Assemblies this term will be focusing on ‘100 Wonderful Years!’, however, this week we have made time to talk about School Council – what it is and why it is so important.  Essentially, it is the forum whereby children contribute their ideas and suggestions to improve aspects of school life.  To this end, two children from each class from Reception upwards, are elected by their peers to sit on the council for the term.

School Council is the vehicle that not only allows the children here at Hampton Pre-Prep the opportunity to proffer ideas and suggestions to enhance school life but indeed the wider community too, and we do this by supporting charities chosen by the children. Last year our councillors chose a number of different charities, for example, Little Roo Neonatal Fund, Dogs Trust and Children in Need.  Election time will soon be upon us, so please do talk to your son or daughter about this and whether they’ d like to stand for School Council.  Voting takes place next week and our new councillors for the term ahead will be announced on Friday 24 September.

We were so lucky rain held off yesterday to allow individual and class photographs to take place and how smart the children looked in their new school uniforms. On the matter of uniform, please do make sure your child has their school coat with them each day and do ensure every single piece of clothing is named clearly – as you would imagine, we can reunite owners with any lost items super quickly if all pieces are named!  That said, a brand new coat is missing from Reception, please check you have your child’s coat this weekend – the missing coat is named in the pocket.

Studies show that reading for pleasure makes a huge difference to a child’s educational performance.  Evidence suggests those who read for enjoyment every day not only perform better in reading tests than those who don’t, but they also develop a broader vocabulary, increased general knowledge and a better understanding of other cultures.  Reading aloud to children is so vitally important in the infant stage but well into the primary years and beyond.  We hope that you will be able to make our Reading Information Evening on Thursday 26 September for Reception, Years 1 and 2 parents.  Starting at 6.30pm, talks will take place in individual classrooms to tailor them to the specific skills each year group will be covering during the school year.

We absolutely love hearing about the the children’s achievements both in and outside school and every Thursday make time to celebrate all endeavours. It was exciting to make the first such awards of the academic year – very well done to the following: Jon (Reception) for his two cricket medals! Congratulations to Fin, Oscar and Zayn for achieving their swimming certificates and Taksh for his red belt in Judo, all of whom are in Year 1.  We were also thrilled to hear that several members of Year 2 took part in the Summer Reading Challenge – Cameron, Kian, Henry and Shreyan.  Shreyan also was congratulated for completing the Plus Doodle English and Maths Challenge.  Many congratulations to you all!

Thursdays are also the day when the courtesy cup (and badge) and stars of the week are announced.

This week the Courtesy Cup and Badge went to Krishna (Year 1) for delightful manners, and always listening beautifully to his friends and teachers.

and Stars of the Week were awarded to:

Year 2:  Ethan for a stunning effort and attitude to learning.  Every task is completed beautifully and to the best of his ability.

Year 1: Sebi P for settling in so beautifully to life at Hampton Pre-Prep.  What a star!

Reception: Louis for his fabulously informative and fun ‘show and tell’ – thank you, Louis!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!