Dear Parents,
It is hard to believe that we have arrived at half-term already. The last few weeks have passed in a whirlwind of Assemblies and assessments, sport fixtures and school trips. We have celebrated musical successes and reflected on children's wellbeing. We have stretched and challenged; discussed and debated. We have competed and collaborated, discovered new skills and talents, and laughed. A lot. It has been a great half-term and the children and staff have really earned the upcoming break. I hope you all rest and rejuvenate, ready for the last half-term of this academic year. It is going to be another great one!
|
|
|
The Selfish Giant
Prep (Yr 1) and Upper Prep (Yr 2) put on a superb performance of The Selfish Giant. The children were wonderful at reciting their lines with expression and confidence. The singing and dancing was fantastic, and we were lucky enough to have the play and songwriter, Sheila Wilson, join us in the audience. Sheila said she was really impressed with the performance and said it was the best adaptation of The Selfish Giant that she had ever seen! Well done Prep and Upper Prep children and in particular the staff. It was a resounding success due to both their passion and commitment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reminder
As the building work is about to commence on Monay 30th May, the school office and staff will not have access to send or receive emails during half-term. I apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.
|
|
Safeguarding Newsletter
Please take time to read this term's Safeguarding Newsletter. It is also available on the school website.
https://www.flipsnack.com/AFE6B9BBDC9/st-bernard-s-prep-safeguarding-newsletter/full-view.html
|
|
|
Upper Trans Assembly
On Wednesday we enjoyed a beautiful assembly by Upper Trans K on the gratitude our children feel for their teachers, to tie in with National Thank a Teacher Day. It was really lovely to hear all the things that the children enjoy about school and the way in which their teachers are infecting them with a love of learning . Miss Grogan was moved to tears with some of the comments - thank you so much Upper Trans K.
Today Upper Trans C delivered a thought-provoking Assembly on transformation. The children once again shone; rising to the occasion by performing in front of their proud parents. I believe they have also learnt a thing or two about David Bowie and changes too!
|
|
|
Ugly Bug Ball
In the grande finale of the minibeast topic, today Early Years hosted an Ugly Bug Ball! The children looked fantastic whilst the sun shone they: went on a minibeast hunt; enjoyed picnicking al fresco; a minibeast quiz; and finally enjoyed a bug boogies disco! What a fabulous day!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wedding Bells
Congratulations to Miss Mehta who got married last weekend. We wish the newlyweds all the very best for the future.
|
|
|
Spotlight on Success
Well done to Lara in Upper Prep (Yr 2), who as part of her research for this year's Go Givers, visited Missionaries of Charity, a charity founded by Mother Teresa. The charity feed the homeless and needy and Lara enjoyed a tour with Sister Irene, told her all about St Bernard's Prep and even said a prayer in their Chapel.
|
|
Sport Stars
This week’s Sports Stars are Daniel in Year 6, who during an U11 Cricket match on Wednesday 25th May, took a hat-trick. Exceptional bowling and a well-deserved accolade for the young man! And to Eesa (Yr 3) who has had a very active month with a swimathon, a triathlon, swim-run competition and an athletics event! Well done to Avaani who received her red belt in Judo. Well done Sports Stars!
|
|
|
|
Eco Council
Thank you to all the children who have made their Earth Day Pledges. These are now displayed on the Eco Council wall in a beautiful rainbow pledge. We would love to add photos of the children honouring their pledges. Please send in any photos give them to your Eco Council representative.
|
|
|
Arts Week!
From Monday 6th June - Thursday 9th of June we will be having an Arts Week in school. Your children will get the opportunity to participate in a range of activities related to ‘Sound, Images, Words, Moves and Marks.’ We are looking forward to welcoming a professional storyteller in to school on Thursday 9th June, who will work with children across school, retelling local legends and stories from around the world in a fun, interactive way. On Tuesday 7th June we are very excited to have a local author coming in to school to read her book Bodhi the Pirate Dog to EYFS, Year 1 and Year 2. We are looking forward to welcoming a professional storyteller on Thursday 9th June, who will work with the children across school; retelling local legends and stories from around the world in a fun, interactive way. We hope this will be an inspiring and enjoyable week for all the children, and will allow them to showcase all their artistic talents!
|
|
|
Jubilee Picnic - Monday 6th June
To celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee we are having a whole school quintessential English picnic! Louis will be preparing sandwiches and scones, cake and cookies. Children can come to school in tracksuit bottoms and a red, white and blue top. We are looking forward to the fun and frolics!
|
|
|
|
Thinking School
As a school we have a reputation for our academic success, but we are so much more than outstanding results. As I always say to new parents looking around the school, it is no good being brilliant at Maths and Engligh if you can't hold a conversation or have independent thought. This term we have introduced a P4C Club - Philosophy for Children. It has proved to be incredibly popular with opportunities for debating, negotiating, critical thinking and reflection. We discuss questions that have no right or wrong answer, but are interesting to explore. It's a great vehicle for positive learning and growth-mind set, and helps to promote independent thought and self-esteem.
This week Miss Carter held a debate in response to the following question: “Are school trips a good idea or wasted learning time?” The Year 6 children were particularly passionate about this following their fun-packed week last week!
There were some nice quotes/reflections at the end from the children too:
- "Work hard but play harder! Trips are a reward for hard work and good behaviour." Shariya
- "Trips help you to discover new qualities about yourself and what you enjoy in life." Daniel/Ruby
- "Life goes both ways - it's all about balance!" Aisheek/Rehan
|
|
|
Make a Difference
This week in PSHCE the Transition (Yr 4) children have been thinking about our ‘Make a Difference’, social action project for after half-term.
During their lesson they brainstormed ideas for what their chosen cause could be. They came up with a broad range of ideas from helping in the environment and stopping pollution, to raising awareness for heart health and supporting refugees. For homework the children then had to write about the cause that they felt most passionate about. Today each child had the opportunity to tell the rest of the year group what cause they would like to support and why. It was an excellent exercise in speech writing, use of persuasive language and presentation. Miss Grogan was really impressed with the thoughtful and well-crafted speeches. Well done Transition, next stop Queen's Council!
|
|
|
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 infect our children with a love of learning. These will all be posted in the Parent Portal section of our website as well.
|
|
Word of the week: Sovereignty
Supreme power or authority
|
|
|
In The News This Week - The Platinum Jubilee
Her Majesty The Queen is the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service. She was crowned Queen Elizabeth II on June 2, 1953, at age 25, following her father, King George VI's death.
|
|
Have a wonderful half-term.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs A Verma
|
|