Our assembly this week explored the magic of Christmas movies, uncovering the deeper messages behind the snowflakes, Santa hats, and heartwarming tales. From the importance of family in ‘Home Alone’ and ‘The Polar Express’, to the redemption arc of ‘A Christmas Carol’, these films remind us to reflect on love, generosity, and the true spirit of the season. A lively discussion even touched on the age-old debate: Is ‘Die Hard’ a Christmas movie? The answer to this question was a firm, ‘No!’
In other exciting news, our Junior School’s production of ‘Bah Humbug!’ was a resounding success, delighting audiences with its charm, energy, and message of transformation. A huge congratulations to everyone involved in this festive triumph.
Finally, the school has been abuzz with daily updates from the mischievous naughty elf and friends. Their antics have sparked joy and laughter across both the Junior and Senior Schools, adding a sprinkle of magic to each day.
And, of course, today is Christmas lunch—a highlight of the term, thanks to Mr. Duckett and his wonderful team, who always make it a truly special occasion.
Here’s to a fun-filled final week of term as we celebrate the festive season together!
Kate Millichamp, Head of Juniors and Deputy Head (whole school)
Darren Payne, Head
Key Dates
2024
- Tuesday 10th December – Junior Pantomime Trip, Theatre Severn
- Tuesday 10th December – Junior Carol Concert, Shrewsbury Cathedral 5-6pm
- Thursday 12th December – Senior Carol Concert, St. Chads, 6-8pm
- Friday 13th December – Christmas Jumper Day
- Friday 13th December – End of Term (12.30pm)
- Friday 13th December – Alumnae Carols Round the Tree
2025
- Friday 24th January – Friends of SHS Burns Night
- Wednesday 5th February – An Evening with … Clare Balding
Friends of SHS Burns Night
An Evening with ... Clare Balding
Junior School Carol Service
Please join us at Shrewsbury Cathedral for an afternoon of rosy cheeks and festive cheer on Tuesday 10th December, as we celebrate Christmas with our junior girls.
Mulled wine and mince pies will be on offer from 4pm in the Old Hall, Town Walls, before we move across to the cathedral for our annual celebration of Christmas with our junior pupils and their families.
Senior Christmas Carol Service
Thank you to Winston Farm Christmas Trees!
We are so grateful to Winston Farm Christmas Trees, nr. Ellesmere, for the generous donation of a Christmas tree for our New Hall.
The Christmas tree farm has thousands of freshly cut trees on offer, from 3 to 30ft. The farm is home to real reindeer which you can feed whilst enjoying a free mulled wine.
Art Competition
As part of our ‘140’ celebrations we are excited to be launching an art competition and would love you to get involved.
Pupils, parents and alumnae are invited to submit a piece of work that sums up Shrewsbury High School for you. This could be in the form of a literal depiction of the school building or even a representation of how you perceive ‘sisterhood’, in any medium – there really is unlimited potential as to what you can create.
The deadline for entries is Friday 31st January 2025 and the competition will be judged by head of creative technologies Mr. Millichamp. Please drop your entry into the Junior or Senior Front Office.
The winning submission will feature as our 140th celebration artwork and will be reproduced to feature on all of our 140 merchandise.
Good luck!
SHS 140 Golf Day
We are delighted to be launching our first Golf Day fundraiser to be held at Arscott Golf Club, Arscott, Pontesbury, Shrewsbury SY5 0XP on Sunday 27th April.
Start time: 9.00am bacon baps and tea/coffee available
Tee Off: 10.00am Shotgun start, Texas scramble, teams of 4 players
After completion of the rounds, lunch will be served in the clubhouse.
Prizes will be available for closest to the pin, longest drive, etc. plus a prize for the winning team.
£60 per player / £200 for a team of 4 players
We are also looking for sponsors for each hole and raffle prizes.
If you would like to enter a team or might be interested in sponsoring a hole (or have any questions), please contact events@shr.gdst.net.
Forthcoming Events
End of Term Arrangements
A reminder that on the last day of term, Friday 13th of December, school will be finishing at 12.30pm. School minibuses will be departing St Chad’s at 12.45.
Spring Term Adventure Club
We are now taking bookings for our popular Friday Evening Adventure club for the spring term. The activities will include Skiing at Telford Ski Slope, Indoor Climbing leading to the NICAS Level 1 award as well as some archery and bushcraft. Your daughter can sign up for the whole term or just for the skiing or climbing elements. Please complete this form if interested and further information will be sent.
Friends of Shrewsbury High School
Friends of Shrewsbury High School events are not only a lot of fun and a wonderful way to make friends with fellow parents, but they are also run with a valuable purpose; funds raised at Friends’ events enable the school to enhance the learning environment for the pupils. At the start of the school year, school faculties are invited to submit bids to the Friends’ committee for funding. The aim of the projects put forward should enrich the journey of the pupils at Shrewsbury High School. This year we are delighted to announce that the Friends’ Committee will fund the following projects:
Art Department – Free standing hanging display stands to allow the pupils work to be displayed on site.
Drama and Dance Department – Portable mirrors to help improve pupils’ skills and technique in both Drama and Dance.
Sports Department – a set of Shrewsbury High School football shirts for the pupils to compete in during matches.
Duke of Edinburgh – Rucksacks for the pupils to borrow for their expeditions.
A huge thank you from these departments to the Friends of Shrewsbury High School for the funding they have provided, and to SHS parents for supporting the Friends’ events and fundraising throughout the year. Without your support at these events, the funding would not be available.
The following Friends events are taking place during this academic year, so please make a note of the them so you can continue to support the school.
24th January – Burns night – Tickets available please see details below ( deadline for buying tickets 10/1/25)
7th March – Quiz night – further details to follow in January
3rd May – 140th Summer Ball ( jointly run with Shrewsbury High School )
Kind regards
Emily Brick – Staff Friends liaison.
GOLF DAY
We are delighted to be launching our first Golf Day fundraiser to be held at Arscott Golf Club, Arscott, Pontesbury, Shrewsbury SY5 0XP
Start time: 9.00am Bacon Baps and tea/coffee available
Tee Off: 10.00am Shotgun Start, Texas Scramble, teams of 4 players
After completion of the rounds, lunch will be served in the clubhouse.
Prizes will be available for closest to the pin, longest drive, etc plus a prize for the winning team.
Prices: £60 per player / £200 for a team of 4 players
We are also looking for sponsors for each Hole and raffle prizes.
If you would like to enter a team or might be interested in sponsoring a hole (or have any questions), please contact events@shr.gdst.net
Sport News
Tuesday 10th December –
Years 10 & 11 netball club is CANCELLED
Festive hockey for years 7 – 13 at school, Christmas jumpers and tinsel welcome!
