The Bulletin – Edition 17
Variety is the spice of life so they say, and we have endeavoured to remain true to that maxim here as far as lessons are concerned during the course of this current period of enforced school closure. I am enjoying hearing from my teaching colleagues of the many and varied approaches and strategies they have been using to keep their teaching as vibrant, relevant and interesting as it would be, were they to be teaching on site. I have been equally delighted to hear from them about the progress they see our pupils are making.
Half term is now upon us, which brings time for us all to switch (laptops) off for a day or two at least and to relax and most definitely re-charge. I expect you will be waiting with breath as bated as mine to learn of any changes to arrangements for schools for next half term. If current arrangements must change, following further announcements from the government, please rest assured we shall be in touch with the required details for you as soon as we reasonably can.
Prep
Safer Internet Workshops
Safer Internet Day took place this week and has become a very important date in the online safety calendar. With origins dating back to 2004, the event has grown exponentially with now over 170 countries worldwide marking this important day. From cyberbullying to social networking to digital identity, each year Safer Internet Day aims to raise awareness of emerging online issues and current concerns.
News from Mr Salt, Head of Games
On Monday this week, under normal circumstances we would have enjoyed our House Cross Country event. Fortunately for us though, the boys did not let a pandemic get in the way of taking part in a House competition with a similar sporting and endurance focus to it. Two weeks ago, they ran in the Hampton Prep Virtual House Mini-Marathon. There were levels of excellent participation from boys in all Year groups and some impressive distances recorded in the 20 minutes of running time that was recommended to them. In total, Hampton Prep boys covered 383.64 KMs, which is, all things considered, a fantastic effort! The plaudits have to go to the boys of Lancaster House however, who clocked 114 of these KMs. A big well done to all participants (including parents – brilliant running from plenty of you!)
Further Guidance for the Fourth Headmaster’s Cheerful Challenge
The poor boys in the Prep. One day they are likely to come across quite a serious Headmaster who does not meet them on Teams check-in calls wearing a large and absurd cardboard hat he has made, as an exemplar of a challenge he has set. I thought the Year 6 boys were particularly amusing this week; wearing said hat above evoked a weary resignation in them, towards me. I am sure they were quietly asking themselves “What did I do to deserve a Headmaster like this?” This sort of reaction however only spurs me on even further to challenge all the boys’ problem-solving skills. I expect them, as ever, to dig deep and (perhaps connecting with their joyful and silly sides?!) to come up with something both creative and entertaining. I have re-posted the instructions on Firefly for the latest HMCC, which is entirely voluntary. Some boys have already posted photos of themselves wearing their amazing creations on CENTURY, which is fine. If any others wish to rise to this challenge please send photos to Miss Jolley before the start of next half term. h.jolley@hamptonprep.org.uk
Pre-Prep
A word from Mrs Murphy
What a busy time it’s been in the run up to half term! Not only have we celebrated Chinese New Year but also Safer Internet Day this week. There’s a strong possibility your child will be saying happy new year to you today in celebration of Chinese New Year. “Gong hei fat choy” is how Cantonese speakers wish you a happy new year, and this literally means wishing you great happiness and prosperity. In China, Mandarin-speakers wish you a happy new year by saying “Gong xi fa cai” - wishing you to be prosperous in the coming year. Here’s a lovely picture of Henry celebrating Lunar New Year as part of his Vietnamese culture. The traditional greeting is “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới”.
Kindergarten
“Gong hei fat choy” from Kindergarten! We have been learning about and celebrating Chinese New Year all week long. Starting with the well-known story, ‘The Race’, we discovered how each year is named after an animal character from the story. We thought that the ox would have been first but instead it was the clever rat who managed to cross the river first. We acted out the story using our animal masks, working out who was 1st, 2nd 3rd – in fact, all the way to animal number 12!
Reception
Reception too have been busy celebrating Chinese New Year. We have spoken about the story of the great race – and the children were interested to learn that each year is assigned an animal according to the Chinese zodiac. We discovered how Chinese New Year is celebrated, and the traditions and customs that make it such a special festival treat! We enjoyed making a noodle salad and used a knife very safely to cut the ingredients. We watched some exciting (and very noisy!) video clips of lion and dragon dances. Gorgeous lanterns in the all-important colours, red and gold, have been crafted and we have even practised writing Chinese numbers!
Year 1
In Year 1, work on Brazil culminated with cooking up some delicious sweet treats. The activity, of course, allowed first-hand experience of weighing ingredients carefully as well as observing science, as we watched changes occurring during the process.
Year 2
Year 2 have had a fun-filled week putting all their skills to the test, firstly with a ‘Countdown’ style maths challenge and later as detectives solving the mystery of the snowman’s missing nose.