Newsletters

St Bernard's Preparatory School - Newsletter 2nd May 2025

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Dear Parents,

It has been a short week, thanks to the Bank Holiday, but we have certainly managed to pack a lot in.

On Wednesday, Prep G delivered a beautiful Liturgy focused on VE Day. They reflected on how God's light brought hope and strength to our brave soldiers—a moving and meaningful reminder for us all.

Thursday was full of celebration, as the whole school came together for a joyful VE Day picnic on the field. With picnic lunches, extended break time, and lots of games, the children had a wonderful time. Many classes also took part in special VE Day activities throughout the day.

Also on Thursday, Year 5 attended an exciting Physical Computing course at Langley Grammar School. They explored Crumble kits and sparkles, learning new skills and having lots of fun in the process!

This morning, Year 4 had us all smiling with their light-hearted and insightful assembly on managing emotions. They explained the importance of every emotion and linked them cleverly to the characters from Inside Out—a fantastic way to connect with the children.

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VE DAY Liturgy 

On Wednesday, Prep G led the school in a truly moving VE Day liturgy with grace and reverence beyond their years. We began the Liturgy by singing the poignant "We'll Meet Again," echoing the hope and resilience of generations past. Prep reminded us of the bravery shown by so many during times of darkness, and how God's eternal light brought comfort and courage to those in need.

The whole school then stood silently holding lit candles, as we listened to a powerful rendition of "I Vow to Thee, My Country". We reflected on the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus to save us, drawing a parallel to the many men and women who gave their lives for our freedom.

Each class were invited to write a prayer for peace and lay it before our invisible Tommy figure, a silent symbol of remembrance. In this collective act, our whole school community had the opportunity to honour those we remember and to pray for peace across the world.

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Primary Kangaroo Challenge

We were very excited to be invited to take part in the first ever Primary Kangaroo Challenge organised by the UK Maths Trust. The children who had already turned 9 in Year 4 and all of Years 5 and 6 took part in the challenge. All children were awarded a certificate for their participation and were awarded gold, silver and bronze to children who performed particularly well, with Vihann (Yr6) and Mia (Yr5) only dropping one mark!
We are currently waiting for results from the UKMT, a test aimed for Year 8 pupils. 

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Managing our Emotions

This morning, Trans (Y4), treated us to a fantastic assembly all about managing our emotions. Inspired by the film Inside Out, the children explored the importance of recognising and managing our feelings. With brilliant performances from children acting as Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. Through the story, they showed how each emotion plays a vital role in our lives, and how learning to manage them helps us make better choices and build stronger relationships. A fun, thoughtful and insightful performance—well done, Year 4!

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Achievements

A huge well done to Mela (Year 5) for earning her Grade 2 Piano certificate, to Anya (Year 5) for achieving her Entry Level 3 certificate in Drums, and to Saisha for passing her Grade 3 Piano Performance exam—fantastic accomplishments all around!

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Physical Computing with Crumble Kits

On Thursday, Year 5 had an exciting opportunity to visit Langley Grammar School for a special Physical Computing course. Building on their work with Crumble Kits in DT lessons with Mrs Gabb, the children took their skills to the next level by designing and programming their very own monsters! They learnt how to make their monsters’ eyes flash and change colour, and even programmed the hair to spin. It was a hands-on, creative experience that deepened their understanding of coding and electronics, they absolutely loved it!

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Studybugs

Studybugs is the quickest and easiest way to report your child’s absence. It also helps us keep everyone safe and informed. If you haven’t already, please download the app and get registered today!


Wellbeing Weekend Ideas 

Since it is Well-being Weekend, there will be no homework—so here are some fun and mindful ways to recharge together as a family:

Family Picnic
Pack some favourite snacks, a blanket, and head outdoors. Take turns choosing a picnic game, like charades, cards, or “I Spy.”

Screen-Free Hour – Switch off devices and play a board game, do a puzzle, or read a story aloud as a family.

Bake Together – Choose a simple recipe and bake something sweet (or savoury!) together—it’s fun, creative, and delicious.

Acts of Kindness – Encourage your child to do one kind thing for a neighbour, sibling, or even a pet!

Memory Lane – Look through old photo albums or share stories from your childhood—it’s a great way to connect and laugh together.

Bedtime Wind-down – Make bedtime extra special with a calming routine, like warm milk, soft music, or a longer bedtime story.


Sports News

Year 4 Rounders vs Long Close

On Tuesday, we welcomed two Under 9 teams from Long Close School for a Rounders fixture. The weather provided for a lovely afternoon of exciting competition between both schools. The all-round skill on display was outstanding with plenty of rounders being hit and great stumpings and catches made. Both our teams played exceptionally well and won their matches. Well done to all the players from both teams and a special congratulations to both Saarth and Myra, who were nominated as MVPs for their teams.

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As we head into the weekend, we join the global Catholic community in giving thanks for the election of our new Pope, Pope Leo XIV. This is a moment of hope and renewal for the Church, and we look forward to learning more in the coming days.

Next week is an important week for our Year 6 pupils as they begin their SATs. I would like to ask you all to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. May they approach each day with calm minds, confidence, and the knowledge that they are already making us proud.

It is Well-being Weekend! There will be no homework set, so we encourage all our families to take this time to rest, recharge, and enjoy one another’s company.

Wishing you all a peaceful and restorative weekend.

Mrs Asha Verma

Headteacher