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St Bernard's Preparatory School - Newsletter 6th October 2023

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Dear Parents,

Another busy week in the life of St Bernard's Prep.

On Saturday we were delighted to have such a good turn out for our Early Years soft play session. We are so grateful to the fantastic parents who joined us, we can't thank you enough for making the event such a huge success. It was a joy to see the little ones running around, laughing, and having the time of their lives.  Your support by attending these events demonstrates how important parent engagement is to their early years education. As always we truly appreciate your commitment, involvement, and enthusiasm.   

It was such a pleasure to see so many grandparents join us for cake and play on Monday in Early Years celebrating Grandparents' Day. We had a delightful afternoon full of laughter and love. Your presence meant the world to us and the children. The priceless smiles on the children's faces as they played games, shared stories, and enjoyed scrumptious cakes together. The bond between children and their grandparents is something truly magical, always to be treasured. 

On Wednesday, I was delighted to meet with our Year 6 parents to discuss the upcoming residential trip to France. It brought together enthusiastic children, passionate teachers, and dedicated parents, all eager to embark on this exciting adventure. We couldn't resist indulging in some French delicacies. Our taste buds were treated to a delectable selection of authentic cheeses and wine, it truly felt like a taste of France right here in the UK. Thank you parents for your support.

Last night we hosted our 'Meet the SLT' evening in the atrium. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet with parents in person, strengthening the bond between school and our parent community. We discussed important matters and shared ideas to help shape our school's future. We value your input and opinions, so please continue sharing and engaging with us. 

Finishing the week off, it was wonderful to see so many families attend our CAFOD breakfast. CAFOD is an incredible charity working tirelessly to tackle poverty and injustice around the world. By attending our breakfast, you have made a real difference to the lives of those in need. Not only did we all enjoy a delicious breakfast spread, but your contributions will help to provide vulnerable communities with access to clean water, education, healthcare, and so much more. So far we have raised an incredible £331! Thank you!

 

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Prep Black History

In geography, the children in Prep have been learning about the local area. Linking it with Black History Month, the children have focussed on two inspirational figures from Slough.

Dele Williams came to Slough from Nigeria and dedicated himself to becoming a mentor, encouraging others to become teachers. He now runs the National Institution of African Studies. The children created street art to help bring his story to life.

Mark Ashton Richardson is an English former athlete who competed mainly in the 400 and 4 x 400 metres relay for Great Britain and England. The children learnt all about his Olympic achievements and created art reflecting this. 

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Upper Trans Design & Technology

Our Year 5 children have been experimenting with tie-dye patterns using nothing but elastic bands and fabric. They've been wrapping elastic bands around their fabric in different ways to create unique patterns and designs. Using vibrant colours, they are bringing their tie-dye creations to life. They have unleashed their artistic talents through this fun and interactive project. Mrs Gabb is super proud of their enthusiasm and creativity, but is slightly worried her table tops will never be the same colour again!

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Upper Trans Science

Upper Trans have been looking into the mysteries of the universe with their latest science experiment. In an attempt to uncover the cosmic wonders of the moon, they've embarked on a mission to investigate the relationship between the mass of a meteor and the size of the crater it creates upon impact. What will our aspiring space explorers discover? Perhaps they'll unravel the key to unlocking the mysteries of meteor impacts on the moon!

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Remove Science

To continue our blood theme this week, Remove have become phlebotomists and they have been testing patients 'blood' to work out who could safely donate blood to each other. They used anti A, Anti B and Anti Rh serum to test the 'blood' samples and work out each patients blood type to make sure their donation choices would be safe!

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Remove Geography

Remove have been ‘joining the dots’ between their class reader, 'Journey to the River Sea', and their geography topic on South America. Locating the route taken in the book using their atlas skills.

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Lower Trans T Liturgy

On Wednesday, Lower Trans T led the Liturgy, celebrating the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi. The children shared with the whole school how St Francis lived 841 years ago. He believed we all have a duty to protect our world, ensuring we care for all the creatures we share it with.

As a school, we should follow St Francis of Assisi’s example, to start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible and suddenly you are doing the impossible. When working in solidarity, for the common good of others – we can achieve anything!

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Upper Prep Assembly

Year 2 hosted an assembly on the Harvest Festival. There was a huge display of food donations. They shared information on the importance of sharing and giving food to less fortunate people. They also shared the importance of the work of a farmer and how we should look after the world we live in.

Always remember a farmer is a person outstanding in their field!!!!

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Little St Bs

Our smallest St Bernard's family members have had a wonderful time at Little St B's today. They enjoyed reading books with their parents, playing games and enjoying the garden equipment in the sunshine.

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EYFS

Our Early Years children enjoyed an Autumn walk this week, discovering, observing and embracing the changes of this beautiful season.

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Achievements

Congratulations to Aaditya EY2 and Siddharth Trans (Year 4) were awarded white belt in Wing Chan Kung Fu this week.

Also, Anya & Kashvi from Year 4 played a Hockey match at Reading Hockey Club on Sunday 1st October against the Reading & Marlow team. It was a tough 2x20mins competition, but the girls kept fighting up to the final whistle. Anya scored a goal for the team and Kashvi was excellent at defending,                      Well Done girls!. 

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FOPS (Friends Of Prep School)

Calling all parents! Come and join us for our exciting FOPS Coffee Afternoon and discover more about the amazing work we do with our school community. 

This event is the perfect opportunity to build friendships and meet other parents, who are just as passionate about their child's education as you are!

During the afternoon, you'll have the chance to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while engaging in stimulating conversations. Learn about the exciting projects the FOPS team are currently championing within our school. Share your own new ideas and suggestions to help shape the future of our school community and discover fun and creative ways to get involved and make a difference.

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Sport News

Hockey

On Tuesday, our U9 girls went to Long Close to take part in a hockey competition. St Bernard’s had three teams and played against two Long Close teams. Well done to all our girls for winning the majority of their games during the afternoon! 

On Wednesday, our U11 hockey teams took part in a round-robin tournament at Long Close. St Bernard’s took four teams and played against all three of the Long Close team in short matches. Well done to all our players who competed, they showed amazing teamwork and passion throughout. Overall, the St Bernard’s Blues won the tournament, winning all of their matches!

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Rugby vs Long Close

Our rugby teams returned to the pitches this week to play against Long Close School. All of the teams played exceptionally well and provided some outstanding play. In total we played 4 matches, winning all four, and overall we racked up 47 tries!

The overall result were:

  • U9 Bulls : Won 12-6    (MVP – Anuj Tandon)
  • U9 Lions/Bears : Won 6-2  (MVP – James Somauroo)
  • U11 Bulls : Won 19-11    (MVP –Raman Basra)
  • U11 Bears : Won 10-8    ( MVP –Navraj Chadha)
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Lions Prep School Football Trials.

We are proud to have 4 boys nominated to participate at Wellington College on Sunday the 8th of October in the Under 11 Lions Prep School Trials. Best of luck to  Eesah, Safi, Jayan and Raman, we hope you enjoy the day!

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I wish you all a wonderful weekend enjoying the promised sunshine and  will leave you with some fabulous words from St Francis of Assisi:

         “The only thing ever achieved in life without effort is failure.”

Mrs A Verma

Headteacher