Weekly Round up 6th March

Dear Parents

I hope you are all well.

I spent part of last week away from school taking part in an inspection, which is always a valuable
opportunity to step into another environment and reflect on our own practice here at The Prep. One thing
that never ceases to impress me about schools in more urban settings is their ingenuity – how they make
such clever use of limited space and carefully structured timetables to ensure pupils still benefit from time
outdoors. Experiences like this only serve to remind me just how fortunate we are at The Prep to enjoy such exceptional outdoor provision. With the recent sunshine and warmer weather, our grounds have looked particularly beautiful this week, and there has certainly been an extra spring in everyone’s step.
It has been a busy and enriching few days for our pupils. Year 3 thoroughly enjoyed their visit to the Horniman Museum and Gardens on Monday, and yesterday it was a joy to celebrate World Book Day across the school. The enthusiasm and creativity on display were wonderful to see, and we were delighted
to welcome authors Megan Hopkins and Simon Mole, who inspired our pupils with their stories and insights.

Looking ahead, Science Week begins on Monday, and Dr Rolls has been hard at work organising
an engaging programme of activities for the children to enjoy and looking for answers to the following
questions: How can we make ice cream using chemistry? How can cabbage reveal hidden chemicals? What
happens when duck eggs hatch? We are very much looking forward to a week of curiosity, exploration and
discovery.

On Friday 13th March, we will host our annual Under 11s rugby tournament, The Oldroyd Sevens. We are
delighted that founder of the tournament – Philip Oldroyd (former Headmaster of The Prep) – will be
joining us to enjoy the afternoon. I am also thrilled to confirm that, following his hugely successful visit just
over a year ago, George Gregan – former Australian rugby union captain and World Cup winner – will once
again be with us. He will spend time with some of our pupils during the morning for PE lessons before
lending his support to the tournament in the afternoon, an opportunity I know will be hugely inspiring for
everyone taking part.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. I hope you all have a restful and enjoyable weekend.

Best wishes

Luke Harrison

Dear Parents and Carers
We have had the most wonderful time celebrating World Book Day this year. As we reflected on the joy of
stories, we were reminded that “Reading can sweep us into new worlds, spark our imaginations, and take
us on adventures far beyond the classroom.” This spirit was certainly alive throughout the
school yesterday.

The children’s costumes were simply fantastic—among them Percy the Park Keeper (complete with a
wheelbarrow of woodland animals!), The Hungry Caterpillar, The Cat in the Hat, Willy Wonka, Elmer, Harry
Potter, the Mr Men, and an array of witches, princesses, dinosaurs, and tigers, to name just a few. A huge
thank you to all our parents for the time and creativity put into the costumes; your efforts truly shone
through, and the children looked amazing.

We began the day with a whole-school assembly and were delighted to welcome visiting author Simon
Mole, who performed two of his favourite poems. A highlight for many was the Year 6 pupils taking on the
teachers in a Julia Donaldson rap battle—much to the children’s delight, the teachers claimed victory!
Back in the Pre-Prep hall, the children threw themselves into The Big Draw, showcasing some impressive
artistic talents. Later, pupils enjoyed sharing stories with their reading buddies before heading back to class
for more book-themed fun. We were also thrilled to have Simon Mole visit Year 1 and Year 2, with a special
stop in Reception, who are currently enjoying his book A First Book of Dinosaurs.
Our celebrations continue, as Kindergarten and Reception will soon spend time with Katie Ford, author
of The Gnome with No Name and Puffy Puffs Up. We are equally excited to welcome Sophie Henn next
Wednesday, 11th March.

Thank you once again for your wonderful support this week—whether through costumes, books for the
swap, or simply sharing in the excitement of reading. We look forward to even more literacy fun over the
next fortnight with our sponsored Read-a-thon, raising money for the charity Read for Good.
Wishing you all a wonderful and restful weekend.

Best wishes,

Shannon Wake