We were absolutely delighted with the buzz created in the library last week, when we held our first Scholastic book fair. We had lots of students dropping in to browse the selection of books and stationery, with many buying books for themselves or buying Christmas gifts for others. And congratulations to the students who won a £5 voucher to spend at the fair after their written submissions convinced us that they were a worthy recipient of the prize.

The sale raised £225 in commission for the library, allowing us to stock some wonderful new titles for all students and staff to borrow in the New Year. We’d like to thank all students and parents for their support of the book fair, and of the wonderful library here at KWS. 

As our post boxes fill with cards bringing festive cheer we would like to take the opportunity to request that you save the stamps, cut them out, and bring them in to us to collect and then send on to the RNIB. The RNIB can sell them to collectors of rare stamps to raise funds for the charity, with the remainder being sold for recycling. The RNIB kindly provide our library with Braille books for our visually impaired students to use.

As the end of term is now fast approaching, we would like to remind everyone that Christmas is a wonderful time for reading. Curling up near the fire or the twinkling Christmas tree, with a hot chocolate and a good book – there’s no better way to relax during the festive season. So please do drop into the library to make sure you have a great book, or two, to get you through the holidays. The Reading Agency is currently offering a mini-reading challenge for the Winter season. www.wintermini.org.uk You can earn badges and certificates, so why not challenge friends and family to join you? And if you complete the challenge, you are entered into a free prize draw to win yet more books! 

Everyone at at the KWS Library would like to wish all our students and their families a wonderful Christmas break, and we look forward to welcoming you all back in 2026, for more reading adventures.

Earlier this week, we were honoured to welcome Victoria Collins MP, who represents Harpenden and Berkhamsted, and is the recently elected Vice President of her party. To mark Parliament Week 2025, her talk offered a clear and candid overview into the demanding role of an MP and the wider workings of Parliament. We enjoyed learning about the functions and limits of an MP, day-to-day life in Westminster, Victoria Collins’ own perspectives and priorities, alongside current issues shaping both local and national life.

Many members of the student council felt politically inspired by the motivating nature of her talk (myself included). There is no better chance for my peers to get involved than this week’s Head Student vote. This is the perfect opportunity for students to let their voices be heard, so they can choose their school representatives.

It has never been more important for students to express their views, especially with the Labour Party’s current plans to lower the voting age to 16 by the upcoming general election, expected in 2028/29. The views of young people are becoming more important than ever in the dynamic world of British politics; it is our responsibility to help shape a better-prepared electorate for the future.

Syan B

Politics Subject Ambassador

Student of Politics, History and Mathematics

KWSixth

Interact club members would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated items for the friendship boxes. The boxes have left KWS and are on their way to Ukraine (hopefully in time for Christmas).

You and your family are invited to a fun, family-friendly Christmas Quiz to help raise money for our charity, The Blue Tangerine Federation. There will be food, drinks, and a raffle on the night. The winning quiz team will take home a £40 Waffle House voucher!

Raffle prizes include a £25 Farr Brew voucher and a Bar Azita voucher. There will also be a special raffle for a SIGNED DECLAN RICE shirt!

The quiz will include a mix of rounds, from pop culture to Christmas-themed questions, so there’s something for everyone.

Here is a link for the website where people can book tickets – https://www.tickettailor.com/events/moneybees/1961471

The quiz will be at Wheathampstead Wanderers Football Club, AL4 8FH, it is from 6:45 to 8:30; all the information is also on the poster.