Habs Weekly Pre-Prep and Prep School Edition Friday 19 January Spring Term
Head of Prep School’s Message It was truly delightful to extend a warm welcome to many of you at the Prep School this week. Whether you attended the Open House on Thursday morning, the Coffee and Cake sessions with PLT on Monday (for Y3 and 4), or this morning (for Rec to Y2). We eagerly anticipate the upcoming gathering with Year 5 and Year 6 parents for Coffee and Cake on Monday, January 29 at 3pm. The partnership we share with parents holds immense significance for us, and we express our gratitude for your attendance, even in the chilly weather. The Open House session provided a valuable opportunity for you to witness the Prep School in action and gain insight into the daily activities of your boys—activities that, when inquired about, may often be met with a nonchalant "nothing." It also served as a platform for sharing some of our approaches to various aspects of learning and the diverse strategies employed by our teachers. This will hopefully enable greater consistency when addressing tasks at home. The boys took immense pride in showcasing their work, whether on display or in their books, during your visit—a truly fantastic way to celebrate their successes, build selfesteem, and, hopefully, ensure an enjoyable experience for all. We express our gratitude for your participation in the Coffee and Cake with PLT sessions, providing an excellent opportunity to forge deeper connections, while also offering a platform for discussions and guidance from the Prep Leadership Team on topics ranging from the safe use of iPads and gaming devices at home to strategies for developing resilience and independence. Emphasising our commitment to community, which we frequently discuss and hold in high regard, we cherish moments when we can come together as a unified entity. During Wednesday's assembly, Mr. Broadwith, Head of Russells House in the Senior School, passionately spoke to the boys about Habs Dash —a unique opportunity for students and staff to unite, challenge themselves, contribute to their House, and enhance their physical and mental well-being. The assembly was truly inspiring, and we anticipate the growth of the Habs Dash community as a result. As the week draws to a close, I extend my warm wishes for a wonderful weekend. Stay warm and take care.
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 22 JANUARY 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 Children’s Self Esteem:10 things for Parents to Ponder. Please click here to read an article written by Dr Kathy Weston on ways that you can help to cultivate a strong sense of sense in children.
RECEPTION TO YEAR 6 INFORMATION
Podcast: Unlocking Curiosity, Building Community
New!
BRAND NEW We are very excited to announce to launch of the Prep School’s brand new Podcast: Unlocking Curiosity, Building Community, written and presented by Shivam, a Year 5 pupil. This week, Shivam interviews Mr Swindell about all things pastoral in the Prep School. To listen to the Podcast Please click here. Watch this space for more podcasts and interviews hosted by Shivam in the near future!
International Mother Language Day
New!
FEBRUARY 2024 As such a culturally diverse community, it is important that we acknowledge and celebrate International Mother Language Day. It falls within our first week back after February half term and to mark the occasion, we are inviting family members into language lessons to celebrate and share home languages. You could share greetings with us, teach us basic numbers or anything else! Please complete this form to confirm which sessions you would like to attend. Thank you for your continued support.
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 26 January and the items will be collected and stored safely. Thank you in advance for your generous support.
Women in Business Networking Event 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.
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
Years 3 to Year 6 Information Cold Weather Uniform Reminder
New!
REMINDER As the weather has turned colder, please may we remind all families that all boys will be outside before school and for break times and lunchtimes and therefore need to ensure they wrap up warmly. Where possible. hats, scarves and gloves should be worn and all items should also be clearly labelled. Thank you for your continued support.
Young Artists’ Summer Show 2024 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 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.
SAVE THE DATE ____
Habs Giving Day 2024 MiniDash TUESDAY 5 MARCH (after drop off) 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. Last year over 300 parents took part and had a lot of fun! Click here to view the MiniDash 2023 photo gallery. 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 in the coming weeks, but for now save the date and start stretching! Please contact Mrs Sonal Dhadphale, Alumni and Development Officer at foundation@habselstree.org.uk if you have any queries.
Registration opens on Friday 2 February.
Reception Topic Grid
New!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Please click here to view the Reception Topic Grid for the Spring Term.
Reception Maths Workshop 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 Topic Grid
New!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Please click here to view the Year 1 Topic Grid for the Spring Term.
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 2 Year 2 Ancient Egypt Day
New!
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.
Topic Grid
New!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Please click here to view the Year 2 Topic Grid for the Spring Term.
Year 2 Parent Workshop on Reading
New!
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 INFORMATION
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.
Year 3 No new notices for this week.
Year 4 Year 4 Mayan Workshop
New!
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.
Year 5 Jazz Summer School 2024
New!
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 Monday 25 March.
Habs Indian Music Course 2024
New!
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.
Year 5 & Year 6 Coffee Afternoon 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.
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 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.
Year 6 Jazz Summer School 2024
New!
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 Monday 25 March 2024.
Habs Indian Music Course 2024
New!
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.
Year 5 & Year 6 Coffee Afternoon 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.
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
MONDAY 22 JANUARY
WEDNESDAY 24 JANUARY FRIDAY 26 JANUARY
SATURDAY 27 JANUARY
Y6 v Chesham (Chesham School 1.30pm to 4.30pm) 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 26 JANUARY
FRIDAY 8 MARCH
Year 1 Collaboration Joint Playground Learning
Year 1 Mothers Day Concert
THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY
TUESDAY 12 MARCH
Year 1 STEM Discovery Trip
Parent Consultation Evening
Year 2 Parent Reading Workshop
(online, 4pm-7pm)
FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY
THURSDAY 14 MARCH
Year 2 St Paul’s Cathedral Visit
Parent Consultation Evening
Term ends for students, 3.30pm
(online, 4pm-7pm)
TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY
FRIDAY 15 MARCH
Term begins for students WEDNESDAY 28 FEBRUARY Reception Science Day WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH
(2pm-3.30pm)
Year 1 Pirate Treasure Hunt Dress Up Rec to Year 6 Donkin Cup FRIDAY 22 MARCH Year 1 Roald Dahl Trip
Year 2 Life in Ancient Egypt Day
Reception World Maths Day
THURSDAY 7 MARCH
WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH
World Book Day Celebration
Term ends for students, 3.30pm
For further information, please refer to the school calendar on Firefly.
PREP CALENDAR DATES
WEDNESDAY 24 JANUARY
Year 3 & Year 4 The Lion King MONDAY 29 JANUARY Y5 & Y6 Tea & Coffee Afternoon Prep Hall, 3pm-4pm WEDNESDAY 31 JANUARY Year 5 & Year 6 Wicked
Theatre Trip 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) TUESDAY 5 MARCH Parent Consultation Evening (online) 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)
For further information, please refer to the school calendar on Firefly.
PREP CALENDAR DATES
THURSDAY 14 MARCH
MONDAY 18 MARCH
Parent Consultation Evening
Year 5 Residential Information
(online)
Evening (7pm, Prep Hall)
FRIDAY 15 MARCH
TUESDAY 19 MARCH
Rec to Year 6 Donkin Cup
Year 5 Tower of London Trip
MONDAY 18 MARCH
THURSDAY 21 MARCH
Year 5 Residential Information
Year 6
Evening (7pm, Prep Hall)
National Gallery Trip
TUESDAY 19 MARCH
FRIDAY 22 MARCH
Year 5
Year 5
Tower of London Trip
Planetarium Visit (Junior School)
FRIDAY 15 MARCH Rec to Year 6 Donkin Cup
WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH International Day Term ends for pupils, 4pm
For further information, please refer to the school calendar on Firefly.
PREP CALENDAR DATES
THURSDAY 14 MARCH Parent Consultation Evening (online)
FRIDAY 15 MARCH Rec to Year 6 Donkin Cup
MONDAY 18 MARCH Year 5 Residential Information Evening (7pm, Prep Hall)
TUESDAY 19 MARCH Year 5 Tower of London Trip
FRIDAY 15 MARCH Rec to Year 6 Donkin Cup
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.