Habs Weekly Pre-Prep and Prep School Edition Friday 2 February Spring Term
Head of Prep School’s Message With both 4+ and 7+ offers going out this week, there have been many discussions during the last few weeks around what is it that truly epitomises a Habs student, what truly indicates scholarship and a scholarly approach in our Prep School community. Scholarship, to us, is more than academic achievement; it's a commitment to learning and reaching one's full potential. We encourage our students to set high personal standards and strive for excellence in all they do. A scholarly approach involves a genuine love for the subjects they study (something I am privileged to see daily), coupled with courage in learning—taking risks, being flexible in their approaches and acting on feedback to grow and improve continuously. We celebrate students who proactively go beyond the curriculum, displaying curiosity that extends their learning. Determination and resilience are key traits which we value, highlighting a thirst for knowledge and tenacity in developing a deep understanding of their subjects. Critical thinking is fostered in our students as they ask questions that expand horizons and stretch thinking. Being an outstanding member of the learning community means respecting diverse views, working exceptionally well with peers, and contributing positively to the classroom culture. In a recent discussion with a group of Year 5 and 6 parents, we explored the fact that no one knows the future for our students. The workforce that our 4+ intake will be joining in approximately 2042, will look very different to today. However, skills such as these will ensure they can be successful regardless. Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
Ms K Umpleby Head of Prep and Pre-Prep
Reception to Year 6 Information Lunch Menu
New!
WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 5 FEBRUARY Please click here to view the Pre-Prep lunch menu. Please click here to view the Prep lunch menu.
Tooled Up
New!
GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS Ahead of Children’s mental health week, Please click here to watch a video about social media and mental health which given the current world events, is particularly pertinent.
Wrap-around Care Facility
New!
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. Booking should be made via the link below. Please note that if your child is not booked into After School Care, we may not be able to accommodate them. Please ensure you fill out the Form for all After School Care bookings. Please click here to book your child into After School Care.
Donkin Cup New Date
New!
FRIDAY 15 MARCH Please click here for information regarding race timings for the Donkin Cup on Friday 15 March. We look forward to welcoming you on the day.
RECEPTION TO YEAR 6 INFORMATION
World Book Day
New!
THURSDAY 7 MARCH On Thursday 7 March, the children may come to school dressed as their favourite book character. Abi Elphinstone an award winning author will be visiting the Prep School, and Josh Lacey will also be visiting the Pre-Prep. We are offering pre-orders for their books at a discount, and Abi and Josh will be happy to sign books on the day. Please note, the order form will close on 20 February. Abi’s Elphinstone books (for ages 7+), All offered at a special event price of £6 each. Saving Neverland Please click here to order Sky Song Please click here to order Everdark (Unmapped Chronicles Prequel) Please click here to order Rumblestar (Unmapped Chronicles 1) Please click here to order Jungledrop (Unmapped Chronicles 2) Please click here to order The Crackledawn Dragon (Unmapped Chronicles 3) Please click here to order The Dreamsnatcher Please click here to order
Josh Lacey’s books (all ages) all offered at £6, apart from Dragonsitter, which is £5 The Pet Potato Please click here to order Time Travel Twins: The Roman Invasion Please click here to order Time Travel Twins: Viking Attack Please click here to order The Dragonsitter Please click here to order
RECEPTION TO YEAR 6 INFORMATION
St David’s Day
New!
FRIDAY 1 MARCH We are excited to be supporting Sebby’s Corner as part of our St David’s Day celebrations. Sebby’s Corner is a Barnet based charity offering family referrals to ensure no child goes without any essentials. Pupils will have an assembly by staff from the charity prior to the day and on the day, will be volunteering for them by packing essential clothing packs. You can find out more about Sebby’s Corner on their websitewww.sebbyscorner.co.uk. To help support the charity further, we are asking all boys to wear non-uniform (no football shirts please) and bring in either £2 or one of these items to donate: An unopened packet of nappies (any size) Unopened children’s toiletries In addition, pupils can also bring in money to: Buy a David’s Baking recipe book- £2. Participate in a “guess the teacher as a child” game- 50p Thank you as always for your wonderful support.
Children’s Mental Health Week 5 FEBRUARY TO 9 FEBRUARY Children’s Mental Health Week is a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of the importance of mental health and wellbeing with the children. Across the Prep and Pre-Prep this week will be used to further equip children with the skills to support and strengthen their mental health. Children in Years 3-6 will be partaking in a Prep School Wellbeing day on Friday 9 February to mark the end of the week. During this day children will be participating in a number of activities in their Houses, including Tai Chi workshops, origami crafts, team building STEM activities and many others! Please ensure children come to school in their games kit, wearing their house T-shirt.
RECEPTION TO YEAR 6 INFORMATION
Habs Boys’ Parents Guild Quiz Night THURSDAY 22 FEBRUARY, 7PM, BOURNE HALL Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, we are delighted to invite you to the Habs Boys’ Parents' Guild (HBPG) Quiz event on Thursday 22 February 2024 in the Bourne Hall. The evening will consist of some light entertainment, food, drinks and some contemporary quiz trivia. The event commences at 7pm with drinks, and food will be served from 7.15pm in the Bourne Hall. Tickets for the event are £25 per person and includes a 2 course meal and drinks. Tickets can be booked online via the link below from 9pm on Sunday 14 January. All tickets for this event will need to be pre-booked through the website as no tickets will be available on the door. Please book early to avoid disappointment as last year the event sold out in 48 hours.
Please click here to book your tickets! Each table will consist of a team of 8 participants. Booking options are detailed below: Book a team of 8 to guarantee a full table. Book together (if less than 8) to guarantee sitting together. If you book individually, we will endeavour to accommodate any requests, however seating arrangements cannot not be guaranteed. We very much look forward to welcoming parents, guardians and staff to the HBPG Quiz night, and any questions regarding the event can be directed to hbpg.quiznight@gmail.com
Unwanted Festive Childrens Games and Books HABS BOYS PARENT GUILD REQUEST The Habs Boys Parents’ Guild would like to collect unwanted games and books received over the festive period to use at the Habs Boys Summer Fair (Sunday 30 June). If you or your children have received items that they don’t want or have played with and are in very good condition, please consider donating them to the Guild’s efforts. They will be used on stalls and in a tombola in the summer fair. If you have something that could be used, please ask your child to leave it at the Prep Reception between Monday 15 January and Friday 9 February and the items will be collected and stored safely. Thank you in advance for your generous support.
Reception to Year 6
Co-Commercial Partnership Spring Camps & Activites Please click here for further information regarding our Co-Commercial spring term camps on offer at Habs Elstree Schools. For all weekday activities that are available, Please click here.
Habs Giving Day 2024
Habs Giving Day 2024 MiniDash Tuesday 5 March (after drop-off)
BOOK NOW! Attention all Junior and Prep School parents and guardians! Get the silly hats ready, get set and go! Join your child(ren) on the morning of Tuesday 5 March for our annual fun run in support of Habs Giving Day - BOOK NOW to run with your child(ren). Click here to see photos from last year’s MiniDash when over 300 parents took part – it was a lot of fun! Every parent and child who runs (or jogs, or walks…) in the MiniDash unlocks extra cash from our challenge donors, meaning more funding for Bursaries and Community Service Partnerships, the schools’ top priorities this year. Habs Giving Day is all about celebrating community, philanthropy and taking part. We will share more details on Giving Day in the coming weeks. If you have any queries, please contact Sonal Dhadphale at foundation@habselstree.org.uk or telephone 020 8266 1907.
Years 3 to Year 6 Information Prep Young Musician of the Year 2024
New!
MESSAGE FROM MISS GOZZARD We very much look forward to receiving video auditions for our Prep Young Musician of the Year competition 2024. All instruments and disciplines are welcome, including a composing (make your own music) category, and will be judged in the finals by specialists in the relevant field. Parents, guardians and families of finalists will be invited to watch each category. Please click here for the dates and the relevant links for entry. Anyone working towards Grade 1 standard (or with 1+ year experience) and above is welcome to enter, with only one entry per instrument allowed. Boys will be able to hear all the entries on the Padlet wall.
Year 3 to Year 6 Parent Consultation Evenings
New!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Please click here for further information regarding the Parent Consultation Evenings for this term. Please note, all appointments will all be held online over the following dates; Tuesday 5 March, Thursday 7 March, Tuesday 12 March, and Thursday 14 March. The booking system will open at 9am on Monday 12 February and will close at 5pm on Friday 23 February.
Reception Reception Maths Workshop
New!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Thank you for your attendance at our Maths workshop, we hope you found it informative. Please click here to view the presentation slides. As always, our door is always open so please contact your child's class teacher if you have any questions or queries. Thank you for your continued support.
Reception Parents Evening (Online)
New!
TUESDAY 12 MARCH AND THURSDAY 21 MARCH (Please note due to teacher availability Parents Evening for Reception will now be held on the above dates from 4pm to 7pm). Parent Consultations for this term will be held online using ‘School Cloud’. 15-minute appointments are available on a first come, first served basis, to discuss your child’s progress. We encourage both parents to attend where possible. Please click here to book. The booking system will open at 9am on Monday 5 February and will close on Friday 8 March at 5pm.
Winter Uniform
New!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Please ensure that your child attends school daily in the appropriate school uniform. Coats, hats, and scarves should bear the Habs brand, while gloves must be plain navy blue. You can find the complete uniform collection at Uniform 4 Kids by clicking here. Additionally, please ensure that all items are clearly labelled with your son's name to facilitate easy identification. Your understanding and support are greatly appreciated.
Reception Literacy Workshop THURSDAY 22 FEBRUARY, 8.45am We look forward to seeing you on Thursday 22 February for our final Literacy workshop instalment. Now that your child’s Literacy journey is underway and flourishing, we will share with you what we are teaching at this stage of the year, how we teach and how you can support your child with their Guided Reading and Target Words.
Year 1 Year 1Parents Evening (Online)
New!
TUESDAY 12 MARCH AND THURSDAY 14 MARCH Parent Consultations for this term will be held online using ‘School Cloud’. 15-minute appointments are available on a first come, first served basis, to discuss your child’s progress. We encourage both parents to attend where possible. Please click here to book. The booking system will open at 9am on Monday 5 February and will close on Friday 8 March at 5pm.
Mother’s Day Celebrations
New!
FRIDAY 8 MARCH, SELDON HALL, 2PM We are excited to invite you to our Mother’s Day Celebrations on Friday 8 March! Taking place in the Seldon Hall at 2pm, the children are looking forward to entertaining you. Refreshments will be provided after the concert in the Pre-Prep Hall. Please click here to confirm your attendance by Monday 19 February (please note, spaces are strictly limited to two per child). We are also creating a PowerPoint to accompany a song during the celebrations, please could you send one picture of your child with their mother to their class teacher (stables_s@habsboys.org.uk/patel_n@habsboys.org.uk).
Winter Uniform
New!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Please ensure that your child attends school daily in the appropriate school uniform. Coats, hats, and scarves should bear the Habs brand, while gloves must be plain navy blue. You can find the complete uniform collection at Uniform 4 Kids by clicking here. Additionally, please ensure that all items are clearly labelled with your son's name to facilitate easy identification. Your understanding and support are greatly appreciated.
STEM Discovery Centre Trip THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY Please click here for further information regarding the Year 1 trip to the STEM Discovery Centre on Thursday 8 February. Payment and consent is to be provided via Evolve.
YEAR 1 INFORMATION
Signing into Microsoft 365 from Home GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS Please click here to view how to access Microsoft 365 from home. Should you require any further assistance, please email Mrs Kingsley, Prep IT Co-ordinator directly Kingsley_d@habsboys.org.uk.
Year 2 Year 2 Parents Evening (Online)
New!
TUESDAY 12 MARCH AND THURSDAY 14 MARCH Parent Consultations for this term will be held online using ‘School Cloud’. 15-minute appointments are available on a first come, first served basis, to discuss your child’s progress. We encourage both parents to attend where possible. Please click here to book. The booking system will open at 9am on Monday 5 February and will close on Friday 8 March at 5pm.
Winter Uniform IMPORTANT INFORMATION Please ensure that your child attends school daily in the appropriate school uniform. Coats, hats, and scarves should bear the Habs brand, while gloves must be plain navy blue. You can find the complete uniform collection at Uniform 4 Kids by clicking here. Additionally, please ensure that all items are clearly labelled with your son's name to facilitate easy identification. Your understanding and support are greatly appreciated.
Year 2 Parent Workshop on Reading THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY, 8.45AM Please click here for information regarding the Year 2 Parent Workshop on Reading. We look forward to welcoming you.
Year 2 St Paul’s Cathedral Trip FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY Please click here for further information regarding the Year 2 trip to St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday 9 February. Payment and consent is to be provided via Evolve.
Signing into Microsoft 365 from Home GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS Please click here to view how to access Microsoft 365 from home. Should you require any further assistance, please email Mrs Kingsley, Prep IT Co-ordinator directly Kingsley_d@habsboys.org.uk.
YEAR 2 INFORMATION
Year 2 Ancient Egypt Day WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH To enrich our history topic on Ancient Egypt, we have arranged for ‘History off the Page’ to spend the day with us on Wednesday 6 March. The children will take part in a range of cross curricular activities using authentic tools. There is an opportunity for 4 parent volunteers to help on this exciting day. If you would like to get involved, please email Mrs Percival (percival_j@habsboys.org.uk). We would like the children to dress up as an Ancient Egyptian. Costumes do not need to be complicated: Tunic: This can be made from a simple white oversized t-shirt, pillowcase or even an old sheet folded in half, stitched and a hole in the top for your head with a sash or belt over it. Sandals: (Optional) Simple leather sandals are good (school shoes must also be bought to school for playtimes) Collar: A collar is not essential but can be easily made from a circular piece of cardboard with a hole cut into it for your head. You can decorate it with an Egyptian-style pattern.
Year 3 Year 3 The Evacuee Experience Residential
New!
MONDAY 13 MAY TO WEDNESDAY 15 MAY Please click here for further information regarding the Year 3 Residential “The Evacuee’s Experience”. Payment and consent is to be provided via Evolve.
Year 3 Instrumental Scheme Open Morning MONDAY 5 FEBRUARY We are delighted to invite you to attend the Year 3 Instrumental Scheme Open Morning on Monday 5 February in the Seldon Hall. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to gain a greater understanding of your son’s instrument and talk to his teacher. Information regarding lesson times and location has been sent to you individually. We look forward to welcoming you on the day. Please ensure you sign in at the Prep School on arrival.
Signing into Microsoft 365 from Home GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS Please click here to view how to access Microsoft 365 from home. Should you require any further assistance, please email Mrs Kingsley, Prep IT Co-ordinator directly Kingsley_d@habsboys.org.uk.
Year 4 Year 4 Natural History Museum Trip
New!
MONDAY 11 MARCH Please click here for further information regarding the Year 4 trip to the Natural History Museum. Payment and consent is to be provided via Evolve.
Year 4 Aylmerton Residential TUESDAY 11 JUNE TO FRIDAY 14 JUNE Please click here for further information regarding the Year 4 Residential to Aylmerton. Payment and consent is to be provided via Evolve.
Year 4 Mayan Workshop THURSDAY 29 FEBRUARY As part of our History curriculum, we are excited to inform you that Year 4 will be taking part in a Mayan Workshop on Thursday 29 February. This will help introduce this new topic and period to them and is expected to be a memorable and fun day. The workshop will take place throughout the day with lunch and going home arrangements as per usual. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Form teacher.
Signing into Microsoft 365 from Home GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS Please click here to view how to access Microsoft 365 from home. Should you require any further assistance, please email Mrs Kingsley, Prep IT Co-ordinator directly Kingsley_d@habsboys.org.uk.
Year 5 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. Payment and consent is to be provided via Evolve.
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 THURSDAY 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.
Signing into Microsoft 365 from Home GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS Please click here to view how to access Microsoft 365 from home. Should you require any further assistance, please email Mrs Kingsley, Prep IT Co-ordinator directly Kingsley_d@habsboys.org.uk.
Year 6 Year 6 National Gallery Trip
New!
THURSDAY 21 MARCH Please click here for further information regarding the Year 6 trip to the National Gallery. Payment and consent is to be provided via Evolve.
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 2024.
Habs Indian Music Course 2024 MONDAY 26 TO THURSDAY 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.
Signing into Microsoft 365 from Home GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS Please click here to view how to access Microsoft 365 from home. Should you require any further assistance, please email Mrs Kingsley, Prep IT Co-ordinator directly Kingsley_d@habsboys.org.uk.
PREP SPORTS FIXTURES
Y4/Y5 (ABC) v UCS SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY
MONDAY 5 FEBRUARY TUESDAY 6 FEBRUARY THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY TUESDAY 22 FEBRUARY FRIDAY 23 FEBRUARY SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY TUESDAY 27 FEBRUARY THURSDAY 29 FEBRUARY
(UCS 9.30am to 11.00am)
Y5/Y6 Watford FC Match experience Y5 v Radlett (Home 2.30pm to 4.00pm , Pavilion) Y4 Chesham and Claires Court (Chesham 1.30pm to 4.30pm) Y3 v Berkhamsted (Home 2.00pm to 4.45pm) Y3 v UCS (Belmont 1.30pm to 4.30pm) Y6 (ABC) v St Johns
(Home, Hockey pitches, 2.30pm to 4.00pm) *Y4 Football festival UCS Medi Mehra Cup Invite Only (Away 9.30am to 12.30pm) Y4 v St Johns (St Johns, 1.30pm to 4.30pm) Division 10 Swimming (Medburn, 4pm) Y6 (BCD) v St Johns (St Johns, 1.30pm to 4.45pm)
FRIDAY 1 MARCH
St Martins Prep Road Relay U11 (Away 1.15pm to 4.45pm)
MONDAY 4 MARCH
Y5 v Highgate (Home, Pavilion, 2.30pm to 4pm)
TUESDAY 5 MARCH
Y4 v Radlett (Home, Pavilion, 2.30pm to 4pm)
FRIDAY 8 MARCH
*Y6 ISFA Football Cup St Johns (invite only) 8.45am to 3.30pm Y5/6 (ABC) Hockey v St Martins 2.30pm to 4pm
* Selected pupils will be invited to participate via SOCS
PREP SPORTS FIXTURES SATURDAY 9 MARCH
THURSDAY 14 MARCH
FRIDAY 15 MARCH MONDAY 18 MARCH THURSDAY 21 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, 2.30pm to 4.00pm) Y5 v Radlett (Radlett, 1.45pm to 4.00pm) *Y5/Y6 Table Tennis v Belmont/Highgate, Medburn (invite only) 4.00pm to 5.15pm
* Selected pupils will be invited to participate via SOCS
PRE - PREP CALENDAR DATES
FRIDAY 8 MARCH
Year 1 Mother’s Day Concert THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY
(2pm-3.30pm)
Year 1 STEM Discovery Trip Year 2 Parent Reading Workshop
TUESDAY 12 MARCH Parent Consultation Evening
FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY
(online, 4pm-7pm)
Year 2 St Paul’s Cathedral Visit Term ends for students, 3.30pm
THURSDAY 14 MARCH Parent Consultation Evening
TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY
(online, 4pm-7pm)
Term begins for students FRIDAY 15 MARCH THURSDAY 22 FEBRUARY
Year 1 Pirate Treasure Hunt Dress Up
Reception Literacy Workshop
Rec to Year 6 Donkin Cup
WEDNESDAY 28 FEBRUARY
FRIDAY 22 MARCH
Reception Science Day
Year 1 Roald Dahl Trip
WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH
Reception World Maths Day
Year 2 Life in Ancient Egypt Day WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH THURSDAY 7 MARCH
International Day
World Book Day Celebration
Term ends for students, 3.30pm
For further information, please refer to the school calendar on Firefly.
PREP CALENDAR DATES
MONDAY 5 FEBRUARY
Y3 Instrumental Scheme Open Morning FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY Wellbeing Day Term ends for students, 4pm TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY
Term begins for students THURSDAY 29 FEBRUARY Year 4 Mayan Workshop SATURDAY 2 MARCH Under 11’s IAPS Basketball Championships (invite only)
THURSDAY 7 MARCH World Book Day Parent Consultation Evening (online) MONDAY 11 MARCH Year 4 Natural History Museum Trip TUESDAY 12 MARCH Parent Consultation Evening (online) THURSDAY 14 MARCH Parent Consultation Evening (online) FRIDAY 15 MARCH Rec to Year 6 Donkin Cup
TUESDAY 5 MARCH Parent Consultation Evening (online)
For further information, please refer to the school calendar on Firefly.
PREP CALENDAR DATES
MONDAY 18 MARCH
Year 5 Residential Information Evening (7pm, Prep Hall) TUESDAY 19 MARCH Year 5 Tower of London Trip WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH Year 3 Residential Information Evening (7pm, Prep Hall) THURSDAY 21 MARCH Year 6 National Gallery Trip FRIDAY 22 MARCH Year 5 Planetarium Visit (Junior School) WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH International Day Term ends for pupils, 4pm
For further information, please refer to the school calendar on Firefly.