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St Bernard's Preparatory School - Newsletter 10th July 2025

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Dear Parents,

The school has been buzzing with activity over the past two weeks as we have wrapped up another fantastic year. With so many events, celebrations, and final preparations, it has been a busy and exciting end to the term.

Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended the transition meetings last week, your support plays an important role in helping children feel ready for their next steps. We also appreciate everyone who joined us for Parents’ Evening on Tuesday. It was a great chance to reflect on the children’s progress and celebrate everything they have achieved this year.

Last week, the children came together for our Jubilee Pledge Day, showing fantastic teamwork and generosity. In their house groups, they collected non-perishable food items for people experiencing homelessness, under the banner “Our Pledge of Hope for the Homeless.” Each house made a brilliant effort, and we were so proud of the compassion and enthusiasm shown across the school. After counting up all the items in each house, Luke were the clear winners, with a grand total of 299 items, a truly impressive contribution. In the afternoon, the children gathered in their house teams wearing their house-colour T-shirts and took part in games and activities out on the field. There were plenty of smiles, lots of bubbles, and a wonderful sense of community as we celebrated a such meaningful day.

Last Friday morning, we had the pleasure of watching the children showcase the skills they have been developing through their LAMDA lessons. With great confidence and expression, they performed poems, monologues, and dialogues demonstrating their progress in voice, movement, and communication. It was wonderful to see how much they’ve grown in confidence, and each child should be proud of the way they presented themselves. A big well done to all of our young performers!

Last Friday afternoon, we were treated to a fantastic showcase of musical talent during our Summer Music Concert. Our young musicians performed with confidence and enthusiasm, entertaining the audience with a wide variety of instruments, including piano, saxophone, flute, violin, drums, and guitar. This term also marked a first, as we introduced singing to the concert, adding an extra special touch to a brilliant afternoon. A huge well done to all the performers for their hard work and dedication. It was a wonderful celebration of the musical spirit in our school.

On Monday, Year 6 enjoyed a fantastic end-of-year trip to Legoland Windsor. A well-deserved treat after all their hard work this year. From thrilling rides to incredible Lego creations, the children had a brilliant time exploring the park and making lasting memories with their friends. Luckily, the weather held off for most of the day, but that didn’t stop Mr Hawkes from getting absolutely soaked on the water rides! There was plenty of laughter, excitement, and good humour all around. A big thank you to all the staff who helped make the day so special. It was the perfect way to celebrate the end of primary school together.

As the school year draws to a close, we were proud to celebrate our Year 6 children with a special Prizegiving Evening and a moving Leavers’ Mass. Prizegiving was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the children's achievements, growth, and contributions to our school community throughout their time at St Bernard's Prep. 

The Leavers’ Mass was particularly poignant, as it was not only a chance to reflect, give thanks, and say goodbye to our Year 6 children, but also marked the final Mass celebrated at our school by Father Kevin, who is retiring. We are incredibly grateful for his many years of support, guidance, and care. It was a beautiful and meaningful occasion for everyone involved.

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Achievements

Maths

This term, some of our children took part in the First Maths Challenge, an exciting introduction to problem-solving and mathematical thinking. The challenge is designed to encourage children to apply their skills in creative and thoughtful ways, not just to find the answers, but to explore how they get there.

We are proud to say that every child who took part is considered successful, and all participants receive a bronze award in recognition of their effort and engagement. A number of children also went on to achieve silver and gold awards. Well done to everyone who took part, you approached the challenge with focus and determination, and Mrs Whittaker is incredibly proud of you!

Music

A huge well done to Sanya (Year 3) and Hector (Year 4) who recently passed their Piano Prep Test, a fantastic first step on their musical journey. Congratulations also to Harmani (Year 4) who achieved her Grade 1 Piano, a brilliant achievement that reflects her hard work and dedication.

Congratulations to Darissa (Year 4) and Ameya (Year 4) who both achieved their Grade 1 Violin, a wonderful milestone that shows how much they have achieved in their musical learning. Also a huge well done to Kashvi (Year 5) who was awarded Grade 1 Piano. All three pupils have shown dedication and perseverance in preparing for their exams, and we are very proud of their achievements. Keep making music!

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Go Givers

Year 2

This year, Upper Prep took part in a Social Action Project through the Go Givers programme, choosing The British Beekeepers Association as their cause following a democratic vote. The children explored the vital role bees play in sustaining life on Earth and researched the charity’s work. They collected data through questionnaires and set a thoughtful fundraising goal of £200. After brainstorming and ranking ideas, they decided on a unique sponsored walk — dressed as bees! Each child designed their own bee-themed top with fabric pens and added bumblebee sunglasses for a fun and creative touch. Their hard work and enthusiasm paid off, raising an impressive £256.21 for the charity.

Years 3 & 4

On Monday afternoon, our Year 3 and 4 children took part in a vibrant and joyful Colour Run as part of their Go-Givers ‘Make a Difference’ project. After voting to support the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, the children have been busy fundraising and raising awareness in creative and meaningful ways. The Colour Run was a brilliant celebration of their efforts, filled with colour, laughter, and energy. As they raced around the course, being showered in clouds of bright powder, the children showed just how much fun can be had while making a real difference. A huge well done to everyone involved for their enthusiasm and commitment to such a worthy cause. Their hard work and enthusiasm paid off, raising an impressive £942.34 for the charity.

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Light of Hope - Saving the best for last!

We are delighted to share the exciting news of a very special whole-school project that beautifully reflects our school’s ethos and our focus on the Year of Hope. As part of the Headteacher’s Challenge, children were invited to write lyrics for a brand-new school song of hope. We were thrilled to receive entries from nearly half the school, a true testament to our children's creativity and enthusiasm.

The winning lyrics, written by Tasshvi (Year 4), were set to music by our music specialist, Dr Bunce. The resulting song, Light of Hope, became the focus of an incredible journey in music lessons this term. The project culminated in a full-school recording and the production of a powerful and uplifting music video.

We are so proud of the children and all they have achieved, and we are excited to share the finished video with our school community:
Watch Light of Hope on YouTube

I would also like to give a massive thank you to Dr Bunce, who not only composed the beautiful music for Light of Hope, but also led the recording sessions, created the stunning video, and brought the whole project to life. We are so lucky to have his talent, creativity, and dedication in our school—he truly is amazing!

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Summer Reading Challenge

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As we come to the end of another school year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on all that has been achieved. From exciting trips and creative projects to special celebrations and everyday moments of learning and growth, it has been a year full of energy, joy, and progress.

I would like to say a sincere thank you to all our parents for your continued support, whether through attending events, volunteering your time, donating to our charity events or helping from home. Your generosity is truly appreciated.

We would also like to say a special thank you for the generous gifts and kind messages that have been given to staff over the past week. Your thoughtfulness and appreciation mean a great deal, and we are incredibly grateful for your kindness and support.

We are already looking forward to the year ahead and all that it will bring. Until then, we wish you all a safe, happy, and restful summer break. We look forward to welcoming the children back in September, ready for a new chapter of learning and adventure.

Mrs Asha Verma

Headteacher