Habs Girls Weekly Bulletin Junior School - 19 April 2024

Head of Junior School’s message

I hope you have had a wonderful break. The summer term brings with it a myriad of exciting events, activities and learning opportunities designed to ignite curiosity, courage, ambition and community. We are all looking forward to all the trips and residentials this half term. Year 3 with an overnight stay in the Philosophers Garden, Year 4 going to PGL Marchants Hill, Year 5 going to Skern Lodge and Year 6 to PGL Osmington Bay.

Over the summer term we will be focussing on foundational British values

Democracy: teaching the girls about the importance of democracy, where everyone has a voice and a vote. They learn to respect different opinions and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve differences.

Rule of Law: Understanding and respecting the rule of law is essential for maintaining a just and orderly society. Learning about the legal system and the consequences of breaking the law, instilling in them a sense of accountability and responsibility.

Individual Liberty: By encouraging the girls to express themselves freely, while also respecting the rights and freedoms of others. They learn to make informed choices and take ownership of their actions.

Mutual Respect: Respect for others, regardless of differences in culture, religion, or background, is at the core of British values. Learning to appreciate diversity and treat everyone with kindness, empathy, and understanding.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs: Learning about various religions and cultures, promoting acceptance and harmony within our community.

We will be emphasising the values and empowering the girls to share when they are taking place. An example during assembly today was some of our older girls sharing how they had celebrated Eid.

Head of Junior School’s message

We were also delighted that Mr Singh came to our upper phase assembly to talk to the girls about the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi. He explained why it is a special day and how Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi. Some of the lessons that were taught were to always be kind, do the right thing, be independent strong and courageous.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

Mrs Claire Brown Head of Junior School

Tooled Up

This half term marks the beginning of the ‘Changing Me’ unit of our PSHE curriculum. This very important unit teaches students to understand and respect their bodies, and develop positive and healthy relationships, appropriate to their age and development. A letter including full details of exactly what is covered in each year group was shared with parents last half term. Some pupils have a much greater understanding than others about these topics and we would therefore encourage you to talk to your child about what they are learning in PSHE this half term and be open to any questions they may have. You may find some of the Tooled Up links below helpful in supporting you with such discussions.

The School PIN for logging in is HGJ2009. We would ask that parents do not share this login outside of the Habs Junior School community.

Supporting Girls Through Puberty: Your Questions Answered | Tooled Up Education

Books About Puberty and Growing Up | Tooled Up Education

Puberty: General Advice for Parenting Girls | Tooled Up Education

Seven Simple Resources to Help Boost Young People’s Body Image | Tooled Up Education

Rainbow to Year 6 Information

Lunch Menu

WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 22 APRIL

Please click here to view our Rainbow and KS1 lunch menu.

Please click here to view our KS2 lunch menu.

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Please take some time to look at the menu with your child, in advance. If your child has any food intolerances, please ensure they understand the food choices for each day. Pupils have been reminded that there are always Allergy Champions in the serveries who they can speak to if they are unsure about appropriate food choices for them.

Catering Update

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Following the letter sent on Wednesday 17 April, please be reminded that there will be no kosher sandwiches available in the Dining Hall between Monday 22 April and Tuesday 30 April. This is due to the external catering supplier being closed for Passover.

Normal supply will be resumed on Wednesday 1 May.

Snacks

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Please kindly remember that, in line with government guidance, grapes or olives should be cut in half and cherries should be de-stoned if these foods are brought in for snacks. A full list of permitted breaktime snacks can be found in the Parent Information Booklet

Attendance Policy

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Please click here to review updated Attendance Policy shared with parents on Monday 11 March.

Wraparound Care BOOKING

LINK

Please click here to book your daughter into Wraparound Care.

Parent Information Booklet REMINDER

Please click here to review the Parent Information Booklet for 2023/24.

RAINBOW TO YEAR 6 INFORMATION CONTINUED

Summer Uniform

INFORMATION

Summer uniform may be worn throughout this term

In the first half of this term and the first half of autumn term, this is optional for all year groups. However, for Rainbow to Year 4 this becomes compulsory during the second half of the summer term, after the May half term holiday

The summer uniform options are:

• a summer dress worn with short or long white socks (not tights) and school jumper

• a short sleeve, revere collar shirt with tailored shorts and school jumper, worn with short or long white socks (not tights). If wearing the green uniform, this is a green shirt and black tailored shorts. For the navy uniform, this is a white shirt with navy tailored shorts.

Please be reminded the Parent Information Booklet has detailed information about uniform on pages 34-39.

Please click here to review the information about the new uniform phasing in plans.

Year 6 Charity Fundraising Event

TUESDAY 30 APRIL

On Tuesday 30 April, Year 6 will be running a charity fundraising event in support of Herts Young Homeless (HYH). HYH is a charity which helps young people aged 16-24 who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, as well as offering support to those whose families may be at risk of relationship breakdown.

Please note this event is only open to Year 3, 4 and 5, details of which are shared on the Year group pages in this newsletter.

Year 1 to Year 6

Summer 1 Curriculum Overviews

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The curriculum overviews below, for Years 1 to 6, outline the curriculum areas that will be covered this half term.

Learning in Rainbow will continue to be led by the children’s interests and key events.

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Year 4 Year 5 Year 6

ACE Karate

DEADLINE MONDAY 22 APRIL AT 12PM

In order for Mr Patel to contact you regarding your daughter's participation in events and gradings, please complete this form if you consent for us to share your email address and for Mr Patel to contact you directly. The form will close on Monday 22 April at 12pm.

Celebration of the Festival of Passover

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

As we approach the Festival of Passover, your child is welcome to bring in a packed lunch that adheres to the dietary requirements associated with this festival. We kindly request that all packed lunches be nut-free. This is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of all our students, particularly those with severe nut allergies. We wish all those that celebrate a happy and peaceful Passover.

Year 1 to Year 6

ACE, STEAM & Performing Arts

SPACES AVAILABLE

Spaces remain on the following activities:

If you would like your child to participate in any of these activities, please email Miss Sultana directly on rsultana@habsgirls.org.uk

These remaining spaces will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

* = Indicates a joint session with the boys’ school.

Rainbow

Rainbow Swimming

SUMMER TERM

This term all the pupils in Rainbow will take part in water familiarisation sessions as part of our PE provision. Each Rainbow class will have three sessions in the swimming pool. The Rainbow swimming lessons will take place on the following dates:

Monday 22 April Rainbow Red

Monday 29 April Rainbow Red

Monday 13 May Rainbow Red

Monday 20 May Rainbow Blue

Monday 10 June Rainbow Blue

Monday 17 June Rainbow Blue

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 on these days in her school uniform and will change into her swimming costume before the session. Please send your child to school with a one-piece swimming costume and towel in a waterproof bag. All items should be named. Additionally, your child will need a swimming hat, which can be purchased from Mrs Walsh for £5.

RAINBOW INFORMATION CONTINUE

Rainbow Family Fridays

SUMMER TERM

The dates for Rainbow Family Fridays for the Summer Term are as follows:

Friday 3 May 3pm to 3.30pm

Friday 24 May 8am to 8.30am

Friday 21 June 8am to 8.30am

Please note that on Friday 3 May, you will be able to take your child home from the classroom. On Friday 24 May and Friday 21 June, there will be the opportunity for you to sign up to a variety of teacher-led workshops that will run from 8.30am to 9am.

In line with our safeguarding policy, taking photos or filming will not be permitted during the ‘Family Friday’ sessions.

We hope that you will enjoy this opportunity to spend some time with your child and enjoy their learning environment.

Year 1

1 Purple ClassAssembly

MONDAY 29 APRIL

1 Purple will be delivering their class assembly on Monday 29 April from 8.45am to 9.15am in the Prevett Hall. Parents and guardians are warmly invited. Attending parents should park in the visitor's car park and walk to the Prevett Hall entrance doors, where you will be registered from 8.30am. We kindly ask attendees to wait outside until a member of Junior School staff arrives to welcome you in.

1 Orange ClassAssembly

MONDAY 13 MAY

1 Orange will be delivering their class assembly on Monday 13 May from 8.45am to 9.15am in the Performance Space, which parents and carers are warmly invited to. Attending parents should park in the visitor's car park and walk around to the Dining Hall doors, where you will be registered from 8.30am. We kindly ask attendees to wait outside until a member of Junior School staff arrives to welcome you in.

Year 2

Morning Club (Mathletics, Wordshark and Touch Typing)

IMPORTANT REMINDER INFORMATION

Please note Morning Club (8.10am) will not be running on the following dates:

Thursday 25 April

Friday 26 April

Year 2 Instrumental Try-Out Session

TUESDAY 14 MAY, 1.30 TO 3.30PM

On Tuesday 14 May, we will be holding an informal demonstration concert and try-out session for all Year 2 girls. Some of our Visiting Music Teachers and older students will play a variety of instruments for them and explain the instrumental families. This will be followed immediately by a 'come and have a go' session when the Year 2 students, accompanied by parents, will be given the opportunity to try out the instruments they are interested in and talk to the instrumental teachers. This is in preparation for the girls being able to begin instrumental lessons at school once they start Year 3. A letter, with further details, will be sent nearer the date.

ACE 1st Eagleide Schools Chess Tournament

SUNDAY 9 JUNE

Please click here to view the letter from Mr D'Costa regarding an exciting chess competition on Sunday 9 June. Please contact Mr D’Costa directly for more information lorin@eagleidechess.com

Year 3

ACE 1st Eagleide Schools Chess Tournament

SUNDAY 9 JUNE

Please click here to view the letter from Mr D'Costa regarding an exciting chess competition on Sunday 9 June. Please contact Mr D’Costa directly for more information lorin@eagleidechess.com

Charity Fundraising Event – hosted by Year 6

TUESDAY 30 APRIL

On Tuesday 30 April, Year 6 will be running a charity fundraising event in support of Herts Young Homeless (HYH). HYH is a charity which helps young people aged 16-24 who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, as well as offering support to those whose families may be at risk of relationship breakdown.

Our Year 6 pupils have been diligently preparing lots of games and activities for pupils in Years 3, 4 and 5 to keep them entertained. These games include Hoopla, Throw the Bean Bag in the Basket and Splat the Rat, to name but a few!

To raise money for this worthy cause, we would be grateful if your daughter could bring in up to £5 in small change in a named purse or envelope on Tuesday 30 April.

We believe that this event presents a great opportunity for pupils to have fun, while also actively supporting those who are less fortunate than themselves. By participating, they will actively contribute to making a positive difference to the lives of others.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Tersigni (stersigni@habsgirls.org.uk) or Mr Bloch (rbloch@habsgirls.org.uk), Year 6 class teachers.

Year 4

Year 4 Forest School

IMPORTANT REMINDER

We are very pleased to share with you that all the Key Stage 2 classes will continue to enjoy a Forest School experience during the Summer term. Forest School provides a valuable opportunity for children to connect to nature and understand more about the world around them. Research has shown that it helps to foster teamwork, problem solving, risk taking, independent thinking and creativity alongside developing practical skills.

We will be outside for two hours whatever the weather so please could your child wear the following for the session, making sure that the clothes provided are suitable for outdoors and for getting slightly muddy:

• Durable, full-length trousers (not onesies)

• Long sleeved top and jumper

• Coat

• Wellington boots

Please check the weather forecast for your daughter’s timetabled session (see dates below). If it is due to rain, please provide your daughter with a waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers. Please ensure that your she has enough suitable layers if the weather is due to be cold; this may include, a hat, scarf and gloves. If it likely to be hot weather, please ensure sunscreen is applied before school and that a sun hat is bought in to school. Your daughter should wear their Forest School clothes and trainers to school on the day bringing in wellington boots if not already at school, extra layers, or waterproofs if needed. If the forecast is rain it might be advisable to bring in their PE kits as extra clothes in case they need to change after the session.

Finally, please ensure that your daughter’s allergy, intolerances, or specific dietary information on the Parent Portal is up to date two weeks prior to your child’s session as we will be cooking and eating as part of the experience.

Please email Mrs Gibson (cgibson@habsgirls.org.uk) if you have any further questions. We are looking forward to these sessions and we hope that your daughter will greatly enjoy and benefit from this experience.

ACE 1st Eagleide Schools Chess Tournament

SUNDAY 9 JUNE

Please click here to view the letter from Mr D'Costa regarding an exciting chess competition on Sunday 9 June. Please contact Mr D’Costa directly for more information lorin@eagleidechess.com

Charity Fundraising Event – hosted by Year 6

TUESDAY 30 APRIL

On Tuesday 30 April, Year 6 will be running a charity fundraising event in support of Herts Young Homeless (HYH). HYH is a charity which helps young people aged 16-24 who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, as well as offering support to those whose families may be at risk of relationship breakdown.

Our Year 6 pupils have been diligently preparing lots of games and activities for pupils in Years 3, 4 and 5 to keep them entertained. These games include Hoopla, Throw the Bean Bag in the Basket and Splat the Rat, to name but a few!

To raise money for this worthy cause, we would be grateful if your daughter could bring in up to £5 in small change in a named purse or envelope on Tuesday 30 April.

We believe that this event presents a great opportunity for pupils to have fun, while also actively supporting those who are less fortunate than themselves. By participating, they will actively contribute to making a positive difference to the lives of others.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Tersigni (stersigni@habsgirls.org.uk) or Mr Bloch (rbloch@habsgirls.org.uk), Year 6 class teachers.

Year 5

ACE 1st Eagleide Schools Chess Tournament

SUNDAY

9 JUNE

Please click here to view the letter from Mr D'Costa regarding an exciting chess competition on Sunday 9 June. Please contact Mr D’Costa directly for more information lorin@eagleidechess.com

Charity Fundraising Event – hosted by Year 6

TUESDAY 30 APRIL

On Tuesday 30 April, Year 6 will be running a charity fundraising event in support of Herts Young Homeless (HYH). HYH is a charity which helps young people aged 16-24 who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, as well as offering support to those whose families may be at risk of relationship breakdown.

Our Year 6 pupils have been diligently preparing lots of games and activities for pupils in Years 3, 4 and 5 to keep them entertained. These games include Hoopla, Throw the Bean Bag in the Basket and Splat the Rat, to name but a few!

To raise money for this worthy cause, we would be grateful if your daughter could bring in up to £5 in small change in a named purse or envelope on Tuesday 30 April.

We believe that this event presents a great opportunity for pupils to have fun, while also actively supporting those who are less fortunate than themselves. By participating, they will actively contribute to making a positive difference to the lives of others.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Tersigni (stersigni@habsgirls.org.uk) or Mr Bloch (rbloch@habsgirls.org.uk), Year 6 class teachers.

Year 6

Year 6 Production – ‘Mary Poppins Jr.’

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

We are excited to begin rehearsals for our Year 6 production of Disney’s ‘Mary Poppins Jr.’ It is important all pupils read the whole script, so that they have an understanding of the storyline and the characters, and how their role fits into the production as a whole. It is also important that they continue to listen to the songs at home. The music in Mary Poppins is challenging, and being familiar with it will enable them to get the most out of our rehearsals.

The songs can be accessed via this link

Year 6 Play Rehearsal

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Thank you to those of you who completed the form confirming your daughter’s availability to attend a planned rehearsal on Sunday 9 June. We have decided to schedule a full day rehearsal, which will run from 10am to 3pm with a break for lunch. Girls who can attend only a morning or an afternoon rehearsal will be able to join when they can. More information will follow soon.

Tuesday 7 May 2024

Habs in Conversation:An Evening withAshley 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 theBourne 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

Thursday 23 May Dining Hall

6.45pm to 10.30pm

St Catherine Parents’Guild Quiz Night

We are delighted to invite you to our Quiz Night on Thursday 23 May. Doors will open at 6.45pm with the quiz starting promptly at 8pm in the Dining Hall. The event is open to all, so please bring along family and friends.

The ticket price includes supper which will be available from 7.15pm until 7.45pm and will include vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Dessert will be available during the quiz break around 8.45pm. There will also be bar serving drinks throughout the evening and a raffle (cash and cards accepted).

Online booking is now open via the school Box Office. Tickets cost £22 per adult and will be available to book until Monday 20 May. Please note tickets will not be available on the door. This is a popular event that is advertised across both Girls’ and Boys’ Schools, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

We would encourage teams of six to be formed. When booking, please ensure you coordinate with your team to ensure you are all seated at the same table.Alternatively, you are more than welcome to book individual places at any of the available tables and take the opportunity to meet other parents from other year groups.

Raffle tickets will be on sale for a chance to win some fantastic prizes which have been generously donated by local businesses and parents at the school. If you have any prizes you would like to donate, we would love to hear from you.

We look forward to welcoming you to the quiz; in the meantime, if you have any questions, want to make a donation or wish to volunteer at the event, please email the Guild at stcatherineparentsguild@gmail.com

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.

Sunday 30 June 12pm to 4pm

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

Friday 26 April

JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTS FIXTURES

SUMMER 1

Monday 29 April

Wednesday 1 May

Thursday 2 May

Tuesday 7 May

Thursday 9 May

Friday 10 May

Wednesday 15 May

*Years 5 & 6

ESSA Primary Teams Swimming Gala (AWAY)

Year 4

Inter House Cricket

Year 6

Inter House Cricket

Year 5

Inter House Cricket

*Years 4 & 6

Divisional 10 Swimming Finals (AWAY)

*Years 3 & 4

Friendly Swimming Gala v Prep Boys’ (Habs’ Boys’ School)

Year 3

Inter House Cross-Country

*Year 6

Cricket v Edge Grove (AWAY)

*Invite only via Evolve

JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTS FIXTURES

SUMMER 2

Wednesday 5 June

*Years 3, 4 & 5

Athletics v RMS (AWAY)

Saturday 8 June Years 3, 4, 5 & 6

Collaborative Cricket Festival

Monday 10 June (amended from last Habs Weekly)

Monday 17 June

This event will be rescheduled at a later date

Year 5

Inter House Cricket

Wednesday 19 June

Year 6

Inter House Cricket

Thursday 20 June

*Years 3, 4, 5 & 6

Friendly Swimming Gala v NLCS

Monday 24 June

Years 3 & 4

Inter House Swimming Gala

Thursday 27 June

Junior School Sports Day (More details to follow at a closer date)

*Invite only via Evolve

JUNIOR SCHOOL

CALENDAR DATES

TUESDAY 23 APRIL

Year 2 Cuffley Camp Trip

MONDAY 29 APRIL

1 Purple Class Assembly

FRIDAY 3 MAY 4 Aesc Forest School

MONDAY 6 MAY

Bank Holiday (No Pupils In School)

TUESDAY 7 TO

FRIDAY 10 MAY

Year 5 Skern Lodge Residential

MONDAY 13 MAY

1 Orange Class Assembly

WEDNESDAY 15 TO

FRIDAY 17 MAY

Year 4 PGL Marchants Hill

THURSDAY 16 TO

FRIDAY 17 MAY

Year 3 Camp Night & Roman Workshop

MONDAY 20 TO FRIDAY 24 MAY

Year 6 PGL Osmington Bay

The reminder dates above cover the next four school weeks, if you require further information beyond this time frame, please refer to the school calendar on Firefly.