Dear Parents,
And we are back! Straight into another action-packed term, with pancakes, field trips and assemblies to enjoy.
However, although we are all incredibly pleased to be here, we're also feeling quite reflective, something that our children have been perceptive enough to pick up on. The anniversary of the Ukraine War, the ongoing impacts of the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey and, of course, the beginning of Lent, are all moments that give us cause to pause and take stock.
Lent is a traditional time for Christians to gather their thoughts, taking 40 days to consider their own place in the world, and the things they are grateful for in their lives, from family to friends, having a roof above our heads, to good food to eat.
This theme was picked up in the Trans K Assembly today, as they described the hardships faced by refugees around the world, sharing the worrying statistic that around the world, 20 people are forced to flee their homes every minute, due to persecution, conflict and human rights abuses.
They painted a vivid picture of those forced to leave their villages and towns with nothing but a bag on their back, and sometimes even less than that. It was inspirational to see such young children absorbing these complex and affecting issues in such a mature way.
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Lent reflection
It was lovely to welcome more than 40 parents and pupils into school this morning for our first Lent breakfast reflection.
After a moving service led by Ms Grogan, we invited those who attended to write or draw a Lenten promise or prayer on a leaf, thinking of those who are not as fortunate as ourselves.
The basket with the promises will be left in the Atrium near our reception, if anyone would like to add their own prayer.
If you'd like to attend the service next week, just drop the office a line.
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Understanding the Jewish faith
I really enjoyed the visit to Reading Synagogue with Year 6 this week - it was such a spiritual experience and gave us all an opportunity to learn more about another faith.
We were made incredibly welcome, with no questions left unanswered. It was great to see the children engaging and celebrating the similarities and differences between world religions.
They've also written some beautiful thank you letters, it's always nice to let people know that what they have done for you has been appreciated.
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Building brilliance
It was fantastic to see your cardboard creations from the half-term holiday - as our Year 2 children start to study castles.
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Thank you so much for creating turrets and towers, drawbridges and motte and baileys, it really helps bring history to life.
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Get gaming
We're encouraging all of our children (over the age of 10!) to enter the BAFTA Young Game Designers competition - with a chance to win a top award, along with once-in-a-lifetime experiences with top game makers and industry professionals.
This fantastic competition could open up a whole world of creative opportunities and supports your children on their journey into making great games.
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What is in a word?
With World Book Day coming up on Tuesday 2 March we have had some interesting discussions this week about changes that have been made to books by the world-famous author, Roald Dahl. Many of his books were written more than 40 years ago, and it's not unusual for publishers to tweak the names of characters and the language used in children's books when versions are reprinted.
It is a well-known fact that not using inclusive or representative speech or ideas can affect the way children think about themselves from a very early age. Describing the roles that parents play can be extremely impactful, for example, should it always be Mummy who does the washing up, while Daddy reads the paper, or Daddy who's in the Army, while Mummy works as a nurse? Some of the changes that were made to Roald's work reflect these changing ideas, as well as addressing issues around weight and race.
However, the question remains whether making sweeping alterations mean that we lose some of the individuality and personality injected into characters by the author. We want to encourage children to see the differences and similarities in the people that live around them, and also to recognise that real life and fiction can be separated. Finally, I think it's important that we can discuss opinions that were formed in earlier generations than ours and compare them to the progress that's been made.
The topic is so important that it even made it onto this week's Question Time - and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also weighed in on the debate, with a spokesperson saying on his behalf:
“When it comes to our rich and varied literary heritage, the prime minister agrees with the BFG that we shouldn’t gobblefunk around with words.”
The No 10 official added: "I think it’s important that works of literature and works of fiction are preserved and not airbrushed. We have always defended the right to free speech and expression."
What do you think at home? Have you particularly enjoyed any Road Dahl books? Be sure to get your children to come and tell me!
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Mr and Mrs Twit illustrated by Quentin Blake
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Your special achievements
I'm thrilled to have a few announcements this week, with some brilliant achievements taking place.
Ellie in Year 5 is feeling pretty 'swish', as she achieved her one star ski award last week, after getting to grips with parallel skiing. Well, done, Ellie!
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I'm proud to say that Siddhant in Year 6, can give himself his own drum roll after gaining a fantastic Distinction in his RSL Entry level Award in Graded Music Performance Entry 3.
And finally, I'm happy to give Harmani in Upper Prep B class a big shout out from us and her proud parents, for passing her 25m distance swimming (Backstroke) as part of the Swim England (ASA) Rainbow Swimming Award Scheme.
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Mr B's sport report
Under 10 netball
On the last day of term, our enthusiastic Under 10 A and B netballers played a home fixture against our friends at St Benedict's.
The Under 10 A team dominated from start to finish, showing incredible team work, communication and collaboration throughout. The A team won 13-0 and gave our visitors very little of the ball throughout. An outstanding performance, well done to all players.
The Under 10 B team played well against tough opposition, they started well and took an early lead before conceding to make it 1-1 at the end of the first quarter. St Bernards clicked into gear straight after the break and showed their dominance and, in the end, comfortably won 5-1. Well done to all players who played, a terrific result all round!
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Walk to school campaign
Thanks to all of you who talked at home with your children about the benefits of walking to school when we can. The following report came from Ms Bal and Ms Grogan's Upper Prep classes.
They investigated how many of their classmates travel to school by car - finding that 2/3 of them used this method. The children concluded that this meant that too many of them were using cars, which cause pollution.
They decided that, where they could, they should start walking to school, "as it's good for mental and physical health". They also discussed preferring to use scooters or bikes to travel rather than walking, and the fact that even one person making a change can make a difference in the world.
If you can, why not take a walk one day a week, when you're dropping off or picking up at school?
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Upcoming dates
Saturday 25 February - St Bernard's Prep Under 9's football tournament
Tuesday 28 February - Year 3 trip to Baylab bees and honey workshop
Thursday 02 March - World Book Day
Friday 03 March - World Wildlife Day
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The Orphan's of St Halibuts - by Sophie Wills
Tulsi's weekly book review
After the sudden death of their highly unpopular matron, Tig, Stef, and Herc are happier than they’ve ever been! All those miserable days of labour are finally over. They just have to make sure that no one ever finds out what happened to her.
But the trouble soon begins. A sly businessman helps. A grouchy goat does too. But the worst is yet to come…
DEATH, a business set on snatching children and putting them to work, is not aware of these particulars. And rich Ainderby Myers will stop at nothing to obtain orphans.
A surprise inspection causes havoc and puts the children in an impossible situation; and when Stef gets captured by DEATH, the others know they have to save him. But they’ll need help from the least likely of places – and fast!
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Mrs Verma's big ideas for curious minds
As a school we love to stretch and challenge our children, to enrich their education beyond the curriculum. Every week I will be sharing with you some discussion topics, new vocabulary, maths riddles and book recommendations, that will imbue our children with a love of learning.
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Word of the week: Agog (adj)
Highly excited, eager or curious to see something.
"The children were all agog at the thought of the party bags."
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In the news this week - Moon, Jupiter and Venus in alignment
The crescent moon was illuminated by an unusual light source this week when it lined up with the two brightest planets in the night sky.
Stargazers should pop out and try to catch a glimpse of the unusual crescent moon, which is currently aligned with Venus and Jupiter in a very unusual way.
While only a sliver of the moon appeared to be illuminated by the sun on Thursday evening, the rest of the planet-facing side of the moon could be dimly lit by a phenomenon known as earthshine.
This is when sunlight reflecting off the Earth is cast onto the Earth-facing side of the moon, allowing skywatchers to see the entire face of the lunar surface, not just the small portion basking in direct sunlight.
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For those of you taking part in the football tournament this weekend - come on you blues! For everyone else, I hope you have a wonderful time, maybe pick up a book or pop outside to take a look at the night sky while reflecting on all the precious gifts we have in our lives.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs A Verma
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