Habs Boys Weekly Newsletter Pre-Prep and Prep - 21 June 2024

Pre-Prep and Prep School edition

Friday 21 June

Summer Term

Head of Prep School’s message

Last week, our Year 4 and Year 6 students had an unforgettable experience on their residential trips. Year 4 explored Aylmerton, while Year 6 travelled to Portland. These residentials are often highlights in a child's education, fostering the development of various skills such as relationship building, resilience, and self-confidence. Collaboration, a crucial component of leadership, is greatly emphasised during these trips. Students engaged in numerous teambuilding activities, solved challenges together, and organised group tasks, learning the value of teamwork and how to utilise individual strengths for shared success.

Residential trips also promote mutual respect among students. These trips often require collaboration with peers they don’t usually interact with at school, encouraging acceptance and appreciation of individual differences. Students learn to value and respect their peers’ perspectives, abilities, and contributions, fostering empathy and compassion. This experience helps young leaders understand and support the needs and experiences of others.

We have now completed all our residential trips for this academic year, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the staff who made these experiences possible. Staff members attending these trips made many sacrifices, including time away from their families, long days, and lack of sleep to name a few. Their dedication to providing our students with the best enrichment opportunities is truly commendable and is the driving force behind their efforts.

It was fantastic to see so many of you at the Pre-Prep Sports Day. A huge thanks to Mr. Miller and Mr. Gillard for organising such a wonderful and inclusive event. I know many of you appreciated the encouragement and support the boys provided each other. It was another excellent demonstration of our community in action.

Yesterday, we were delighted to welcome many new parents at our 4+ Welcome Event. The evening was filled with energy and excitement among the parents whose sons will be joining us in September. I know many of you value and remember our transition events, and I’m sure you’ll join me in welcoming our new parents and students when they arrive in September.

Lastly, I couldn’t conclude this week’s message without mentioning our fantastic COP event held yesterday. It was a first for Habs, and while there were some inevitable hiccups, it showcased our ambition and commitment to making our school more sustainable in all aspects, including our curriculum, premises, enrichment, and vision for the future.A huge thanks to Mr Nick Hamshaw, who led the event across the Habs Elstree Schools, as well as Miss Michaela Jeffries and Mrs Claire Brown (Head of the Girls’ Junior School) for organising the activities in the Prep and Junior School.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend with fantastic weather, and let's look forward to enjoying the penultimate week of term with our whole school Well-being Day and Prep Sports Day.

Mrs M Best

Acting Head of Prep and Pre-Prep

Reception to Year 6 Information

Lunch Menu

WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 24 JUNE

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

Last Day of Summer Term

FRIDAY 5 JULY 11:45AM FINISH

Please note school finishes for all pupils at 11:45am on Friday 5 July. Pupils will need to either be collected by an authorised collector or catch the 12pm coach and Little Habs services.

Summer Reading Challenges GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS

The Prep Library is running two summer reading challenges for the boys. All pupils Years 2-5 are invited to take a challenge bookmark and fill in each title read or colour the blocks for each book they read. To complete all boxes, the boys could be reading up to 20 books over the summer.

Boys in Years 4-5 have also been invited to create their own Reading Identity Posters for a display that will be going up in September. They have been shown an example of this in library lessons and should use their thinking skills and creative skills imaginatively. Lastly, there is a national Summer Reading Challenge run online and in local libraries, in which children set a reading goal and collect reading rewards. We strongly encourage the boys to sign up.

The important thing is for all the boys to keep reading books they enjoy over the summer holidays. This will stand them in good stead for continuing their learning in the autumn term.

Habs Weekly Newsletter

IMPORTANT UPDATE

The Girls’ Junior School will be trialling Firefly for their weekly newsletter from Friday 28 June. Please note, we will be resuming with our usual format until the end of the academic year and will provide you with a further update in September.

Club Sessions End of Term

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please note, all Prep and Pre-Prep clubs will run until Friday 28 June. There will be no lunchtime or after school clubs for the final week of term.

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

Last Day of Summer Term

FRIDAY 5 JULY 11:45AM FINISH

Please be advised that school finishes for all pupils at 11:45am on Friday 5 July. Pupils will need to either be collected by an authorised collector or catch the 12pm coach and Little Habs services.

Autumn Term Ballet

RECEPTION TO YEAR 5 ONLY

We are currently in the process of putting together our Co-Curricular Programme for Autumn term 2024. We are keen to hear your thoughts to help shape our KS1 and KS2 ballet provision for next year. Please click here to complete a short questionnaire by 12pm Wednesday 26 June. Thank you for your support.

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 Please note, the programme will be shared on the day.

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

Pre-Prep Summer Production

FRIDAY

28 JUNE

We warmly invite you to our Pre-Prep Summer Production on Friday 28 June at 2pm in the Seldon Hall. Doors will open and refreshments will be served from 1.30pm in the Seldon Hall foyer. Please do not arrive before 1.30pm. Due to limited hall capacity, seats are limited to two per child.

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.

Wellbeing Day

TUESDAY 25 JUNE

On Tuesday 25 June all children and staff will take part in the final wellbeing day of the year. Please can your come into school wearing his PE kit with his house t-shirt on this day (these will be provided for Year Two). In their House families, the children will take part in a range of activities including a silent disco, karaoke, team building games and an assault course. We will also be having an ice cream van onsite!

Reception Moving UpAfternoon

WEDNESDAY 26

JUNE

On Wednesday 26th June, we will be holding a moving up afternoon for our current Reception boys to support their transition into Year 1. During the afternoon, they will spend time in their new classroom with their Year 1 Class Teacher and Teaching Assistant. You will be notified by email on Wednesday 26 June which class your son will be moving up to.

On this afternoon, the boys will be dismissed from their new Year 1 classroom at the usual time of 3.30pm.

Class 1NP is the third classroom on your left as you enter the playground. Class 1SS is the fourth classroom on the left as you enter the playground. The boys that take the LittleHabs bus will board as usual.

We hope that the boys are looking forward to the new academic year and are excited about the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Warm Weather

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

With the weather forecast continuing to look increasingly warm over the next few weeks, please do provide your child with a water bottle during the school day. They can fill their water bottle up at school once it is empty. Please also provide your son with suncream and a hat as appropriate that they can wear during break time. The suncream will need to be applied at home before the start of the school day as required and can be topped up by your son at school. If you have any concerns, then please contact your son’s Form tutor.

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 1 Information

Pre-Prep Summer Production

FRIDAY

28 JUNE

We warmly invite you to our Pre-Prep Summer Production on Friday 28 June at 2pm in the Seldon Hall. Doors will open and refreshments will be served from 1.30pm in the Seldon Hall foyer. Please do not arrive before 1.30pm. Due to limited hall capacity, seats are limited to two per child.

Wellbeing Day

TUESDAY

25 JUNE

On Tuesday 25 June all children and staff will take part in the final wellbeing day of the year. Please can your come into school wearing his PE kit with his house t-shirt on this day (these will be provided for Year Two). In their House families, the children will take part in a range of activities including a silent disco, karaoke, team building games and an assault course. We will also be having an ice cream van onsite!

Year 1 Moving UpAfternoon

WEDNESDAY

26 JUNE

On Wednesday 26th June, we will be holding a moving up afternoon for our current Year 1 boys to support their transition into Year 2. During the afternoon, they will spend time in their new classroom with their Year 2 Class Teacher and Teaching Assistant. You will be notified by email on Wednesday 26 June which class your son will be moving up to.

On this afternoon, the boys will be dismissed from their new Year 2 classroom at the usual time of 3.30pm.

Class 2JP is the first classroom on your left as you enter the playground. Class 2HP is the second classroom on the left as you enter the playground. The boys that take the LittleHabs bus will board as usual.

We hope that the boys are looking forward to the new academic year and are excited about the challenges and opportunities ahead.

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

Warm Weather

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

With the weather forecast continuing to look increasingly warm over the next few weeks, please do provide your child with a water bottle during the school day. They can fill their water bottle up at school once it is empty. Please also provide your son with suncream and a hat as appropriate that they can wear during break time. The suncream will need to be applied at home before the start of the school day as required and can be topped up by your son at school. If you have any concerns, then please contact your son’s Form tutor.

Year 2 Information

Pre-Prep Summer Production

FRIDAY 28 JUNE

We warmly invite you to our Pre-Prep Summer Production on Friday 28 June at 2pm in the Seldon Hall. Doors will open and refreshments will be served from 1.30pm in the Seldon Hall foyer. Please do not arrive before 1.30pm. Due to limited hall capacity, seats are limited to two per child.

Wellbeing Day

TUESDAY 25 JUNE

On Tuesday 25 June all children and staff will take part in the final wellbeing day of the year. Please can your come into school wearing his PE kit with his house t-shirt on this day (these will be provided for Year Two). In their House families, the children will take part in a range of activities including a silent disco, karaoke, team building games and an assault course. We will also be having an ice cream van onsite!

Year 2 Pick UpArrangements

WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE

On Wednesday 26 June, Reception and Year 1 will be involved in their transition afternoon. On this day, please arrange to collect your son from the Pre-Prep Hall via the playground. Thank you for your support.

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.

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.

Warm Weather

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

With the weather forecast continuing to look increasingly warm over the next few weeks, please do provide your child with a water bottle during the school day. They can fill their water bottle up at school once it is empty. Please also provide your son with suncream and a hat as appropriate that they can wear during break time. The suncream will need to be applied at home before the start of the school day as required and can be topped up by your son at school. If you have any concerns, then please contact your son’s Form tutor.

Year 3 Information

Wellbeing Day

TUESDAY 25 JUNE

On Tuesday 25 June all children and staff will take part in the final wellbeing day of the year. Please can your come into school wearing his PE kit with his house t-shirt on this day (these will be provided for Year Two). In their House families, the children will take part in a range of activities including a silent disco, karaoke, team building games and an assault course. We will also be having an ice cream van onsite!

Warm Weather

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

With the weather forecast continuing to look increasingly warm over the next few weeks, please do provide your child with a water bottle during the school day. They can fill their water bottle up at school once it is empty. Please also provide your son with suncream and a hat as appropriate that they can wear during break time. The suncream will need to be applied at home before the start of the school day as required and can be topped up at school. If you have any concerns, then please contact your son’s Form tutor.

Year 4 Information

Wellbeing Day

TUESDAY 25 JUNE

On Tuesday 25 June all children and staff will take part in the final wellbeing day of the year. Please can your come into school wearing his PE kit with his house t-shirt on this day (these will be provided for Year Two). In their House families, the children will take part in a range of activities including a silent disco, karaoke, team building games and an assault course. We will also be having an ice cream van onsite!

Warm Weather

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

With the weather forecast continuing to look increasingly warm over the next few weeks, please do provide your child with a water bottle during the school day. They can fill their water bottle up at school once it is empty. Please also provide your son with suncream and a hat as appropriate that they can wear during break time. The suncream will need to be applied at home before the start of the school day as required and can be topped up at school. If you have any concerns, then please contact your son’s Form tutor.

Year 5 Information

Wellbeing Day

TUESDAY 25 JUNE

On Tuesday 25 June all children and staff will take part in the final wellbeing day of the year. Please can your come into school wearing his PE kit with his house t-shirt on this day (these will be provided for Year Two). In their House families, the children will take part in a range of activities including a silent disco, karaoke, team building games and an assault course. We will also be having an ice cream van onsite!

Warm Weather

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

With the weather forecast continuing to look increasingly warm over the next few weeks, please do provide your child with a water bottle during the school day. They can fill their water bottle up at school once it is empty. Please also provide your son with suncream and a hat as appropriate that they can wear during break time. The suncream will need to be applied at home before the start of the school day as required and can be topped up at school. If you have any concerns, then please contact your son’s Form tutor.

Year 6 Information

Wellbeing Day

TUESDAY

25 JUNE

On Tuesday 25 June all children and staff will take part in the final wellbeing day of the year. Please can your come into school wearing his PE kit with his house t-shirt on this day (these will be provided for Year Two). In their House families, the children will take part in a range of activities including a silent disco, karaoke, team building games and an assault course. We will also be having an ice cream van onsite!

Warm Weather IMPORTANT INFORMATION

With the weather forecast continuing to look increasingly warm over the next few weeks, please do provide your child with a water bottle during the school day. They can fill their water bottle up at school once it is empty. Please also provide your son with suncream and a hat as appropriate that they can wear during break time. The suncream will need to be applied at home before the start of the school day as required and can be topped up at school. If you have any concerns, then please contact your son’s Form tutor.

Year 6 Production

VIDEO LINK

Please click here to view the Y6 Production video

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.

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 24 JUNE Y5 Cricket (ABC) v Radlett Prep 2.30pm –4.30pm

WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE Prep Sports Day

THURSDAY 27 JUNE Y3 Cricket v St Johns (Home) 2.15pm – 4pm

FRIDAY 28 JUNE Y6 Cricket & Tennis v Highgate 2.30pm – 4.45pm

*Selected pupils will be invited to participate via SOCS

PRE-PREP CALENDAR DATES

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

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.