What a busy week! For the last two days, I have been at a Conference with some super presentations and discussions.
On Monday this week, Reverend Darren led Eucharist, along with 6L, with the aim of reflecting on the vital role that animals have played in wars, following last week's Remembrance Service. It was a moving service with a different interpretation of Remembrance Day. Many thanks to 6L and Mrs Lea for organising.
Monday was also Odd Socks Day at the Prep, as part of our support of Anti-Bullying Week. Odd Socks Day serves as an important reminder that we should celebrate our differences, as they are what make each and every one of us unique and special.
Credit totals so far this week are:
Beeches - Mrs McKenzie 1619
Cedars - Mr Parker 1505
Oaks - Mrs Emmerson Friend 1383
Children in Need - We had a SPOTacular Day at the Prep today, the children dressed up and looked fantastic. More importantly we raised over £160 for Children in Need, thank you for your support!
Tomorrow, the Denstone Parents' Christmas Fair will take place in the Drill Hall from midday to 4pm. Please come along to peruse and pick up some gifts - everyone is welcome! There will be many food and local artisan stalls, plus the traditional raffle and fresh pizza and crepe stalls. Please don't forget your cash as well as your cards, since some stalls are cash only. We look forward to extending a warm welcome to you all on Saturday (19 November).
Home Clothes Day - Friday 25 Nov - the money raised will go to the nominated charity picked by Cedar's pupils, which is the Princess Trust, the theme being wear something pink.
Parent Wellbeing - Parents that have requested a link to the recording of the Parent Wellbeing Session led by Jane Graham last week, will be provided with the link at the start of next week.
Sport - We've had an extremely busy fixture list recently with matches against Newcastle-under-Lyme, Derby High, The Elms and Derby Grammar. We also played against Fairfield (part of Loughborough Grammar) and Birkdale Prep from Sheffield. We've noticed a huge amount of progress this term in the skills and organisation needed for competitive fixtures. Our pupils have shown incredible enthusiasm and continue to represent the school so well.
As you will have seen on social media channels, we also had a visit from two 'old boys' in Henry and Charlie who are now part of the enormously successful 1st rugby XV. Our pupils were spellbound by their tales of beating Sedbergh and how Henry has risen from Year 3 at Smallwood to becoming part of the England U18 rugby squad. We held a Q&A session after awarding the hockey and rugby captain badges to Jacob P and Elsa. It was such a rewarding sports assembly.
Next week, Prep 3 and Prep 4 have a busy schedule with fixtures against Terra Nova (boys at home, girls away) and Old Vicarage at home on Friday. Please check Socs for details.
Reception Christmas Craft Afternoon - Tues 13 December 2pm - 3.15pm
The Reception class at TPDC would like to invite you or your friends to attend a Christmas Craft Day on Tuesday 13 December at 2pm - 3.15pm. If you are 3-4 years old, and would like to visit our Reception class, do some fun craft and have a visit from Santa, please email [email protected] and let us know! Parents are welcome!
Michaelmas Concert
Our first major ensemble concert of the year, the Michaelmas Concert, will be taking place on Thursday 24 November, in the Drill Hall at 7.00pm. All parents and guests are very welcome to come along to hear a big range of College and Prep Ensembles performing, including the Orchestra, Show Choir, Big Band, and many more!
Parent Choir
In January 2023, we will again be tackling a major choral work, and will again be running a choir for parents of College and Prep pupils who would like to take part. Last year we performed Vivaldi’s famous Gloria, and the event was greatly enjoyed by all those who took part. This year’s repertoire is going to be Mozart’s Requiem. Rehearsals for the parent choir will be from 7.00pm to 8.00pm on Mondays, starting on the 9 January (this is a College inset day, but we will aim to start here in order to make the most of the rehearsal time available). Please contact the Director of Music, Luke Wynell-Mayow, at [email protected] if you would like to take part in the Parent Choir, or if you have any queries.
Communications available on the Parent Portal this week:
- Pre-Prep 2 Great Fire of London Workshop
- Parent Wellbeing Slides
Have a lovely weekend
Best wishes
The Head of Prep
