VISIT US 
APPLY NOW 
CONTACT US 
Dear Parents
This morning, the Reception girls impressed us all with their engaging and informative assembly, inspired by two exciting upcoming school events: Around the World Fortnight and Sports Day. The performance began with a spirited introduction by our young performers, setting the stage for an entertaining exploration of the Ancient Greek Olympics. Through interactive scenes and engaging dialogue, the girls depicted the challenges and triumphs of ancient athletes, highlighting the customs and traditions of this bygone era.
One of the assembly’s highlights was the emphasis on teamwork and perseverance, demonstrated by the familiar yet creatively reimagined characters Buff, Ship, Copper, and Flappy with the Magic Key from the Oxford Reading Tree books of the 1990s, alongside a group of historians. The girls beautifully conveyed the values of sportsmanship and unity, encouraging their peers to work together towards common goals.
I am immensely proud of the hard work and dedication exhibited by the girls in bringing this assembly to life. Their passion for learning was evident throughout the performance, reflecting our commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching educational environment from the very beginning of the girls’ journey in Reception. It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know the Reception girls, and seeing their confidence today has been a pinnacle moment for me. I felt quite emotional as I reflected on their growth right before my eyes.
Some of you may have heard me refer to the seven stacking dolls that sit on one of the shelves in my office. These dolls represent the girls’ journey through the Junior School. The smallest doll symbolises the Reception girls, and each progressively larger doll represents the girls as they advance from Year 1 through to Year 6. Today’s Reception assembly reaffirmed that the girls are on the verge of becoming that second doll. I have the best job, witnessing the girls grow not only in height but also in confidence, both socially and academically, as they progress from one stage to the next. It’s unbelievable that the girls who started in Reception on my very first day, as the Head of the Junior School six years ago, will soon be moving up to Year 6.
Tomorrow morning, the girls will move up to their new year groups and spend time with their new Form Teacher and Teaching Assistants. The girls in Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 4 will also discover their new form groups, offering them a chance to form new friendships while maintaining existing ones. This transition helps them develop adaptability and resilience. It’s natural for everyone to feel both excited and a little nervous about moving up; these emotions are common when facing new experiences and stepping out of comfort zones. During their time with their new Form Teacher, the girls will participate in activities and games to get to know one another. I am confident that all the girls and staff will have a wonderful morning. You will receive a letter outlining the new forms and staffing before hometime tomorrow.
Additionally, next Monday, 24 June, the Year 7 Induction afternoon for Year 6 girls will be held in the Senior School from 2:00pm. The girls should bring their own clothes to school to change into at 1:30 pm, and parents can collect them from the Junior School gates at 1:45 pm. Girls who are leaving Channing at the end of Year can also be picked up at 1:45pm. If you are unable to pick up your daughter at this time, please let us know so that we can plan accordingly.
To support your daughter’s transition, you might find the article from Tooled UpEducation helpful. It offers a wealth of information about the transition process, including reflection, motivation and advice on how to best support your daughter. There is a bank of articles and podcasts that may be useful when discussing this with your daughter.
Exciting times lie ahead, and I encourage you to cherish every special moment of your daughter’s educational journey.
Eid Mubarak to our families celebrating Eid al-Adha!
With warm wishes
Miss Dina Hamalis
Head of the Junior School
