Pre-Prep and Prep Weekly Bulletin - 15 September 2023

Head of Prep School’s Message

Ms K Umpleby

I hope you have all had a super week, we certainly have in the Prep School. It has also been lovely to reconnect with so many of you during the Year 4 and Year 6 Curriculum Evenings and the Year 3 and Year 5 Parent Drop-ins.

Mrs Best’s fantastic assembly this afternoon was focused on what she referred to as ‘The Toothpaste Phenomenon’. Imagine a tube of toothpaste – once it’s squeezed out, you can’t put it back in. In the same way, words and actions, once released, can’t be taken back. Our children need to understand the impact of their words and actions on others and take responsibility for them. Additionally, when they see their friends crossing lines, they should feel empowered to speak up and prevent harm from spreading further – we need to ensure we do not allow a culture of bystander silence. In our society, there are times when people, including our friends, may exhibit behaviours or make comments that are hurtful, disrespectful, or harmful to others. It’s crucial that we encourage our children to find their voice and have the courage to speak out when they witness such situations.

Toxic masculinity and misogyny are issues that persist in society, and it’s our responsibility to equip our children with the tools to combat them. Encourage your children to critically evaluate the behaviour and attitudes of their friends. If they disagree with something a friend says or does, they should feel comfortable addressing it respectfully and constructively. This not only helps to break the cycle of toxic behaviour but also fosters healthier relationships and a more inclusive environment.

Teaching our children to stand up against toxic behaviour requires open communication and modelling these behaviours ourselves. Let’s lead by example, and if we work together, we can empower our children to be courageous and compassionate individuals, who contribute to a more inclusive and respectful world.

Have a great weekend!

Reception to Year 6 Information

Lunch Menus

WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 18 SEPTEMBER

Click here to view the Pre-Prep lunch menu.

Click here to view the Prep lunch menu.

After School Care facility

BOOKING LINK

Please click on the link below to book your child into After School Care.

Reception to Year 6 Fantasy Premier League - Message from Mr Miller

SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER

I’m delighted to introduce myself as the new head of Prep P.E and Games. It has been a pleasure meeting the boys this week and I eagerly anticipate teaching your sons throughout their time in the Prep School.

The football season is back, and I have created a new Fantasy Football league for our school community, which includes the Prep School pupils, staff and parents (Reception to Year 6). It would be wonderful to have as many participants as possible in the Habs Prep Fantasy League which will commence on Saturday 16 September. After joining, I’ll provide regular updates on your team’s performance throughout the season. Plus, there’s a trophy in store for the champion! Please follow the details and link below if you wish to join in the fun.

For the 2023/24 Fantasy Premier League why don’t you join my mini league “Habs Boys’ Prep Fantasy League?”

Joining the league couldn’t be easier. Click here and you’ll be added automatically after you’ve entered the game.

League Code: gfqw2s

Our school league will start from the first game on Saturday 16 September. If you already have a team set up on this Fantasy Football platform, you can join our school league using the details above. However, any previous points you have already accumulated this season will not be added to your team in this league. Everyone starts afresh from Saturday 16 September.

I am looking forward to playing against you this season!

New!

National Poetry Day - Rap Poet Kimba Visit

WEDNESDAY 4 OCTOBER

Please click here for further information about our upcoming visit from rap poet Kimba for National Poetry Day on Wednesday 4 October.

Julie King - Head of Languages Introduction Letter

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click here to read an introduction letter from our new Head of Languages - Julie King.

Year 3 to Year 6 Information

Pick up arrangements

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM MR SWINDELL

Please click here to read an important notice regarding pick up arrangements following the end of the school day.

Prep Lunchtime Clubs

MONDAY 18 SEPTEMBER

New!

All Prep clubs will be starting next week from Monday 18 September. Evolve payment links will be sent on Monday for all paid clubs. Please arrange prompt payment to secure your son’s place.

If your son is participating in a club at lunchtime and they would prefer to have a hot meal, instead of a Grab and Go sandwich, please may we request that you provide him with tupperware or a takeaway box and plastic cutlery so that he is able to have a hot option after his club has finished.

Lunchtime Live Auditions

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

New!

If your son would like to audition to play or sing a solo in Lunchtime Live, please could he leave a video of his performance using this link. The deadline is Sunday 17 September and all standards are welcome. If your son has been given a place to perform, you will receive an email inviting you to watch the concert soon after. The concert will take place in the Seldon Hall on Tuesday 26 September at 12.30pm.

Drop in Session Letter

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click here to read a letter regarding Drop in sessions.

Autumn Term Music Letter

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click here to read a letter regarding the upcoming music concerts taking place in the Autumn Term.

Reception

Reception Topic Grid - Autumn Term

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click here to view the Reception Topic Grid for the Autumn Term.

Reception Behaviour Management Policy

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click here to view the behaviour management policy for Reception.

Welcome to Reception Letter

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click here to read a welcome to Reception letter from Miss Pearson and Miss Lewis.

Medical and Catering Forms

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Please can we remind parents/guardians to complete both the catering and medical forms, which you can find on Firefly.

Family Photos

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

In Reception we are excited to create a ‘Our Class Families Book’ to help to learn about each other and celebrate what makes us unique. To help with this, we ask that you please send in photos of people who are special to your child. Each child will have an A3 sized page in the book and therefore, you are welcome to send several photos.

Your child will draw and annotate around the photos and present/discuss their page with the class. You can send in photos as a hard copy; if so, please drop us a note in the message book to say they are in your child’s bag in case they forget to retrieve them. Alternatively, if you would prefer to email them, please email Miss Pearson at pearson_n@habsboys.org.uk or Miss Lewis at lewis_l@habsboys.org.uk. Thank you for your help with this.

Nocturnal Animal Visit

TUESDAY 19 SEPTEMBER

Reception will be investigating nocturnal animals this term and we are excited to be welcoming Ranger Stu and his friends to school on Tuesday 19 September. You can learn more about Ranger Stu. Please click here. Please note your child does not need to bring in or prepare anything for the event.

Coffee and Curriculum Meeting

TUESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER

We would like to invite you to a Coffee and Curriculum morning at the Pre-Prep School on Tuesday 26 September from 8.45am to 10am. During the session the form teachers will discuss the curriculum and suggest some activities for you to use at home to support your child’s learning.

Read with me Family Fridays

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

You are invited to join your child in enjoying a book in school on our Family Fridays. Please note that only one adult per child per session should attend to not overwhelm the children. These will take place on Friday 29 September, Friday 6 October and Friday 13 October from 2.45pm to 3.30pm.

Year 1

Year 1 Topic Grid - Autumn Term

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click here to view the Year 1 Topic Grid for the Autumn Term.

Medical and Catering Forms

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Please can we remind parents/guardians to complete both the catering and medical forms, which you can find on Firefly.

Welcome to Year 1 Letter

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click here to read a welcome to Year 1 letter from Miss Patel and Miss Stables.

Coffee and Curriculum Meeting

THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER

We would like to invite you to a Coffee and Curriculum morning at the Pre-Prep School on Thursday 21 September from 8.45am to 10am. During the session the form teachers will give a brief outline of the Maths and English curriculum and suggest some activities for you to use at home to support your child’s learning.

Year 2

Year 2 Topic Grid - Autumn Term

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click here to view the Year 2 Topic Grid for the Autumn Term.

Medical and Catering Forms

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Please can we remind parents/guardians to complete both the catering and medical forms, which you can find on Firefly.

Welcome to Year 2 Letter

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click here to read a welcome to Year 2 letter from Miss Percival and Miss Pullen.

Coffee and Curriculum Meeting

WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER

We would like to invite you to a Coffee and Curriculum morning at the Pre-Prep School on Wednesday 20 September from 8.45am to 10am. During the session the form teachers will give a brief outline of the Maths and English curriculum and suggest some activities for you to use at home to support your child’s learning.

Year 3

Year 3 Romans Day

THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER

New!

Please click here for further details about the Year 3 Roman Day taking place on Thursday 5 October.

Year 3 and 4 Open Day Invitation

SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER

New!

Please click here for important communication regarding Open Day on Saturday 7 October.

Year 4

Year 4 and 6 Curriculum Evening

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Thank you to those of you that were able to attend the Year 4 and Year 6 Curriculum Evening on Tuesday 12 September. There is a recording of the evening which will be provided to you in due course.

Contact Rugby - Sports Goggles / Glasses

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

We are fast approaching rugby fixtures this term, so please can you ensure that your son wears sports glasses/goggles for contact rugby, this is for your son’s safety as he will not be able to wear regular glasses during contact training and fixtures this term. Please note, contact rugby is played by pupils in Year 4 to 6. Mouth guards are also needed for games and fixtures.

Year 3 and 4 Open Day Invitation

SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER

Please click here for important communication regarding Open Day on Saturday 7 October.

Year 5

Contact Rugby - Sports Goggles / Glasses

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

We are fast approaching rugby fixtures this term, so please can you ensure that your son wears sports glasses/goggles for contact rugby, this is for your son’s safety as he will not be able to wear regular glasses during contact training and fixtures this term. Please note, contact rugby is played by pupils in Year 4 to 6. Mouth guards are also needed for games and fixtures.

Year 5 and 6 Open Day Information

SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER

Please click here for important communication regarding Open Day on Saturday 7 October.

Year 6

Year 4 and 6 Curriculum Evening

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Thank you to those of you that were able to attend the Year 4 and Year 6 Curriculum Evening on Tuesday 12 September. There is a recording of the evening which will be provided to you in due course.

Hindu Temple Visit

THURSDAY 28 SEPTEMBER

Please click here for a letter regarding the upcoming trip to the Hindu Temple.

Prep Welcome to Senior School Open Morning

WEDNESDAY 11 OCTOBER

Please click here for further information regarding the Year 6 Prep to Senior School Open Morning.

Scholarship Information Evening

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click here for further information regarding the Year 6 Arts Scholarship Evening and how to book.

Year 5 and 6 Open Day Information

SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER

Please click here for important communication regarding Open Day on Saturday 7 October.

Contact Rugby - Sports Goggles / Glasses

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

We are fast approaching rugby fixtures this term, so please can you ensure that your son wears sports glasses/goggles for contact rugby, this is for your son’s safety as he will not be able to wear regular glasses during contact training and fixtures this term. Please note, contact rugby is played by pupils in Year 4 to 6. Mouth guards are also needed for games and fixtures.

PREP SPORTS FIXTURES

MONDAY 25 SEPTEMBER

FRIDAY 29 SEPTEMBER

Under 10 v St Benedicts (Parks Pitches, 2.30pm to 4pm)

Under 11 Quad v Belmont, UCS and St Benedict’s (Pennes Pitches, 2.30pm to 4pm)

FRIDAY 29 SEPTEMBER U10A v UCS Festival (UCS, 2pm to 4.30pm)

FRIDAY 6 OCTOBER U11 v St John’s (Parks Pitches, 2.30pm to 4pm)

WEDNESDAY 11 OCTOBER U11 District Football (Manor Lodge, 1pm to 4pm)

THURSDAY 12 OCTOBER U8 v UCS (UCS, 1.30pm to 4.30pm)

TUESDAY 31 OCTOBER U9 v St Johns Northwood (St John’s, 1.30pm to 4.45pm)

THURSDAY 2 NOVEMBER U8 v St Johns Northwood (Parks Pitches, 2.30pm to 4pm)

SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER U11A v Belmont Festival (Belmont, Mill Hill, Prep School, 9am to 12.30pm)

THURSDAY 9 NOVEMBER U11 IAPS Rugby Festival (Brentwood School, 8.30am to 5.30pm)

FRIDAY 10 NOVEMBER U11 v Chesham (Chesham School 1.30pm to 4.30pm)

SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER U10A/B and U9AB (UCS, 9.30am to 11am)

SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER U11A and B Under 10 A and B (Berkhamsted, 9.30am to 11am)

TUESDAY 21 NOVEMBER U9 Quad v Beacon, Davenies and Gayhurst (Parks Pitches, 2pm to 4pm)

SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER Habs U9 A Rugby Festival (Habs Prep, 9.30am to 12.30pm)

WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER U10 A, B and C (Chesham Prep 1.30pm to 4.45pm)

THURSDAY 30 NOVEMBER U8s v Belmont (Belmont, Mill Hill, Prep School, 1.30pm to 4.30pm)

* Selected pupils will be invited to participate via Evolve

PRE-PREP CALENDAR DATES

TUESDAY 19 SEPTEMBER

Reception Nocturnal Animal Visit

WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER Year 2 Coffee and Curriculum Meeting (8.45am to 10am)

THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER Year 1 Coffee and Curriculum Meeting (8.45am to 10am)

FRIDAY 22 SEPTEMBER Year 2 Boys’ and Girls’ School Collaboration

TUESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER

Reception Coffee and Curriculum Meeting (8.45am to 10am)

WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER

Reception to Year 2 Individual and Class Photographs

FRIDAY 29 SEPTEMBER

Reception Read with Me - Family Friday (2.45pm to 3.30pm)

PRE-PREP CALENDAR DATES

WEDNESDAY 4 OCTOBER

National Poetry Day - ‘Kimba’ (Poet Visit), Pre-Prep

FRIDAY 6 OCTOBER

Reception Read with Me - Family Friday (2.45pm to 3.30pm)

WEDNESDAY 11 OCTOBER

Pre-Prep Parent Consultations (4pm to 7pm)

THURSDAY 12 OCTOBER

Pre-Prep Parent Consultations (4pm to 7pm)

FRIDAY 13 OCTOBER

End of Term (Ends at 3.30pm)

Reception Read with Me - Family Friday (2.45pm to 3.30pm)

MONDAY 16 OCTOBER TO FRIDAY 27 OCTOBER Half Term

For further dates, please refer to the school calendar on Firefly.

PREP CALENDAR DATES

FRIDAY 22 SEPTEMBER

Inter-House Tug-of-war

TUESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER

Lunchtime Live (12.30pm to 1.20pm, Seldon Hall)

WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER

Years 4 and 6 Parent Dropin Session (3.30pm)

Years 3 to 6 Individual and Class

Photographs (Prep School)

THURSDAY 28 SEPTEMBER

Year 6 Hindu Temple Visit

MONDAY 2 OCTOBER

Year 3 Instrumental Scheme Open Morning, (9.15am to 10.45am, Music School)

Year 4 Collaboration Day, (Prep School, 9am to 12pm)

Year 5 Collaboration Day, (Prep School, 1.30pm to 3.30pm)

TUESDAY 3 OCTOBER

Year 6 Arts Scholarship Information Evening (5.30pm to 7.30pm)

PREP CALENDAR DATES

WEDNESDAY 4 OCTOBER

National Poetry Day - ‘Kimba’ (Author Visit), Year 4 Workshop (2pm to 3pm)

THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER

Year 3 Roman Day (Division 10 Swimming (Habs, Medburn, 4pm)

TUESDAY 10 OCTOBER

Years 2 to 6 Harvest Festival (2.30pm to 3.30pm, Bourne Hall)

WEDNESDAY 11 OCTOBER

Year 6 Transition Morning

FRIDAY 13 OCTOBER

Donkin Cup Annual Cross-Country End of Term (Ends at 4pm) Reception to Year 6, (Pennes Playing Field, 9am to 12pm)

MONDAY 16 OCTOBER TO FRIDAY 27 OCTOBER Half Term

For further dates, please refer to the school calendar on Firefly.