Newsletters

St Bernard's Preparatory School - Newsletter 24th January 2025

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Dear Parents,

This week, our children have demonstrated remarkable focus and determination during their testing week. I am immensely proud of their hard work and the positive attitude they have brought to their learning experience.

This morning, Trans K enchanted us with the launch of the Jubilee Year of Hope, assembly. The children shared their hopes for the year and even involved the audience by asking us all about our hopes as well. They captivated us with a beautiful song of hope, creating a truly inspiring performance that reminded everyone of the strength and unity present in our school community. As we celebrate the Year of Hope, we will be exploring ways to deepen our faith, celebrate hope and take action to build a better world. 

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Thinking School

This week we have been reflecting on the importance of persisting as part of our Thinking Schools initiative. Our Thinking Thursday Thought posed the question:

"What motivates you to keep going when things get difficult?"

Alongside this, our Bee-attitude of the week, “Stick at it,” encourages children to keep persisting with determination and show resilience in the face of challenges. Together, these themes are helping to nurture a growth mindset within our school community.

Also this week, several children were awarded the "Thinking Champion" certificate in recognition of their dedication and commitment to learning in class. Their hard work and perseverance in tackling challenges have set a wonderful example for their peers.

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Wellbeing Weekend Wisdom

This weekend, make the most of the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch to promote family wellbeing while connecting with nature. Here are some tips to enjoy the event and spend quality time together:

Prepare for Birdwatching Together
Set the stage for a fun family activity by preparing a cosy birdwatching spot in your garden, balcony, or near a window. Bring blankets, cushions, and snacks for comfort.
Pack binoculars, a bird identification guide, and a notepad or download the RSPB's resources to track what you see.

Turn it Into a Learning Adventure
Explore fun facts about birds with your kids before you start. Challenge each other to spot different species or learn bird songs.
Encourage creativity by sketching the birds you see or crafting bird masks and feeders.

Connect Through Observation
Treat the Birdwatch as a mindful activity. Focus on being quiet, observing, and listening to the natural world around you.
Encourage everyone to notice not just the birds, but also other wildlife, plants, or changes in the weather.

Create Homemade Bird Treats
Make simple bird feeders with your children to attract birds and help them through the colder months.

Use items like pine cones, peanut butter, seeds, or apple slices. Hanging these outside can be a fun part of the event!

Share the Experience

Take pictures of the birds and your family enjoying the event. Share them with friends or on social media to inspire others to join in.

Afterward, write a short family journal entry about the experience, listing the birds you saw and your favourite moments.

Use the Opportunity to Get Active
Combine the Birdwatch with a family walk in a local park or green space. Look for birds in trees, on the water, or in open fields.
Bring along a thermos of hot chocolate for a warm treat on your adventure.

Celebrate Nature Indoors
End the day by watching a nature documentary about birds or listening to calming bird sounds.
Read a nature-themed storybook together to wind down and keep the inspiration going.

By participating in the Big Garden Birdwatch, you’ll not only help protect wildlife but also enjoy meaningful moments as a family. So grab your binoculars and let the birdwatching begin!

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Music Opportunities

Woodwind Lessons

There are currently still a few places left for children to take up regular Woodwind (Clarinet, Flute and Saxophone) lessons in school.  

Learning a woodwind instrument is a great social and fun way to learn to play music, as these instruments give children the opportunity to play in groups with other like-minded musicians, whilst still encouraging all the other life skills that learning a musical instrument gives us (motor and co-ordination skills, listening skills, reading skills, counting skills, multi-tasking skills, music appreciation skills ....), the list is endless!  

If you are keen for your child to take up this amazing opportunity to learn one of these instruments, please fill in the form in the Parent Portal and return it to reception.  Places will be taken on a 'first come, first served' basis, so please don't leave it too long before applying as your child may miss out.  Your child may well be the next Benny Goodman, James Galway or Charlie Parker of today!

Singing Lessons

We are very excited to announce that a new music teacher will be joining the department in the next few weeks.  Miss Parker is a vocal specialist and will be offering singing lessons to our children alongside our other peripatetic teachers.  Miss Parker writes: “I have been teaching singing in a number of schools and other venues for over 20 years.  As an experienced singing teacher I enjoy helping my pupils to find the full potential of their voice. My aim is to ensure that singers develop a healthy vocal technique and are then able to apply this to singing the music they enjoy. I coach my pupils in a wide range of musical styles including opera, art song, musical theatre and pop and support them in achieving their goals whether it is to pass exams, perform or just enjoy singing.”  If you would like your child to start singing lessons, please complete one of our music forms which can either be picked up from the school office or downloaded from the Parent Portal.  This is a very exciting opportunity and Dr Bunce is thrilled to welcome Miss Parker to the team.

We are excited to announce our upcoming Taster Morning for children entering Years 3 and 5 in September 2025, which will take place on Monday, 27th January, from 9:00–11:00 am. This is a fantastic opportunity for prospective families to experience the nurturing and inspiring environment that makes our school so special.

We would love your help in spreading the word! Please share the details with friends, family, and anyone who might be interested in joining our wonderful school community.

Thank you for your continued support in making St Bernard's Prep a place where curious minds thrive!

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Sports News

Under 10 Football vs Gayhurst

Last Friday, our Under 10A+B teams travelled to Gayhurst to play in four matches.  Our A Team were up against two very formidable sides and although they found the situation tough, all of our players showed plenty of resilience throughout the afternoon. We lost a match and drew a match. Our Under 10Bs played in two hard fought matches, losing one, 2-4 and winning the other 5-3. Well done to all the players on both teams for representing the school so well. Pranav and Harmamjot both received the green lace awards on the day for their outstanding contributions.

Under 10 Netball vs Gayhurst

We welcomed Gayhurst’s Under 10 netballers last Friday. Both schools had 3 teams each on the courts, which made for a busy afternoon of competitive fun. Our 3 teams stepped up immensely and all of our players displayed outstanding all-round skills throughout the afternoon. Our A Team won 8-2, our B Team won 11-1 and our C Team won 5-4.  This was a very successful afternoon for this group of girls and they made their school immensely proud! Well done to everyone and special congratulations to Kashvi, Saffa and Rhea for all winning the MVP award for their respective teams.

Under 9 Football vs Thorpe House

On Tuesday, our Under 9 A,B and C Teams were at home to play against Thorpe House School. Our A Team were very dominating in their match, with all of our players being assertive, disciplined and very well-organised in their structures throughout the match. We won the match 4-1. Our B team won their match 3-0. They linked up very well with each other and by ensuring long, accurate passes, we are able to find space and be very effective. Our C Team  played in a very even match and an early goal from Thorpe House was all that separated the two teams. We lost the match 0-1 but were by far the dominating team in the latter stages of the game. Well done to all three of our teams. Reyansh, Mohammed and Avaani were all nominated as the MVPs for the afternoon.

Year 6 Football vs Long Close School

On Wednesday, our Year 6s played mixed football vs Long Close School. All the boys and girls put up a fantastic display with our A Team winning 9-2, and our B team, despite losing 0-5, put up a phenomenal performance in the 2nd half in conceding only one goal. Well done to all the players and a special well done to Dea, Evani and Tanish for all being nominated as MVPs on the day.

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Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend! If you choose to participate in the RSBP big garden birdwatch, remember to dress warmly and bring an umbrella! Next week, I am so excited about our Chinese dance workshop, which promises to be an engaging and enriching experience for the children. I will certainly be joining in on all the fun!

Mrs Asha Verma

Headteacher