Habs Weekly
Pre-Prep and Prep School edition
Friday 19April Summer Term
Head of Prep School’s message
I hope you all had a restful and fun Easter break. It was wonderful to see the students back in school on Tuesday and to hear about all their fantastic adventures during the holidays –including our very lucky Year 5 and 6 Cricketers who toured Barbados, enjoyed white sand beaches and turquoise waters, a safari, water sports, met and learnt from some of the greats of the Cricket world and of course played lots of Cricket!As you know, I truly believe that some of a child’s most valuable learning occurs beyond the classroom and even beyond school - and our students are incredibly lucky to have these amazing opportunities.
As we look towards the final term of the year, the staff and boys are all looking forward to getting outside of their comfort zone, developing new friendships and gaining new skills during their residentials - Year 5 are currently having a wonderful time on their Climbing and Outdoor Ed focused residential at Oakwood Youth Challenge. We also look forward to a variety of collaboration events; maths workshops, picnics, shared playtimes to highlight just a few. As well as Sports Days, a Swimming Gala, the Year 6 Production, Summer Concerts, the Summer Fair, Commendations and much more.
Although there will naturally be lots of fun and excitement due to these special events, I will also be challenging the boys to continue to be the very best versions of themselves, thinking about how they present themselves to the rest of our community, ensuring they maintain focus and the high standards of behaviour and effort that we know that they are capable of.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.
Ms K Umpleby Head of Prep & Pre-PrepReception to Year 6 Information
Lunch Menu
WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 22 APRIL
Please click here to view the Pre-Prep and Prep School lunch menu.
Epipen Reminder
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please ensure your son has all his required medications with him at all times at school.
Severe Allergies/ Anaphylaxis
If you son has been prescribed an AAI (EpiPen) please provide x2 EpiPens , antihistamine and an inhaler if it is prescribed at all times whilst at school. Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the school nurses Schoolnurse@habsboys.org.uk
St George’s Day
FRIDAY 26 APRIL
On Friday 26 April we will be celebrating St George’s Day across the Pre-Prep and Prep. We will be supporting Water Aid with the aim being towards sustainability. Water Aid works to ensure everyone, everywhere has safe and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene. At Habs, we want to make a difference. The boys will be selling items that they have made from recyclable materials in their DT lessons. Please can your son come in to school wearing an item of red clothing and bring in a £2 donation and any additional money to purchase the items. Thank you for your continued support.
NEW NEW
Recommended Reading Lists
GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS
We recognise that many of you seek guidance on what books we recommend for our students. However, we find that providing prescribed book lists by year group isn't particularly beneficial. Research indicates that students who select their own reading material are more likely to engage with the content.Additionally, what appeals to one child in Year 4 may not resonate with all 60 students, as individual preferences and reading levels vary.
However, if you would like personalised recommendations for your son, please reach out to our librarian, Mrs Zinkin, at zinkin_c@habsboys.org.uk Additionally, we encourage you to explore the following online guides, which are reputable sources with valuable insights.
• Great Books Guide: 100 best new books for children | BookTrust
• 100 best books for children | BookTrust
• The Reader Teacher | Children's Books | Reads, Reviews & Recommendations
Wrap-around Care Facility
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
In order to ensure the safety of the students in After School Care, it is important that all students are booked in, in advance using the link below. Please note that if your child is not booked into After School Care, we may not be able to accommodate them.
For any late on the day bookings, please contact the school office directly to ensure your son is booked in. Please be advised, a late charge of £8.00 will be incurred in these cases.
Please click here to book your child into After School Care.
YEAR 6 INFORMATION
RECEPTION –
Year 3-6 Information
Prep Interhouse Swimming Gala
THURSDAY 25 APRIL
Parents and Guardians are warmly invited to attend the Prep Inter House Swimming Gala on Thursday 25 April. Please click here for further information.
NEW
Reception Information
Reception to Year 2 Coffee Morning
FRIDAY 10 MAY, 8.15AM PRE-PREP HALL
You are cordially invited to join us for morning coffee to foster a stronger connection between you and our Pre-Prep School leadership team. This informal gathering provides a wonderful opportunity for Parents to engage in open conversations, ask questions, and get to know the individuals guiding your childs’ educational journey.
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can share your thoughts, gain insights into our school's vision, and build a sense of community with fellow Parents. Our leadership team is excited to meet you, hear your perspectives, and work collaboratively to ensure the success and well-being of your child.
We look forward to sharing this morning with you, fostering a strong partnership between home and school, and creating a supportive environment for our students.
Pre-Prep Young Musician of the Year 2024
FRIDAY 3 MAY
Please click here for further information regarding the Pre-Prep Young Musician Competition. The deadline for submissions is Sunday 21 April.
NEW
Year 1 Information
Year 1 Knebworth House
MONDAY 1 JULY
Year 1 will be visiting Knebworth House and Gardens on Monday 1 July. If you are available to attend and would like to volunteer to accompany the children, please email your child's class teacher by Friday 26 April. Chaperones will be randomly selected from the list of volunteers, and you will be emailed by your child’s class teacher if we will require your help. Thanks in advance for your support.
Reception to Year 2 Coffee Morning
FRIDAY 10 MAY, 8.15AM PRE-PREP HALL
You are cordially invited to join us for morning coffee to foster a stronger connection between you and our Pre-Prep School leadership team. This informal gathering provides a wonderful opportunity for Parents to engage in open conversations, ask questions, and get to know the individuals guiding your childs’ educational journey.
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can share your thoughts, gain insights into our school's vision, and build a sense of community with fellow Parents. Our leadership team is excited to meet you, hear your perspectives, and work collaboratively to ensure the success and well-being of your child.
We look forward to sharing this morning with you, fostering a strong partnership between home and school, and creating a supportive environment for our students.
Pre-Prep Cricket Club in partnership with Jamie Hewitt
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
We are excited to announce the possibility of introducing a new Pre-Prep Co-Curricular Cricket Club for Year 1 and 2 children. The club is proposed to take place on a Thursday after school from 3.45pm until 5.15pm. Depending on the number of children that sign up, each session is estimated to cost approximately between £5-7. If we have sufficient numbers to run the club, the sessions will run from Thursday 2 May through to 27 June.
Please click here to register your interest by Wednesday 24 April.
NEW NEW NEW
YEAR 1 INFORMATION
Pre-Prep Young Musician of the Year 2024
FRIDAY 3 MAY
Please click here for further information regarding the Pre-Prep Young Musician Competition. The deadline for submissions is Sunday 21 April.
Year 2 Information
Reception to Year 2 Coffee Morning
FRIDAY 10 MAY, 8.15AM PRE-PREP HALL
You are cordially invited to join us for morning coffee to foster a stronger connection between you and our Pre-Prep School leadership team. This informal gathering provides a wonderful opportunity for Parents to engage in open conversations, ask questions, and get to know the individuals guiding your childs' educational journey.
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can share your thoughts, gain insights into our school's vision, and build a sense of community with fellow Parents. Our leadership team is excited to meet you, hear your perspectives, and work collaboratively to ensure the success and well-being of your child.
We look forward to sharing this morning with you, fostering a strong partnership between home and school, and creating a supportive environment for our students.
Year 2 Swimming Gala
MONDAY 13 MAY
We are pleased to extend an invite to you to attend the Year 2 Swimming Gala. Please click here for further information.
Pre-Prep Cricket Club in partnership with Jamie Hewitt
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
We are excited to announce the possibility of introducing a new Pre-Prep Co-Curricular Cricket Club for Year 1 and 2 children. The club is proposed to take place on a Thursday after school from 3.45pm until 5.15pm. Depending on the number of children that sign up, each session is estimated to cost approximately between £5-7. If we have sufficient numbers to run the club, the sessions will run from Thursday 2 May through to 27 June.
Please click here to register your interest by Wednesday 24 April.
NEW NEW NEW
Cuffley Camp Trip
TUESDAY 23 APRIL
Please click here for further information regarding the Year 2 Trip to Cuffley Camp on Tuesday 23 April. Payment and consent is to be provided via Evolve.
Pre-Prep Young Musician of the Year 2024
FRIDAY 3 MAY
Please click here for further information regarding the Pre-Prep Young Musician Competition. The deadline for submissions is Sunday 21 April.
INFORMATION
YEAR 2
Year 3 Information
Year 3 & Year 4 CoffeeAfternoon
MONDAY 29 APRIL, PREP HALL, 3PM-4PM
You are cordially invited to join us for afternoon tea to foster a stronger connection between you and our Prep School leadership team. This informal gathering provides a wonderful opportunity for Parents to engage in open conversations, ask questions, and get to know the individuals guiding your childs’ educational journey.
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can share your thoughts, gain insights into our school's vision, and build a sense of community with fellow Parents. Our leadership team is excited to meet you, hear your perspectives, and work collaboratively to ensure the success and well-being of your child.
We look forward to sharing this afternoon with you, fostering a strong partnership between home and school, and creating a supportive environment for our students.
Year 3 Residential Information Evening Recording
GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS
Please click here to view the parent booklet for the Year 3 Residential.
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Year 4 Information
Year 4Aylmerton Residential Evening
WEDNESDAY 8 MAY, 7PM PREP HALL
The Year 4 Residential Information Evening will be held in person on Wednesday 8 May at 7pm in the Prep Hall. You will be provided with detailed information regarding all aspects of the residential and have the opportunity to ask questions to the Year 4 team on the day. Please note, there will not be a live link for this meeting. Detailed information will be provided in a Parent booklet and a recording will follow thereafter. Thank you for your continued support.
Year 3 & Year 4 CoffeeAfternoon
MONDAY 29 APRIL, PREP HALL, 3PM-4PM
You are cordially invited to join us for afternoon tea to foster a stronger connection between you and our Prep School leadership team. This informal gathering provides a wonderful opportunity for Parents to engage in open conversations, ask questions, and get to know the individuals guiding your childs’ educational journey.
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can share your thoughts, gain insights into our school's vision, and build a sense of community with fellow Parents. Our leadership team is excited to meet you, hear your perspectives, and work collaboratively to ensure the success and well-being of your child.
We look forward to sharing this afternoon with you, fostering a strong partnership between home and school, and creating a supportive environment for our students.
NEW
Year 5 Information
Year 5 StAlbans Cathedral
WEDNESDAY 8 MAY
Please click here for further information regarding the Year 5 trip to St Albans Cathedral. Payment and consent is to be provided via Evolve.
NEW
Year 6 Information
Year 6 Leavers
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
It is unbelievable that we are in the final term of your son’s time at the Prep! I am in the process of collating photos of our current Year 6, to use in a ‘Class of 2024 Leavers’ Video.’
If you have any photos of your son (perhaps together with their peers) from any time at the Prep or Pre-Prep School e.g., Sports Day, Donkin Cup, shows or concerts, please do email them to me and I will aim to include those which are suitable. Newfield_m@habsboys.org.uk
Year 6 Residential Information Evening
WEDNESDAY 1 MAY, 7PM, PREP
HALL
The Year 6 Residential Information Evening will be held in person on Wednesday 1 May at 7pm in the Prep Hall. You will be provided with detailed information regarding all aspects of the residential and have the opportunity to ask questions to the Year 6 team on the day.
Please note, there will not be a live link for this meeting Detailed information will be provided in a Parent booklet and a recording will follow thereafter. Thank you for your continued support.
Year 6 Production
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please click here for further information regarding rehearsals and costumes for the Year 6 Production. Please note, individual items to supplement costumes will need to be brought in by no later than Tuesday 30 April 2024.
NEW
Habs in Conversation:An Evening withAshley Blaker Tuesday 7 May 2024
A 'Normal Schmormal' Evening with Ashley Blaker (OH 1993)
The Habs’ Elstree Schools’ Foundation is delighted to invite you to Habs in Conversation: An Evening with Ashley Blaker (OH 1993) on Tuesday 7 May. The event will be held from 7 to 9:30pm in the Bourne Hall, Habs Boys School.
Ashley is an acclaimed stand-up comedian, writer, and TV and radio performer, as well as a long-time friend and collaborator with Matt Lucas (OH 1994) on projects including Little Britain.
He is the author of a new memoir entitled Normal Schmormal: My Occasionally Helpful Guide to Parenting Kids with Special Needs. Ashley and his wife are parents to six kids, half of whom have special needs ranging from autism to Down's syndrome. In newspaper interviews and podcasts he doesn't just sound cheerful about it all – he can make you feel downright jealous of his family life.
Ashley will be on stage with Executive Principal Gus Lock (OH 1994), who will chat with him about his family, his new standup tour, life at and after Habs, and more.
The evening will begin with a drink's reception at 7pm. The on-stage conversation is expected to start at 8pm, followed by a Q&A session with the audience. The event is free, but booking is required. Please reserve your space here
Habs in Conversation is an occasional series of on-stage interviews with prominent members of the Habs community. Highlights of our Habs in Conversation with John Vincent (OH 1990 and Katie Derham) are available here
Collaborative Cricket Festival
Habs’ Girls’ Junior and Boys' Prep School would like to invite your child to take part in our Collaborative Softball Cricket Festival.
The aim of the festival is for pupils to take part in a variety of cricket activities and games in a carousel. Years 3 and 4 will be from 9am until 10.30am and Years 5 and 6 will be from 10.45 until 12.15pm.
Due to the organisation of teams on the day, please only register your child if they are committing to attending this event. The registration form (linked below) will close at 9am on Friday 3 May 2024, and unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate any enquiries after this deadline.
Your child will need to arrive at their year group’s start time at Habs’ Boys’ AstroTurf wearing their PE/Cricket kit, with a full water bottle. If your child has carries or uses any inhalers or AAIs, they will need to have these with them to take part in the event.
If you would like to register your child's attendance this event, please fill in and submit this form. Please submit a separate form for each child attending. Cancellation of the festival may occur if the weather is thought to affect your child’s safety. You will be notified on the day if the festival is cancelled.
We encourage parents to stay and support; there will be refreshments throughout the event.
Eid in the Bourne Family Event Habs Boys’Parents’Guild
Saturday 20April 5.15pm to 8.15pm Bourne Hall
The Habs Boys’ Parent Guild are delighted to announce an upcoming celebratory event for the whole school community. Please click here for further information. For any event queries please email habs.eidcelebrations@gmail.com
Sunday 30 June 12pm to 4pm
Please click here for more information from Habs Boys Parents’ Guild.
SAVE THE DATE
PREP
SPORTS FIXTURES
FRIDAY 26 APRIL
SATURDAY 27 APRIL
Y6 Cricket/Tennis v Radlett, (Home) Parks & Astros 2.15pm – 4pm.
*IAPS Table Tennis (invite only)
THURSDAY 2 MAY
FRIDAY 3 MAY
THURSDAY 9 MAY
FRIDAY 10 MAY
THURSDAY 23 MAY
Y3 Cricket v Belmont, (Home), Parks, 2.30pm –4pm.
Y6 Cricket & Tennis, ABC v St Martins (Home) Parks & Astros 2.15pm – 4pm.
*Y3/Y4 Swimming Gala, Joint with Girls’ School, 4pm.
Y6 Cricket & Tennis v Highgate (Home) Parks & Astros 2.15pm – 4pm.
*Y5/Y6 IAPS Cricket Festival (invite only)
FRIDAY 24 MAY
Y6 Cricket v Belmont (Home) Parks 2.30pm –4pm
*Selected pupils will be invited to participate via SOCS
PRE-PREP
CALENDAR DATES
TUESDAY 23 APRIL
Year 2 Cuffley Camp
FRIDAY 3 MAY
Pre-Prep YMOTY 2pm-3pm, Seldon Hall
FRIDAY 10 MAY
Pre-Prep Tea & Coffee Morning Prep Hall, 8.15am – 9am
MONDAY 13 MAY
Year 2 Swimming Gala 10.30am, Medburn
FRIDAY 17 MAY
Year 2 Grandparents’Afternoon 2.30pm, Pre-Prep Hall
FRIDAY 24 MAY
End of term for students, 3.30pm
TUESDAY 4 JUNE
Term starts for students
For further information, please refer to the school calendar on Firefly.
PREP CALENDAR DATES
THURSDAY 25 APRIL
Prep Swimming Gala 9am – 12pm, Medburn
MONDAY 29 APRIL
Y3/Y4 Tea & CoffeeAfternoon 3pm - 4pm, Prep Hall
WEDNESDAY 1 MAY
Y6 Residential Information Evening, 7pm, Prep Hall
WEDNESDAY 8 MAY
Y5 St Albans Abbey Visit
Y4 Residential Information Evening, 7pm, Prep Hall
MONDAY 13 MAY
Y3 Residential, returning 15 May
MONDAY 20 MAY
Y3 Instrumental Scheme Concert 9.30am – 10.45am, Seldon Hall
TUESDAY 21 MAY
Y6 Production Performance 6.30pm, Prep Hall
WEDNESDAY 22 MAY
Y6 Production Performance 6.30pm, Prep Hall
FRIDAY 24 MAY
End of term for students, 4pm
TUESDAY 4 JUNE
Term starts for students
For further information, please refer to the school calendar on Firefly.