24th November 2023
Dear Pre-Prep Parents,
Welcome back to a packed second half of term. With the Nativity on the horizon, a Christingle Service (YR-Y6), and panto visits, there is much to look forward to and enjoy as we embrace this festive chapter of the school calendar. Before we mention the ‘C’ word though, it has of course been all about Hallowe’en, Bonfire Night and Remembrance Day activities this week. Year 1 were taking great care to paint the poppies they made out of clay before half term and Year 2 were creating poppies out of crepe paper. Meanwhile in Early Years our Kindy children have been busy carving pumpkins, Nursery have been leaf painting with the leaves from their sensory table and Reception have been creating fireworks pictures using the cardboard inside of a roll of kitchen roll!
Storm Ciaran challenged us towards the end of the week with very wet weather but between the showers we were able to climb into wellies and waterproofs and embrace the elements! Peeking between the temporary fencing in the Pre-Prep Garden we have been able to watch the ‘Into The Trees’ play area undergoing the final stages of its construction. We are all counting down to this exciting addition to the Pre-Prep Garden very, very soon!
In Pre-Prep Assembly on Tuesday morning we launched the school’s ‘Cut Your Carbon’ initiative on behalf of the school’s Eco-Warriors. The children listened to how carbon emissions are connected to everyday actions and how we can reduce them by making small, manageable changes. Pupils in Kindy to Year 2 will bring home a checklist of challenges and they and their families can try to complete these nine actions that will reduce their carbon footprint. This is a whole school initiative which will take place throughout the month of November and pupils are to return their checklists at the end of the month. Mrs Klein, the school’s Eco Co-ordinator, will also have further details in today’s Newsletter.
Well done to the pupils awarded ‘Word of the Week’ certificates in assembly this week. Congratulations goes to Bas, Lenny, Orson and Matthew who have all impressed their teacher during the week before half term.
Next week we welcome Mrs Ellie Collins who is covering for Mrs Crissel in Year 1, while we wish Mrs Crisell a speedy recovery from a routine surgery. Mrs Collins is a very experienced teacher and has, in fact, worked previously with Mr Towers as a senior teacher. She has visited us on a number of occasions in recent weeks to meet the pupils and liaise with staff, but we look forward to her joining the team next week.
Wishing you all a good, hopefully drier, weekend.
Warm regards,
Lesley Barnett