Weekly Newsletter 10th February 2023

Dear Parents,

The focus for Years 3 and 4 this week has been their production of ‘Peter Pan’ on both Tuesday and Wednesday evening. The performances were outstanding and the audiences enjoyed some wonderful acting and energetic singing of some very catchy tunes… ‘You’ve done it again Mr Smee’ and ‘Tick Tock’ were two favourites which brought the house down. Well done to the Thomas More children and staff and the music department accompanied by Year 8s Huw and Toby for an unforgettable experience and providing such brilliant entertainment.

Keeping to the musical theme, it was superb to hear that our Year 8 rock band, Skull Splitters, were invited to play at the King Edward’s House Music event last night. Well done, boys, I heard you put on a good show!

The week has been topped and tailed by IAPS sports tournaments. On Monday, the Under 13 boys were at the regional IAPS hockey tournament at Charterhouse where they reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by Hoe Bridge on penalty flicks and missing out on a place at the national finals. The boys played some amazing hockey beating big schools such as Eagle House, Edgeborough, The Beacon and Lambrook before the huge disappointment of being so close yet so far. Well done boys! You and your coaches can be proud of your achievements.

Yesterday, the Under 11 girls’ netball squad travelled to Suffolk for an overnight stop near Ipswich before competing in the Small Schools Championships at Framlingham College today. We wish them the best of luck and a safe journey home. I know that Mrs Clarke will be keeping up to date with your progress.

It was a busy week in the lead up to the half term break with parent consultations for Year 8 following their mock exams and also for Pre-Prep. They are great events for teachers and parents to discuss the children’s progress and to formulate targets for future learning and development. The staff have definitely earned their half term break and I thank them for all their hard work and support for one another and the children.

This morning, the BHCC ran the Friday Breakfast Barbecue in aid of the Earthquake Appeal. Thank you to everyone who gave so generously so that we can contribute to the humanitarian aid required to support those affected by the dreadful natural disaster in Syria and Turkey. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the people and aid workers at this very difficult time.

Following this, the mood was lifted by Year 2’s assembly. All the children spoke clearly and confidently, giving us a wonderful insight into all they have been learning about London. This was followed by an invitation to ‘connect’ as we came together to sing ‘He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands’. The colours in Chapel were bright and uplifting as all the children and staff had ‘dressed to express’ in support of Children’s Mental Health Week.

Best wishes for the half term break and I look forward to seeing everyone on Monday 20th February,

Philip Oldroyd

Head

Pre-Prep

Dear Parents

I was so proud of our Year 2 children today as they presented their assembly on the Great Fire of London to the whole school in Chapel. It was the first time they had taken Friday’s assembly and they spoke and sung with such confidence. The children sang a round of ‘London’s Burning’ and then, tying in with our theme of ‘connect’, led the hymn using British Sign Language and the whole school joined in.

Our first Duke Award of the year was achieved by Elodie in Year 2 and she was given her medal by Mr Oldroyd.

In Pre-Prep assembly on Wednesday, I touched on the theme for Children’s Mental Health Week and spoke about how good it is for us to ‘connect’ with each other. We also read ‘Room On The Broom’ by Julia Donaldson, obviously a favourite for many.

It was super to ‘connect’ with you this week for the parent consultations and to share your children’s achievements and targets.

Next half term will see Year 2 play their first matches of tag rugby and netball against Pennthorpe School at home on Monday 6th March, 1:30-3:00pm, parents are very welcome to come and support and enjoy a match tea.

When we return after half term, Mrs Harris and Mrs Reed would like Reception children to come in the front door by themselves as this will encourage their independence.

We have a book fair and dressing up for World Book Day within the first couple of weeks on our return which is always much enjoyed by the children (and some staff!). We look forward to seeing you at our Pre-Prep Spring Concert and Easter Bonnet Parade (more information to come) on Wednesday 22nd March 8:45-10:00am.

It has been a short but very busy half term. Next week will allow some good rest time, ready for the next half!

Mrs Rachel E Harris

Head of Pre-Prep