Carol Concert

The third annual Carol Concert held at Holy Trinity Church on Tuesday 13 December was a joyous event. The festival of nine lessons and carols really set the Christmas tone with a superb array of music and various members of the school community telling the Christmas story through readings from the bible.

As ever we thank the Reverend David Uffindell for hosting us at Holy Trinity and the large number of parents, staff and governors who supported the event on such a bitterly cold night. The music was, of course, up to the high standards set by the Charters music team with an array of different singers and musicians giving their own individual take on mainly traditional Christmas music. Particularly noteworthy was the initial solo by Aleisha Down (7T) of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ and Panis Angelicus by the string quartet led by Mr Bull for the last time.

A great evening and congratulations to all involved.

Presentation Evening

Last night our annual Presentation Evening took place celebrating the achievements of last year’s Year 13 group. It was lovely to welcome them back, along with Joy Ardy, who retired in 2008 after 26 years as an English teacher at Charters. Joy gave an inspirational talk on the attitudes and personal qualities needed to live a rich fulfilled life. Then the inspiration came from our excellent students returning as confident young men and women to enjoy their successes whilst at the school. Examination certificates were given out and special awards made. Below is a list of all the major prize winners.

Peyton Cup	Benjamin Stafford
The Mills Trophy (Outstanding service to the school)	Rhianne Blockley
Colin Bailey Cup (Inspirational Student)	Samuel Rhymes
David Cross Cup (Service to the Sixth Form)	Thomas Buckley
Westby Cup (Academic Excellence)	Harry Rout
Anna Dingley Award (Leadership and Innovation)	Michael Stokes
James Jolly Cup (Personal Achievement)	Adam Buttigieg
Rotary Club of Ascot ‘Service Above Self’	Katie Gow/Annaliese Abrahams
Hammond Cup (Creative Arts)	Samuel Young
Hutton Trophy (Boys PE)	Sahil Khan
Thomas Trophy (Girls PE)	Katie Gow

 
 
What a great way to end the year and particular thanks to Mrs Cronk and Mrs Marson who organised the evening so effectively.

Mr Harvey – Community Deputy Headteacher

Good luck to Mr Harvey who is going into hospital for a major knee operation at the start of the Christmas holidays. He is likely to be out of action until February half term and possibly up until Easter. In his absence, Mr Ivan Wright, Assistant Headteacher, takes over line management responsibility for Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) and Mr Parker will link with the Physical Education curriculum area.

British Schools’ Modern Biathlon Championships

We are delighted to announce that 7 students have reached the qualifying standard to represent Charters School at the British Schools’ Modern Biathlon Championships to be held at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre on Sunday 5 February 2012. The students selected are Charlotte Maxfield (11F), Daniel Rickards (9M), Rami Elias (8M), Carl Slater (8M), Milly Routledge (8F), Laura Rishworth (8F) and Aaron Dunbar (7M). Very well done to all the students and good luck for next year.

GCSE Exams – January

Some Year 10 and Year 11 students have important GCSE exams in January. Could we please ask parents to ensure that students use the Christmas break to begin their revision.

Snow Days

As this morning’s wintry weather may be a taste of things to come in the New Year, in the event of extreme weather conditions please check the homepage of the school website (www.chartersschool.org.uk) for information regarding potential school closure. Information should be available by 6.45 am on the day; alternatively listen to local radio stations – details below. Please note that the school will remain open unless you are specifically informed otherwise.

Radio Stations: BBC Radio Berkshire (available on 95.4FM; 104.1FM and DAB) publish a list of all school closures and also announce these on air. Heart Thames Valley (available on 97FM and 102.9FM) and TIME FM (available on 106.6FM) also announce any closure of Charters School.

School Shop

The School Shop are always looking for parent volunteers to help in the shop during its opening hours of 1.30 - 2pm each day. If you can spare 1 hour per week, every week, and would like to get involved, please contact Wendy Finch on fincw006@rbwm.org or telephone the main school number, ext 755. Thank you.

Tirabad Clothing Range

The new outdoor clothing range released for Tirabad, which includes hoodies, T-shirts, water bottles and beanie hats, is now available from the Tirabad shop in Wales, prices starting from £4.99 – for full details please see the Tirabad section of our website.

Boot Camp

A six week Boot Camp is starting on 3 January 2012 at Furze Platt School Sports Hall. The class is to be held on Tuesday evenings from 6.30 pm till 7.30 pm. For more information please call Kevin Dobson on 07909 658540.

Forthcoming Events

Tuesday 3 January 2012   Return to School   School commences at 8.35 am

Thursday 19 January  Year 8 Parents’ Evening  5 pm (Sixth Form Block/Durning Room)

Wednesday 1 February   Charters Unplugged   7 pm in the Drama Studio

Thursday 2 February   Year 10 Parents’ Evening   5 pm

Wednesday 8 February   Chamber Concert   7 pm in the Main Hall

Friday 10 February   Last Day of Term 3   School finishes at 3 pm

Monday 13 – Friday 17 February   Half Term

Monday 20 February   Return to School   School commences at 8.35 am

 

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Martyn Parker and Richard Pilgrim
Co-Headteachers