Habs Weekly Pre-Prep and Prep - 1 December

Habs Weekly Pre-Prep and Prep School Edition Friday 1 December Autumn Term

Head of Prep School’s Message It has been a fantastic, festive week in the Prep School. We have had a beautiful Instrumental Concert, an incredible Reception Nativity, wonderful Year 1 and 2 Winter Concert, a brilliant St Andrew’s Day full of crazy hair, silly socks and funky ties, two fantastic authors have visited us, our Years 3 and 6 have played in Rugby fixtures, our School Council have debated how to make the most of our playground and all Year 3-6 students from both the Prep School and Girls Junior School attended a Clubs Fair to try out and learn about clubs they might like to join in January. It almost sounds like a line from the 12 Days of Christmas, I have definitely run out of superlatives, but it is genuinely demonstrative of the ambition that out students and Prep School team model and practice on a weekly basis. It has certainly been busy, but it has also been a lot of fun. However, as we move towards the end term the boys are naturally getting tired - and this is when resilience, stamina and perseverance become key. Next week brings the Year 3 –6 Winter Choral Concert, the opportunity for our students to enjoy music from Star Wars performed by the Senior School, and we finish the week with our annual Christmas Jumper Day and Festive Lunch. I love seeing so many of our families come together as a community to celebrate our amazing students, and I extend an enormous ‘thank you’ to you all for your support with rehearsing lines, practicing songs or instrumental pieces, encouraging and cheerleading.

With my very best wishes, have a fun-filled weekend.

Miss K Umpleby Head of Prep and Pre-Prep

St Andrews Day Celebrations

Reception to Year 6 Information Wrap-around Care Facility BOOKING LINK Please click here to book your child into After School Care.

Lunch Menu

New!

WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 6 NOVEMBER Please click here to view the Pre-Prep lunch menu.

Please click here to view the Prep lunch menu.

Children in Need

New!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION We are pleased to advise the Prep and Pre-Prep combined have raised a total of £458.10 which will go towards those children who unfortunately do not have access to resources and support which they desperately need. Thank you to our community for supporting this cause.

Winter Choral Concert TUESDAY 5 DECEMBER Please click here to book tickets to the Winter Choral Concert which will take place on Tuesday 5 December at 2.30pm in the Bourne Hall.

Gifts for Staff GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS Please click here for guidance for parents regarding gifts for staff.

RECEPTION TO YEAR 6 INFORMATION

Parent and Staff Choir THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER, BOURNE HALL Please click here for further information on how to sign up to being involved in the Parent and

Staff Choir.

Years 3 to Year 6 Information Design Your House Flag Competition

New!

FRIDAY 12 JANUARY How would you like YOUR design to be made into the Flag for your house?

Four lucky winners, selected by Mrs Hall, Mrs Law and your House Leader will see this dream become a reality.

Your flag must contain: House Name Your own design for a House Emblem (this must be related to the Saint or the country) Maximum of two colours for background Maximum of two colours in wording of house name Emblem can be multicoloured.

Flag must be designed on A3 paper in landscape form.

All submissions by Friday 12 January to be handed in to your house leader. Don’t forget to put your name and form on the back. Think carefully about where you use felt tips and colour pencils- bold and neatly coloured designs.

YEARS 3 TO YEAR 6 INFORMATION

Wellington Boots

New!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Please provide your son with a carrier to bring his wellington boots home at the end of this term after his last Forest School session. Any boots not collected will be kept for a limited period of time after which they will be recycled, donated or repurposed. Please note, trainers are not suitable. Pupils are expected to bring in their wellies again at the start of the Spring term.

Snacks IMPORTANT INFORMATION Please may we remind you that pupils should only bring in healthy snacks to school which are nut and sesame free and should refrain from bringing in any sweets, chocolates or other non healthy items. Examples of healthy snacks may include any fresh fruit or vegetables, breadsticks or cereal bars. Thank you for your support regarding this.

Year 3 to 6 Christmas Jumper Day FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER Years 3 to 6 will be having Christmas lunch on Friday 8 December. To celebrate, we would like all pupils to wear a Christmas themed festive jumper or t-shirt on top of their school uniform.

YEARS 3 TO YEAR 6 INFORMATION

Young Artists’ Summer Show 2024 ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS Registration and submissions for the Young Artists' Summer Show 2024 open soon. Why not use the Christmas holidays to get creative?

Now in its sixth year, this popular online and onsite exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts features and celebrates the creativity of young artists aged 4-19. Each student can submit one artwork and there is no theme. When you enter, you will need to provide some information about the piece such as title, size, and a little text about the artwork and why you made it. Your artwork will be seen by a panel of judges and the selected pieces will be shown in the online exhibition. Some of the artworks will also be shown at the Royal Academy of Arts. Please bring in your artwork from Monday 8 January and hand them to Mrs Hall.

Good luck!

Registration and submission: 8 January - 27 March 2024 Judging: April 2024 Online exhibition open: 16 July 2024 Exhibition at the RA open: 16 July - 11 August 2024

Reception Christmas Cards IMPORTANT INFORMATION Should the boys wish to send each other Christmas cards, our Christmas post box is now in the reception area. The last day for posting cards is on Tuesday 5 December, and cards will be distributed on Thursday 7 December. Please do not bring any cards in after this date.

Please ensure that the full name and class is written on the front of the envelope. A card or letter to the whole class would also be a kind gesture if your son would prefer to do this. As many of our boys have allergies, please do not include any sweets or chocolates inside the envelopes.

Wellbeing Day THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER On Thursday 7 December the Pre-Prep will have their Wellbeing 'Winterval'. In their houses, they will complete Winter themed activities. On this day, please send children to school in their white PE kit with their house T-shirt (these will be provided for Year 2).

Pre-Prep Pantomime WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER The Pre-Prep will be going to watch ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at The Radlett Centre on Wednesday 6 December. Please click here for more information.

Pre-Prep Christmas Lunch FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER The Pre-Prep will be having Christmas lunch on Friday 8 December. To get into the Christmas spirit we would like the boys to wear a festive or brightly coloured jumper on this day. We would also like the boys to make a Christmas hat to wear for the lunch and hat parade. The hat can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. Please bring your party hat to school on Wednesday 6 December or Thursday 7 December. Please ensure hats are clearly labelled with your son’s name and class.

RECEPTION INFORMATION

Last Day of Term FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER To accommodate the 4+ Assessments, please note that the last day of the Autumn Term for the Pre-Prep will be Friday 8 December 2023.

Year 1 Speech and Drama Club SPRING TERM In my speech and drama classes, we focus on developing life skills such as clear communication, self-confidence and teamwork through the creative platforms of drama in a fun and encouraging environment. Within these classes we will work on vocal techniques such as diction, volume and pace. Improvisational skills, memory skills and being able to connect with others using facial expressions and body language. Your child will have the opportunity to take part in a LAMDA exam which would involve learning a poem and being able to have a detailed conversation with the examiner regarding the topic needed for each grade. The aim of LAMDA qualifications is to develop self-presentation techniques, including voice, body language and confidence building-skills that are essential in any place of work. LAMDA exams are accredited by the government and are as such worth credits but are also worth UCAS points, useful for university and college entrance, in their higher grades (grades 6,7 and 8). If your child has never done any LAMDA exams before we will be starting with the introductory stages. If your child has done any LAMDA exams outside of school, I am happy to discuss carrying on from the grade your child is already at. The exams are at an extra cost and I am looking at organising a LAMDA exam day which will take place at Habs in late February/early March. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to email on info@hbtheatrearts.com Mrs Hayley Back, Principle of HB Theatre Arts. Please click here for further information.

Christmas Cards IMPORTANT INFORMATION Should the boys wish to send each other Christmas cards, our Christmas post box is now in the reception area. The last day for posting cards is on Tuesday 5 December, and cards will be distributed on Thursday 7 December. Please do not bring any cards in after this date.

Please ensure that the full name and class is written on the front of the envelope. A card or letter to the whole class would also be a kind gesture if your son would prefer to do this. As many of our boys have allergies, please do not include any sweets or chocolates inside the envelopes.

YEAR 1 INFORMATION

Pre-Prep Pantomime WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER The Pre-Prep will be going to watch ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at The Radlett Centre on Wednesday 6 December. Please click here for more information.

Wellbeing Day THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER On Thursday 7 December the Pre-Prep will have their Wellbeing 'Winterval'. In their houses, they will complete Winter themed activities. On this day, please send children to school in their white PE kit with their house T-shirt (these will be provided for Year 2).

Pre-Prep Christmas Lunch FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER The Pre-Prep will be having Christmas lunch on Friday 8 December. To get into the Christmas spirit we would like the boys to wear a festive or brightly coloured jumper on this day. We would also like the boys to make a Christmas hat to wear for the lunch and hat parade. The hat can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. Please bring your party hat to school on Wednesday 6 December or Thursday 7 December. Please ensure hats are clearly labelled with your son’s name and class.

Last Day of Term FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER To accommodate the 4+ Assessments, please note that the last day of the Autumn Term for the Pre-Prep will be Friday 8 December 2023.

Year 2 Speech and Drama Club SPRING TERM In my speech and drama classes, we focus on developing life skills such as clear communication, self-confidence and teamwork through the creative platforms of drama in a fun and encouraging environment. Within these classes we will work on vocal techniques such as diction, volume and pace. Improvisational skills, memory skills and being able to connect with others using facial expressions and body language. Your child will have the opportunity to take part in a LAMDA exam which would involve learning a poem and being able to have a detailed conversation with the examiner regarding the topic needed for each grade. The aim of LAMDA qualifications is to develop self-presentation techniques, including voice, body language and confidence building-skills that are essential in any place of work. LAMDA exams are accredited by the government and are as such worth credits but are also worth UCAS points, useful for university and college entrance, in their higher grades (grades 6,7 and 8). If your child has never done any LAMDA exams before we will be starting with the introductory stages. If your child has done any LAMDA exams outside of school, I am happy to discuss carrying on from the grade your child is already at. The exams are at an extra cost and I am looking at organising a LAMDA exam day which will take place at Habs in late February/early March. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to email on info@hbtheatrearts.com Mrs Hayley Back, Principle of HB Theatre Arts. Please click here for further information.

Mrs Seetal Mishra Y2 Teaching Assistant INTRODUCTION We are delighted to introduce an additional member of staff to our Pre-Prep team ‘Mrs Seetal Mishra’, our new Year 2 Teaching Assistant. Mrs Mishra has been working as a Teaching Assistant in the Prep School since April 2023 and with her passion for education and commitment to fostering a positive learning environment, Mrs Mishra will make a valuable contribution to your child’s educational journey. Please do take a moment to extend a warm welcome when you see her around school. We are thrilled to have her join our team and look forward to the positive impact she will have in the Pre-Prep.

YEAR 2 INFORMATION

Christmas Cards IMPORTANT INFORMATION Should the boys wish to send each other Christmas cards, our Christmas post box is now in the reception area. The last day for posting cards is on Tuesday 5 December, and cards will be distributed on Thursday 7 December. Please do not bring any cards in after this date.

Please ensure that the full name and class is written on the front of the envelope. A card or letter to the whole class would also be a kind gesture if your son would prefer to do this. As many of our boys have allergies, please do not include any sweets or chocolates inside the envelopes.

Pre-Prep Pantomime WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER The Pre-Prep will be going to watch ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at The Radlett Centre on Wednesday 6 December. Please click here for more information.

Wellbeing Day THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER On Thursday 7 December the Pre-Prep will have their Wellbeing 'Winterval'. In their houses, they will complete Winter themed activities. On this day, please send children to school in their white PE kit with their house T-shirt (these will be provided for Year 2).

Pre-Prep Christmas Lunch FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER The Pre-Prep will be having Christmas lunch on Friday 8 December. To get into the Christmas spirit we would like the boys to wear a festive or brightly coloured jumper on this day. We would also like the boys to make a Christmas hat to wear for the lunch and hat parade. The hat can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. Please bring your party hat to school on Wednesday 6 December or Thursday 7 December. Please ensure hats are clearly labelled with your son’s name and class.

YEAR 2 INFORMATION

Last Day of Term FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER To accommodate the 4+ Assessments, please note that the last day of the Autumn Term for the Pre-Prep will be Friday 8 December 2023.

Year 3 Hazard Alley Safety Centre Trip

New!

THURSDAY 11 JANUARY Year 3 will be visiting Hazard Alley Safety Centre on Thursday 11 January 2024. Please click here for further information. Payment and consent links for the trip will need to be made via the Evolve payment link which will be sent to you on Monday 4 December.

The Lion King Theatre Trip WEDNESDAY 24 JANUARY We are looking forward to taking Year 3 and Year 4 to see The Lion King in the theatre.

Please click here for further information and to provide going home arrangements for your son following the performance.

Last Day of Term WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER Please be advised on Wednesday 13 December pupils will be dismissed at 4pm. There will be no After School Care or clubs running on this day. All pupils in Years 3 to 6 will need to be collected or take the 4.15pm coach. There will not be a 5.30pm coach service running.

Year 4 The Lion King Theatre Trip WEDNESDAY 24 JANUARY We are looking forward to taking Year 3 and Year 4 to see The Lion King in the theatre.

Please click here for further information and to provide going home arrangements for your son following the performance.

Last Day of Term WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER Please be advised on Wednesday 13 December pupils will be dismissed at 4pm. There will be no After School Care or clubs running on this day. All pupils in Years 3 to 6 will need to be collected or take the 4.15pm coach. There will not be a 5.30pm coach service running.

Year 5 SATURDAY 27 JANUARY We are delighted to extend an invite to the Habs Prep School Community Table Tennis Cup Competition for the Year 5 and Year 6 pupils which will take place on Saturday 27 January from 10am to 12.30pm. Please complete this form to sign up your son to the draw for the competition. Parents and guardians are most welcome to attend to show your support. Once we have completed sign up, further information will be sent to parents. Thank you for your continued support.

WEDNESDAY 31 JANUARY We are looking forward to taking Year 5 and Year 6 to see Wicked in the theatre. Please click here for further information and to provide going home arrangements for your son following the performance.

Parent Information Evening DR ARIC SIGMAN, THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER You are warmly invited to attend our next Parent Information Evening on Thursday 7 December which will take place in the Lecture Theatre at the Girls’ School. Please click here for further information.

Y5 Residential Trip to Wokingham MONDAY 15 APRIL Year 5 will be visiting the Oakwood Youth Challenge for their Residential trip this year. Please click here for further information.

YEAR 5 INFORMATION

Last Day of Term WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER Please be advised on Wednesday 13 December pupils will be dismissed at 4pm. There will be no After School Care or clubs running on this day. All pupils in Years 3 to 6 will need to be collected or take the 4.15pm coach. There will not be a 5.30pm coach service running.

Year 6 SATURDAY 27 JANUARY We are delighted to extend an invite to the Habs Prep School Community Table Tennis Cup Competition for the Year 5 and Year 6 pupils which will take place on Saturday 27 January from 10am to 12.30pm. Please complete this form to sign up your son to the draw for the competition. Parents and guardians are most welcome to attend to show your support. Once we have completed sign up, further information will be sent to parents. Thank you for your continued support.

WEDNESDAY 31 JANUARY We are looking forward to taking Year 5 and Year 6 to see Wicked in the theatre. Please click here for further information and to provide going home arrangements for your son following the performance.

Parent Information Evening DR ARIC SIGMAN, THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER You are warmly invited to attend our next Parent Information Evening on Thursday 7 December which will take place in the Lecture Theatre at the Girls’ School. Please click here for further information.

Last Day of Term WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER Please be advised on Wednesday 13 December pupils will be dismissed at 4pm. There will be no After School Care or clubs running on this day. All pupils in Years 3 to 6 will need to be collected or take the 4.15pm coach. There will not be a 5.30pm coach service running.

PRE - PREP CALENDAR DATES

WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER

THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY

Pre-Prep Pantomime Visit

Y1 STEM Discovery Trip

Beauty and the Beast (Radlett Centre)

FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY Year 2 St Pauls’ Cathedral Visit

THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER

TERM ENDS

Rec to Y2 Wellbeing Day TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER

Term starts for pupils

Terms ends, 3.30pm (Reception to Year 2) MONDAY 8 JANUARY Term begins for students TUESDAY 9 JANUARY Reception Artist dress up day FRIDAY 26 JANUARY

Y1 Collaboration Joint Playground Learning

WEDNESDAY 28 FEBRUARY Reception Science Day WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH Year 2 Life in Ancient Egypt Day THURSDAY 7 MARCH World Book Day Celebration FRIDAY 8 MARCH Year 1 Mothers Day Concert (2pm-3.30pm)

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

PRE - PREP CALENDAR DATES

TUESDAY 12 MARCH Parent Consultation Evening (online, 4pm-7pm) THURSDAY 14 MARCH Parent Consultation Evening (online, 4pm-7pm) FRIDAY 15 MARCH

Year 1 Pirate Treasure Hunt Dress Up FRIDAY 22 MARCH Year 1 Roald Dahl Trip Reception World Maths Day WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH Term ends for pupils, 3.30pm

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

PREP CALENDAR DATES

TUESDAY 5 DECEMBER

WEDNESDAY 24 JANUARY

Winter Choral Concert

Year 3 & Year 4 The Lion King

(2.30pm-3.30pm, Bourne Hall)

Theatre Trip (collaboration with Junior School)

WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER End of Term for Students,

WEDNESDAY 31 JANUARY

4pm ( No After School Care, Clubs or 5.30pm coaches)

Year 5 & Year 6 Wicked Theatre Trip (collaboration with Junior School)

MONDAY 8 JANUARY Start of Term for Students

FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY Wellbeing Day

THURSDAY 11 JANUARY

Term ends for pupils, 4pm

Year 3 Hazard Alley Trip TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY THURSDAY 18 JANUARY

Term begins for pupils

Open Morning for current parents (8.45am –10.45am)

THURSDAY 29 FEBRUARY Year 4 Mayan Workshop

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

PREP CALENDAR DATES

TUESDAY 5 MARCH

MONDAY 18 MARCH

Parent Consultation Evening

Year 5 Residential Information

(online)

Evening (7pm, Prep Hall)

THURSDAY 7 MARCH

TUESDAY 19 MARCH

Parent Consultation Evening

Year 5

(online)

Tower of London Trip

World Book Day

THURSDAY 21 MARCH MONDAY 11 MARCH

Year 6

Year 4 Natural History Museum Trip

National Gallery Trip

TUESDAY 12 MARCH

FRIDAY 22 MARCH

Parent Consultation Evening

Year 5

(online)

Planetarium Visit (Junior School)

THURSDAY 14 MARCH Parent Consultation Evening

WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH

(online)

International Languages Day Term ends for pupils, 4pm

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