Habs Weekly Pre-Prep and Prep School Edition Friday 12 January Spring Term
Head of Prep School’s Message Happy New Year! It has been wonderful having the boys back in school, refreshed and eager for the exciting term ahead. In this week's assembly, we delved into the concept of identity. The boys, in their insightful reflections, acknowledged that identity goes beyond external appearances. We explored the evolving journey of identity through the remarkable life of Alan Turing, recognising how decisions shape and redefine who we are over time. Alan Turing, a student, mathematician, inventor, war hero, and computer scientist, exemplifies the multifaceted nature of identity. The boys grasped the idea that they have a significant role in shaping their own identities - every choice, from appearance to behaviour, contributes to their unique narrative. Despite their individual differences, a common thread unites them - their membership in the Habs community. The school uniform, far more than a dress code, symbolises their identity within our close - knit community. It was heartening to witness the boys expressing pride in this shared identity. During this assembly, I also took a moment to emphasise the importance of caring for their uniforms, particularly their blazers. More than mere garments, their blazers represent their inclusion in a special community - a crucial part of their identity as members of the Habs community. Wishing everyone a fantastic and fulfilling term ahead!
Ms K Umpleby Head of Prep and Pre-Prep
Reception to Year 6 Information 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. After School Care is chargeable from 4.00 – 5.30pm costing £4.50, this charge includes a snack. Last minute bookings will be charged at £8.00 per session. Please note if you book your child into After School Care, and they do not attend, you may still be charged. 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.
Unwanted Festive Childrens Games and Books
New!
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 26 January and the items will be collected and stored safely. Thank you in advance for your generous support.
RECEPTION TO YEAR 6 INFORMATION
Habs Boys’ Parents Guild Quiz Night
New!
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
Women in Business Networking Event New!
WEDNESDAY 31 JANUARY
Please click here for further information regarding the inaugural Women in Business networking event, which is being hosted by Habs parent Martina Slowey, Head of EMEA Equities at Bank of America.
Winter Choral Concert RECORDING LINK
New!
Please click here to view the recording of the Winter Choral Concert.
Years 3 to Year 6 Information Design Your House Flag Competition
New!
NEW DEADLINE Well done to those of you that have already submitted your design! A reminder that 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 are now to be handed to your House Leader by Friday 19 January. 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.
Young Artists’ Summer Show 2024
New!
UPDATED INFORMATION Registration and submission for the Young Artists’ Summer Show 2024 are open now. Please click on the link below to submit your artwork directly to the Royal Academy of Arts Young Artists' Summer Show | Royal Academy Judging: April 2024 Online exhibition open: 16 July 2024 Exhibition at the RA open: 16 July - 11 August 2024
Morning Arrival at the Prep School
New!
IMPORTANT REMINDER A gentle reminder that morning drop off is from 8am. Pupils should not be arriving earlier than this time as they will not be supervised in the playground or in the classroom. Breakfast club is available from 7.30am at the Girls School.
YEAR 3 TO YEAR 6 INFORMATION
Mrs Nisha Tailor Head of Maths Introduction
New!
INTRODUCTION Hello parents and pupils, Happy New Year! My name is Mrs. Tailor and I am so excited to be teaching Maths, here at Habs Prep. I love the grounds and a huge thank you to your boys, who have all been incredibly warm and welcoming. Just a little bit about myself - I have been teaching maths for almost 20 years at both primary and secondary level and my most recent school was Manor Lodge where I taught Year 6 and was Head of Maths for almost 8 years. In my spare time, I love playing tennis, chess and cooking, as well as taking time out to visit the gym, when I’m not hanging out with my family, including my daughter who is in Year 9 and my son in Year 7. I look forward to seeing you all and teaching your boys in what I hope is a long future at the school.
Reporting Absence IMPORTANT REMINDER Please may we remind you that in line with our Absence Policy, parents wishing to take their child out for an appointment which is less than half a day should submit their request in writing to their son’s Form tutor, copying in prepoffice@habsboys.org.uk and the Prep Deputy Head Pastoral. For exceptional reasons which require absence for longer than a day (such as attending a funeral or a wedding, religious observance), please seek authorisation in writing from the Head of Prep in advance of the proposed date(s) of absence. All illnesses need to be emailed to prepoffice@habsboys.org.uk. Thank you for your support regarding this.
School Coats IMPORTANT REMINDER Despite the very cold weather, there are some pupils arriving to school without a school coat. All pupils will be outside before school and during break times and lunchtimes. Please ensure your son comes into school wearing his school coat every day.
Reception Pre-Prep & Prep Open House Morning
New!
THURSDAY 18 JANUARY Please click here for further information regarding our Open House Morning and to complete the form to confirm your attendance. Please find the timetable of lessons for the Open House Morning below. Please make your way to Pre-Prep Reception for Reception to Year 2 on arrival where you will be directed to the relevant classrooms. We look forward to welcoming you on the day.
Session 1 (8.45-9.45)
Session 2 (9.45-10.45)
RL
Maths/Learn & Explore
Games/Phonics
RP
Library/Games
Maths/Learn & Explore
Reception to Year 2 Coffee Morning
New!
FRIDAY 19 JANUARY, PRE- PREP HALL, 8.30 – 9.15am You are cordially invited to join us for morning coffee to foster a stronger connection between you and our Pre-Prep School leadership team. This informal gathering provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to engage in open conversations, ask questions, and get to know the individuals guiding your Childs’ educational journey. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can share your thoughts, gain insights into our school's vision, and build a sense of community with fellow parents. Our leadership team is excited to meet you, hear your perspectives, and work collaboratively to ensure the success and well-being of your child. We look forward to sharing this morning with you, fostering a strong partnership between home and school, and creating a supportive environment for our students.
THURSDAY 25 JANUARY We invite Reception parents and guardians from 8.45 to 10am in the Pre-Prep Hall to learn more about what we teach in Maths, how we teach it, and how you can support your child at home. We look forward to seeing you at the workshop.
Year 1 STEM Discovery Centre Trip
New!
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.
Pre-Prep & Prep Open House Morning
New!
THURSDAY 18 JANUARY Please click here for further information regarding our Open House Morning and to complete the form to confirm your attendance. Please find the timetable of lessons for the Open House Morning below. Please make your way to Pre-Prep Reception for Reception to Year 2 on arrival where you will be directed to the relevant classrooms. We look forward to welcoming you on the day.
Session 1 (8.45-9.45)
Session 2 (9.45-10.45)
1NP
English
Leafy Learners
1SS
Leafy Learners
Games/Library
Reception to Year 2 Coffee Morning
New!
FRIDAY 19 JANUARY, PRE- PREP HALL, 8.30 – 9.15am You are cordially invited to join us for morning coffee to foster a stronger connection between you and our Pre-Prep School leadership team. This informal gathering provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to engage in open conversations, ask questions, and get to know the individuals guiding your Childs’ educational journey. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can share your thoughts, gain insights into our school's vision, and build a sense of community with fellow parents. Our leadership team is excited to meet you, hear your perspectives, and work collaboratively to ensure the success and well-being of your child. We look forward to sharing this morning with you, fostering a strong partnership between home and school, and creating a supportive environment for our students.
Year 2 Year 2 St Paul’s Cathedral Trip
New!
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.
Pre-Prep & Prep Open House Morning
New!
THURSDAY 18 JANUARY Please click here for further information regarding our Open House Morning and to complete the form to confirm your attendance. Please find the timetable of lessons for the Open House Morning below. Please make your way to Pre-Prep Reception for Reception to Year 2 on arrival where you will be directed to the relevant classrooms. We look forward to welcoming you on the day.
Session 1 (8.45-9.45)
Session 2 (9.45-10.45)
2HP
English
French/Maths
2JP
DT/French
Maths
Reception to Year 2 Coffee Morning
New!
FRIDAY 19 JANUARY, PRE- PREP HALL, 8.30 – 9.15am You are cordially invited to join us for morning coffee to foster a stronger connection between you and our Pre-Prep School leadership team. This informal gathering provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to engage in open conversations, ask questions, and get to know the individuals guiding your Childs’ educational journey. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can share your thoughts, gain insights into our school's vision, and build a sense of community with fellow parents. Our leadership team is excited to meet you, hear your perspectives, and work collaboratively to ensure the success and well-being of your child. We look forward to sharing this morning with you, fostering a strong partnership between home and school, and creating a supportive environment for our students.
Year 3 Year 3 & Year 4 Coffee Afternoon
New!
MONDAY 15 JANUARY, PREP HALL, 3PM - 4PM You are cordially invited to join us for afternoon tea to foster a stronger connection between you and our Prep School leadership team. This informal gathering provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to engage in open conversations, ask questions, and get to know the individuals guiding your Childs’ educational journey. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can share your thoughts, gain insights into our school's vision, and build a sense of community with fellow parents. Our leadership team is excited to meet you, hear your perspectives, and work collaboratively to ensure the success and well-being of your child. We look forward to sharing this afternoon with you, fostering a strong partnership between home and school, and creating a supportive environment for our students.
Pre-Prep & Prep Open House Morning
New!
THURSDAY 18 JANUARY Please click here for further information regarding our Open House Morning and to complete the form to confirm your attendance. Please find the timetable of lessons for the Open House Morning below. Please make your way to Prep Reception on arrival where you will be directed to the relevant classrooms. We look forward to welcoming you on the day.
Session 1 (8.45-9.45)
Session 2 (9.45-10.45)
3BG
English
Maths
3NA
English
Maths
3TP
English
Maths
YEAR 3 INFORMATION
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.
Year 4 Year 3 & Year 4 Coffee Afternoon
New!
MONDAY 15 JANUARY, PREP HALL, 3PM - 4PM You are cordially invited to join us for afternoon tea to foster a stronger connection between you and our Prep School leadership team. This informal gathering provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to engage in open conversations, ask questions, and get to know the individuals guiding your Childs’ educational journey. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can share your thoughts, gain insights into our school's vision, and build a sense of community with fellow parents. Our leadership team is excited to meet you, hear your perspectives, and work collaboratively to ensure the success and well-being of your child. We look forward to sharing this afternoon with you, fostering a strong partnership between home and school, and creating a supportive environment for our students.
Pre-Prep & Prep Open House Morning
New!
THURSDAY 18 JANUARY Please click here for further information regarding our Open House Morning and to complete the form to confirm your attendance. Please find the timetable of lessons for the Open House Morning below. Please make your way to Prep Reception on arrival where you will be directed to the relevant classrooms. We look forward to welcoming you on the day.
Session 1 (8.45-9.45)
Session 2 (9.45-10.45)
4DS
Science
Maths
4MJ
Swimming
Science
YEAR 4 INFORMATION
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.
Year 4 Radlett Synagogue Trip TUESDAY 16 JANUARY Please click here for further information regarding the Year 4 trip to the Synagogue on Tuesday 16 January. Payment and consent is to be provided via Evolve.
Year 5 Year 5 & Year 6 Coffee Afternoon
New!
MONDAY 29 JANUARY, PREP HALL, 3PM - 4PM You are cordially invited to join us for afternoon tea to foster a stronger connection between you and our Prep School leadership team. This informal gathering provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to engage in open conversations, ask questions, and get to know the individuals guiding your Childs’ educational journey. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can share your thoughts, gain insights into our school's vision, and build a sense of community with fellow parents. Our leadership team is excited to welcome you, hear your perspectives, and work collaboratively to ensure the success and well-being of your child. We look forward to sharing this afternoon with you, fostering a strong partnership between home and school, and creating a supportive environment for our students.
Pre-Prep & Prep Open House Morning
New!
THURSDAY 18 JANUARY Please click here for further information regarding our Open House Morning and to complete the form to confirm your attendance. Please find the timetable of lessons for the Open House Morning below. Please make your way to Prep Reception on arrival where you will be directed to the relevant classrooms. We look forward to welcoming you on the day.
Session 1 (8.45-9.45)
Session 2 (9.45-10.45)
5DK
Habs+ / Maths
Maths
5JG
Habs+ / Maths
Maths
5RD
Habs+ / Maths
Maths
YEAR 5 INFORMATION
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.
Wicked Theatre Trip 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.
Year 5 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 payment and consent information.
Year 6 Year 5 & Year 6 Coffee Afternoon
New!
MONDAY 29 JANUARY, PREP HALL, 3PM - 4PM You are cordially invited to join us for afternoon tea to foster a stronger connection between you and our Prep School leadership team. This informal gathering provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to engage in open conversations, ask questions, and get to know the individuals guiding your Childs’ educational journey. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can share your thoughts, gain insights into our school's vision, and build a sense of community with fellow parents. Our leadership team is excited to welcome you, hear your perspectives, and work collaboratively to ensure the success and well-being of your child. We look forward to sharing this afternoon with you, fostering a strong partnership between home and school, and creating a supportive environment for our students.
Year 6 Dumpling Making Activity
New!
FRIDAY 22 JANUARY To celebrate Chinese New Year, we have organised a dumpling making activity for all pupils in Year 6 on 22 January 2024. The dumpling filling will consist of gluten-free soy sauce, carrots, cabbages, broccoli, sweet corn, tofu, salt and pepper. The pastry will be made using gluten-free flour, salt and water. Please note, if you have concerns regarding allergies or dietary restrictions related to the ingredients used in this recipe, I kindly request you to reach out to me as soon as possible by email at Miller_l@habsboys.org.uk. The boys will make the dumplings at school and bring them back home to cook and share. Therefore, all boys will need to bring a small container in to school to take the dumplings home. Please do not bring in a food bag. Each boy will make 4-5 dumplings during the activity. If you have a rolling pin at home, could I please ask you to provide your son with one to bring to school on the day. Thank you for your continued support.
YEAR 5 INFORMATION
Pre-Prep & Prep Open House Morning
New!
THURSDAY 18 JANUARY Please click here for further information regarding our Open House Morning and to complete the form to confirm your attendance. Please find the timetable of lessons for the Open House Morning below. Please make your way to Prep Reception on arrival where you will be directed to the relevant classrooms. We look forward to welcoming you on the day. Session 1 (8.45-9.45)
Session 2 (9.45-10.45)
6JK
Art
Music
6MN
Computing / Drama
Music
6SA
History / Computing
Music
Wicked Theatre Trip 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.
PREP SPORTS FIXTURES THURSDAY 18 JANUARY MONDAY 22 JANUARY SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER WEDNESDAY 24 JANUARY FRIDAY 26 JANUARY
SATURDAY 27 JANUARY
Y3 V St Martins (Home 2.30pm to 4.00pm) Y6 v Chesham (Chesham School 1.30pm to 4.30pm) Y5 v Highgate (Highgate, 1.30pm to 4.40pm) Y5 v St Martins (Home, 2.30pm to 4.00pm) Y6 v Highgate (Home, 2.30pm to 4.00pm) *U11 Table Tennis Community Cup (10am to 12.30pm, McGowan) *U11 Hertfordshire County Football Finals (1.00pm to 6.00pm, Parmiters Grammar School)
TUESDAY 30 JANUARY THURSDAY 1 FEBRUARY FRIDAY 2 FEBRUARY
SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY
MONDAY 5 FEBRUARY TUESDAY 6 FEBRUARY THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY TUESDAY 22 FEBRUARY
Y4 v St Johns (St Johns 1.30pm to 4.45pm) Y3 v St Johns (Home, 1.30pm to 4.00pm) *Division 10 Swimming Girls School, 4.00pm Y6 Quad v UCS (UCS 1.30pm to 4.45pm) Y4/Y5 (ABC) v UCS (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)
* Selected pupils will be invited to participate via SOCS
PREP SPORTS FIXTURES FRIDAY 23 FEBRUARY SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY TUESDAY 27 FEBRUARY THURSDAY 29 FEBRUARY
Y6 (ABC) v St Johns (Home, Hockey pitches, 2.30am to 4.00pm) *Y4 Football festival UCS Medi Mehra Cup Invite Only (Away 9.30pm to 12.30pm) Y4 v St Johns (St Johns, 1.30pm to 4.30pm) Division 10 Swimming (Medburn, 4.00pm) 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, 1.30pm to 4.00pm)
TUESDAY 5 MARCH
Y4 v Radlett (Home, Pavilion, 1.30pm to 4.00pm)
FRIDAY 8 MARCH
Y6 ISFA Football Cup St Johns (invite only) 8.45 to 3.30pm Y5/6 (ABC) Hockey v St Martins 2.20pm to 4.00pm
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 19 JANUARY Rec to Year 2 Coffee Morning
FRIDAY 8 MARCH
Pre-Prep Hall, 8.30am-9.15am
Year 1 Mothers Day Concert (2pm-3.30pm)
FRIDAY 26 JANUARY Year 1 Collaboration Joint Playground Learning THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY Year 1 STEM Discovery Trip FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY Year 2 St Paul’s Cathedral Visit TERM ENDS TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY Term begins for students
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 Rec to Year 6 Donkin Cup
WEDNESDAY 28 FEBRUARY
FRIDAY 22 MARCH
Reception Science Day
Year 1 Roald Dahl Trip Reception World Maths Day
WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH Year 2 Life in Ancient Egypt Day THURSDAY 7 MARCH
WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH Term ends for students, 3.30pm
World Book Day Celebration
For further information, please refer to the school calendar on Firefly.
PREP CALENDAR DATES
FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY MONDAY 15 JANUARY
Wellbeing Day
Y3 & Y4 Tea & Coffee Afternoon
Term ends for students, 4pm
Prep Hall, 3pm - 4pm TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY THURSDAY 18 JANUARY
Term begins for students
Open Morning for current parents 8.45am –10.45am
THURSDAY 29 FEBRUARY Year 4 Mayan Workshop
WEDNESDAY 24 JANUARY Year 3 & Year 4 The Lion King
TUESDAY 5 MARCH Parent Consultation Evening
MONDAY 29 JANUARY
(online)
Y5 & Y6 Tea & Coffee Afternoon Prep Hall, 3pm-4pm
THURSDAY 7 MARCH World Book Day
WEDNESDAY 31 JANUARY
Parent Consultation Evening
Year 5 & Year 6 Wicked
(online)
Theatre Trip
For further information, please refer to the school calendar on Firefly.
PREP CALENDAR DATES
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
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 students, 4pm
MONDAY 18 MARCH Year 5 Residential Information Evening (7pm, Prep Hall)
TUESDAY 19 MARCH Year 5 Tower of London Trip
For further information, please refer to the school calendar on Firefly.