsdown Coffee Morning at my house next Friday, a very social affair with refreshments and pastries. More information about this event will be sent to you by your Class Rep.

I look forward to meeting you then.

Charlotte

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Week commencing: 11th November 2019

Yogurts & fresh fruit available daily. HM—Homemade V—Vegetarian

MSC - Certified Sustainable Seafood

Lunch Menu

Monday 11th Year 2 trip to the Barbican.

Service of Remembrance, please arrive at the school playground gate by 10.50am.

Tuesday 12th Flu vaccinations for parents who consented.

Wednesday 13th Year 5 and Year 6 Netball vs St Joseph's In the Park (Miss Doyle has sent information to the pupils taking part).

The Week Ahead

Thursday 14th Open morning for Prospective Parents, 10am.

Friday 15th Year 5 and Year 6 ISA Football (Miss Doyle has sent information to the pupils taking part).

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Main Course Option 1

Plants For The Planet Day

Roast Vegetable and Garlic

Penne HM V

Lamb and Spinach Cobbler

HM

Roast Dinner Day Roast Chicken

HM Roast Potatoes Gravy

Mild Chilli-Con-Carne HM and Tortilla

Chicken Hotdog Chunky

Oven Baked Chips

Vegetarian Option 2

Sweet Potato Falafel and

Hummus Wrap HM V

Creamy Macaroni

Cheese V HM and Garlic

Bread

Quorn Roast V Roast Potatoes

Gravy

Cheesy Jacket Potato V HM

Freshly Baked Margherita Pizza V HM

Sides Carrot Batons Garden Peas

Salad Bar

Baked Beans Cucumber

Sticks Salad Bar

Broccoli Sweetcorn Salad Bar

Garden Peas Green Beans

Salad Bar

Carrot Batons Sweetcorn Salad Bar

Dessert Creamy Soya

Desserts Jelly Pots V

Chocolate Crispy Bar HM

Yoghurts

Fruit Skewers HM Yoghurts

Blueberry Muffins HM

Toffee Mousse

Ice Cream and Toppings

Fresh Fruit