The Bulletin Edition 28

All parents are more than welcome to follow our Instagram account, and this week we noticed a little uptick in our Year 6 parent followers as we posted updates and news from our absolutely magnificent residential excursion to Ponte di Legno, in Italy. This is only the second year we have taken Year 6 to Italy, yet it already feels like a deeply loved fixture of Prep life. The boys had a marvellous time: activities included climbing, mountain biking, a high ropes and high wire adventure park in a forest, a museum visit, an alpine trek into the Messi Valley north of Ponte di Legno, a pizza party and disco in the village on the final night, and undoubtedly the highlight: white water rafting on the Noce River in the Val di Sole.

At the end of each day, over dinner, we invite the boys to nominate their friends for the daily award of Il Mito del Giorno (which roughly translates as “Legend of the Day”). We mean “legend” somewhat colloquially in the sense of a boy who has really stood out to his peers, perhaps for being exceptionally kind, exceptionally daft (but in a very amusing way!), exceptionally adventurous, exceptionally brave, or indeed exceptional for any other reason the boys themselves decide is worthy. It’s a highlight of each day for us as adults to hear the boys speak so spontaneously, from the heart each evening, in support of their peers. It always feels like a real tribute to their strong relationships at this point in their Prep school careers that they are able to notice with such astuteness others’ foibles, quirks and idiosyncrasies, as well as the unique aspects of each other’s personalities that make them all such good friends.

Do please check out our Instagram profile, and/or take a look at the photos below to get a flavour of what has been a truly special week.

It’s been a quiet week this week so boys in Years 3 & 4 have been putting in early preparation for House Cricket and the U10s have been developing their game awareness playing hardball.

We hope everyone has had a good week back to school after a lovely half term! We were all quite disappointed that this week’s Sports Day was cancelled due to the unsettled weather – after all, the children had been practising so well on those clearer, sunnier days. Their enthusiasm and teamwork have been wonderful to see. The great news is that Sports Day isn’t lost—it’s just been postponed. We’re thrilled to confirm it will now take place next Thursday, 12th June, weather permitting. We know the children are looking forward to showcasing their efforts, and we can’t wait to celebrate with them (and you) on the field. Thank you for your understanding and support. Let’s hope for blue skies next Thursday!

It was lovely to see everyone safely back from half term! We spent Monday getting to grips with our new topic Eco Warriors (recycling). We discussed what happens to our litter – boxes, cartons and the things that won’t rot. Many children said they help at home by putting some recycling in the right boxes for collection which was lovely to hear. We also chatted about food that rots and what can be done with it. We agreed that composting our left-over food was a great idea. Our interactive board was very helpful; we used a sorting game, sifting rubbish into the correct bin. We also read about Litterbug Doug who was appalled at the rubbish thrown into the stream, blocking the flow and ruining it for creatures who used it.

We have had a very busy week in Reception this week! On Tuesday we were lucky to take part in a ‘Virtual Space’ workshop. We each were given a pair of VR goggles and enjoyed a trip into space. We returned to classroom buzzing with amazing facts about the planets and the solar system. Wednesday was full of excitement as the children visited their future classroom and teachers. They loved going upstairs to Year 1 and getting to know their next teachers. Both Mrs Timba and Mrs Swain felt that they were more than ready for their transition to Year 1 – very well done to all! We enjoyed the run up to sports day, practising our three races with gusto! Unfortunately, due to the rainy weather we will have to wait until next Thursday for our races!

Year 1 loved our “moving up” day on Wednesday; visiting Year 2 and learning about all the roles and duties that they will take on as leaders of Pre-Prep next year… it looks like Year 1 are almost ready to fill the current Year 2’s responsible shoes! That said, we certainly don’t want them to go just yet!

What an action-packed time we’ve had in Year 2 this week! On Wednesday, the children spent the morning at the Prep site and they had a fabulous time there. Assembly, Life Skills and Science, plus more time getting to know the work of the friendship champions – indeed, the morning was filled with lots of fun activities and the children can’t wait to go back! The children also loved getting ready for Sports Day, and impressed us all with their collaborative spirit, despite the wet weather. We look forward to the revised date of Thursday, 12th June, when they can show off their skills and competitive spirit!