The Prep Newsletter - 25-11-2022

Whilst the nights continue to draw in and the temperatures continue to drop, daily business at the Prep has not slowed down a jot. The festive season is approaching, and our pupils have been preparing by beginning to decorate our wonderful tree in the foyer. 

In line with this week's theme 'Honesty, Endeavour and kindness' the whole Prep took part in 'Positive Noticing Day' on Wednesday 23rd November. The aim of the day is to acknowledge the good things our pupils do, and to catch them being brilliant. This helps to build self-esteem and builds a positive working climate for adults, alongside a culture where children who do the right thing are the most noticed and most appreciated. It was a lovely day, full of positive energy and recognition for our fantastic pupils.

Summer Term Dates and The Denstone 150th Anniversary Celebration

For parents with children also at the College, please see the confirmation of Summer Term Dates below. Please note the change of dates to the second exeat. For Prep pupils please be aware of the Bank Holiday, as a result of the King's Coronation, on Mon 8th May. 

In addition, we are thrilled to announce that Saturday 24th June will feature a special celebration of Denstone's 150th Anniversary. A range of pupils will be involved in various activities, and all parents are warmly invited to attend, with your children, too. Further information on this exciting event will be forthcoming.  

Summer Term 2023

Looking ahead, Carols by Candlelight will be taking place in the Chapel on Sunday 4th December at 6:00pm. All parents of Prep pupils involved are warmly invited to join us for what is always a touching event. This is due to start at 6pm, but Chapel starts to fill from 5.15pm. It is a popular event and seats are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

We will also be holding a Prep Carol Service on the following Monday 5th December, from 8:50am to 9:20am in the Chapel. All parents are welcome to join us, we politely request parents to wait at the Lodge to be escorted down to the Chapel.

Payments and our bank details

As we finalise Lent invoices ready for issue in the next few days, we advise that our bank details remain the same. With the continued increase in cyber fraud, we wanted to let you know that our banking arrangements have not changed.

Sports News

Our sporting week was interrupted by the weather unfortunately. We usually play in all conditions, however, the pitches were extremely waterlogged on Monday and we took the decision to cancel with Terra Nova having to travel a fair distance. We have to consider the pitches for the rest of the College teams and the fact that we were due to use three pitches also played its part. We still travelled to Terra Nova with our U9 girls and played a fantastic hockey match. The U9s are also due to play Old Vicarage on Friday for both hockey and rugby.

Unfortunately, Lichfield Cathedral have cancelled their U10 and U11 fixtures next week. They have double booked with a theatre trip and we have only found out this week. We still have the U10 rugby festival at The Elms which is a highlight of the sporting calendar. We also have fixtures against Newcastle-under-Lyme and Lichfield Cathedral next week. 

6B will be swimming instead of 6L from this Wednesday onwards. 6L will have PE lessons in the sports hall. Please can parents remind pupils to remember to pack the correct kit.

Caudwell Children Family Workshops

Please find located on the Parent Portal information about Family Workshops run by the Caudwell Children's Trust to support children aged 4-18 with Autism and/or Learning Difficulties.

Communications available on the Parent Portal/ISAMS are:

•             NSPCC’s Speak Out Stay Safe
•             Prep 4 Reading Advent Calendar

Best Wishes,

Head of the Prep