12th June 2026

On Monday, our Year 6 pupils enjoyed a memorable trip to Shiplake Island as part of their leavers' programme. After a scenic walk there from Rupert House, they spent the day embracing the outdoors: building dens, climbing trees, practising map-reading skills and, of course, enjoying hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows around the campfire. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to demonstrate resilience, teamwork and independence. You can read more about the trip HERE.

Meanwhile, back at school, we were delighted to welcome Anna Dingley, founder of the UK Ekiden, to Monday's assembly. She was joined by members of her team and three Japanese volunteers, who demonstrated the art of a seamless Ekiden relay handover. Some of the children even had the opportunity to hold the corporate trophy! Today, the Ekiden will pass through Henley from about 10.30am, with handovers taking place throughout the day at Mill Meadows. If you have the opportunity, it is well worth a visit before Sports Day gets underway.

 

Henley's Great Big Green Week

It was super to see so many of our children at Henley's Great Big Green Week Festival in the Market Place on Saturday morning, where there were a number of fascinating stands focused on our local environment, as well as drumming workshops, face-painting and all manner of other fun and engaging activities. With other representatives from all other areas of the community, I also attended a fascinating community resilience meeting on Monday evening in the Town Hall, where we watched a compelling film documenting the National Emergency Briefing held at Westminster Hall in November 2025. We also heard from national security expert, Lieutenant General Richard Nugee on what escalating climate and geopolitical risks mean for towns like us and why building community resilience has never been more important.

This year, we are being encouraged to make pledges about how we are going to change our behaviour to a more environmentally-friendly way. Mrs Newman spoke about this in assembly on Thursday morning and your child may have brought home a flyer about it. More information can be found about it on the Green Henley website HERE and we hope that your child will be keen to discuss what changes you might make at home with you and the pledge that you are going to make together on the website. We are also creating a 'Pledge-hog' display on the board outside the staffroom and are asking the children to write down the pledge they have decided to make with you to add to the display. As a school, we have pledged to spread the word! 

 

Diversity Day

Thursday saw the whole school come together to celebrate Diversity Day - a special opportunity to explore, appreciate and celebrate the many cultures, languages, beliefs and traditions that enrich our school community. The children came to school dressed to represent a specific country - wearing either the colours of the flag or their national dress. We were also grateful to welcome several parents who shared insights into their home countries. Ms Martinez-Johnson spoke to Year 5 about Colombia, while Mr Kellett introduced Year 1 to life in Canada. Our sincere thanks go to both of them for giving their time and expertise. Throughout the day, lessons incorporated a cultural diversity focus, and the afternoon provided opportunities for children to share and celebrate the rich diversity that makes our community so special. You can read more about the day HERE.

 

Welcoming new pupils

This week, we were also delighted to welcome the children from St Mary's who will be joining Rupert House in September. Following a tour of the school, they spent time playing together at breaktime and quickly settled in alongside their future classmates. It is lovely to hear so of many friendships already forming through shared clubs and activities, and reassuring to witness how naturally the children came together. Various other events are happening to bring the children together and we are confident that the children will settle in very smoothy in Sepbember.

 

Parent lunch

Thank you to all the parents who joined us for lunch on Wednesday. The event offered a valuable opportunity for people to experience the meals our children enjoy each day and to learn more about our catering provision. Parents met Chef Barry from Chapter One, sampled the menu and had the chance to ask questions about the food on offer. Mrs Newman also spoke about the important work of our School Food Council, whose members work closely with the catering team to ensure pupils have a genuine voice in shaping and improving the school menu.

 

Learning Enhancement coffee morning

We would like to welcome you to a Learning Enhancement coffee morning to meet with members of the Learning Enhancement Department on Thursday 25^th June at 8.30am in the Studio.  Cat Chamberlayne, Laura Candy, Susie Morley and Julia Smith will be there to meet you and answer any questions you may have and we will also be welcoming the parents of children at St Mary's who have additional support. In the past, parents have found this a valuable opportunity to connect with parents of children with a similar profile to their own child. Please complete this form to let us know if you would like to attend.

 

Junior Voices - Song for Picnic Concert on Monday 29th June

All members of Junior Voices should have 'farmer's hat' for our song at the Picnic Concert on Monday 29th June. This could be a straw hat, a flat cap, or something similar. We have some spare in school – please do not buy anything new. The hat does not need to be in school until the day of the concert. As ever, please name all items that come into school. Most of Years 3 and 4 are in Junior Voices this term; some children have joined who did not officially sign up at the start of the term.

 

Important information about upcoming Music events 

Please make sure you read this update from Mrs Light about upcoming Music and Performing Arts events over these last few weeks of term. It contains information on Sister Act costumes, ABRSM showcase concerts, the Picnic Concert and the Pre-Prep production. 

 

Good luck to everyone competing in Sports Day today and may the best house win! We hope that lots of you will be willing to take part in the novelty Parent Races at the end of the afternoon - no spikes required...

Best wishes,

Nick Armitage