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Newsletter

Friday 8th November

I hope this newsletter finds you well and that everyone enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating two-week half term break. It’s wonderful to see the girls back at school, ready to embrace the new half-term with enthusiasm and dedication.

On Tuesday, we held our Senior School soirée, a delightful evening that showcased the incredible musical talents of our students. The event was a resounding success, featuring a range of instruments and performances that highlighted the abilities of our girls. It was heartwarming to see the support from families and friends, making the evening truly special.

Another highlight this week was the student presentation on the Borneo expedition. Our adventurous students shared their experiences from the trip, detailing the challenges they faced and the invaluable lessons they learned. Their stories of teamwork, resilience, and cultural exchange were inspiring and provided a glimpse into the transformative power of such expeditions.

As we reflect on these events, it’s important to recognise the role of perseverance in our lives. Learning an instrument, for example, demonstrates huge levels of perseverance and dedication. Whether it’s mastering a musical piece, preparing for a presentation, or overcoming the physical and mental challenges of an expedition, perseverance is key. It teaches us to push through difficulties, stay committed to our goals, and ultimately achieve success. These experiences not only build character but also prepare our students for the many challenges they will face in the future.

As we move forward, we have a host of exciting activities and events planned. I encourage all families to stay engaged and support the girls in their various endeavours. Your involvement is crucial in fostering a vibrant and supportive school community.

Darren Payne, Head
Kate Millichamp, Head of Juniors and Deputy Head (whole school)

Key Dates

  • Tuesday 12th November – An Evening With … Rev Kate Bottley
  • Wednesday 13th November – Autumn Concert
  • Thursday 14th November – Becoming a Sixth Former Day 2 (Academic Focus)
  • Friday 15th November – Children In Need non uniform day
  • Wednesday 20th November – Junior Taster Day/Year 7 Taster Day
  • Thursday 21st November – Junior Open Day
  • Wednesday 27th November – Friends of SHS Wreath Making (sold out)
  • Thursday 28th November – Y7 Parents’ evening
  • Wednesday 4th December – Y9 Parents’ evening
  • Thursday 5th December – Bah! Humbug Junior performance 2.30-3.30pm & 5-6pm
  • Tuesday 10th December – Junior Panto Trip
  • Tuesday 10th December – Junior Carol Concert, Shrewsbury Cathedral 5-6pm
  • Thursday 12th December – Senior Carol Concert, St. Chads, 6-8pm
  • Friday 13th December – End of Term (12.30pm)
  • Friday 13th December – Alumnae Carols Round the Tree

Why an all-girls environment helps girls flourish – reflections on 18 years at Shrewsbury High

In his latest blog, Head Darren Payne reflects on his last 18 years of teaching in an all-girls environment and his first full year as head.

“Our girls are not just academically successful: they are empowered, compassionate, and equipped to lead in whatever field they choose.”

Read how this single sex environment is helping your daughter by clicking the button below.

Junior Open Day

On Thursday 21st November we are delighted to be opening the doors to our junior school. Join us at 27 Town Walls for a tour of our classrooms, creative spaces and facilities and to meet with staff and pupils to discover what Shrewsbury High can offer you and your daughters’. The open day will run from 9.30 to 2pm, please feel free to invite friends and family along and e mail admissions@shr.gdst.net to confirm attendance.

Autumn Concert

On Wednesday 13th November, join us at Shrewsbury Abbey from 6pm for the Autumn Concert and to enjoy a wonderful mix of music from Juniors to Sixth Form, Classical to Pop. Tickets available from the Front Office.

140 years of SHS Art Exhibition

At the end of last term Staff, Students, Alumnae and art lovers gathered at the opening of the SHS 140 Art Exhibition, held at the Footprint Gallery in Jackfield, Ironbridge. It was a fabulous turn out with families and friends celebrating our brilliant young artists and alumnae alike. Thank you to Mr Millichamp and the SHS Art Department for curating such an inspiring exhibition. More images can be viewed in the photo grid later in the newsletter.

SHS 140 Recipe Book

Mrs Viani is creating an SHS recipe book to celebrate our 140th birthday and wants you to share your cherished recipes, tried and tested. Whether they be delightful starters, hearty mains or sweet desserts, all recipes accompanied by images can be sent to foodtech@shr.gdst.net by 13/12/24.

Our annual Christmas Card Competition – deadline extended to Monday 18th November

Christmas may feel like a long way off, but with now only 47 days to wait until the big day, Mr and Mrs Millichamp are anticipating a flurry of Christmas Card entries to land on their doorsteps very soon. If your daughter has not yet created hers, the deadline has been extended until Monday 18th November. As a reminder, the entry requirements are as follows:

Use A4 or A5 plain paper/card

2D in design – no glitter, raised areas etc. as these do not replicate well.

Bold colour and limited negative space.

Any wording must be clear and bold (but avoid it if you can and especially avoid writing in biro).

Name and class written neatly on the reverse in pencil.

Entries must be in school by Monday 18th November and be taken to the Art House or Mrs Millichamp’s office.

For juniors, two of the entries will also be submitted into the GDST Competition.

Good luck!


Children In Need – Friday 15th November

We will be supporting the Children In Need charity campaign next Friday (15th) with a non-uniform day (minimum donation £2 please) at both Seniors and Juniors.

Pupils can make their donations using cash on the morning to their form tutors or through the parentpay app using this link:

Parent Pay


Autumn Concert

Our Autumn Concert takes place this coming Wednesday, 13th November at Shrewsbury Abbey.

Tickets to this fabulous performance, which features music performed by students from the whole school in styles from Classical to popular, are still available and must be purchased prior to the event through the school office.


 

Textile Design Competition

We are delighted to announce that a number of our students have been entered in to this years textile design competition organised by the Shrewsbury Drapers Company.

We wish good luck to Martha Hearne, Flo Latuske, Kirsten Lloyd, Issy Evans, Amy Jones, Maddie Wareham, Sophie Davenport and Natalia Perkins. Their work will be displayed at the public exhibition held at Shrewsbury Library from Wed 13th to Sat 23rd of November. See www.shrewsburydrapers.org.uk for further information.

Images of some of these stunning works are featured in the photo grid further down the page.


Ready Steady Girl! Festive Forage

The early years team are hosting yet another of their delightful Ready Steady Girl events to get us all in the festive spirit! If you have, or have friends who have, girls aged 3-4 who might enjoy these gorgeous events, please see the events page for more information.


Futures News

CareerStart Online: Careers in Criminology

Hosted by Northwood College

Tuesday 19 November, 19.00 – 20.00

Join us for an exciting webinar where industry professionals share their unique career journeys in criminology. Learn about various roles within the field, the pathways they took, and gain insights into how you can forge your own career in criminology. Stay tuned for an interactive Q&A session at the end to ask your questions and get advice directly from the experts!

Sign up here

Each year, the Heads of Careers across the GDST organise a series of talks open to everyone. All the events are online in Zoom and take place from 7.00-8.00pm.

The remaining dates this year are:

Careers in Aviation Wednesday 27th November (Newcastle)
Careers in Dentistry  Tuesday 3rd December  (Shrewsbury)
Oxbridge Applications Tuesday 21st January  (Bromley)
Careers in Law  February (TBC)  (Oxford and Sydenham)
Careers in Veterinary Medicine  Tuesday 4th March (Shrewsbury)
Careers in Tech  March (TBC) (Nottingham)
Apprenticeship Applications   Tuesday 6th May  (Bromley)

The next in the series is about studying abroad and is being organised by Sheffield High School for Girls.

“The University Guys”  are the first speakers talking about the process and then three alumnae talking about their experiences:

Wonnie Song – from Sheffield Girls – studied Law at Harvard USA
Anya Benson – from Newcastle High – studying Psychology at Leiden University in the Netherlands
Flavia Blum – from Croydon High – studying Medicine at the Semmelweis University in Budapest

The full list of blogs and sign-up info is Here

And finally ... Mrs Tonks published in RE Today magazine!

We are delighted to report that our own Mrs Tonks has had her research paper published in this month’s RE Today. This journal is part of the National Association of teachers of RE (NATRE) and reaches all those who are involved in the teaching of Religion and Worldviews across the country. Mrs Tonks says “It took many hours collaborating with the editors to get this final piece to this point, but it is fabulous to see the continuing impact of my research making a difference in the wider teaching community.” Congratulations Mrs. Tonks! Read the article by clicking the download arrow below…

Sports News

Monday 11th
U15 Hockey v TTS (A) 4pm-5:30pm

Wednesday 13th
Year 9 netball (A) v William Brookes 4:30pm

Thursday 14th
Yr 7a and b: 5-a-side football (A) Meole Brace 3:30pm

Friday 15th
Normal day

All clubs to run normally unless stated.

U13 Hockey at the GDST Sports Rally at Croydon High.
Cross country runners. Congratulations to Lucy (far right) who came THIRD out of all the y7 GDST girls!
Victorious!
Cross Country Squad
Friday 8th November