Castle Hill Blog 27/02/26

This week has been a whirlwind of activity with so many things to celebrate. Our pupils really are intrinsically kind. This is shown from the pupil who holds the door open for a friend. A pupil volunteers to litter pick because they want the yard to look nice for everyone. A pupil who shares their credits to get a snack for a friend. A pupil who leaves a tiny 'lucky' figure on my desk as a present to make me happy. We really are so fortunate to be a part of this school community!

Building Confidence Through Chess

Building social skills is a big part of our ethos at Castle Hill. During social times pupils are encouraged to interact with one another. Chess teaches pupils to lose with grace, turning setbacks into chances to reflect and grow. Each match strengthens strategic thinking and patience, helping young players learn to plan ahead and stay calm under pressure. As you can see this group of year 7s are ensconced!

World Book Day is undoubtedly one of the most exciting dates in the school calendar, but let’s be honest: the pressure to find a costume can be stressful for parents/carers, as well as being tough on the planet.

This year, we are hoping to do things a bit differently. We are inviting the CHHS community to move away from "fast fashion" and reimagine the World Book Day costume competition.

Genre!

• Get ready to step into your favourite stories because this year’s theme is all about celebrating the diverse world of literary genres. If you’re a fan of Science Fiction, 'beam us up' by arriving in your best alien attire; if Mystery is more your thing, channel your inner detective with a classic trench coat and magnifying glass. 

Ideas to make World Book Day more sustainable.

Adjective: dress as a describing word. We are taking inspiration from other schools in the Stockport area. This is a great way to use clothes you already own:

o   Vibrant: Wear your brightest, most colourful clothes.

o   Sleepy: Come in your dressing gown and slippers (the comfiest costume ever!).

o   Athletic: Full PE kit or sports gear.

o   Fragile: Wrap some bubble wrap over your clothes!

Sustainable shopping:

o   Shop your wardrobes: When shopping for a new costume, check your wardrobes first, can any clothes be reimagined into a costume?

o   Second Hand: If you are set on a particular costume this year, check on Vinted or in local charity shops before looking in the supermarkets. 

o   Check the label: Before you buy a new costume, double check the label. Aim for cotton, recycled cotton, or even recycled polyester.

Let’s make World Book Day 2026 our most sustainable and creative one yet. Prizes and certificates will be given on World Book Day for:

• Genre: The costume the best shows your chosen genre.
• Adjective: The most creative adjective costume.
• Sustainable: The most effort made to create a more sustainable costume. (Think: cotton, denim, wool, felt, cardboard, paper. Avoid: polyester, nylon, glitter, pvc, vinyl.)
• Homemade: The most effort to create a homemade costume.

Any questions, please email Mrs Dean at natalie.dean@castlehill.stockport.sch.uk

Come and join Suzanne Miell-Ingram and Tracy Upton of Singing Hands for some Makaton-signed bedtime stories in aid of World Book Day. Get in your PJs, snuggle up with your favourite teddy or toy and sign some familiar favourite stories before you head off to bed.

 When:  Mar 5, 2026 from 18:00 to 19:00 (UTC)

This session is primarily to be enjoyed by little ones but will also benefit parents/carers looking for inspiration on how to incorporate more story-telling into routines at home. It can also be enjoyed by Early Years professionals who might like to come along and practice their signs too.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar on the day. This link will allow one digital device to be logged into the event, please do not share your link with anyone else.

This event is non-refundable and a recording will be available later for paid Members in the Makaton Library.

Contact: Natalie Applewhaite-Morgan      makachat@makaton.org

Happy News

Abtin is feeling very pleased with himself for passing his travel training. We are so proud of this achievement. Well done!

Sixth Form Buzzes with Activity

Students in Sixth Form were very excited on their return to school this Tuesday when they got to use their brand new outdoor exercise equipment! They are looking forward to getting active during the coming summer months. Anyone fancy a game of table tennis?

Also this week, sixth form students have been pressed for success through the kind donation of a brand new ironing board from one of our lovely parents. They have appreciated fine tuning their ironing skills. Step aside parents/carers your young person can help out with this at home now!

Looking Ahead...Dates for the Diary:

And Finally...

Josh and Amelia blew us all away this morning with this incredible and raw duet performance. A beautiful moment in time never to be forgotten.

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Amelia is going to be performing as a supporting artist at a concert. The main act is a rapper from Stockport and tickets are £10.

The link for tickets is here...

Check out CHARLEYS HOUSE with FIXR. https://fixr.co/event/charleys-house-quids-for-squid-tickets-418871894

Have a great weekend!