Habs Weekly Junior School edition
Friday 9 June Summer Term
Friday 9 June Summer Term
It has been a great pleasure to welcome our Junior School community back from the holidays for the final time this academic year and we hope you and your families have had an enjoyable break.
Earlier this week, the house captain elections took place in the Junior School and I have been reflecting upon on importance of giving children responsibility and how it can benefit them in the long run. In the Junior School, there are opportunities for everyone to take responsibility, from looking after playground equipment and treating others respectfully to the elected positions of Student Voice reps, Eco Councillors and our Year 6 prefect team.
Giving children responsibility is a key part of their development and education. By allowing them to take on tasks and challenges, we help them to develop important life skills such as independence, decision-making, and leadership. When children are given responsibility, they learn to take ownership of their actions and decisions. They become more self-aware and learn to think critically about the choices they make. This can help them to develop confidence and resilience, which are essential attributes for success in later life.
In addition to this, giving children responsibility can also help to foster a sense of community and teamwork. When children work together to achieve a common goal, they learn to communicate effectively and support one another. This can help to build strong relationships and a sense of belonging within the school community.
I am sure that you will join us in supporting your child's development and education by giving them the opportunity to take on responsibility and by celebrating their achievements along the way.
Friday afternoon assemblies are always a time of joy and celebration in the Junior School. Our weekly Cornflower Assembly celebrates individuals who have particularly demonstrated ways in which they have embodied our school values: Courage, Curiosity, Community and Ambition. We cherish our Cornflower Assemblies and hope that you enjoy celebrating weekly with us too.
Lily (Rainbow Blue)
Suzie (Rainbow Blue)
Walia (1 Green)
Sanam (1 Orange)
Beatrice (3A)
Siya (4 Aleph)
Maryam-Azza (4 Aleph)
Anna Maria (5 Aesc)
Florence (5 Aesc)
Jessica (6 Aesc)
Hania (6 Aleph)
Aurelia (4 Aesc)
Aanya (6 Aesc)
Jaya (3 Alpha)
Mishka (4 Aesc)
Sky (6 Aleph)
Inara (1 Green)
Noor (2A)
Maya (2 Alpha) Anthea (3 Alpha)
WEEK COMMENCING 12 JUNE
Click here to view our Rainbow and KS1 lunch menu.
Click here to view our KS2 lunch menu.
BOOKING LINK
Please click here to book your child into Wraparound Care.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please click here to view information on the new uniform phasing plans.
We hope the sun will be making more of an appearance this half of the Summer Term and we would like to remind parents to review the weather forecast and apply suncream before school when required and bring in a sun hat. Pupils may bring in suncream to reapply later in the day. This will kept in their school bag during the day.
Pupils should be able to apply this independently as staff are not permitted to do this. Nivea sun protection products should not be brought in as some of them contain almond oil.
Unfortunately, the branded white bucket hats and caps are now out of stock. For this half term only, we kindly ask that if you do not have the branded hat/cap, you provide your child with a plain white hat/cap to wear. We would also like to remind parents that all pupils must bring in their own reusable water bottle into school daily.
Thank you for your cooperation and forbearance with the changes to Junior School drop off and pick up arrangements this week, as the car park redevelopment has got underway. The drop off and pick up systems have worked smoothly and safely. Having reviewed the processes and taken feedback from across the staff team in the first few days, please will all families note the following:
Drop-off: Please follow the direction of the Estates staff at all times, to ensure a swift operation and staff/pupil safety.
Pick up: Please remain either with your vehicle or in the pick up area behind the orange fencing, where the gazebos are, at all times. Adults should not leave this specified area, as the school is in full operation; it is of utmost importance that all safeguarding protocols are maintained. Walking around the grounds or seeking other areas to sit are strictly forbidden. Please also remember that all the grass areas where vehicles park up is effectively live roadway and all children should be closely supervised when walking to or from the pick up area. The speed limit on campus is 10mph and should be observed at all times. We appreciate your full cooperation in this matter.
Please click here to view information on the Habs Girls' car park redevelopment. Please also refer to the more detailed communication from Miss Jane Lemon, sent on Tuesday 23 May to all parents, giving further details of the drop off and pick up arrangements for Junior School pupils.
As we return from the half term break, there is lots of new learning to look forward to. The curriculum overviews below, for Years 1 to 6, outline the topics that will be covered in class during the second half of the summer term:
Year 1
Year 2 Year 3
Year 4 Year 5
Year 6
Learning in Rainbow will continue to be led by the children’s interests and key events.
All pupils in Rainbow to Year 4 should be wearing summer uniform this half term. This consists of the school summer dress, jumper if needed, white ankle or long socks (no tights) and school shoes. Alternatively, pupils may wear a short sleeved, green shirt with the black tailored shorts, as per the uniform list. Pupils in Years 5 and 6 continue to have the choice between winter and summer uniform.
TUESDAY 13 JUNE
We look forward to welcoming parents into school on Tuesday 13 June for the second Summer Term Parents’ Evening. The booking window has now closed and you will have received email confirmation of your appointments.
If you have any queries, please contact Mrs Karaolou (mkaraolou@habsgirls.org.uk) in the Junior School office on 020 8266 2425.
Please be reminded that the car park refurbishment is fully under way, and, as per the pick up procedure, we ask Junior School parents to park in Zone 3 and walk back down to the dining room doors to sign in with Mrs Karaolou. Parents and pupils are reminded that they must remain in the dining room and exit via the dining room doors once your appointment/s have concluded.
SATURDAY 24 JUNE 2023
It is only a month until the Guild’s Fun Day event takes place on Saturday 24 June 2023 from 12pm until 3pm. Please click here to view more information.
Fun activities include a helter skelter, tea cup ride, inflatables, stalls, games and special guests. There will be a terrific selection of food vans serving a variety of hot and cold foods alongside refreshing drinks for both adults and children at our Summer Bar! The event's success largely depends upon the number of parents volunteering to help.
No special skills or experience are required to volunteer. Tasks include collecting payment tokens, setting up games or helping manage a queue. There will be clear instructions to follow and there will be lots of help at hand to support. We have allocated stalls and activities to each class and we are asking parents to volunteer for an hour.
Please contact your class rep to volunteer or stcatherineparentsguild@gmail.com and help this year’s Fun Day be a fantastic success.
As a school, we are pleased to celebrate pupil achievements, whether these are school based successes or from activities which take place outside of school time. These will be celebrated either within the class setting during the week or in a Cornflower Assembly on a Friday. If your child has an achievement that they would like to share in school, please can parents email the details of this along with a relevant photo to their child’s class teacher. We will then decide on the most appropriate venue to celebrate this.
Our final Family Friday will take place on Friday 23 June from 8am to 8.30am for Rainbow, Years 2, 4 and 6.
We will be continuing our series of Parent Information Talks following the Family Friday sessions on the topics below:
• Phonics teaching: Rainbow and Year 1
• Developing your child’s love for reading
• Maths: using manipulatives to keep arithmetic and learning at home fun
• Helping your child negotiate friendships successfully These talks will take place from 8.30am to 9am. Please click here to book your place at one of these sessions.
Induction evenings will take place for new Years 1 to 6 classes on Wednesday 21 June following changeover morning for the pupils earlier in the day. We have done our best to accommodate families with siblings and invite parents to join us in the Junior School at the following times:
• Years 1, 4 and 5: 6.15pm to 7pm
• Years 2, 3 and 6: 7.30pm to 8.15pm
Refreshments (all year groups): 7pm to 7.30pm in the Philosopher’s Garden.
New!
Before half term, pupils who attend karate with Mr Patel were given a letter about future gradings and karate uniform. A copy of this letter can be found here. If you would like your child to take part in the grading on Sunday 25 June, please return the completed registration form together with payment to Mrs Walsh no later than Thursday 15 June.
MONDAY 12 JUNE
New!
Rainbow Blue will be delivering their class assembly on Monday 12 June at 8.45am to 9.15am in the Performance Space, which parents and guardians are warmly invited to. Attending parents must follow the current morning drop off arrangements but as you exit the drop off lanes (Zone 2), please take a left turn to park in the Zone 3 afternoon pick up area on the field to park, from where you can make your way down to the Dining Hall doors where you will be registered from 8.30am and directed into the Performance Space.
MONDAY 19 JUNE
New!
Rainbow Red will be delivering their class assembly on Monday 19 June at 8.45am to 9.15am in the Performance Space, to which parents and guardians are warmly invited.
After half term, Rainbow classes will take part in water familiarisation sessions as part of our PE provision. Each class will have two sessions in the swimming pool. The swimming lessons will take place on the following dates:
Rainbow Red – Session 1
Rainbow Blue – Session 1
Rainbow Blue – Session 2
Rainbow Red – Session 2
Monday 12 June
Thursday 15 June
Monday 19 June
Monday 26 June
The main objective of these sessions is to build up the pupils’ confidence with being in the swimming pool facility, including getting into the water in small groups.
Your child should come to school in their school uniform and will change into their swimming costume before the session. Please send your child to school with a one-piece swimming costume and a towel in a waterproof bag. All items must be named. Additionally, your child will need a red swimming hat, which can be purchased from Mrs Walsh at Junior School reception for £5.
THURSDAY 15 JUNE
To enhance and support our history topic about ‘Kings and Queens’, Year 1 will be visiting Windsor Castle on Thursday 15 June.
Please refer to the correspondence you will have received via Evolve to give consent, indicate your child’s packed lunch arrangements and for more information.
FRIDAY 16 JUNE
The last session of the KS1 Performing Arts Club, which takes place in the Pre-Prep Hall, will be on Friday 16 June. Parents are warmly invited to watch a performance at 4.15pm on this date.
TUESDAY 4 JULY
Parents and guardians are warmly invited to their child’s playstrings performance below:
• 2A - 9.15am to 10.15am
• 2 Alpha - 1.55pm to 2.55pm
Attending parents please park in Zone 3 (please reference the car park details letter you received on 23 May), walk towards the senior school and follow signage to The Sime Hall where you will be signed in.
FRIDAY 16 JUNE
The last session of the KS1 Performing Arts Club, which takes place in the Pre-Prep Hall, will be on Friday 16 June. Parents are warmly invited to watch a performance at 4.15pm on this date.
MONDAY 26 JUNE
We are pleased to inform you that we will be taking Year 2 on an educational visit to the London Wetlands Centre on Monday 26 June.
The trip will allow our students to extend their learning on living things and their habitats through exploration and discovery. Both classes will enjoy a curriculum-linked workshop focusing on food chains and habitats, as well as a talk during which they will have the chance to meet the centre’s otters and learn how they are adapted to their wetland home. During lunchtime, they will also have the chance to enjoy the centre’s fantastic outdoor playground.
Please refer to the correspondence you will have been sent earlier via Evolve for more information.
WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE
We are looking forward to welcoming parents of children performing in our first Performing Arts Spotlights to school next Wednesday 14 June. As per the pick-up procedures, we ask that parents park in Zone 3 and make their way straight down to The Sime Hall, where they will be able to sign in. The concert will begin promptly at 3.30pm and last around an hour. Each performer may bring only two guests.
We are delighted that music plays an enriching and vibrant part of student life at Habs’ Girls, both in and out of the classroom, with a wealth of ensembles, orchestras, bands, choirs and performing arts activities on offer each week.
In addition to the wide range of co-curricular activities on offer, nearly 400 students across the Junior and Senior School have weekly individual instrumental or singing lessons in school, provided by our team of 25 Visiting Music Teachers.
Please find more information in our Instrumental and Vocal Tuition Guide here and the Tuition Application Form.
Should you wish your child to begin instrumental or singing lessons from September 2023, please complete and return the application form to Mr Tom Nugent, Music Technician (tnugent@habsgirls.org.uk) no later than Monday 12 June.
New!
After careful consideration, please note this change to the drop off arrangements for those attending Morning Chess on Wednesday mornings only. Please arrive between 7.40am to 8am and use the drop off lanes in Zone 1, as detailed in the car parking information, park in the available spaces, walk to Junior School reception and drop your child off with Mrs Walsh. If you arrive after 8am please use the Junior School drop off in front of senior school.
With the summer holidays nearly upon us, we would like to remind you of our recommended reading lists. We have recently updated our suggested reading lists for the KS2 year groups, and hope there are plenty of books that our pupils will be keen to read over the holidays.
Click on the links below to view the lists online:
• Year 3 Reading List
• Year 4 Reading List
• Year 5 Reading List
• Year 6 Reading List
• Non-Fiction Reading List
THURSDAY 29 JUNE
On Thursday 29 June, both the Girls’ Senior School and Boys’ Senior School will be at StoneX Stadium for our second Joint Senior School Sports Day. They will be using the normal coach service, with the final stop at StoneX Stadium rather than school. A special coach service will be in operation on Thursday 29 June to ensure that all Junior and Prep students can still travel to school by coach. Parents of coach users must ensure they have read the letter sent by Ms Emma Summers (Transport Manager) on Friday 19 May at 5pm.
Any bookings or enquiries regarding coaches on 29 June should be sent to the Transport Manager at transportmanager@habsboys.org.uk.
WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE
We are looking forward to welcoming parents of children performing in our first Performing Arts Spotlights to school next Wednesday 14 June. As per the pick-up procedures, we ask that parents park in Zone 3 and make their way straight down to the Sime Hall, where they will be able to sign in. The concert will begin promptly at 3.30pm and last around an hour. Each performer may bring only two guests.
We are delighted that music plays an enriching and vibrant part of student life at Habs’ Girls, both in and out of the classroom, with a wealth of ensembles, orchestras, bands, choirs and performing arts activities on offer each week.
In addition to the wide range of co-curricular activities on offer, nearly 400 students across the Junior and Senior School have weekly individual instrumental or singing lessons in school, provided by our team of 25 Visiting Music Teachers.
Please find more information in our Instrumental and Vocal Tuition Guide here and the Tuition Application Form.
Should you wish your child to begin instrumental or singing lessons from September 2023, please complete and return the application form to Mr Tom Nugent, Music Technician (tnugent@habsgirls.org.uk) no later than Monday 12 June.
With the summer holidays nearly upon us, we would like to remind you of our recommended reading lists. We have recently updated our suggested reading lists for the KS2 year groups, and hope there are plenty of books that our pupils will be keen to read over the holidays.
Click on the links below to view the lists online:
• Year 3 Reading List
• Year 4 Reading List
• Year 5 Reading List
• Year 6 Reading List
• Non-Fiction Reading List
TUESDAY 27 JUNE
In history lessons after half term, pupils in Year 4 are learning about childhood in Victorian times. To enhance and support the topic, arrangements have been made for Year 4 to visit the British Schools Museum in Hitchin on Tuesday 27 June. The pupils will gain an understanding of life in Victorian times and will have a session in a Victorian classroom.
Please refer to the correspondence you will have been sent earlier via Evolve for further detailed information, payment and to give consent.
THURSDAY 29 JUNE
On Thursday 29 June, both the Girls’ Senior School and Boys’ Senior School will be at StoneX Stadium for our second Joint Senior School Sports Day. They will be using the normal coach service, with the final stop at StoneX Stadium rather than school. A special coach service will be in operation on Thursday 29 June to ensure that all Junior and Prep students can still travel to school by coach. Parents of coach users must ensure they have read the letter sent by Ms Emma Summers (Transport Manager) on Friday 19 May at 5pm.
Any bookings or enquiries regarding coaches on 29 June should be sent to the Transport Manager at transportmanager@habsboys.org.uk.
MONDAY 26 JUNE
New!
5 Aleph will be delivering their class assembly on Monday 26 June at 8.45am to 9.15am in the Performance Space, to which parents and guardians are warmly invited.
Attending parents must follow the current morning drop off arrangements but as you exit the drop off lanes (Zone 2), please take a left turn to park in the Zone 3 (afternoon pick up area on the field) to park, from where you can make your way down to the Dining Hall doors. You will be registered from 8.30am and directed into the Performance Space.
New!
We are delighted that music plays an enriching and vibrant part of student life at Habs’ Girls, both in and out of the classroom, with a wealth of ensembles, orchestras, bands, choirs and performing arts activities on offer each week.
In addition to the wide range of co-curricular activities on offer, nearly 400 students across the Junior and Senior School have weekly individual instrumental or singing lessons in school, provided by our team of 25 Visiting Music Teachers.
Please find more information in our Instrumental and Vocal Tuition Guide here and the Tuition Application Form.
Should you wish your child to begin instrumental or singing lessons from September 2023, please complete and return the application form to Mr Tom Nugent, Music Technician (tnugent@habsgirls.org.uk) no later than Monday 12 June.
Our informal Summer Recitals are a great opportunity for pupils who take instrumental or singing lessons inside or out of school to perform in front of an audience, especially if they are preparing for an exam. Parents (two per performer) are warmly invited to attend the recitals, which take place in the Sime Hall from 2.30pm to 4pm.
• Year 5 Music Recital - Friday 16 June, 2.45pm to 4pm, Sime Hall
• Year 6 Musical Recital - Friday 23 June, 2.30pm to 4pm, Sime Hall
Attending parents please park in Zone 3, Junior School pick up area, (please reference the car park details letter you received on the 23 May), and walk towards the senior school, following signage to the Sime Hall where you will be signed in.
THURSDAY 29 JUNE
On Thursday 29 June, both the Girls’ Senior School and Boys’ Senior School will be at StoneX Stadium for our second Joint Senior School Sports Day. They will be using the normal coach service, with the final stop at StoneX Stadium rather than school. A special coach service will be in operation on Thursday 29 June to ensure that all Junior and Prep students can still travel to school by coach. Parents of coach users must ensure they have read the letter sent by Ms Emma Summers (Transport Manager) on Friday 19 May at 5pm.
Any bookings or enquiries regarding coaches on 29 June should be sent to the Transport Manager at transportmanager@habsboys.org.uk.
With the summer holidays nearly upon us, we would like to remind you of our recommended reading lists. We have recently updated our suggested reading lists for the KS2 year groups, and hope there are plenty of books that our pupils will be keen to read over the holidays.
Click on the links below to view the lists online:
• Year 3 Reading List
• Year 4 Reading List
• Year 5 Reading List
• Year 6 Reading List
• Non-Fiction Reading List
MONDAY 12 TO FRIDAY 16 JUNE
New!
Drop Off: As your child will be arriving at school with their luggage for PGL on Monday 12 June, there will be a change to the drop off arrangements on that day for Year 6 pupils. Please arrive at school between 8am and 8.30am and, instead of dropping off your child in the drop off lanes in Zone 1, please continue round the one way system to Zone 3 and park in the Junior School pick up area. Once parked, we ask that you accompany your child with their luggage, which they should be able to carry independently, to the Junior School playground where they will be directed to the luggage drop off area.
Pick Up: Pick up after the trip on Friday 16 June will be from in front of the Senior School Reception. The coach is expected to return at 3:15pm. Please follow the one way system to Zone 3 and park in the Junior School pick up area before walking to meet your child in front of the Senior School Reception. From there, you will be able to accompany your child and their luggage back to your vehicle. You will be contacted if the pick up time is affected by any delays. We ask that pupils in Year 6 do not travel home on the coach that day.
Please click here to access a key information brochure for the upcoming Year 6 residential trip to PGL, Liddington. The booklet includes details of the itinerary, accommodation, medication and a printable packing checklist.
New!
We are delighted that music plays an enriching and vibrant part of student life at Habs’ Girls, both in and out of the classroom, with a wealth of ensembles, orchestras, bands, choirs and performing arts activities on offer each week.
In addition to the wide range of co-curricular activities on offer, nearly 400 students across the Junior and Senior School have weekly individual instrumental or singing lessons in school, provided by our team of 25 Visiting Music Teachers.
Please find more information in our Instrumental and Vocal Tuition Guide here and the Tuition Application Form.
Should you wish your child to begin instrumental or singing lessons from September 2023, please complete and return the application form to Mr Tom Nugent, Music Technician (tnugent@habsgirls.org.uk) no later than Monday 12 June.
Photographs taken at the dress rehearsal are available to view here. Please use this order form to purchase photos. All proceeds from the sale of the photographs will be donated to the St Catherine Parents' Guild. A recording of the production is available to view here.
THURSDAY 29 JUNE
CHANGE OF PICK UP TIME
On Thursday 29 June, both the Girls’ Senior School and Boys’ Senior School will be at StoneX Stadium for our second Joint Senior School Sports Day. They will be using the normal coach service, with the final stop at StoneX Stadium rather than school. A special coach service will be in operation on Thursday 29 June to ensure that all Junior and Prep students can still travel to school by coach. Parents of coach users must ensure they have read the letter sent by Ms Emma Summers (Transport Manager) on Friday 19 May at 5pm.
Any bookings or enquiries regarding coaches on 29 June should be sent to the Transport Manager at transportmanager@habsboys.org.uk.
Our informal Summer Recitals are a great opportunity for pupils who take instrumental or singing lessons inside or out of school to perform in front of an audience, especially if they are preparing for an exam. Parents (two per performer) are warmly invited to attend the recitals, which take place in the Sime Hall from 2.30pm to 4pm.
• Year 5 Music Recital - Friday 16 June, 2.45pm to 4pm, Sime Hall
• Year 6 Musical Recital - Friday 23 June, 2.30pm to 4pm, Sime Hall
Attending parents please park in Zone 3, Junior School pick up area, (please reference the car park details letter you received on the 23 May), and walk towards the senior school, following signage to the Sime Hall where you will be signed in.
THURSDAY 22 JUNE
Please complete this mandatory form to express your intentions and arrangements for your child on Thursday 22 June.
With the summer holidays nearly upon us, we would like to remind you of our recommended reading lists. We have recently updated our suggested reading lists for the KS2 year groups, and hope there are plenty of books that our pupils will be keen to read over the holidays.
Click on the links below to view the lists online:
• Year 3 Reading List
CHANGE OF PICK UP TIME
• Year 4 Reading List
• Year 5 Reading List
• Year 6 Reading List
• Non-Fiction Reading List
SATURDAY 17 JUNE
*Year 6 ESSA Relay Finals (Away)
THURSDAY 22 JUNE
*Year 3 and Year 4 NLCS Swimming Gala (Home)
* Selected pupils will be invited to participate via Evolve
MONDAY 12 JUNE TO FRIDAY 16 JUNE Year 6 PGL Liddington
MONDAY 12 JUNE
Rainbow Blue Class Assembly
TUESDAY 13 JUNE
Rainbow to Year 5 Parents’ Evening
THURSDAY 15 JUNE Year 1 Windsor Castle Trip
FRIDAY 16 JUNE Year 5 Music Recital
MONDAY 19 JUNE
Rainbow Red Class Assembly
WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE Class Changeover Day NEW: Years 1 to 6 Induction Evening
THURSDAY 22 JUNE
New Lower 4 Welcome to Habs Day Cancelled - Swimming Squad
FRIDAY 23 JUNE
Family Friday followed by Parent Talks (Rainbow and Years 2, 4 and 6) Year 6 Music Recital
SATURDAY 24 JUNE St Catherine Parents' Guild Summer Fun Day
Habs Choristers: Evensong at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge (4pm)
MONDAY 26 JUNE
Year 2 London Wetlands Centre Trip 5 Aleph Class Assembly
TUESDAY 27 JUNE Year 4 British School Museum Trip
THURSDAY 29 JUNE
Sports Day
Joint Year 5 Performance Group Showcase (*ACE pupil parents only)
MONDAY 3 JULY Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly and Party
TUESDAY 4 JULY Year 2 Playstrings Performance
WEDNESDAY 5 JULY Junior School Summer Concert
THURSDAY 6 JULY End of Summer Term
For further dates and timings, please refer to the school calendar on Firefly.
* Selected pupils will be invited to participate via Evolve