Habs Boys Weekly Newsletter Pre-Prep and Prep - 7 June 2024

Pre-Prep and Prep School edition

Friday 7 June

Summer Term

Head of Prep School’s message

This week we should all take a moment to remember and honour the brave men and women who participated in one of the most significant events in world history D-Day, which occurred on 6 June 1944. This monumental day marked the beginning of the end of World War II, as Allied forces launched a massive invasion on the beaches of Normandy, France. D-Day, also known as the Normandy Landings, involved the coordination and courage of thousands of soldiers, sailors, and airmen from various Allied nations. They faced overwhelming odds, battling not only the fortified German defences, but also the harsh elements and treacherous terrain. Their determination and bravery laid the foundation for the liberation of Europe from Nazi occupation.

As we reflect on this pivotal moment, it's important to recognise the values exemplified by those who fought on D-Day courage, sacrifice, and unity. These are principles that we strive to instil in our children every day. The story of D-Day is not just a historical event; it is a powerful lesson in the importance of working together for a common cause, standing up against tyranny, and making sacrifices for the greater good.

In our classrooms, we aim to bring history to life, helping our students understand the significance of events like D-Day and the impact they have on our world today. By learning about the past, we hope to inspire our young learners to appreciate the freedoms they enjoy and to understand the responsibilities that come with those freedoms. It is important that we reflect on the sacrifices made by so many to secure the liberties we often take for granted and we should encourage our children to draw inspiration from these historical events, understanding that they, too, have the potential to make a positive impact on the world.

We are proud to be a part of a community that values history, education, and the lessons we can learn from those who came before us. We pride ourselves in fostering an environment where our children can grow, learn, and be inspired by the remarkable stories of our past.

Reception launched the second half of the Summer Term with their ‘Fun in the Sun Day’, inspired by the text 'The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch' by Ronda and David Armitage. They enjoyed developing narratives in our pirate ship and ice-cream shop role-plays, a brief dip in the paddling pool, creating their own unique lighthouses and an ice lolly to finish the day!

On Wednesday, our Battle of the Bands Finals took place. It is easy to understate just how fantastic an event is, bringing the whole Prep School community together. The children wowed the audience, typifying our values of Courage and Ambition with performances varying from Passenger to The White Stripes and even Tears For Fears! I know a considerable amount of time has been sent rehearsing and preparing ahead of the performance and some of the costumes were simply outrageous! Thank you, parents, for your patience and support.

Mr P Swindell

Deputy Head Pastoral - Prep

Reception to Year 6 Information

Lunch Menu

WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY

10 JUNE

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

Habs Elstree Schools Summer Fair

SUNDAY

30 JUNE

Please click here for tickets for activities and raffle tickets. Please click here for more information about the Silent Auction.

Pots have been sent home with children. Please could we ask that they fill it with any combination of sweets, chocolate, toys, puzzles etc - anything they would like to receive back. Please ensure food items such as sweets and chocolates are all individually wrapped and are free from nuts. Your son can put this name on the pot or decorate the pot if he would like. Filled pots will need to be dropped back to Prep School Reception for Years 3 to 6 and Pre-Prep Reception for Reception to Year 2 at the beginning of next half term. They will form the prizes for the tombola. Thank you for your support – The Habs’ Boys’ Parent Guild.

Wrap-around Care Facility

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click here to book your child into After School Care.

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.

Year 3-6 Information

Prep Sports Day

WEDNESDAY

26 JUNE

We are looking forward to welcoming you to our Pre-Prep Sports day on Wednesday 26 June. Please click here for further information

Collaborative Cricket Festival

SATURDAY 8 JUNE

The sign-up form has now closed; the below information is for those who are attending. 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 10.45am until 12.15pm. 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. Please park at Habs’ Boys’ School. 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. 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.

Coach Service Update

THURSDAY 27 JUNE

Please note, there will be no 5.30pm coach service running on Thursday 27 June due to the Senior School Sports Day. Please ensure alternative arrangements are in place to collect your son if they take the coach. If your son attends an after-school club on this day, please make the necessary alternative arrangements. Should you wish to book into After School Care then please use the booking form.

Reception Information

Reception Breakfast with Dad

FRIDAY

14 JUNE

Reception will be celebrating Father’s day by hosting a ‘Breakfast with Dad’ morning on Friday 14June from 8am to 8.45am. We will have some tasty treats in the hall for breakfast, activities to complete together and the chance for you to celebrate your child’s learning.

Pre-Prep Sports Day

WEDNESDAY

19 JUNE

We are looking forward to welcoming you to our Pre-Prep Sports day on Wednesday 19 June. Please click here for further information

Aldenham Country Park

MONDAY

24 JUNE

Please click here for further information regarding the trip to Aldenham Country Park Payment and consent is to be provided via Evolve.

Wrap-around Care Facility

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click here to book your child into After School Care.

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.

Weekly Swimming Lessons

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

We are delighted to announce that in preparation for the weekly swimming lessons in Year 1, we have arranged for Reception to enjoy three introductory swimming classes at the Medburn swimming pool. These sessions are scheduled after the half term break on Monday 10 June, Monday 17 June and Monday 1 July. During each 30-minute session, the floor of the swimming pool will be raised, and your child will be supervised by four experienced swimming teachers, a lifeguard and a teaching assistant.

With regards to changing, whilst staff will of course be on hand to assist, we will also encourage a high level of independence. In preparation, please could we kindly ask for your support at home by encouraging your son to dry and dress himself independently after bath time.

For these introductory sessions, children may wear their own swimming attire. Please ensure your child brings a pair of swimming trunks, a swimming hat and a towel in a separate bag (a drawstring bag or one that can be securely closed is ideal). Goggles won’t be necessary. Please kindly ensure all items, including your child’s bag and uniform, are clearly labelled. In Year 1, all children will require Habs branded swimming kit as per the uniform policy.

Please note that all children are expected to participate in the swimming sessions if they are well enough to be at school. If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher.

Year 1 Information

Y1 Knebworth House Visit

MONDAY

1 JULY

We are looking forward to visiting Knebworth House and Gardens with Year 1 on Monday 1 July.

Please click here for further information

Pre-Prep Sports Day

WEDNESDAY

19 JUNE

We are looking forward to welcoming you to our Pre-Prep Sports day on Wednesday 19 June. Please click here for further information

Wrap-around Care Facility

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click here to book your child into After School Care.

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.

Year 2 Information

Joint Year 2 Choir Performance

MONDAY 24 JUNE 4.30PM,

SELDON HALL

We have greatly enjoyed taking the joint choir and would like to invite you to a short and informal concert after their final rehearsal of the year. This performance should last roughly 30 mins. There will be tea and coffee served in the Seldon Foyer from 4.15pm.

We kindly ask that you sign in at the Prep School reception before making your way to the Seldon Hall. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to seeing you there.

Pre-Prep Sports Day

WEDNESDAY

19 JUNE

We are looking forward to welcoming you to our Pre-Prep Sports day on Wednesday 19 June. Please click here for further information

Y2 Whipsnade Zoo

FRIDAY 21 JUNE

Year 2 will be visiting Whipsnade Zoo on Friday 21 June. Payment and consent are to be provided via Evolve. Please click here for further information

Wrap-around Care Facility

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click here to book your child into After School Care.

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.

YEAR 2 INFORMATION

Prep Instrumental Concert

MONDAY 17 JUNE, SELDON

HALL 6PM

We are excited to announce the details of this term’s Prep Instrumental Concert on Monday 17 June, 6pm, Seldon Hall.

The following ensembles will be performing:

Senior Strings

Junior Brass Ensemble

Senior Brass Ensemble

Junior Wind Ensemble

Senior Wind Ensemble

Prep Jazz Ensemble

Prep Joint Orchestra

String Quintet

String Trio

If you child is in one of the above, the music school will email you directly regarding the afterschool arrangements and tickets.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Music School (musicschool@habsboys.org.uk)

Year 3 Information

Prep Instrumental Concert

MONDAY 17 JUNE, SELDON HALL 6PM

We are excited to announce the details of this term’s Prep Instrumental Concert on Monday 17 June, 6pm, Seldon Hall.

The following ensembles will be performing:

Senior Strings

Junior Brass Ensemble

Senior Brass Ensemble

Junior Wind Ensemble

Senior Wind Ensemble

Prep Jazz Ensemble

Prep Joint Orchestra

String Quintet

String Trio

If you child is in one of the above, the music school will email you directly regarding the afterschool arrangements and tickets.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Music School (musicschool@habsboys.org.uk)

Year 4 Information

Year 4 Residential GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS

Please click here to view the parent booklet for the Year 4 Residential to Aylmerton which contains further information regarding the trip.

Please click here to view the recording of the Y4 Residential Parent Information Evening.

Please ensure any changes to medication that your son may require on the trip are emailed directly to Miss Jeffries (Jeffries_m@habsboys.org.uk )

Prep Instrumental Concert

MONDAY 17 JUNE, SELDON HALL 6PM

We are excited to announce the details of this term’s Prep Instrumental Concert on Monday 17 June, 6pm, Seldon Hall.

The following ensembles will be performing:

Senior Strings

Junior Brass Ensemble

Senior Brass Ensemble

Junior Wind Ensemble

Senior Wind Ensemble

Prep Jazz Ensemble

Prep Joint Orchestra

String Quintet

String Trio

If you child is in one of the above, the music school will email you directly regarding the afterschool arrangements and tickets.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Music School (musicschool@habsboys.org.uk)

Year 5 Information

Prep Instrumental Concert

MONDAY 17 JUNE, SELDON HALL 6PM

We are excited to announce the details of this term’s Prep Instrumental Concert on Monday 17 June, 6pm, Seldon Hall.

The following ensembles will be performing:

Senior Strings

Junior Brass Ensemble

Senior Brass Ensemble

Junior Wind Ensemble

Senior Wind Ensemble

Prep Jazz Ensemble

Prep Joint Orchestra

String Quintet

String Trio

If you child is in one of the above, the music school will email you directly regarding the afterschool arrangements and tickets.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Music School (musicschool@habsboys.org.uk)

Year 6 Information

Year 6 Residential to Portland

GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS

Please click here to view the parent booklet for the Year 6 Residential to Portland which contains further information regarding the trip.

Please click here to view to view the recording of the Y6 Residential Information Evening.

Prep Instrumental Concert

MONDAY

17 JUNE, SELDON HALL 6PM

We are excited to announce the details of this term’s Prep Instrumental Concert on Monday 17 June, 6pm, Seldon Hall. The following ensembles will be performing:

Senior Strings

Junior Brass Ensemble

Senior Brass Ensemble

Junior Wind Ensemble

Senior Wind Ensemble

Prep Jazz Ensemble

Prep Joint Orchestra

String Quintet

String Trio

If you child is in one of the above, the music school will email you directly regarding the afterschool arrangements and tickets.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Music School (musicschool@habsboys.org.uk)

Wednesday 3 July Bourne Hall, 2pm

Summer Concert

Years 3 to 6

We are delighted to welcome parents and guardians to attend the Years 3 to 6 Summer Concert on Wednesday 3 July from 2pm in the Bourne Hall. Refreshments will be available from 1.30pm. Please park as directed on arrival.

Click here to book.

Sunday 30 June

12pm to 4pm

Please click here for more information from Habs Boys Parents’ Guild.

Summer Programme

MUSIC Indian Music

Open to current Year 4 to Year 12, grade 4+

26 to 29 August, 10am to 4pm

This brand-new course is an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in Indian music. Guided by our expert team of tutors, students will work together in large and small ensembles towards a memorable final performance for family and friends. Indian music has been one of the most exciting areas of development at Habs in recent years, this course promises to be a fantastic new opportunity for any who are interested in getting involved.

Tabla & Vocalists – open to players of any current Year 4 to Year 12 Instrumentalists – grade 3+ standard current Year 4 to Year 12

£250. Book HERE

MUSIC Summer Programme Jazz

Open to current Year 4 to Year 12, grade 4+

11 to 15 August (intermediate), 10am to 4pm 19 to 23 and 25 August (by invite/audition only) 10am to 4pm

The Jazz Summer School is an established course, open to all instrumentalists of grade 4 and above. Led by our renowned team of jazz educators, students will be placed in an ensemble, preparing towards a final performance for family and friends. Jazz is a fantastic platform for exploring ensemble skills and improvisation, encouraging students to be courageous in the moment, to take risks, and be playful with their music-making. These courses are a highlight of the calendar, not to be missed for any budding young musician.

£350/£375. Book HERE

Open to students who will be in Year 5 to Upper Sixth in September 2024

PREP SPORTS FIXTURES

MONDAY 17 JUNE

TUESDAY 18 JUNE

MONDAY 24 JUNE

WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE

THURSDAY 27 JUNE

FRIDAY 28 JUNE

Cricket (ABC) v Radlett Prep 2.30pm –4.30pm

2.30pm –

*Selected pupils will be invited to participate via SOCS

PRE-PREP CALENDAR DATES

FRIDAY 14 JUNE

Year 1 Collaborative Picnic Reception Breakfast with Dad Morning

WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE

Pre-Prep Sports Day

FRIDAY 21 JUNE Year 2 Whipsnade Zoo

MONDAY 24 JUNE

Reception trip to Aldenham Farm

TUESDAY 25 JUNE

Pre-Prep Wellbeing Day

FRIDAY 28 JUNE

Pre-Prep Summer Production 2pm, Seldon Hall

MONDAY 1 JULY

Year 1 Knebworth House and Gardens Visit

FRIDAY 5 JULY End of term for students

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

PREP CALENDAR DATES

MONDAY 10 JUNE

Y6 Residential, returning 14 June

TUESDAY 11 JUNE

Y4 Residential, returning 14 June

MONDAY 17 JUNE

Prep Instrumental Concert 6pm, Seldon Hall

TUESDAY 25 JUNE

Prep Wellbeing Day

Spain Trip Information Evening

WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE

Prep Sports Day

THURSDAY 27 JUNE

Year 4 into Year 5 Transition Evening, 6pm

WEDNESDAY 3 JULY

Y6 Commendations Ceremony Prep Summer Concert

FRIDAY 5 JULY End of term for students

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