The Bulletin Edition 12

Mr Hitchen-Hoy and the boys in 4H achieved something remarkable in assembly this morning: they seemed to read my mind. By coincidence, they perfectly anticipated what I planned to share in today’s Bulletin. Their assembly was a celebration of 100 years of school life, a topic that could not be more fitting as we approach the end of our Centenary Year. They reflected on what school life was like in the past, how it has evolved (mostly for the better!) and how advancements like technology are likely to shape education in the future. Importantly, they emphasised that while change is inevitable, the role of school teachers will remain, and perhaps even grow in significance, which is a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with!

As 2024 draws to a close, it is with immense pride and gratitude that we reflect on our extraordinary Centenary Year. One hundred years ago, the visionary James family embarked on a journey from their modest home on Wensleydale Road – now the site of our Pre-Prep – that laid the foundations for the vibrant school community we cherish today. All of that initial purpose still drives how we think, work and learn here today.

Throughout this year, we have celebrated our centenary in a number of important ways, each event a very happy reminder of our rich history and the values that continue to define us. The theme of 100 Wonderful Years has inspired our assemblies this term, encouraging our pupils to consider the lessons of the past and the possibilities of the future. Our centenary has been a time for looking back, but it has also been a chance to look forward. The energy and enthusiasm of our pupils, staff, and parents have shown that this is a community full of positivity and purpose. Here’s to the next chapter in our story – may it be as wonderful as the first 100 years!

Anyone who has played, coached, or refereed rugby will know that it is a funny old game, with many differing elements and it is not quite as intuitive as football. Therefore, we are always thankful for the training fixtures that were played this week against Bishopsgate. With both coaches on the pitch, it allowed for some intensive coaching for both sides. With the U8s and U9s this focused on the importance of team structure, going forward in attack and defence and where the offside line is. At U10s, rucking and scrumming came into the mix. With the U11s, kicking was added and then efforts had to be made to stop it turning into Aussie Rules, such was the excitement of being able to kick! This is why it is useful; it highlights each team’s strengths and highlights the areas to work on in the sessions ahead of next term’s fixtures. The boys are shaping up well after the first couple of weeks! We in the Sports Department are looking forward to seeing their progress next term.

It was a great pleasure having so many parent helpers on site today so that pupils from across the Pre-Prep & Prep could enjoy choosing gifts for their nearests and dearests!

As hard as it is to believe, this is our final bulletin of the term! The past few weeks have flown by in a whirlwind of events and activities. A huge well done to the children for adapting so wonderfully to the changes in their routine. Next week promises to be just as exciting as we reach the pinnacle of our Christmas festivities.

This week, we have been exploring the much-loved story The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. The children have had so much fun listening to this delightful and humorous tale, especially as we read the letters from the different characters. In our class Post Office, the children have been busy writing their own cards and letters, which they then posted in our class post-box. We are working hard on our fine motor skills by holding our pencils correctly, using our thumb and two fingers, and focusing on writing the first letter of our names carefully.

The festive season is in full swing in Reception Class. We have been celebrating the start of Advent, and each day have opened our Christmas joke advent calendar, enjoying a daily dose of funny Christmas jokes!

Wow! We were all so impressed with our Year 1 superstars this week – singing their hearts out in our Christmas show - well done to all! In class this week, Year 1 have enjoyed reading Harvey Slumfenburger’s Christmas Present by John Burningham. The children imagined travelling to Roly Poly mountain and dreaming up which present Father Christmas might deliver to Harvey Slumfenburger. They wrote some super sentences, embellishing them with adjectives, to describe their ideal presents!

In Year 2, a good proportion of the week was spent rehearsing for the Christmas Production. We have been so delighted with the efforts that every single one of the children has put into learning their lines and knowing their cues. What a talented bunch this year group are! And what a brilliant performance they pulled off. Huge congratulations to Year 2!