Newsletters

Newsletter Friday 10th September 2021

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to a new academic year, new normal and a new, not so normal, Headteacher! I know that I have been a familiar face around the school for more than 10 years, but, for the first time, I am privileged to introduce myself as the Acting Headteacher of St Bernard's Preparatory.  

My journey to this point wasn't a conventional one. My career began in the world of finance and pensions, which I gave up to start a family. Once my two sons were of school age, I decided to pursue one of my passions, where the children are at the heart of everything, and I embarked upon a teaching career.

There is something very special about St Bernard's Preparatory, and my faith and spirituality align perfectly with the school ethos.  I look forward to bringing my enthusiasm and sparkle to the role and I intend to lead with fortiter et suaviter - strength and gentleness.  We have got a very exciting year ahead of us!

The first week back has been full of firsts. We have welcomed lots of new children, so it has been their first week with us. It is the first time we've started the academic year on a Monday, so we've really hit the ground running. It has been the first time the 11+ has been held in the first week, and the sun shone as we held our first face-to-face school assembly in 18 months!

It has been a baptism of fire, but you all know how I love a challenge. The children have been a joy to behold, excited to be back with their friends and back in the classroom.   

Summer Improvements

We have been busy over the summer making improvements to the school, with a new projector and screen in the hall, three new interactive boards, six new PCs, eleven monitors and twenty PC upgrades.  Our playground has new markings and repairs have been carried out on playground equipment and fencing. We continue to progress with our refurbishment and building plans and will keep you fully up-to-date as everything progresses.

Early Years 

Early Years have had a wonderful first week back, the children have enjoyed getting to know their teachers, new friends and exploring both our indoor and outdoor classrooms. We have been lucky with some lovely weather so have made the most of the outdoor space and exploring new resources. In Nursery, the children have been settling in to their new routine, we have enjoyed lots of singing, dancing, painting and messy play. In Early Years Two, we have been learning about ourselves, our families and where we live. The children enjoyed painting self-portraits, writing their names and about their family.

Music Success!

Congratulations to the following pupils for some outstanding music grade results taken in the first weeks of the summer break.

Hailee Yr 5    Cello        Grade 5 with distinction

Devam  Yr 6   Singing   Grade 4 with distinction

Jagat Yr 6       Piano       Grade 3 with distinction

Annika  Yr 5   Piano      Grade 1 with merit

Please do let the school office know of any music exam results from the end of last term so we can celebrate music performance and achievements.

Wild Word Heroes

Well done to Jasmine in Year 3 and Anuj in Year 2 for completing the Reading Challenge over the summer. 

After school clubs

We are delighted to reintroduce our after school clubs after 18 months! Please see the school website for details of timings. Bookings can be made through your Parentmail account.

Welcome

Finally, a warm welcome to all our new children and their families. The children have settled really well this week, and it is lovely to see lots of new faces around the school. I'd also like to welcome our new members of staff, Early Years Practitioners, Mrs Coakley and Mrs Tohill and Mr Cooper, our Site Maintenance Assistant. Mr Cooper has a hearing impairment, but he is able to lip read so please bear this in mind when talking to him. 

We are also delighted to announce that our Year 1 to 3 cohorts have gone from one large form group to two smaller classes. We pride ourselves on delivering an outstanding education to your children and look forward to watching these year groups flourish in their new classes.

PE Kit

Reminder: Please do ensure that all uniform and PE kits are labelled and follow the guidance sent out via Parentmail regarding arriving at school in PE kit, depending on your year group.

It has been a busy and brilliant first week back. I look forward to seeing you all at the school gates on Monday morning.

Kind Regards

Mrs A Verma