Dear Parents & Carers
One of the highlights of the sporting year at the Junior School is undoubtedly Sports Day. Last Friday, our Key Stage 2 girls enjoyed a wonderful day of competition, teamwork and House spirit. From the photographs, conversations and stories shared afterwards, it was clear that the day captured everything that makes sport at the Junior School so special: determination, encouragement, friendship and, above all, joy.
We are very much looking forward to welcoming our EY and KS1 families for Sports Day on Friday. In light of the current weather forecast, we will continue to monitor conditions closely and will let you know as soon as possible if any changes to the arrangements are required. Please see below for further information about the event.
My sincere thanks go to our PE Team: Miss Bolton (Head of Sport), Miss Grayson (PE Teacher) and Mr Carvalho (PE Assistant), whose dedication, enthusiasm and careful planning make opportunities like these possible. Sports Day is the culmination of months of learning, training and participation, and we are incredibly fortunate to have a team that inspires our girls to develop both a love of sport and the confidence to challenge themselves.
Whilst there were certainly some impressive performances on the track and field, what stood out most was the way the girls embodied the values at the heart of our school. Sports Day is about far more than winning races. It is a celebration of teamwork, perseverance, encouragement and belonging. Throughout the day, girls from Waterlow, Spears, Goodwin and Sharpe came together to support one another, celebrate successes and rise to challenges. The cheers from the sidelines, the congratulations offered after events and the pride shown in every House reflected the very best of our community.
Our Channing Characters were evident throughout. Perseverance Squirrel encouraged girls to keep going when they were tired, Resilience Robin helped them bounce back when things did not quite go to plan, Bravery Mole inspired them to step outside their comfort zones and Empathy Rabbit reminded them to celebrate the achievements of others. These qualities matter far more than any finishing position and are a key reason why sport remains such an important part of school life.
The impact of sport extends well beyond the playing field. Through sport, children develop confidence, resilience, self-discipline and leadership skills. They learn to work collaboratively, cope with setbacks, strive towards personal goals and celebrate the success of others. Just as importantly, sport provides opportunities for friendship, happiness and a sense of achievement that can stay with them long after the final whistle has blown.
As I reflect on the sporting year, I am incredibly proud of all that our girls – and staff – have achieved. Whether representing the school in competition, participating enthusiastically in PE lessons, attending clubs, trying a new activity for the first time or cheering on their friends from the sidelines, they have embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm, determination and positivity.
The Autumn term provided an energetic and inspiring start to the year. Teamwork, ambition and determination were on full display, from the girls’ enthusiastic participation during Netball Week to their successes in swimming, gymnastics and cross-country. We finished 2nd out of 16 schools at the Haringey Year 5 and 6 Cross Country event, whilst Emily S (6KP) achieved an outstanding 3rd place out of 60 runners.
The Spring term brought further sporting success. Rachel K (4EW) secured an impressive 3rd place out of 46 runners in the UCS Cross Country competition, whilst Margot S (4MR) achieved 3rd place in gymnastics against The Cavendish. Emily S (6KP) went on to qualify for the Haringey London Mini Marathon team, a remarkable achievement given that only four girls across the borough were selected in her age category.
Team achievements were equally impressive. Our Year 3 and 4 team finished 3rd overall in the London Youth Games qualifiers out of 24 schools, whilst our U11 Football Squad were Plate Winners at the Prep4Sport St George’s Tournament. Our U11 Netball Squad enjoyed an exceptional season in the North London Netball League, finishing undefeated and scoring an impressive 58 goals on their way to becoming league champions. Across every event, the girls represented the school with enthusiasm, determination and great pride.
The Summer term has provided a fitting culmination to an outstanding sporting year. Girls from across the school showcased their talents at the Dance, Cheer and Gymnastics Showcase, demonstrating confidence, creativity and teamwork. The U11 Football Squad enjoyed a remarkable season, winning both the St Mary’s Tournament and the GSA Football Tournament, finishing runners-up in the ISFA Qualifiers and progressing all the way to the national semi-finals. After a hard-fought match decided on penalties, they secured an outstanding 3rd place nationally. Individual achievements have been equally impressive, with Lana A (4EW) achieving 2nd place in the Haringey QuadKids Athletics Championships. Our younger girls also embraced opportunities to compete, with the U8 Football Team taking part in the U9 Southbank Boys Tournament, whilst our Year 6 cricketers finished their season in style by winning the Plate Competition at the St Mary’s Cricket Tournament.
Whilst it is wonderful to celebrate medals, trophies and team victories, some of the most important successes cannot be measured. Sport teaches our girls to support one another, to show humility in success, to respond positively to disappointment and to keep trying when things feel difficult. These experiences help to shape confident, resilient young people who are willing to embrace challenge and seize new opportunities.
As we approach the end of another successful sporting year, there is still much to enjoy. From the Wimbledon Championships to the FIFA World Cup, this summer is filled with sporting moments that will inspire children around the world. Whether our girls are inspired to pick up a tennis racket, join a team, run a little further, swim a little faster or simply spend more time being active outdoors with family and friends, I hope they continue to experience the confidence, wellbeing and happiness that sport can bring.
Thank you, as always, for your support. Whether standing on the touchline, helping with fixtures, attending competitions or encouraging your daughters to persevere when things feel challenging, your encouragement plays a vital role in their sporting journeys. Together, we celebrate not only their achievements, but also the character, confidence and resilience they develop along the way.
With warm wishes
Miss Dina Hamalis
Head of the Junior School
