Pre-Prep and Prep School edition
Friday 5 July
End of Summer Term
Head of Prep School’s message
As the academic year draws to a close, we reflect on the incredible journey we've shared with your children. It has been a year filled with learning, growth, and countless memorable moments We are grateful for your unwavering support and collaboration throughout this year
Highlights of the year have covered an array of school life, from academic achievements to creative endeavours, from sports and physical activities to community engagement Our students have excelled in their studies, showcasing their hard work and dedication We are proud of their accomplishments and the progress they've made Whether it's mastering new reading levels, excelling in mathematics, or exploring the wonders of science, our students have truly shined
The arts have been a vibrant part of our curriculum this year. From colourful art projects displayed throughout the school, to captivating performances, our students have expressed themselves creatively and with enthusiasm The Summer Concerts, Year 6 Production ‘Joseph’ and our first ever Art & DT Assembly Showcase were standout events, highlighting the diverse talents of our young artists
Physical education and sports have played a crucial role in promoting teamwork and healthy lifestyles Our students participated in various sports events and activities, demonstrating sportsmanship and physical prowess. The annual Sports Day was a great success, filled with fun and friendly competition, in an inclusive manner where the boy’s showed strength of character and comradery
We have emphasised the importance of community and social responsibility Our students took part in several community service projects, learning the value of giving back and helping others These experiences have fostered empathy and a sense of civic duty among our young learners
As we prepare for the next academic year, we are excited about the new opportunities and challenges that lie ahead We will continue to focus on providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where every child can thrive.
To keep the learning momentum going, we encourage you to engage your son in various educational and recreational activities over the summer. Reading together, exploring nature, and participating in local events can provide enriching experiences and create lasting memories
Your involvement is crucial to your son's success. We look forward to continuing our partnership in the new academic year Please stay connected with us and feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions
To our departing families, we bid you a fond farewell and wish you all the best in your future endeavours To our Year 6 students, though you are just across the bridge, it is time for you to leave the Prep School nest You are more than ready for the challenges and opportunities that the Senior School has to offer As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, we are saddened to see Mrs Kemmett-Brooks, Mrs Pieri, Mrs Barber, Mrs Gent, and Miss Caplan leave. However, we are also excited for them as they embark on new adventures. To our returning families, we eagerly anticipate welcoming you back for another exciting year of learning and growth on Monday 9 September
I’m signing off as your new Head of Prep and Pre-Prep, a role I am immensely proud and privileged to undertake I am deeply grateful for the many messages of congratulations on my recent appointment; your well wishes mean a great deal to me I feel truly honoured to lead such a wonderful school, filled with fantastic students, inspirational and dedicated staff, and supported by our inclusive community Together, we will continue to create an enriching and nurturing environment for all our children
Thank you for your trust and continued support of Habs and for being an integral part of our community Have a wonderful summer break!
Mrs M Best Head of Prep and Pre-Prep
Reception to Year 6 Information
After School Care Facility
BOOKING LINK
Please click here to book your child into After School Care.
Co-Curricular ClubsAutumn 2024
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All clubs and activities will commence from Monday 16 September, except for music lessons which will commence from Monday 9 September. The timetable will be shared with you during the first week of term along with further information regarding the sign-up process. Please encourage your child to become involved, but please help them to keep a balance with their commitments. Years 1 to Year 3 will be assisted by their Form teacher when making decisions about which clubs to join.
Please click here for information regarding the Co-Curricular programme for Prep and PrePrep for the Autumn term.
Summer Reading Challenges
GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS
The Prep Library is running two summer reading challenges for the boys. All pupils Years 2-5 are invited to take a challenge bookmark and fill in each title read or colour the blocks for each book they read. To complete all boxes, the boys could be reading up to 20 books over the summer.
Boys in Years 4-5 have also been invited to create their own Reading Identity Posters for a display that will be going up in September. They have been shown an example of this in library lessons and should use their thinking skills and creative skills imaginatively. Lastly, there is a national Summer Reading Challenge run online and in local libraries, in which children set a reading goal and collect reading rewards. We strongly encourage the boys to sign up.
The important thing is for all the boys to keep reading books they enjoy over the summer holidays. This will stand them in good stead for continuing their learning in the autumn term.
Year 3-6 Information
Routine Reminders
Please click here to read our end of year routine reminders.
Years 3 to 6 Forest SchoolAutumn 2024
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please click here to provide consent and to read further information regarding our Forest School provision in the Prep School.
PE and Games Information
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please click here for key Sports and PE information for the Autumn term.
YEAR 3 – 6 INFORMATION
Boys’School Car Parking –Arrival and Collection
YEARS 3 TO 6
In the morning, parents should use the one-way circuit system around the Boys’ School and drop their child/children in the designated area. Please enter the site via the one-way system on Butterfly Lane.
At the end of the day, members of staff will be at the designated pick-up point. If your child is in Year 3, they will be shown this route on their first day. If your child has a sibling at the Girls’ School, then you may pick your child up from the Girls’ School car park and for the first few days Prep School staff will accompany new starters over to the car park. If your child is on the coach, then they will be taken over to the correct coach by a member of staff from the Prep.
Please be assured that during the first few days, all pupils will be accompanied to the relevant places by numerous teachers from the Prep to ensure that they get home safely. After this, there are always Prep members of staff on duty every day to help the children.
The North Drive Car Park is the designated parking area for parents coming onto campus at other times. On arrival, the Gate Security Porter will direct you to this car park which is the first turning on the right once you have passed the first security barrier. Please park in marked bays and avoid blocking the entrance for other users of the car park. Parents are requested not to jump the second barrier to drive into the heart of the school and are kindly asked to use the pedestrian footpaths from the North Drive Car Park.
Safe Pedestrian Routes
Pedestrians are requested to use the school footpaths and avoid walking on the campus roads. The school bridge on the main route to Aldenham House is out of bounds to pedestrians and the route along the side of the Bates building should be used to walk to the Prep School.
Transport – Tickets forAcademic Year 2024/25
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Tickets for September will be issued over the summer break and will appear in the Habs SchoolBusTracker Parent app. The app will give details of your child’s route and timings. A paper copy of your child’s tickets will be issued by the school on the first day of term.
Single-journey (ad-hoc) tickets will be available to book from 1 September 2024.
All requests for new tickets, amendments to an existing ticket or cancellation of an existing ticket must be made via the online form which can be found on the Firefly portal. Please note that ticket requests cannot be processed if submitted by email. If your child currently has a ticket for regular travel and you have not given notice to cancel, this ticket will automatically renew for the next academic year. No further action is required by you.
Any fare adjustments for an amendment requested before Friday 19 July will be processed at the time of request. Any fare adjustments for amendments made on or after 20 July will be included on your Spring Term invoice.
A minimum of one full half-term must be given for cancellations or amendments to regular tickets.
Route and Timetable Changes
All coach routes are being reviewed over the summer break to ensure that we are making the best use of our coaches and keeping the service as cost-effective for our families as possible. There will be changes to the timetable, so a further newsletter will be published later in the summer break giving full details of all updates. Please be assured that we will endeavour to keep changes to stop timings to a minimum to avoid disruption to family travel plans.
Coach Routes and Capacity
If you have any questions, please contact the Transport Office on 020 8266 1920 or via email at transport@habselstree.org.uk.
Transport Office Opening Hours & Contact Information
Tel: 020 8266 1920
Email: transport@habselstree.org.uk
Term time: 8am – 6pm
Holidays: 10am – 4pm
Further Information
Full information regarding our coach network including timetables, fares, maps, and our Coach Code of Conduct can be found on Firefly. Please ensure that all passengers have read and understood the Coach Code of Conduct before using the home to school coach service.
Important calendar of events
Curriculum Evening and Drop-in Session – Sept 2024
We will be hosting our Curriculum evening during the Autumn term. You will have the opportunity to hear from your child’s form tutor, who will provide you with an overview of the year ahead and outline ways in which you can support your child at home.
The curriculum evening will take place in the Prep school for the following year groups at the following time:
Year 4 & Year 6
Tuesday 17 September 7pm - 8pm
The Parent Drop-in session will take place in the Prep school for the following year groups at the following time:
Year 3 & Year 5
Wednesday 18 September 3.30pm - 4pm
We will write to you at the start of the Autumn term to provide further information relating to both events.
Timings of the Pre-Prep School Day (Rec,Year
1 and 2)
Timings of the Prep School Day
Year 6 Commendations
The awards are as follows:
Aldridge Art Award
Nathaniel Tam
Leonardo Art Cup
Reuben De Tusch Lec
Basil Flashman for Academic Excellence
Aarev Vig
Drishaan Pandey
Jacob Dalah
Rice Award for Effort
Syon Markanday
Cranmer Cup for Progress over Four Years
Can Claude Henchley
Pullen Cup for Embodying Prep School Values
Noah Szajman and Lucas Miao
Delia Meehan Music Award
Pranay Rajput
Wendy Morrelli Singing Award
Dexter Godfrey
Maureen Parrington Cup for Outstanding Contribution to Orchestral Ensemble
Colin Jiang
Drama Cup
Harry Bernstein
Cricket Cup
Dhruv Patel
Football Cup
Luca Lane
Rugby Cup
Ayden Haria
Overall Contribution to Sport
Jack Lewin
Swimming Cup
Liam Ardill
Brown Science Award
Gavin Agarwal
Mercer Shield for Outdoor Endeavour
Krishan Siani
School Council Chairman Shield
Pranay Rajput
Chess Cup
Jacob Dalah
Spirit of Sport
Sammy Magnus
Swimming Endeavour
Seth Saunders
Performing Arts
Jake Solomon
Year 6 Class Prizes
Class Mathematics Prize
Ilyas Ali Nazarali
Aarev Vig
Ishva Keerthi
Ayden Haria
Class English Prize
Ranvir Bhandari
Riyan Malcolm
Kushal Pasupuleti
Class Science Prize
Riyan Damani
Aaryan Patel
Ilyas Ali Nazarali
Class History Prize
Kailash Subramaniyan
Felix Leon
Kushal Pasupuleti
Class Geography Prize
Aarev Vig
Aarav Ramkisson
Bing Yao Zhou
Class Art Prize
Syon Markanday
Ishaan Krishnan
Krishan Siani
Class Theology & Philosophy Award
Reeday Nandani
Rafi Rosen
Gavin Agarwal
Class Mandarin Prize
Reeday Nandani
Aaran Kapadia
Dhruv Patel
Class DT Prize
Daniyal Hasan
Sahil Kotecha
Dexter Godfrey
Class Music Prize
Luas Miao
Krit Dahal
Colin Jiang
Year 6 Class Prizes
Good Citizenship
Safwan Hassan and Maximus Tago-Chu
Arjun Shah and Joseph Erfan
Arjen Thiyagarajah
Class Outdoor Endeavour
Atticus Shastri
Stamos Fafalios
Sammy Magnus
Class Computing Award
Harry Bernstein
Gal Ribak
Sahil Tulsiani
Class Drama Prize
Daniyal Hasan
Aran Shah
Seth Cullen
National Quiz Finalists 2024
Science
Riyan Damani
Jacob Dalah
Aarev Vig
Arjen Thiyagarajah
Nathaniel Tam
Ranvir Bhandari
Daniyal Hasan
Lucas Miao
Sanat Chechani
Veer Gathani
Justin Jemide
Gal Ribak
Harry Sykes
Sebastian Moradov
Josh Berwitz
Zekey Benitah
Xander Pontikis
General Knowledge
Krishan Siani
Sanat Chechani
Naksh Madan
Haider Ashraf
Maths
Drishaan Pandey
Gavin Agarwal
Can-Claude Henchley
Colin Jiang
Jack Lewin
Noah Szajman
Ishaan Krishnan
Jacob Dalah
Aaryan Patel
Lucas Miao
Pranay Rajput
Bing Yao Zhao
Nathaniel Tam
Aarev Vig
Liam Ardill
Kushal Pasupuleti
Reception Information
Reception End of Year Letter
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please click here to read important communication regarding the end of term.
Pre-Prep Summer Concert
VIDEO LINK
It was lovely to see so many of you join us for our Reception to Year 2 Summer Production of “The Blue Bottle”. Please click here to view a recording of the production.
Year 1 Information
Start of TermArrangements – Years 1 and 2
Your child should arrive at school between 8am and 8.30am on Monday 9 September. Please follow the one-way system, park in the North Drive Car Park and walk your child to the Pre-Prep playground in time for registration at 8.30am. Children should arrive wearing their school uniform and have their school bag. They need to bring their own water bottle and a morning snack.
Pre-Prep Summer Concert
VIDEO LINK
It was lovely to see so many of you join us for our Reception to Year 2 Summer Production of “The Blue Bottle”. Please click here to view a recording of the production.
Year 2 Information
Start of TermArrangements – Years 1 and 2
Your child should arrive at school between 8am and 8.30am on Monday 9 September
Please follow the one-way system, park in the North Drive Car Park and walk your child to the Pre-Prep playground in time for registration at 8.30am. Children should arrive wearing their school uniform and have their school bag. They need to bring their own water bottle and a morning snack
Pre-Prep Summer Concert
VIDEO LINK
It was lovely to see so many of you join us for our Reception to Year 2 Summer Production of “The Blue Bottle”. Please click here to view a recording of the production.
Year 3 Information
Start of TermArrangements - Year 3
Drop Off: Please arrive at school (via the Butterfly Lane entrance) between 9.45am and 10am on Monday 9 September. Make your way around the one-way system and drop your child off at the AstroTurf pitches (Pitch 5). The pupils will be greeted by senior staff and then be guided to the Prep School to meet their Form Tutor. Please refrain from arriving too early as the rest of the school will be arriving then and a member of staff may not be present to welcome your child.
Pick Up: For the first half of the Autumn Term, if you are picking up your child from school, once you have entered the Butterfly Lane entrance you will be directed to park behind our school AstroTurf pitches on the Pitch 5 car park. Your child will be escorted to the designated pick-up point by a member of staff. They will be shown this route on their first day. If your child has a sibling at the Girls’ School, then you may pick your child up from the Girls’ School car park. If your child is on the coach, then they will be taken over to the correct coach by a member of staff from the Prep. Please be assured that during the first few days, All pupils will be accompanied to the relevant places by numerous teachers from the Prep to ensure that they get home safely.
For us to have a clear list of the arrangements for the first day, Please click here and enter your child’s going home arrangements by 11am on Monday 9 September.
Year 4 Information
Start of Term – Years 4 to 6
Prep children should arrive at school after 8am unless they attend breakfast club from 7.30am. All children should enter the school using their normal route. Your child should arrive wearing their school uniform and have their school bag and pencil case with them. They need to bring their own water bottle and a piece of fruit or cereal bar for a morning as well as an afternoon snack.
Tim PeakeAuthor Visit
MONDAY 7 OCTOBER
Please click here for further information regarding Tim Peake’s visit on Monday 7 October.
Year 5 Information
Start of Term – Years 4 to 6
Prep children should arrive at school after 8am unless they attend breakfast club from 7.30am. All children should enter the school using their normal route. Your child should arrive wearing their school uniform and have their school bag and pencil case with them. They need to bring their own water bottle and a piece of fruit or cereal bar for a morning as well as an afternoon snack.
Tim PeakeAuthor Visit
MONDAY 7 OCTOBER
Please click here for further information regarding Tim Peake’s visit on Monday 7 October.
Year 6 Information
Start of Term – Years 4 to 6
Prep children should arrive at school after 8am unless they attend breakfast club from 7.30am. All children should enter the school using their normal route. Your child should arrive wearing their school uniform and have their school bag and pencil case with them. They need to bring their own water bottle and a piece of fruit or cereal bar for a morning as well as an afternoon snack.
Year 6 Leavers Video
We are delighted to attach the Year 6 Leavers’ video. Please click here to view it.
Year 6 Production Pictures
We are pleased to be able to share photographs of the Year 6 Production of “Joseph” with you.
Please click here to view photographs of the Y6 Production
Tim PeakeAuthor Visit
MONDAY 7 OCTOBER
Please click here for further information regarding Tim Peake’s visit on Monday 7 October.
Open to students who will be in Year 5 to Upper Sixth in September 2024
School News
Parent voice committee
We would like to thank the following committee members for their continued support this academic year:
Mrs Nalini Govindaswamy 6MN, Mrs Nivi Malcolm 6JK, Mr Shah Hasan 6SA, Mrs Jaime Cohen 5RD, 3TP and RL, Mrs Minal Gathani 5DK, Mrs Nina Saurymper 5JG, Mrs Aklima Rahman 4SH, Mr Sachin Shah 4DS, Mr Kedar Gharpure 4MJ, Mr Shahilan Kathirgamanathan 3BG, Dr Azmat Qureshi 3NA, Mrs Patricia Alvarez Martin 2JP, Mrs Rupa Shah 2HP, Mr Philip Chong 1SS, Mr Ata-Ul-Shaafi Khokhar 1NP, Dr Raj Shah RP
Eagleide Schools Chess Championships
Three Habs teams took part in the Eagleide Schools Chess Championships organised by Mr D’Costa.
The Habs Prep A team won the competition out of 26 teams taking part
The Habs Prep B Team came joint 10th.
The Habs Prep C Team came 13th.
Congratulations to all the pupils that took part:
The Habs Prep A Team Jacob D (Captain), Luca F, Mylo S, Adam U.
The Habs Prep B Team Jules M (Captain), Evan G, Liam A, Sayam S.
The Habs Prep C Team Keaton S (Captain), Asher S, Arthur S, Noah S.
News Stories
Art & DTAssembly
Years 3-6 were blown away in assembly with the impressive array of artwork and DT projects created over the year. Pupils showed their work that was on display at the SATTIPS exhibition and spoke about volunteering at Radley Care Home. A selection of boys demonstrated the skills that they had learnt over the year and assembly ended with a catwalk fashion show of Year 6 wearing their personalised waistcoats.
SATIPS Art Exhibition
In April this year, a small number of Prep boys were selected to exhibit at the Satips National Prep Art Exhibition. The exhibition took place over a weekend at Moreton Hall School in Shropshire. Mrs Hall had the pleasure of visiting this outstanding exhibition and was blown away with the variety of work and extraordinary talent that was on show. Not only were drawings and paintings displayed, but a vast range of other mediums, such as installations, lino prints, textiles and ceramics. A real feast for the eye to see! Many genres and subject matters were covered, from landscape, portraiture, and Still Life to styles of work, encompassing realism and abstraction. We look forward to taking part next year and the boys should be extremely proud of their amazing, artistic achievements this year.
Art with Radley Care Home
On Friday 7 and 21 June Mrs Hall and the Senior Art Club boys embarked upon a trip to the Radley Care Home in Borehamwood, where we were welcomed by the wonderful manager, Celine. The boys were incredible! Straight away, without any need of encouragement, they helped the residents colour in some beautiful and very colourful flowers and insects, which were drawn by the boys. It was a delight to see the boys demonstrate our school values, showing courage and community spirit, working alongside the residents with a number of additional needs. The pictures will be displayed at the home bringing colour and light to all who work and live there. Well done Senior Art Club!
Year 1 Butterflies
The Year One pupils have spent the last few weeks nurturing their caterpillars and watching them metamorphosis into beautiful butterflies. The pupils sent them off this morning, wishing the butterflies a fluttery life!
Eco Council
The Prep and Pre-Prep Eco Council worked hard to raise awareness of plastic pollution, in line with Earth day objectives. They made a pledge for Great British clean up and enthusiastically rallied others and carried out extensive litter picking in the school grounds. In addition, they organised a glue stick recycling scheme across the school. Adam 2JP, inspired by Earth day learning and the endeavours of the council, produced his own poster which he presented in Pre-Prep assembly. We hope to continue to build on the efforts of this year’s Eco Council with a new Eco Council next year.
Year 2 visit to Whipsnade Zoo
Year 2 had a fantastic end of the year trip to Whipsnade. They learned about animal habitats and took an active part in a "Fur, feathers and scales" workshop, classifying animals into their groups. The highlight was seeing a five-day old baby giraffe and also enjoying the amazing outdoor playground. As always, the boys were thirsty for knowledge, polite and courteous - true ambassadors for Habs.
Habs’Elstree Schools’Sustainability Conference
Year 1 Collaborative picnic
Year 1 enjoyed their final collaboration of the year together this afternoon. The sun was shining as the children enjoyed a picnic and played some games. We look forward to meeting up again in Year 2.
On Thursday 20 June, the Prep and Pre-Prep together with the Junior School participated in Habs' first ever sustainability conference, modelling the COP conference each year. In the morning, the Prep discussed the topic of Marine life and the changes we make which can have an impact on different habitats. The day continued with various activities to learn about climate change and sustainability such as art with recycled wood, movement of sea turtles, creating pledges and learning about worms and their carbon. The Pre-Prep also had a range of different activities such an external workshop on marine life, making pledges on saving water, nature walks and nature art.
The day ended with a final assembly where Sayam (5DK), Riaan (5JG) and Kayan (5RD), along with pupils from the Junior school, went to excellently present in front of the whole school summarising the ideas and pledges from the Prep and Junior school.
It was a brilliant day of learning and curiosity with the aim to take the pledges from the Junior and Senior school and put them into action over the next year.
Knebworth Park and Gardens trip
The boys had a thoroughly enjoyable day at Knebworth House and Gardens. In the morning they were led around the Gardens by one of Knebworth’s experienced guides. They explored shape, colour, nature and numeracy. They were fortunate to find out about prehistoric life with a visit to the Dinosaur Trial. In the afternoon the boys had lots of fun exploring the fort and adventure slides. This was a perfect way to end the School year!
Fun in the Sun Day
Reception launched the new term with Fun in the Sun Day, inspired by the text 'The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch' by Ronda and David Armitage. We enjoyed developing narratives in our pirate ship and ice-cream shop role-plays, a brief dip in the paddling pool, creating our own unique lighthouses and an ice lolly to finish the day!
Reception trip to Aldenham Country Park
Reception enjoyed a beautiful summer’s day at Aldenham Country Park where they were greeted by an array of friendly animals! The children enjoyed feeding them as well as learning some fascinating facts, for example, did you know that alpaca’s stomachs have three compartments? We ended the day with an adventure to ‘100 Aker Wood’ and spotted the homes of some familiar characters. A huge thank you to all staff who supported the trip.
Reception Breakfast with Dad
Hedgehogs and Squirrels were delighted to celebrate father’s day with ‘Breakfast with Dad.’ They enjoyed some tasty treats, celebrated their writing progress and completed various challenges. Thank you for coming grown-ups, we hope you like your card.
Year 1 Road Safety Workshop
Year 1 have been working hard in PSHE and English to learn how to write instructions on how to safely cross the road. In pairs they travelled around the school campus correctly identifying road safety risks and how mastered crossing the road safely. We hope they will continue to practise this over the summer holidays! Well done Year One.
Prep Summer Concert
The Prep School ended the year with a spectacular summer concert which featured the Junior and Senior choirs. 'NRG’ were crowned the 2024 winners of Battle of the Bands and performed their winning song 'Beggin' by Madcon. The concert also featured the slick and joyful Street Dance ensemble and ended with a moving tribute song 'Grow As We Go' dedicated to all the teachers who have taught the pupils during the year.
Sebby’s Corner Visit
On Monday, the house Captains and Prefects of David’s house, visited Sebby’s Corner in Barnet, London. First, we arrived at the centre and saw 3 ladies with buggy’s and we eventually found out this was a great luxury to the charity as this is very rare. We entered the building and there were stacks of all sorts of clothes, toiletries and essentials for children who are not as fortunate as us. All your money at St, David’s day really helped all the children. We started to unpack all the donations that were given by the people and we started to realise how much items were there in a small space.All of the items were not in perfect condition but they were in good enough condition to be given and some were even brand new! We thoroughly enjoyed our experience there and it really taught us how much Sebby’s Corner do for other people.
Written by David’s House Captain’s and Prefects.
Year 4 residential toAylmerton
Year 4 had a fantastic four days on the Norfolk coast putting our Geography knowledge into action and developing our independence.
When we arrived had a coastal walk along a sandy beach from Cromer, seeing how the coastline had eroded. We ended at rockpools in East Runton where we got to explore different marine creatures. In the evening, we explored the beach and saw how the sea defences were working.
The next day we walked along a shingle beach starting in Cley looking at deposition and identifying different rock types. We had time to relax in the sand dunes at Blakeney point listening to the different sounds of nature and learning about the diverse microhabitat. Our resilience was tested the most where we had to walk across the river and mudflats to reach the end, getting to try some local Norfolk samphire on the way! In the evening, we had got to see different animals such as owls and ferrets. Our final full day was a day of pirate fun completing different activities to challenge our teamwork, problem solving and determination.
Thank you to Miss Jeffries, Mr Bowley, Mrs Pullen, Mrs Simmonds, Mr Swindell and Mrs Kahn for accompanying us on a valuable and enjoyable trip, which we learnt lots from and has given us great memories with our friends.
Year 6 residential to Portland
Our Year 6 Portland trip was an incredible experience bursting with fun, laughter and joy. On the first day (Monday), we arrived in Portland after a long, yet exciting journey. We were split into two groups and headed off to our first of many exhilarating activities. We all had sack loads of fun, demolished our first, delicious dinner and were all pumped with energy for the next four days.
Tuesday was very similar with an amazing range of activities added on to 3 succulent meals. The evening activity was to venture off to the nearby park and play lots of thrilling and fantastical games. We played Rock Paper Scissors, cheerleader and participated in many other immersing contests.
Waking up the next day, a whirlwind of emotions spun in our stomachs. Excitement, thrill, fatigue, joy and a slice of nervousness. We were coasteering! Leaping off the jagged rocks into the sparkling sea below, the adrenaline rush and the cool splash made every jump an electrifying adventure. Emerging from the water, dripping yet refreshed, a sense of satisfaction coursed through our veins. We had all overcome our frustrating fears and proved to ourselves that we could do anything we put our mind to. Throwing stones into the beautiful ocean while savouring hot chocolate in the brisk wind was the perfect blend of playful adventure and comfort.
We were all excited yet a little down on the morning of Thursday as we knew this was our last full day in Portland Outdoor Centre. It was a brilliant day in which thrill and joy were the backbone of our activities throughout the action-packed day. The evening activity was one of the best activities of the trip as it filled us with new and intriguing knowledge as well as it being a breathtaking experience. As we went to bed the realisation that this was our final night entered our minds but fatigue drowned it out. Friday morning was an awesome part of our residential with everyone venturing afar. We said our goodbyes and thank you’s and then set off on our journey back to good old Habs.
We would like to thank all the Kitchen staff for providing us with a scrumptious array of meals. Also the Portland staff were incredible, so kind, supportive, helpful and most of all a brilliant collection of experienced and incredible individuals. The amazing Habs staff have always been there for us even when feeling a little nervous or even scared. A huge thank you to Mrs Miller, Mrs Hall, Mr Bardeu, Miss King and Mr Gillard. We thank you all for being such special staff. That leaves Mrs Adat and Mrs Newfield. You made this trip a once in a lifetime experience that will forever live in our memories. Thank You.
- Jacob and Aaran
Athletics
Both Year 5 and Year 6 athletes have competed at the regional level in athletics, representing Habs at the Bedford Athletics Stadium and Cambridge University Athletics Stadium. Congratulations to Seth S. for qualifying for the Nationals in the 200m after winning his final, and to Atticus C. for finishing 3rd in his 200m final.
LTATennis
The Prep has also competed in two LTA tennis tournaments, finishing 2nd overall at Potter Bar Tennis Club and 1st (competition 2) and 2nd at Cassiobury Tennis Club.
Year 6 Cricket
The Year 6 cricket team had an incredible season, reaching the finals of the Hertfordshire Hardball Cup and qualifying for the National finals. All year groups have represented the school in cricket fixtures, delivering some fantastic performances.
Sports Day
Lastly, all the boys had great fun in the annual Sports Day events. The weather was fantastic, and Davids ran out overall winners this year. Congratulations to everyone who took part!
Year 5 Financial Workshop
On the 13th June, Year 5 took part in a financial workshop to help learn about how money can be invested. There were many interactive tasks that students could take part in to increase their investments from; playing cards, playing darts, building a tower, completing physical exercise and trusting potential advisors. They used each of these to complete their own bank statements and track their profits. Great fun was had by all students who learnt some very valuable lessons about the different ways to invest their money and the risks involved. Many thanks to our guest Naomi Haynes for leading the event.
PREP SPORTS FIXTURES
THURSDAY 12 SEPTEMBER
*Y3 (A)* Football Festival @ St Martins 1:30pm
TUESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER
*Y4 (A)* Football Festival @ St Martins 1:30pm
MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER
Y5 Rugby v St Benedicts (Away), 2pm
FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER
TUESDAY 3 OCTOBER
Y6 Rugby @ Habs, ( Belmont, UCS, St Benedicts) 2pm
Y3 Rugby v UCS @ Habs, 2pm
WEDNESDAY 9 OCTOBER
FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER
*Y6 (A)* Manor Lodge Football BPSFA Tournament, 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Rec – Year 6 Donkin Cup, Pennes Playing Fields, 9:00am – 12:00pm
*Selected pupils will be invited to participate via SOCS
PRE-PREP CALENDAR DATES
MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER
Term starts for pupils
Reception settling in half day 9am-11am, 1pm-3pm
TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER
Reception settling in half day 9am-11am, 1pm-3pm
FRIDAY 13 SEPTEMBER
Reception Parents Meet with PLT, 2:30pm
FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
Y1 Coffee & Curriculum Meeting 8:45am
Reception Read with Me Family Friday
MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER
Y2 Coffee & Curriculum Meeting 8:45am
TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER
Reception Dinosaur Day
WEDNESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER
Rec – Y2 Pupil and Class Photographs
FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER
Reception Read With Me, 2:30pm
WEDNESDAY 2 OCTOBER
Y2 Stone Age trip – Chiltern Open Air Museum
FRIDAY 4 OCTOBER
Reception Coffee & Curriculum Meeting, 8:45am
TUESDAY 8 OCTOBER
Pre-Prep Fire Brigade Visit
FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER
Rec -Y6 Donkin Cup Race, 9am End of term for pupils
For further information, please refer to the school calendar on Firefly.
PREP CALENDAR DATES
MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER
Term starts for pupils
TUESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER
Y4 & Y6 Meet the Teacher 7pm, Prep Hall
WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER
Y3 & Y5 Drop-in Session 3.30pm
TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER
Lunchtime Live, Seldon Hall
WEDNESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER
Y3-Y6 Individual and Class Photographs
MONDAY 30 SEPTEMBER
Y3 Instrumental Scheme Open Morning
THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER
Y4 & Y6 Parent Drop-in Session 3.30pm
TUESDAY 8 OCTOBER
Y6 Hindu Temple Visit
THURSDAY 10 OCTOBER
Y3-Y6 Harvest Festival Bourne Hall, 2.30pm
WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER Prep Nasal Flu Immunisations
THURSDAY 17 OCTOBER
Y3 Roman Day
FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER
Rec – Y6 Donkin Cup Race 9am Term ends for pupils
For further information, please refer to the school calendar on Firefly.