Habs Weekly - Pre-Prep and Prep edition - Friday 11 November

Head of Prep School’s Message

Ms K Umpleby

It has been another busy week in the Pre-Prep and Prep Schools, we are simply bursting at the seams at the moment with so many incredible events and activities for the students. Year 5 and 6 had their Collaboration Days with the Girls Junior School on Tuesday, although somewhat more selfconscious and more shy than the Year 3 and 4 students last year- which is to be expected - this only highlights the value of these opportunities to work alongside the girls in a more academic setting. The opportunity to share ideas and problem-solve together is invaluable in preparing them for working alongside members of the opposite gender in the future.

This week we have also been talking a lot about respect. The dictionary definition of respect - a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements – demonstrates its close connection with our school value of Ambition.

Showing respect for our peers and adults is a daily expectation in the Prep and Pre-Prep, and something that the students, and staff, both excel at, and we pride ourselves on. In fact, one of my first, and enduring memories of the first day of the year, and my first opportunity to meet our Habs students, is of the respect that so many of them showed that first morning. The number of boys that stopped, welcomed me, asked how I was whilst looking me in the eye and shaking my hand, was something that will stay with me for a very long time. I knew that I had arrived somewhere very special.

Many of the students in Reception and Years 1 and 2 that were nominated

by their class to celebrate with Ms Huggett during the Golden Tea Party this week, were nominated for that exact reason – being kind and respectful of their friends, adults and school environment. What an incredible accolade to be recognised for and I hope that those students are very proud of this achievement. Well done!

In the Prep School, with the topic of Remembrance was on our minds this week and thus the theme of respect is particularly topical. Visiting author Martin Impey, led a fantastic assembly on the topic of Remembrance on Wednesday, followed by a reflective and impactful session for the Year 6. The Boys’ and Girls’ Schools’ then came together on Thursday to show respect for those members of the Habs community that have given their lives during times of conflict with a reflective and emotive service at the school memorial. Many of our Prep students showed both courage and confidence when reading loudly and clearly, which is not easy when you are gathered outside on a rather chilly day in November. We look forward to seeing many of our students and parents joining us in Radlett on Sunday morning for community Remembrance Service.

Remembrance Day

In Flanders’ fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt down, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders’ fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch, be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders’ fields.

Major John McCrae, 1915

“When peace comes, remember it will be for us, the children of today, to make the world of tomorrow a better and happier place.”

Queen Elizabeth II, wartime broadcast 1940

Pre-Prep looking ahead

Reception

Pantomime visit

MONDAY 5 DECEMBER

Reception will be watching the Pantomime Beauty and the Beast at Watford Palace Theatre on Monday 5 December. Please click here for more information.

Reception&Y1

Flu immunisations

WEDNESDAY 7 DECEMBER

The flu immunisations for Reception and Year 1 are due to take place on Wednesday 7 December. The consent letter will be sent out by the school nurse in due course. Please note Year 1 will not require their swimming kit on this day.

Wellbeing Day

MONDAY 21 NOVEMBER

On Monday 21 November we have planned an exciting Dinosaur themed Wellbeing Day for Reception and Year 1. Pupils will have the opportunity to complete a variety of dinosaur themed activities in their year groups with a special surprise at the end of the day. Please can pupils come to school wearing their full Habs uniform.

Y1&2

Pantomime visit

TUESDAY 29 NOVEMBER

Year 1 and Year 2 will be watching the Pantomime Cinderella at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage on Tuesday 29 November. Please click here for more information.

Lunchtime Live

AUDITION VIDEOS BY WEDNESDAY 16 NOVEMBER

We are having our third Prep Lunchtime Live concert in the Seldon Hall on Thursday 24 November. We encourage your children to audition - all styles, levels and disciplines are welcome, and family and friends are warmly invited to attend.

We will need to listen to your child’s performance before allowing them the opportunity to ensure that their piece is ready. An email will be sent to the parents and guardians of the successful auditionees.

To this end, please could your child submit a video or audio audition to this Padlet link by Wednesday 16 November, clearly writing the name of their piece/song and the name of the composer/person who wrote the music as this information will be needed for the programme. The link can also be accessed by the children via their Teams (Year 3 to 6) and Showbie (Year 2) pages.

Flu immunisations

TUESDAY 22 NOVEMBER

The Immunisation is at the Prep School on Tuesday 22 November for Year 2. Please click here to submit your consent. The electronic link will close at 3.45pm on Monday 21 November 2022 .Please note the form will not work on some mobile phones and tablets. In the meantime, if you need any more information, please do not hesitate to contact the Vaccination team on 01462 427008.

Wellbeing Day

WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER

On Wednesday 23 November the Prep have an exciting wellbeing day planned. Pupils will have the opportunity to spend time in their houses and complete a variety of activities which will test their resilience and growth mindset. Please can the pupils come into school wearing their blue games kit, and we will provide them with a coloured house t-shirt.

Pre-Prep reminders

Whole school

Snacks

Please may we remind you that only fruit and vegetables are permitted at snack time. Grapes are a good healthy fruit snack but if you include grapes in your child’s snack box, please remember to always cut them lengthwise first to avoid choking.

After School Care

POLITE REMINDER

A polite reminder that the school day ends at 3.30pm. If you would like to book your child into After School Care until 4pm you must notify the Pre-Prep office in advance.

Reception

Reception Autumn Term 2

REMINDERS

Please click here to read a letter from our Reception Classes team

Reception&Y1

Winter Concert

FRIDAY 2 DECEMBER

We warmly invite you to our Reception and Year 1 Winter Concert on Friday 2 December at 1.30pm. The concert will take place in the Seldon Hall (the music school building opposite the Prep School).

Please click here for more information regarding rehearsals and the final concert.

Drop off

IMPORTANT NOTICE

As the weather is getting wetter, and the ground muddier, from Monday 7 November, all Year 2 students must be dropped off at or go straight to the playground. You can access the playground directly from the North Drive Car Park by following the path at the rear of the car park, that goes around the edge of the playing fields. Please do not use the road bridge to access the Prep School from the North Drive Carpark. This is not a pedestrian route.

Prep looking ahead

Y3 to 6

Lunchtime Live

AUDITION VIDEOS BY WEDNESDAY 16 NOVEMBER

We are having our third Prep Lunchtime Live concert in the Seldon Hall on Thursday 24 November. We encourage your children to audition - all styles, levels and disciplines are welcome, and family and friends are warmly invited to attend.

We will need to listen to your child’s performance before allowing them the opportunity to ensure that their piece is ready. An email will be sent to the parents and guardians of the successful auditionees.

To this end, please could your child submit a video or audio audition to this Padlet link by Wednesday 16 November, clearly writing the name of their piece/song and the name of the composer/person who wrote the music as this information will be needed for the programme. The link can also be accessed by the children via their Teams (Year 3 to 6) and Showbie (Year 2) pages.

Flu immunisations

TUESDAY 22 NOVEMBER

The Immunisation is at the Prep School on Tuesday 22 November for Years 3 to 6. Please click here to submit your consent. The electronic link will close at 3.45pm on Monday 21 November 2022 .Please note the form will not work on some mobile phones and tablets. In the meantime, if you need any more information, please do not hesitate to contact the Vaccination team on 01462 427008.

Wellbeing Day

WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER

On Wednesday 23 November the Prep have an exciting wellbeing day planned. Pupils will have the opportunity to spend time in their houses and complete a variety of activities which will test their resilience and growth mindset. Please can the pupils (Y2-6) come into school wearing their blue games kit, with their house t-shirt (if they have one).

Medieval workshop

MONDAY 14 NOVEMBER

On Monday 14 November, the Year 4’s will be participating in a Medieval Workshop where they will have the opportunity to further explore what they have been learning during history lessons. Please ensure that the pupils come into school wearing their P.E kits and blazer. The workshop will run for the duration of the school day.

Y5

Year 5 Rugby fixture

MONDAY 14 NOVEMBER

All the pupils in Year 5 are playing Rugby v St Benedicts at St Benedict’s Playing Fields, Perivale Lane, UB6 8TL on Monday 14 November. Kick off time is 3.15pm and parents and guardians are welcome to spectate.

Please can you make sure your child knows how they are getting home and that they write one of the following three options in their homework diary:

1. Pick up from St Benedicts Playing fields, Perivale Lane, UB6 8TL at 4pm

2. Pick up from Habs Prep at 5.15pm

3. Coach home from Habs Prep at 5.30pm

5EN Class Assembly

WEDNESDAY 16 NOVEMBER

We are excited to invite you to attend 5EN’s Class Assembly on Wednesday 16 November. Please arrive at the Prep School reception at 1.25pm to sign in. We anticipate the Assembly will finish by 2pm. Parking will be available via the Butterfly Lane entrance at the North Drive Car Park. We look forward to welcoming you on the day!

Nicholas Wolmsey visit - WWI workshop

MONDAY 21 NOVEMBER

On Monday 21 November, Year 6 will be visited by Nicholas Wolmsey, who will be bringing the battlefields of The Great War to life with his state-of-the-art virtual reality technology! The children will have the opportunity to discover the horrific reality of the trenches, try out some of the equipment and to immerse themselves in over 100 years of history. We are really looking forward to sharing this uniquely enriching experience with our pupils, but please do have a sneak peek by clicking here.

Prep reminders

Whole School

Remembrance Sunday Service

SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER

We are looking forward to taking part in the Radlett Remembrance Service Parade next weekend together with the Girls’ School. It is such an honour to receive this invitation and to be part of the Service where pupils will march alongside other members of the community. If your child will be attending, please email Mr Thomas (thomas_g@habsboys.org.uk). Please arrive outside the Radlett Centre at 10.30am when the Service will begin.

Y3&5

Year 3 and 5 Instrumental Scheme Open sessions

MONDAY 14 NOVEMBER

We are looking forward to welcoming families to our Instrumental Scheme Open sessions on Monday 14 November. This is a fantastic opportunity to see your child’s instrumental lesson or Chamber coaching session in action and chat with their instrumental teacher.

You do not need to let the school know if you are coming, but please report to Prep reception to sign in before making your way to the Seldon Music School. On arrival at your session time, please access the school via Butterfly Lane and park in the North Drive Car Park. There will be notices at the main entrances around the music school directing you to the correct studio/room for your child.

Individual emails have already been sent with the specific time of your child’s session. These sessions take place in small groups and it would be appreciated if you stayed for the whole lesson.

Please do use the opportunity to ask any questions to Miss Gozzard or the instrumental teacher.

Year 4 Medieval workshop

MONDAY 14 NOVEMBER

Please click here to read a letter regarding a Medieval workshop taking place for Year 4 on Monday 14 November 2022.

Year 5 trip to Tower of London

THURSDAY 1 DECEMBER

Year 5 will be visiting the Tower of London on Thursday 1 December. Please click here for more information.

Senior School Scholarships INFORMATION

Please click here to read a letter regarding the application of Senior School scholarships.

Pre-Prep & Prep looking ahead

Whole School

Gifts to staff GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS

Please click here to about guidance for parents regarding gifts for staff.

Car parking and safety

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Click here to read a letter regarding car parking and safety from our Chief Operating Officer, Mr Rob Dunn.

Pre-Prep & Prep reminders

Lunch Menu

WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 14 NOVEMBER

Please click here to view the Pre-Prep lunch menu.

Please click here to view the Prep lunch menu.

ABRSM application

MONDAY 12 AND TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER

Please click here to read a letter with information regarding the December session of ABRSM music examinations.

Children in Need

FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER

It’s ‘Pyjama Day’ at the Pre-Prep and Prep on Friday 18 November to raise money for BBC Children in Need and to boost the students physical and mental wellbeing (an optional £1 donation is suggested please). For hygiene reasons, your child will need to put on a clean pair of pyjamas to come to school in, not the ones they have slept in the night before. Dressing gowns may be worn when in the classroom but please ensure your child has their warm Habs coat in school for breaktimes and lunchtime. Please do not feel the need to purchase a new pair of PJs for your child; tracksuit bottoms and a top or a onesie will suffice.

Club payments

REMINDER

Please remember to check any payment links sent via EvolvePay and to make payment for any paid clubs selected for this term.

Breakfast and After School Care

BOOKING INFORMATION

Click here to book your child into the breakfast club or After School Care (ASCF) the week commencing Monday 21 November. Prearranged bookings can be made up until 12pm the Friday before.

After this time, please email ascf@habsboys.org.uk for Prep pupil bookings and preprepoffice@habsboys.org.uk for Pre-Prep pupil bookings.

Please note, there may be a small charge for ASCF after 4pm.

Important safety notice

PLEASE READ

Please be reminded that parents and students should not be using the bridge on North Drive for pedestrian access. This is for health and safety reasons, particularly, as the mornings and afternoons are getting darker, and the road is in constant use.

If you are walking from the North Drive to the Prep School, please walk on the new path, via the pitches which is lit. If accessing the main campus, please access the footpath near the MFL car park.

Please also note, that at the beginning or end of the school day, vehicles should not be parking or picking up from the service road outside the Prep building. Please use the designated pick-up areas on Pitch 5 or the North Drive Car Park for drop off and collection.

Tooled Up

Are you looking for books to support your child’s mental health? Then check out Tooled Up’s extensive list which is broken down into different mental health and wellbeing categories. Included are also lists of reads which cultivate kindness and support your child in various aspects of their development.

Pre-Prep & Prep School news stories

Junior and Prep Schools Remembrance Service

This week, we were honoured to have our first ever joint Remembrance service with the Girls’ Junior School, to commemorate the lives of old Haberdashers’ who lost their lives in conflicts around the world. We were incredibly proud of the manner in which all of the pupils respected the meaning of remembrance whilst congregating at the school memorial, and it was wonderful to have a range of pupils and staff, from both schools, reciting a selection of poems as part of the service. Our collaboration continues on Sunday 13 November, as pupils from both schools will be parading through Radlett High Street as part of the local community’s remembrance service.

Pre-Prep Golden Tea Party

The pupils that were nominated by their class teacher to have their names written in the Golden Book partied hard this week at the Golden Tea Party with Ms Huggett. As a reward for their achievements last half term, they were treated to a special Halloween themed tea party. They even had the opportunity to showcase their dance moves. Lots of fun was had by all.

Year 1 Optometrist Talk

Year 1 pupils had the pleasure of welcoming Mrs Tanna, an optometrist to talk to them about how we see and how to keep our eyes healthy. She showed the pupils how she uses certain equipment to check the health of the eyes. Mrs Tanna explained how different foods contain vitamins that help to nourish the eyes. The pupils were most fascinated by the red and green 3D glasses to see if both eyes work well together. The Year 1 pupils were left inspired, and we hope to have some future optometrists in our midst!

Pre-Prep Leafy Learners

Well done to the Pre-Prep for embracing the outdoors and participating with curiosity and enthusiasm in our Leafy Learner lessons.

Now that the weather is getting colder, Pre-Prep pupils will require a fleece for extra warmth during their Leafy Learner lessons. Dark games socks or additional woolly socks are preferable over white socks. In colder weather, the children will need their scarves, hats and gloves. Please ensure that all items of clothing are clearly named.

HabsTalks

Every term the pupils receive a talk from individuals that have experience and passions in a wide variety of areas. This half term we have been delighted to invite Mr Nick Hamshaw who delivered a talk on sustainability in the Arctic which he visited earlier this year, and the impact non-recyclable materials are having on the planet. The pupils really enjoyed the assembly and asked Mr Hamshaw some extremely insightful questions about his own experiences.

Year 5 and 6 Collaborative workshop

On Tuesday 8 November Year 5 and 6 pupils hosted their counterparts from the Girls’ School for a day of collaboration. Working in their Houses, the pupils participated in an architectural workshop building structures. These structures were combined to build a tunnel where the pupils competed against each other to go through as quickly as possible. The pupils enjoyed spending time together and getting to know each other more through these teamwork activities.

Pupil wins tennis David Lloyd Regional Finals

Congratulations to Luca in Year 3 who after the success at the Club level round of matches for the Under 8 category last month, has gone on to win the David Lloyd Regional Finals Tournament to progress to the National Finals in a few weeks’ time. This was a team event and each player had to ensure they won all their matches to qualify. Luca fought hard and the achievement is well deserved!

Forest School

Forest School at the Prep School is continuing to thrive. We love seeing our pupils making the most of the opportunities to use and build their creativity and teamwork skills in the forest whilst demonstrating care and respect for the environment - looking after the forest and making sure that the welly stands stay neat and tidy.

Now that the weather is getting wetter and colder, could you please ensure the children arrive to school equipped to enjoy their Forest School lessonwhatever the weather. Prep School Games kit with skins and long trousers, waterproof mac and trousers are required on rainy days. In colder weather, children will need extra layers, e.g. fleece, warm socks, hats and gloves. All items of clothing must be named.

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