These tales were gathered by a local historian called Franz Xaver von Scho?nwerth in Bavaria during the time that the Brothers Grimm were active. The Bavarian Cultural Curator, Erika Eichenseer summed-up the importance of these fairytales: “Their main purpose was to help young people on their path to adulthood, showing them that dangers and challenges can be overcome through virtue, prudence and courage.”

In total Crown House raised £329.82, which will be split evenly between the two charities. Special recognition must go to Humaira and Hajra who decided to bake and sell cakes (raising about £40.00 between them).

Two recent news stories have caught my attention as interesting but a little misrepresentative. Firstly there was the report that someone called Bryony Dixon had ‘made an astonishing discovery’ the very earliest depiction on film of a narrative by Charles Dickens. Secondly, the news that Jamie Oliver unbelievably had unearthed treasure worth around £1.1 million in the basement of his new restaurant.

Reading a little more critically, it becomes apparent that Ms. Dixon worked as a film archivist at the British Film Institute; was well read in Dickens; the film canister was labelled with the Bleak House character’s name; and the film is only around 8 months older than another Dickens film.

Jamie Oliver’s ‘discovery’ of gold, jewellery, guns and the master tapes of some Joy Division recordings was made in the basement of a Grade II listed old bank in Manchester. The ‘discovery’ happened when HSBC employees audited the contents of their immaculately maintained safety deposit boxes ready for their relocation following selling the building!

Now both stories are interesting and dismissing them may read as a little overly cynical, yet I think we unearth more significant treasures in school on a daily basis.

On the slopes, we were bowled-over by the skill level every child had reached by the end of the trip. Many were tackling some of the most challenging slopes in Montgenevre when a few short days before they were waddling precariously around in circles on the nursery flats. Every child gained a Snowflake medal which demonstrated they had jumped at least one level higher than expected and the instructors were all delighted with their progress.

Simply put, the ski trip was a fantastic experience for all involved. I have to say how impressed I was at the nature of all the children outside the school environment; they really were an absolute pleasure to spend time with. It was a privilege to learn a little more of the characters – the Year 6 boy’s ability to sing Adele songs was unexpected and the pool table challenges were memorable.

The children were excited as they queued-up to pick their topping and receive their Shrove Tuesday treat. There was certainly a surfeit of happy looking children and huge thanks to the stack of parents who flipped their schedule upside down to come and help with the day. On mine and the children’s behalf a very big thank you to those that came in and lent support as well as to all of you who sent in kind donations of pancakes!

I am sure that the majority of you had a ‘surprise’ Monday-night visit from a ragtag collection of Halloween creatures. Whether it was ghosts, ghouls, witches, wizards, and vampires – I hope you all opened the door, confronted the fearful sight and dished-out a handful of sweets.

My Assembly this week had a Halloween theme. We explored the history of Halloween from its origins as the eve of the New Year, when people celebrated Harvest Festival. I then explained that the tradition of dressing up as scary creatures stemmed from ancient Britons belief in returning spirits and how dressing up was now used to make fun of things that might have previously scared us. Simply put, if we play the part of a reanimated skeleton, then skeletons are not that frightening anymore!
To demonstrate my point, I invited Mr Lloyd and Mr Kenyon to attempt my fearful apple bobbing challenge, I think the photographs demonstrate that, after the initial trepidation, they have happily faced their fears and were happier although wetter for it! Of course, I should mention that Rahul and Oliver made a much better attempt at the challenge before the teachers.

The serious point to our assembly is that often something that is worrying, difficult or a little bit scary can be softened significantly with a cheerful approach. If we tackle tricky situations with a smile and a positive attitude, they can – just like ghouls and ghosties – become rather fun.

The children were excited to have a tour of the museum with an enthusiastic employee who brought the stories and worlds of Roald Dahl to life. The variety of displays, models, paintings and interactive material was excellent and children highlighted the Fantastic Mr Fox play area as their favourite part of the trip. Eliora and Freddie were chosen to star in a mini-scene from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with Eliora playing Augustus Gloop and Freddie playing the irrepressible Willy Wonka!

As the children enjoyed the Aylesbury day out, I recommend a trip to the Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden as another way to bring the author’s creations to life.