Healthy body, healthy mind
This week, Taskers House led us in an assembly on the importance of taking care of your health. They taught us about healthy eating and exercise to keep our bodies optimal. They taught us about ways to keep our minds healthy too, knowing that we need both to really be happy. This set us up perfectly for Sports Day on Wednesday and with temperatures climbing by the afternoon we would need all our energy and positivity to go the distance. Of course, the children yet again showed how resilient they could be.
Sports Day for Years 3 – 6 and cameo performances from our Year 1s and 2s, was a resounding success. The races consisted of 800m, 600m, sprints of 100m, 75m and 50m, mixed relays, hurdles and culminated in the almighty Year 6 tug o’ war. Every child dug deep and pushed themselves that little bit harder than they had before.
After many fiercely fought battles, the House that emerged triumphant was…. Bayman!
Next week the overall House winner of the year will be revealed alongside the most treasured prize, the Good Conduct Cup, awarded to the House with the most merits and least demerits.
Also this week saw a fantastic evening of musical performances at the Year 4 and Ensembles Concert. Our Junior Band kicked off the evening with a couple of pieces followed by the String Orchestra and the Cello Club. Many of the players in these groups are as young as Year 3. Then the Junior Choir lifted our spirits even further with heartfelt renditions of Celebrate Life Today by Rebecca Kincaird and Sing From Your Heart by Jon Allen. I am not sure there was a dry eye in the house by this point. The evening continued to delight us with the Brass Ensemble, then the Chapel Choir with beautiful singing that included Lift Up Your Voice, Alleluia by Sally K Albrecht which felt truly transcendent. Then our full Orchestra put a spring in our step with the Wallace and Gromit theme tune, getting us ready for the full BBC Proms experience with the whole of Year 4 singing 3 brilliant songs. We ended with a Prep school favourite; Amani Upendo Umoja by Jerry Estes, translated this means Peace, Love and Unity. Reminding us of the importance of working together for the greater good of all humanity, but especially for the children.
This week, Xanthe in Year 4 received a Head of Prep Award for her creativity and drive. Xanthe decided to build her own wooden safe at home and to decorate it for a stunning visual effect. Sourcing her own materials and using the skills she learned in DT, Xanthe saw the project through from start to end. Well done Xanthe for showing that get it done attitude that we love so much at the Prep.
We also saw another group Head of Prep Award, this time for Elizabeth, Ruby and Nichelle in Year 6. Together they designed a wind turbine capable of raising and lowering a lift and they did so harmoniously. When I asked what they thought the key to successful collaboration was, they gave an excellent answer – they listen to each other. And there you have it, so simple yet so true.
To top off a brilliant set of nominations, our last Head of Prep Award for the week went to Freddie in Year 3. Freddie went the extra mile in completing his Science Investigation project, he combined two variables to thoroughly address the inquiry question. Not only this, but Freddie’s detailed explanation was fully evidence based which allowed him to demonstrate excellent mathematical skills. Well done Freddie!
Next week is a big week, especially for our Year 6s who have their Celebration of Achievement evening before they head off for their next adventures.
Wishing you all a lovely weekend,
Alice Goodfellow
