Your patience in waiting for the results of the book freeze-frame competition has been tested somewhat, therefore, I am delighted to announce:  1st Kit & Ottilie, 2nd Max and 3rd Varun.  Mrs Sheaff joins me in thanking you all for embracing our theme and getting involved – the standard was just superb, hence the need for much deliberation.

I am also thrilled to let you know that our new plaque on the friendship bench has been unveiled this week.  This initiative was entirely the work of our spring term councillors, who hope others will make use of this in order to alert others to how they are feeling and, more particularly, when in need of a friend.   Our newly elected councillors already have plans in hand which we shall soon be in a position to share – we hope in the not too distant future.

Year 2 children are currently immersed in their transition programme ahead of the Prep New Pupils’ Day on 19 June.  So far, they have enjoyed a science lesson with Mrs Morris, a reasoning and life skills session with Mr Ford, a French taster session with Mr Smith and, yesterday, spent the lunch period at Prep, absolutely loving the choice of food on offer there, especially the salad bar.  Safe to say, they are feeling ready to embrace new challenges ahead and greatly look forward to getting stuck in to life at Hampton Prep come September.

Monday’s assembly very much focused on Mental Health Awareness Week, discussing the importance of knowing our brains, naming feelings and understanding the influence they have on the body, as well as learning some strategies to pause and calm.  In amongst this, there was also a nod to the importance of listening to music (of course, relating this to our current theme). Reception led a beautiful assembly today, focusing on the story, ‘We’re going on a bear hunt’ and got everyone in the hall enthusiastically joining in with accompanying body percussion as they retold this old favourite.  We also enjoyed a number of pianists, staff and pupils, playing in our assemblies this week – congratulations to Ethan (Reception), Lucas (Reception), Maxwell (Year 2) and Mrs Guest, who quite honestly wowed us with their playing!

Finally, Year 1 enjoyed a fabulous day out at Winchester Science Museum and returned to school brimming with enthusiasm for all things related to space.  Mrs Timba will share greater detail in her write up but is always music to my ears when I hear that all the children had a wonderful time and behaved impeccably whilst out and about.

Our Courtesy Cup and Badge this week went to Maxwell (Year 2) for being consistently polite and considerate to all staff and friends.  What a role model you are, Maxwell.

and Star of the Week to the following pupils:

Year 2: Alex for bringing such a positive and enthusiastic work ethic to Hampton Pre-Prep.  We are delighted to have you with us.

Year 1:  Karam for beautiful manners and displaying brilliant space knowledge on our trip yesterday.

Reception: Kian for his consistent outstanding behaviour and attitude to learning.

Have a super weekend.