A cold, yet sunny Autumnal evening provided the perfect backdrop for the first outing yesterday of the Year 6 Stanley netball team. The squad of twenty had been training hard since the beginning of term, honing their skills and building up stamina after the series of lockdowns had prevented competitive matches for the last two years. Stanley were only able to field two teams on this occasion, making selection from this eager bunch of talented year 6s nigh on impossible. Stanley’s first matches – friendlies – were against the sporting power house that is St James’s. However, that night, reputation meant nothing as the team, captained by Daisy M, took the lead and never let it out of their sights. Demonstrating wonderful movement across the court and a sturdy defence, the team of Lilah B, Eirynn S, Harry S, Sam O’B, Erin S, Daisy W and Olivia D dominated play. Player of the match was awarded to Lilah for her outstanding contribution to the 5-2 win. The pressure was now on the next team to replicate this fantastic performance. The supporters should not have worried with goals coming in every quarter and the captain, Austin H, scoring twice, earning him the title of player of the match. Cecilia M, Hazel L, Lucas B, Harper M, Seren R and Daphne E, secured the double victory in this thrilling local Derby. With such a depth of talent in the squad this year, it is going to be a very exciting season!   

Stanley vs St James’ A   5-2     Stanley vs St James’ B   4-3

Match report from Coach Andy:

The girls were really excited as we travelled to NPL Richmond Schools Borough Tournament. Luckily we were on for the first game as, to be honest, I'm not sure I could have held them back any longer!
First up was St Edmund's and we won 2-0. Next was Trafalgar which ended in a 0-0 draw. We then faced St Elizabeth’s, beating them 3-0. Our last group game was against Barnes who had won all of their games so this was a decider for who would top the group. This was our best performance so far, with Stanley girls winning 3-0. We were through to the cup competition as group winners. 
After lunch we faced St Richard Reynolds in the last 16. Again the girls didn’t disappoint, winning 3-0 . On to the quarter finals were we were up against Meadlands who had already beaten the much-fancied tournament favourites, East Sheen. Again the girls were on fire, winning 3-0. For the semi final we played the fantastic Collis team, who have never conceded a goal! The girls played hard until the end, never giving up, but eventually missing out on a place in the final. 

What a wonderful achievement for Stanley girls, scoring 14 goals without conceding up to the semi final. Well done Olivia, Pheobe, Cecilia, Nora, Lilah, Catriona, Bella, Mia, Marie and  Keira - you are a fantastic team, great sportswomen, and really supportive of each other.  I and everyone at Stanley are very proud of you. Coach Andy

PS - the girls courageously took on Collis again in a friendly a few days later. They didn't win, but they played another strong game, prompting the Collis coach to comment that Stanley are the best team they have ever played against! #stanleystars 

We are all wearing odd socks today to mark the start of Anti Bullying Week and to celebrate our own individual differences.  

Year 6 gathered at our War Memorial with Mr Hawley for a very moving remembrance service. Without exception out children showed amazing respect as they observed the 2 minute silence and reflected on all the lives lost in war. Thank you to Councillor Saunders who joined us to lay a wreath, to Erin and Jenson who laid a our wreath, and to Sam who played The Last Post. The rest of the school followed the service via a live-stream in their classrooms. 

Stanley Primary School have 'adopted' some local war graves, and children in Year 5 visit them regularly to keep them looking lovely. 

This week Year 3 enjoyed a visit to Butser Ancient Farm where they learned some new skills including jewellery making and wattling. We are so happy to be organising trips again - the children love them! 

Our Year 4 children were a credit to themselves and Stanley during their trip to the Natural History Museum this week. The dinosaur exhibition was a favourite!