2 July 2015 | Edited By Christina Clubb | Vol 22 No 11

‘Oliver’

What a fantastic, amazing, incredible production! It is so hard to believe that these children are still only 10 and 11 years of age – they are truly professional. I was so impressed by the level of performance, especially

as some of the main characters were fighting off various illnesses and others were covering for those who did not make it on to the stage as a result. This is the Abbey spirit at its best with everyone helping each other and ‘having a go’ and I am so very proud of all the pupils who took part. I am extremely grateful to Mr French for

directing such a wonderful performance and to Mr Smith as it was his last ever Abbey play, but one he will never forget. I am sure all the parents will want to thank our staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to get this right and our thanks to all the parents who have helped with so many aspects of the production. A marvellous

effort by all. Special mention also to an impeccably behaved Florence the Dog starring as ‘Bullseye’ – next stop Hollywood. The retiring collection for EACH and St Elizabeth Hospice raised £802.49 so thank you to

everyone for their generosity.

Message FromThe Master

‘Pinocchio’

This was a really charming and delightful musical play performed by the Queen’s House pupils on 11 and 12 June in the Seckford Theatre. The acting, singing and dancing were superb, especially for children who are so young and some of the routines were quite complicated but executed to a very high standard. The children were marvellous and I would like to congratulate all of them and Mrs Parker and the team at Queen’s House for such a lovely and thoroughly enjoyable play.

Science Museum Outreach Visit

On Wednesday, 24 June the Abbey hall was filled with the noise of shrieks, groans, clapping and laughter as our pupils were joined by other local primary schools to enjoy shows from the Science Museum. This was a fantastic day and visiting pupils have said how much fun they had learning about science in this way. A hugely successful day with shows such as The Bubble Show, Feel the Force and Glorious Blood, which was the show that produced the most shrieks and groans. I was delighted to see how our pupils played with their visitors and acted in such a friendly and polite manner. Thank you.

Recitals and Concerts

As ever, our musicians have worked really hard this year and have given us some amazing performances. At the end of term many of our Year 6 pupils treated us to a beautiful tea time recital and it was wonderful to see the variety of instruments and to hear so many different pieces played by our older musicians. The following Tuesday afternoon it was the turn of our Year 3 Strings players who were accompanied by members of Stringles and the Chamber Orchestra to perform in front of their parents and show what they have been learning. For many it will have been the first time they have played in an orchestra and they can feel very proud of their performance.

Farewells

It is always a sad task for a headmaster to have to say farewell to any member of staff, but it is particularly difficult when you have known the members for many years and have appreciated how hard they have worked. I will have spoken at length in my Prize Giving Speech about those who are leaving, but here I would like to thank again Mrs Jan King, Mrs Linda Ford, Mr Christopher Smith, Mrs Becky Copestake, Mr Robert Earl and Mrs Jane Lawrence, all of whom have played crucial roles in our school team and who will be sorely missed. We wish you all the best for your futures and hope that you take many happy memories with you.

Congratulations to the following pupils who received Commendations: Charlie Shurety, Ruby Sheepshanks, Wilf Sheepshanks, Luca de Paola, Georgina Philips, Marina Pommier (2), Charlotte Hattan, Tom Martin (3),

Edward Ruffford, Thomas Liddy (5) Ada Marson, Tess Walker (4), Oliver Laxton (2), Thomas Blackmore, Evelyn Saunders, Amy Thornley, Lara Hoffman-Leatherdale, Rosanna Johnson (2), Rose Purves, Isla Richardson (3),

Imogen Melrose, Chloe Macmillan (2), Lily Waterer, Sukey Ridge, Sophia Mattar, Mauricio Corfe, Henry Allen, George Burford-Scarfe, Erica Walkling, Alice Sharratt, Mihi Forbes Ballard, Olivia Lubbock (5) and Amber Franklin (2).

NJG

Commendations

Final Farewell

So, this will be my last Abbey Extra and I know Ruth will join me in thanking everyone for their very kind wishes and gifts, and to the children who have been in our care for the last 18 years, making us love every minute. We have felt very privileged to have been able to watch so many grow and develop into wonderful young people. I have spent time in many other schools over the years and there is no doubt that Abbey children are a very unique, very polite, very caring, very happy crowd and we will miss everyone very much. Our Abbey staff have been a great family to work with and we wish everyone all the very best for the future.

Costumes and Make-Up for ‘Oliver’

A huge thank you to all who helped make costumes, mend them, wash them, work behind the scenes and be make-up artists for the week of the play – MANY MANY THANKS.

CMTC

The Abbey Photography Club

The Abbey was pleased to be able to offer ‘An Introduction to Digital photography’ as an after school club for the first time this term. Under the guidance of Ruth Leach, the student photographers completed a basic Digital Photography Course, learning how to get the most from their cameras as well as how to read the light and how to compose the elements of their pictures in an engaging way.

We are proud to enter eight pictures into two local photography competitions under the category ‘The Heritage of Thomas Seckford’. Well done photographers and we look forward to learning more next term.

YEAR 4 & YEAR 5 PUPILS MEET REAL-LIFE ANGLO-SAXON WARRIORS

On Wednesday, 17 June Woodbridge School played host to pupils from The Abbey and St Mary’s schools, bringing them face to face with real-life Anglo-Saxon warriors, rune-throwers and, at the heart of the event, Sae Wylfing, a half size replica of the mighty long-ship once buried at Sutton Hoo.

Amongst other things the pupils learned that girls were banned from Saxon rooftops to stop them seeing the future, they struck Saxon coins, and witnessed a real bout of Anglo-Saxon combat. The children were hugely impressed by the experience of the Ealdfaeder re-enactment group who made it a quite memorable morning. Rose Purves and Grace Godwin from The Abbey were surprised by the weight of the weapons and armour that a warrior fought with; Grace said, “Holding the chainmail was really heavy”. Toby Hutt from St Mary’s most enjoyed having his runes read and “learning what my future will be like”.

This joint venture brought Woodbridge School together with the Woodbridge Riverside Trust. The Trust is committed to promoting the Anglo-Saxon heritage and other historical aspects of life in Woodbridge. This will be furthered over the next few years with the redevelopment of Woodbridge waterfront and with it a new museum and long-ship shed. Ealdfaeder can be seen at Sutton Hoo this weekend enjoying the summer solstice in a festival of story-telling.

Leavers’ Thoughts on The Abbey

The Abbey has been a wonderful place under the guidance of Mr Garrett and his team of staff. They have all been so helpful and they always believe in you. It is such a friendly school. We have learnt so much. We didn’t realize that in learning music, for example, you learnt about other people’s cultures. In science if you put some paper in a bottle and light it, the egg on the top will go inside the bottle! Sport is amazing too. Mauricio Corfe said his favourite lessons were Maths and English, but he enjoyed all the clubs and trips too – run by incredible teachers. We feel sad to leave, but excited at the same time. We have been so fortunate in being able to play in the grounds, which are so pretty, although at first many pupils thought they would never be able to find their way around! Molly Marshall remembers her first day at The Abbey as a cheeky seven year old with quite a few teeth missing. Now in Year 6 she is a confident pupil helped by the caring teachers from Year 3 through to Year 6. The Abbey has definitely been the best journey in her life as she moves on to the Senior School full of confidence.

Rebecca Yardy will miss the wonderfully inviting smells that waft through the old Abbey building. Anyone lucky enough to have had cookery lessons with Mrs Copestake will always treasure her recipes and The Abbey will be sadder and hungrier without her.

Billy Godwin was only a tiny Year 3 when he had to rush from his classroom during a fire alarm. This was no drill, but the real thing! The receptionists were panicking and the registers called; a class was missing! The school were surprised to see a mad professor come out of the science lab, followed by a row of sheepish Year 6 students. He said, “Sorry, my experiment went slightly wrong.” - guess who that was.

Tobias Juszt would like to thank all the teachers at The Abbey before he leaves, but he has especially fond memories of Mr Earl. His inspiration on the sports fields and kindness will be sadly missed.

We think that the children who have had the opportunity to get to The Abbey are really, really lucky.

All The Abbey pupils will always be grateful for Mr Garrett’s caring and kindness. Whether we are troubled or sad, Mr Garrett always seems to have the solution. The whole Abbey community wish Mr and Mrs Garrett all the best in their new life in Abu Dhabi and send them their heartfelt thanks.

We also send our thanks and best wishes to Mrs King, Mrs Lawrence, Mr Smith, Mr Earl and Mrs Copestake who leave us this term.

SportAbbeyNational Athletics

Congratulations to John Hendry and Olivia Buchanan for getting to the National Athletics Finals in Birmingham. This was a fantastic effort. Well done.

U11B Rounders v LittlegarthThe Abbey lost 11½ - 15½

U11D Rounders v LittlegarthThe Abbey lost 8 – 16

U11A Rounders v LittlegarthThe Abbey won 12½ - 11½

U11 Girls’ Holmwood House Kwik Cricket Festival

The Abbey came third

U11 Girls’ Cricket v Holmwood HouseThe Abbey won by 13 runs

U11C Rounders v LittlegarthThe Abbey won 16½ - 11½

Match Reports

U11B Rounders Team IHSThe Abbey lost 10 - 22½

U11A Rounders Team IHSThe Abbey won 20½ - 13½ which means they have had an unbeaten

season – well done girls

U10A Rounders Team IHSThe Abbey lost 14½ – 15½

U9 Junior House Rounders1st Queen Elizabeth2nd Thomas More

3rd William Shakespeare4th Thomas Seckford

U10B Rounders Team IHSThe Abbey lost 9½ - 19

U9A Rounders v IHSThe Abbey won 17 - 6

U9B Rounders v IHSThe Abbey lost 12 - 10½

U11A Girls’ Suffolk Tennis League Finals

The Abbey reached the finals of the Suffolk Tennis League to play against Brandeston Hall. They drew three all on matches, so the number of games won had to be counted. We, unfortunately, had won less games than them so we came second place.

U11A Girls’ Framlingham Suffolk Tennis Festival

The U11 tennis team, made up of Olivia Buchanan, Ella Walker, Jessica Elmer and Clara Simpson, did The Abbey proud at the 10th annual Girls’ U11 Tennis Festival at Framlingham College. The team played 4 matches in total. Each match consisted of 4 singles and 2 doubles rubbers.

The girls started off well beating Brandeston Hall Green by 4 rubbers to 2, convincing doubles victories being the difference in this fixture. Perhaps a little bit complacent, the team then lost the second fixture of the day to the other Brandeston team, but it was a painfully close affair, with the last long rally of the tie determining the winner.

The next match v Holmwood House saw the players being alert and chasing down every ball. Again strong doubles matches were telling in The Abbey winning the fixture.

The last day of the match was the highlight, against Town Close. At this stage no team at the event was any match for Town Close and they were the eventual winners. However, the Abbey girls were the only team which did not lose to Town Close and secured an amazing and well fought 3-3 draw.

It was a long and sunny day and it took its toll physically, but the girls showed great mental toughness to produce a top performance at the end. It was a pleasure to accompany this competitive and good spirited team. Many lessons were learnt and lots of fun had.

Fun Afternoon of Rounders with St Mary’s Primary

On Wednesday 20 May Year 6 pupils from St Mary’s joined us for a fun afternoon of Rounders. The children were split up into 4 teams and played two lots of 10 minute innings. It was a lovely sunny afternoon and the girls enjoyed mixing up and playing together. The yellow team played the green team and won convincingly with several good rounders scored in the second innings. Players in the winning yellow team were Phoebe Bell, Scarlett Whitworth, Abigail Thomas, Maddie Ayres, Lily Waterer, Sophia Mattar and Amber Franklin. The blue team played the red team and won by half a rounder – a very exciting, close game throughout. Players in the winning blue team were Rebecca Yardy, Ruby Sheepshanks, Olivia Field, Molly Lord and Eleanor Wright. Well done to all those who took part.

U11A Framlingham College Cricket TournamentThe Abbey came 7th

U11A Orwell Park Cricket Tournament The Abbey reached the semi-finals – well boys

U11C Cricket v Orwell ParkThe Abbey lost by 10 wickets

U11D Cricket v Orwell ParkThe Abbey lost by 106 runs

U11A Cricket v Town CloseThe Abbey lost by 5 wickets

U11B Cricket v Town CloseThe Abbey lost by 6 wickets

U11A Cricket v Barnardiston HallThe Abbey won by 25 runs

U11B Cricket v Barnardiston HallThe Abbey lost by 4 wickets

U9A Cricket v LittlegarthThe Abbey lost by 89 runs

U9B Cricket v LittlegarthThe Abbey lost by 103 runs

U9A Cricket v Town CloseThe Abbey lost by 74 runs

U9B Cricket v Town CloseThe Abbey lost by 45 runs

Correction to St Felix Athletics Tournament

Charlie Turner came 1st in the U11 1500m race and not third as stated in the last Abbey Extra – many apologies.

News from Queen’s

Year 2 Trip to Southwold

Year 2 has enjoyed a wonderful trip to Southwold which has been a fitting end to our topic on Victorian inventions and seaside holidays. All the pupils dressed up as Victorian children and had polite manners to match. They greeted passers-by with a doffing of caps and a “Good day sir, good day ma’am” and were quite a spectacle walking down the promenade. We started off at Southwold Museum which was fascinating – full of exciting things such as Mammoths’ teeth, fossils, a Victorian Doll’s House, cannon balls and Viking ship steering oars. We then walked through the churchyard, spotting Victorian gravestones along the way, to the Sailors’ Reading Room – a delightful room full of model ships from every era. After that we headed to Gun Hill for a climb on the cannons and a delicious Victorian picnic lunch. Next stop was the beach for a sandcastle competition. There were some wonderful constructions complete with tunnels, moats and turrets as well as some marvellous mermaids. Finally, we had hokey-pokeys and a wander along the pier. It was a wonderful day enjoyed by all and not marred by the chilly weather. The Victorian children behaved impeccably and many thanks to the Victorian adults, in their gorgeous gowns, who helped out!

Year 2 Sculptors

Year 2 pupils enjoyed a fantastic afternoon sculpting self-portraits with artist, sculptor and daddy of Eriko, Don Brown. He brought armatures, mirrors and clay and briefly showed the children how to mould the clay around the armature in the shape of a head. The rest was left to the children to discover, using their own creative instincts. They moulded and scraped and pressed all the time checking in the mirror. Mr Brown gave a little guidance when asked but was hugely impressed by the way the children were happy to discover techniques for themselves. The results were outstanding – every sculpture unique and full of character. The children loved the afternoon and have gained an enthusiasm and confidence in working with clay – thank you Mr and Mrs Brown for such an enjoyable time.