Habs Boys Weekly Newsletter Pre-Prep and Prep - 8 March 2024

Habs Weekly

Pre-Prep and Prep School edition

Friday 8 March Spring Term

Head of Prep School’s message

What a brilliant week it has been in the Prep School!

Firstly, I am overjoyed to announce the resounding success of Habs Giving Day on Tuesday, 5 March. Your support was remarkable, however if you haven't had the chance to contribute yet, it's not too late! Simply visit Habs Giving Day 2024 to make your donation. Special thanks to everyone who participated in the Tiny and Mini Dashes while donning silly hats. Your efforts have made a significant impact. Your generosity will directly benefit the Bursary Fund and Habs Community Partnerships, allowing us to make a tangible difference in our community. Thank you for your unwavering enthusiasm and support, together, we can accomplish even more in the future.

On Thursday, our boys immersed themselves in the enchanting world of books during our fantastic World Book Day celebrations, expertly organised by our brilliant Librarian, Mrs Zinkin.

The day was brimming with creativity as our students showcased their favourite book characters in a captivating catwalk fashion show. From Nanny Piggins to both Mr Jekyll and Dr Hyde (yes, you read that right!), the costumes were truly spectacular! The boys were also treated to captivating sessions from visiting authors Josh Lacey and Abi Elphinstone, who shared enthralling stories and invaluable tips, further nurturing our students' love for literature. To end the day on a cosy note, the boys enjoyed shared reading with peers from different year groups, followed by hot chocolate and a delightful book tasting session - a perfect celebration of the joy of reading together.

Mrs Zinkin and I extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support in fostering a love for books and literacy within our school community.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Ms K Umpleby Head of Prep & Pre-Prep

Reception to Year 6 Information

Lunch Menu

WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 11 MARCH

Please click here to view the Pre-Prep lunch menu. Please click here to view the Prep lunch menu.

Tooled Up GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS

Please click here to read some useful tips for encouraging focus at homework time which will help to ensure it is as beneficial as possible to your child’s learning.

St Patricks Day

THURSDAY 14 MARCH

On Thursday 14 March we will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day in the Pre-Prep and Prep. Pupils should come to school in non-uniform, with some green incorporated where possible. We will be raising money for two charities, Alice’s Arc and Reach. We ask that your son is given a £2 donation for being in non-uniform and some cash for plenty of fundraising activities throughout the day, including the very popular “splat the teacher!” and penalty shootout. Thank you for your continued support.

International Day WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH

On Wednesday 27 March we will be holding our very own International Day which will be an exciting way to celebrate the cultural and linguistic diversity of our community. All students are encouraged to wear traditional clothing or clothes in the colour of a flag representative of their heritage. They will participate in a range of activities throughout the day with their house families and there will be some fantastic musical performances in the afternoon. This will be followed by the announcement of our Mother Tongue Other Tongue poetry competition and a parade to show off our beautiful outfits.

Sebby’s Corner Charity Donations

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

On behalf of Sebby's Corner, we would like to say a big thank you for all your generous donations. Through the different activities on St David's Day, we raised a total of £913.67. In addition, thank you to all the boys who helped to pack clothing packs during their lunchtime. This will all make a huge difference to the children and families in the local area in need of essential items.

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. This includes if your son is attending for a short period of time, either before or after another after school club. Should a club be cancelled, and your son is to attend After School Care, you will not be charged.

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.

RECEPTION TO YEAR 6 INFORMATION

International Day Poetry Competition

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

To celebrate our school’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity, we are running a ‘Mother Tongue, Other Tongue’ poetry competition. Children from all year groups are invited to submit an entry by Friday 22 March with winners being announced during our International Day celebrations on Wednesday 27 March. The winners will have an opportunity to perform their poem to an audience.

Competition Rules:

Write an original poem of any kind in a language other than English.

Provide a line-by-line translation of the poem in English.

Include an explanation of your poem and what it means to you. This can of course be scribed for our youngest students.

The poem, translation and explanation may be handwritten or typed, and you may choose to decorate your entry or accompany it with some original artwork.

Submission Deadline: Friday 22 March 2024

The judging panel will choose winners based on both the poem and the explanation.

Recycling of unwanted items

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

We would like your assistance to support the school by collecting several items that you may want to offload as you are no longer using. This may be useful if you are about to undergo a “Spring clean” and would be a valuable learning resource at school. This is to help recycle as many things as possible in support of the environment. Any of the following items would be welcomed;

Matchbox cars

Small rubber/plastic animals

Large colourful buttons

Hula hoops – large and small

Skipping ropes

Any small balls – tennis, fun, play

Frisbees

Plastic food items from kids' kitchen sets

Large bangles

If you have any of these items, please can these be brought in and handed to your son’s Form tutor marked for the attention of Mrs Tailor. Thank you for your support.

Year 3-6 Information

Trips and Clubs Payment Reminder

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

To ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate, we kindly request that any outstanding payments for clubs and day trips for this term be settled at the earliest. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated, as it allows us to continue to provide enriching experiences for all our students. Payment and consent should be provided via Evolve.

World Book Day – Abi Elphinstone

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

If you would still like to order a book by Abi Elphinstone following her talk on World Book Day, please email Mrs Zinkin, our librarian, at zinkin_c@habsboys.org.uk with your order by midday on Friday 15 March . The books cost £6 each. Upon receipt of your order, payment information will be sent to you.

Tupperware for Grab and Go GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS

As part of our ongoing efforts to become more environmentally friendly, we are encouraging students to bring their own Tupperware containers for sandwiches. By using reusable containers instead of single-use plastic bags or cling wrap, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste generated during lunchtime. Therefore, we kindly request your support in this endeavour. We encourage you to provide your child with a suitable Tupperware container should they wish to choose a sandwich from the Bates dining room Grab and Go section. Thank you for your continued support.

Morning Arrival at the Prep School

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please be reminded that morning drop off at the Prep School is from 8am. Pupils should not be arriving to school earlier than this time as they will not be supervised in the playground or in the classroom. We appreciate your support regarding this. Should you wish to drop your son earlier than this time, Breakfast Club is available from 7.30am in the Girls School.

Reception Information

Reception Parents Evening (online) REMINDER

We are looking forward to meeting with you online to discuss your son’s progress on Tuesday 12 March and Thursday 21 March. Please log on just before your appointment is due to start. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Miss Edwards.

Pre-Prep Clubs – Summer Term IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click here for information regarding the Pre-Prep Summer term clubs and for information on how to sign up.

Travelling Book Fair

FRIDAY 15 MARCH TO WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH

The Travelling Book Fair will be held after school until 4pm on Friday 15 March – Wednesday 20 March. Payments can be made online by scanning the QR code found on the posters at the fair.

Year 1 Information

Year 1 Parents Evening (online)

TUESDAY 12 MARCH AND THURSDAY 1 MARCH

We are looking forward to meeting with you online to discuss your son’s progress. Please log on just before your appointment is due to start. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Miss Edwards.

Pre-Prep Clubs – Summer Term IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click here for information regarding the Pre-Prep Summer term clubs and for information on how to sign up.

Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery Trip

FRIDAY 22 MARCH

Please click here further information regarding the Year 1 Trip to the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery on Friday 22 March. Payment and consent is to be provided via Evolve. In preparation for the trip, please encourage the children to read any of the Roald Dahl stories.

Travelling Book Fair

FRIDAY 15 MARCH TO WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH

The Travelling Book Fair will be held after school until 4pm on Friday 15 March – Wednesday 20 March. Payments can be made online by scanning the QR code found on the posters at the fair.

Year 2 Information

Year 2 Parents Evening (online)

TUESDAY 12 MARCH AND THURSDAY 1 MARCH

We are looking forward to meeting with you online to discuss your son’s progress. Please log on just before your appointment is due to start. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Miss Edwards.

Pre-Prep Clubs – Summer Term IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click here for information regarding the Pre-Prep Summer term clubs and for information on how to sign up.

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.

Year 3 Information

Year 3 Residential Information Evening

WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH, 7PM, PREP HALL

The Year 3 Residential Information Evening will be held in person on Wednesday 20 March 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 3 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 which will follow thereafter. Thank you for your continued support.

Year 4 Information

Year 4 Aylmerton Residential

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click here for further information regarding the Year 4 Residential to Aylmerton.

Year 4 Natural History Museum Visit MONDAY 11 MARCH

Please click here for further information regarding the Year 4 trip to the Natural History Museum.

Year 5 Information

Year 5 Residential Information Evening

MONDAY 18 MARCH, 7PM, PREP HALL

The Year 5 Residential Information Evening will be held in person on Monday 18 March 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 5 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 which will follow thereafter. Thank you for your continued support.

Year 5 Tower of London Trip

TUESDAY 19 MARCH

Please click here for further information regarding the Year 5 trip to the Tower of London on Tuesday 19 March.

Jazz Summer School 2024

SUNDAY 11 TO SUNDAY 25 AUGUST 2024

Please click here for further information and to apply for the Jazz Summer School 2024 which is open to musicians Grade 3 +. Applications close on Monday 25 March.

Habs Indian Music Course 2024

MONDAY 26 TO SUNDAY 29 AUGUST 2024

Please click here for further information and to apply for the brand-new summer music course at Habs Elstree. The course is open to anyone playing an instrument in this style.

Year 6 Information

Year 6 National Gallery Visit

THURSDAY 21 MARCH

Please click here for further information regarding the Year 6 trip to the National Gallery.

Jazz Summer School 2024

SUNDAY 11 TO SUNDAY 25 AUGUST 2024

Please click here for further information and to apply for the Jazz Summer School 2024 which is open to musicians Grade 3 +. Applications close on Monday 25 March.

Habs Indian Music Course 2024

MONDAY 26 TO SUNDAY 29 AUGUST 2024

Please click here for further information and to apply for the brand-new summer music course at Habs Elstree. The course is open to anyone playing an instrument in this style.

Tuesday 19 March Prep Hall, 8am to 9am

Neurodiversity Parent Group CoffeeReceptionMorning to Year 6

On Tuesday 19 March the Individual Needs teams across the Girls’ Junior and Boys’ Prep schools will be hosting a coffee morning from 8am to 9am in the Boys’ Prep Hall. This is the first of a series of coffee mornings that we will be running that aim to share good ideas and strategies for supporting children with learning differences. Anyone who has an interest in neurodiversity is welcome to come along.

In this initial meeting we will be telling you a little bit more about how we support pupils through our departments as well as sharing the resources we use and directing you to the website Tooled Up via a video that Kathy Weston has prepared for us signposting useful materials Home - Tooled Up Education. We also hope that this will be an opportunity for you to meet other parents. If you would like to attend this meeting, Please click here to register

THANK YOU!

Giving Day Update

A remarkable 340 junior and prep parents turned out on Tuesday for the third annual MiniDash in support of Habs Giving Day 2024. In total, 1,733 students, parents and staff participated in either the MiniDash or GivingDash that day. That is significantly more than last year and nearly double the turnout for the inaugural Giving Day in 2021.

A one-minute video of the morning, and a selection of photos is available - Please click here . Please take a moment to watch the Habs Community Partnerships and Bursary Fund videos at well. They are both 3 minutes long.

Parents who ran in the MiniDash will be sent a link to a portfolio containing dozens more images.

Gifts are continuing to come in but the total Giving Day total for today currently stands at £220,000 from 556 donors. Thank you to all those who made a gift and/or took part

Co-Commercial Partnership Spring Camps & Activities

Reception to Year 6

Limited time offer!

Quote HABS24 at checkout and get 20% off when you book this Easter with Camp Beaumont . With over 50 activities on offer Camp Beaumont can guarantee that this Easter holiday at Haberdashers’ Boys’ School will be truly unforgettable! Offer valid until Monday 18 March, Please click here to book your place now !

Please click here for further information regarding our CoCommercial spring term camps on offer at Habs Elstree Schools. For all weekday activities that are available, Please click here.

PREP SPORTS FIXTURES

SATURDAY 9 MARCH

THURSDAY 14 MARCH

FRIDAY 15 MARCH

*Y6 (A) Belmont Football Festival, Away (invite only) 9.00am to 1.00pm

Y3 v UCS (Home, Pavilion, 2.30pm to 4.00pm)

Y6 Quad (Home, Pavilion 2.30pm to 4.00pm)

MONDAY 18 MARCH

Y5 v Radlett (Radlett, 1.45pm to 4.00pm)

THURSDAY 21 MARCH

*Y5/Y6 Table Tennis v Belmont/Highgate, Medburn (invite only) 4pm to 5.15pm

* Selected pupils will be invited to participate via SOCS

PRE-PREP

CALENDAR DATES

TUESDAY 12 MARCH

Parent Consultation Evening -Online

THURSDAY 14 MARCH

Parent Consultation Evening -Online

FRIDAY 15 MARCH

Year 1 Pirate Treasure Hunt Dress Up Rec to Year 6 Donkin Cup

THURSDAY 21 MARCH

Reception Parents Evening -Online

FRIDAY 22 MARCH

Year 1 Roald Dahl Trip

Reception World Maths Day

WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH

International Day Term ends for students, 3.30pm

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

PREP

CALENDAR DATES

MONDAY 11 MARCH

Year 4 Natural History Museum

TUESDAY 12 MARCH

Parent Consultation EveningOnline

THURSDAY 14 MARCH

Parent Consultation EveningOnline

FRIDAY 15 MARCH

Rec to Year 6

Donkin Cup

MONDAY 18 MARCH

Year 5 Residential Information Evening, Prep Hall, 7pm

TUESDAY 19 MARCH

Year 5 Tower of London

WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH

Year 3 Residential Information Evening, Prep Hall, 7pm

THURSDAY 21 MARCH

Year 6 National Gallery

FRIDAY 22 MARCH

Year 5 Planetarium Visit

WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH

International Day Term ends for pupils, 4pm

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