Dear Parents,

This academic year continues to unfold as the Remove (Y6) children started their  SATS exams. It's an opportunity for the children to apply their knowledge and highlight the super progress they have made. This week I have also had the opportunity to reflect on the importance and the benefits of our extra-curriculuar clubs offer.

As Catholics, we know and understand that the Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith: it is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Pope Francis called it the “Sacrament of Love”: First Holy Communion is an important milestone in the life of every Catholic. It is a celebration of a child's decision to follow the teachings of the Catholic Church. It is a ceremony where a person receives the bread and wine of communion for the very first time. Joshua has been preparing for this special day since January. He attended lessons at St Joseph’s during this time which helped him to understand more about the Eucharist as well as himself as a Christian.

Achievements...

Niko Blue Peter - Niko has been growing his Blue Peter badge collection as this week he was awarded his Blue Peter sports badge. He achieved this badge based on his efforts to represent his school in the under 7s football tournament at Papplewick School where he was the top goal scorer for St Bernard’s - well done!

Veeran (Year 3) signed his first football contract yesterday with QPR FC, joining his brother Raman at QPR's youth academy. They represent one of 134 players from a British Asian background out of almost 15,000 players in academy football. Well done Veeran!

Finally, I'm happy to inform that Hasitha (Year 5) has been selected to play for the Girls U11 team, representing Berkshire Cricket Foundation (BCF) club.  “Howzat”! 

NSPCC

This week the children have been participating in the NSPCC’s Speak out. Stay safe online programme. The child-friendly assemblies have been a great success, and have helped our children understand abuse in all its forms and to recognise the signs of abuse. The children have been taught to speak out if they are worried, either to a trusted adult or Childline. This weekend we have sent home a ‘sticky question’ (Is it ever OK for an adult to smack a child?) for you to discuss at home and we hope this will enable the children to share their knowledge with you. We would like to thank you for working in partnership with us on this initiative, thus ensuring our children know how to ‘speak out and stay safe.’

Early Years 

Taking inspiration from 'The King's Pants' by Nicholas Allan our Early Years children took time to design their own pants for the King.  They also participated in a drama workshop where they became King's and Queen's.

Three Cheers for the King's Pants!!

The children were lucky enough to have a belated Eid Celebration.  Our lovely parents contributed to our festivities and good fun was had by all.

Year 1 delivered a lovely liturgy to the school and parents on Wednesday. It focused on the coronation of King Charles III and we were reminded of the message from His Majesty The King to be a servant of the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and Commonwealth.

Year 5 National Gallery art project

Following their recent trip to the National Gallery, Upper Trans (Y5) were inspired to participate in an exciting Art project linked to their guided tour named, 'Take One Picture: Surprised!'. The children were extremely fortunate to view the original painting 'Surprised!' by Henri Rousseau, and are now busy back in the classroom planning a collaborative art project centred around the themes of Rousseau's inspired jungle and rainforest art. 

The children will continue working on their project over the next few weeks and are looking forward to sharing their final outcomes with you in due course! 

They will be submitting our final project via a PowerPoint presentation, which will include photographs of both our art and the children busy at work. Should we be lucky enough, our project may be chosen to go on display in a child-focused gallery featured within the National Gallery! We can only hope and pray our work will impress the judges, as we would love to take the children back to the Gallery to see their very own artwork on display to members of the general public!

P.E. / Games

Tennis 

This week some year 5 and 6 children have been playing Tennis in their PE and Games lessons. The children have enjoyed playing in the lovely weather and we are looking forward to continuing Tennis through the Pentecost term. 

Gym 

This week and last week, we have been running a Gymnastics club in the mornings! The children have been swinging, jumping and balancing their way into the day.

Tulsi's book review for this week...

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Best wishes

Mrs A Verma

Headteacher

Current prep school families

As school places are quickly filling up we would like to give you the opportunity to register your interest. If you have a sibling or other family member looking for a school place, please complete the registration form on the website, so we can add their names to the list, or alternatively speak to a member of the admin team.