Newsletters

Newsletter - Friday 10 February 2023

Dear Parents, 

What a week! First of all, a big thank you to those of you who took the time to give your feedback in our parent survey concerning the Independent School Inspection, which took place this week. Secondly, an even bigger thank you to your wonderful children. As usual, they were on their absolute best behaviour, and it was much appreciated as our visitors made their way around the school.

In fact, the children's kindness in looking out for us, their teachers, and their willing collaboration in chatting to the inspectors about their clubs, classes and extra-curricular commitments was just terrific. It is almost as though my Assembly this week about 'connection and working together' took root immediately!

Our discussions around connection - prompted by the theme of this year's Children's Mental Health Awareness Week - were wide-ranging and enlightening, as the different classes gave their ideas about what it meant to them.

From connecting to God through prayer, to connecting with team-mates through sport, to connecting with each other through a laugh, a smile or even the gift of a chocolate bar (during a tough week) - we found that making and celebrating those actions was important.    

As usual, we played some fun games including 'hands on your head if...' and we also talked about why people need to connect, and the fact that collective action is an incredibly powerful thing. This has been demonstrated yet again in our fantastic Year 3 and 4 performance of 'Change the world together' - a play which celebrates one girl's efforts to save the trees, prompting others to join her in her determination to make change happen. 

And now, after all that incredible passion, and splendid singing, it's time for a short rest! I hope you all enjoy a wonderful half term...together!

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Our teachers joining in the game of 'hands on your head if...'

Leaping into action

Beanbag balancing, climbing through hoops, and PE lessons packed with competitive spirit and grit were the order of the day when GB athlete Emma Nwofor came to visit us this week. 

Every class enjoyed an active session with the recognised pentathlete, hurdler and decathlete, who looks set to compete at both the World Championships and the Paris 2024 Olympics.  

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The play's the thing

I hope those of you who joined us today for the Year 3 and 4 performance of 'Change the World Together' gained some food for thought on the way that one person's passion can convince others to join together. 

This eco-aware production involved powerful singing befitting powerful messages, passionate performances and excellent expression from all of our actors and supporting dancers, chorus and musicians. 

Particular thanks must go to all the staff who lent their time and expertise to put this fabulous piece together.

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Your special achievements 

Don't forget to keep sending in your news about the things you do at home, we love to hear about your adventures - and share successes with each other. Whether it's a badge at Beavers or a new swimming certificate we would love to hear about it. 

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Mr B's sport report 

Under 9 football

On Tuesday our Under 9 footballers travelled to Dair House. In a hard fought match, our A team blended very well and beat their opponents 3-1, and although our B team lost 1-3, they were very unlucky in hitting the post on three occasions during the match.  Veeran, Srijik and Srihan all received the MVP accolades for their teams.

Under 11 football

Our Under 11 footballers travelled to Long Close School on Wednesday with three teams to play in an inter-school 6 a side astro-tournament. All three teams played exciting football and plenty of goals were scored. Out of seven teams participating, our teams were placed, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Arjan, Tilak and Musa all received MVPs for their respective teams.

Under 9 netball

On Tuesday our U9 A and B netball team hosted a fixture against Dair house. The A team competed well and had multiple chances to take the lead against their opponents, but had to wait until the second quarter to finally open the scoring. Once the first goal was scored, however, St Bernard's grew in confidence and went on to win the game comfortably 7-2 with every player scoring. 

Our 9Bs played a well-organised and tough opponent and unfortunately lost the game 3-1, though held their opponents to a 0-0 draw after half-time. Well done to Sahar and Jianna who were named MVP for their respective teams. 

Under 11 netball

On Wednesday our U11 netball team took a stroll over to our local rivals Long Close, to play in a non-competitive round-robin tournament. St Bernard's had three five-a-side teams and rotated for well over an hour against their hosts. This was a great learning experience for the girls, who benefitted greatly from playing against other opponents in a friendly capacity. Well done to all girls who competed brilliantly. 

 

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A fruity rice surprise

Another week, another taste sensation for our children.! I think it is really important to try new things, especially to eat, as and as you know our chefs produce a wide variety of delicious options. 

This week we all got the chance to try 'frushi' a combination of sticky pudding rice and fruits including strawberries, mango and grapes (tied up with a lovely strawberry lace) as well as some more traditional millionaire shortbread type creations with chocolate and marshmallows. 

I think we might even have a budding food critic amongst us, as one of the boys commented: "The freshness of the strawberry combined well with the sweetness of the rice." It really was great to see them getting stuck in to new experiences. 

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You've got a friend in me

We like to try and make sure that no-one at St Bernard's feels lonely, and this week our Year 5 and Year 1 children buddied up together for a lovely play session.

They also welcomed a special unicorn visitor to their classroom, while they enjoyed crafting, card games, reading, dolls and dinosaurs!

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Upcoming dates

Friday 24 February - Little St B's stay and play session 9:30am - 10:30am - email admissions@stbernardsprep.org to book your spot 

Saturday 25 February - St Bernard's Prep Under 9's football tournament

Tuesday 28 February - Year 3 trip to Baylab bees and honey workshop

Tulsi's weekly book review

From riches to rags, this is the story of a plummet from crazy wealth to extreme poverty. But with a mind so true and a heart so loving, can she stay a princess inside?

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Mrs Verma's big ideas for curious minds

As a school we love to stretch and challenge our children, to enrich their education beyond the curriculum. Every week I will be sharing with you some discussion topics, new vocabulary, maths riddles and book recommendations, that will imbue our children with a love of learning. 

Word of the week: Vapid (adjective)

Lacking in liveliness, force, or spirit, often synonymous with dull or boring.

"Lisa preferred to mute the TV rather than listen to the presenter's vapid commentary."

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In the news this week - Barbie doll with scoliosis revealed

A new range of Barbies was released recently to try and continue toymaker Mattel's journey into representation. Criticised in the past for making dolls that were overly thin, Mattel have broadened their range of available toys. 

Barbie's little sister Chelsea was developed in close collaboration with Dr Luke Macyszyn, a board-certified neurosurgeon and specialist in children's complex spinal disorders.

The 15cm doll wears a pink dress and has a removable green back brace, aimed at normalising the equipment and encouraging children to celebrate inclusion.

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“Reading an hour a day is only 4% of your day. But that 4% will put you at the top of your field within 10 years. Find the time.” – Patrick Bet-David, entrepreneur

Relax, enjoy the sunshine (fingers crossed!) and have the best half term ever!

Yours sincerely,

Mrs A Verma