Good morning, Prep School family,
I hope you are well and had a fabulous weekend. Mine was full of sleeping, socialising, gardening and as a result disturbing the biggest ants nest I have ever seen! I had no idea what I had done until my arms were absolutely covered! Once that had happened, I decided to give up on the gardening for weekend and I sat in the sun, enjoying my book. It was just lovely.
So this is the penultimate Bulletin of this academic year. There are only 8 more get ups left and the summer holidays will be on us. July is just around the corner and a summer of adventure and freedom starts! There is so much happening in school this week and next that is hard to actually comprehend the time that we have left and how we are going to squeeze everything in.
This time of year invites plenty of reflection. It gives us time to be grateful for all of our experiences and memories since September. It allows us to think about how we are going to improve next year and gives us time to be proud of all that we have achieved. For our Year 6 children this time of transition is equally as daunting as it is exciting and although they are more than ready for the challenges ahead, the thought of leaving a school, a family, a community that you have been part of for the vast majority of your life is scary. We talk to all of the children on a regular basis about the fact that is ok to be nervous. To be apprehensive of change is normal and that everyone feels it. We speak about what the butterflies in your tummy mean and that usually they mean that you care. But most importantly, we speak to the children about how to handle these emotions and how to turn these sometimes big feelings into smaller, positive ones. Feelings that can help the children face their worries. Feelings that make them stronger and feelings that mean they are able to embrace the exciting path ahead. I know the next few weeks will be wrought with mixed emotions but that is ok – we will support the children (and you parents) through it! We will laugh together, no doubt shed happy tears together, we will reminisce and be so proud of each and every achievement. So whether your baby (let’s face it even when they are 52, they are still your babies!), is graduating Swans and joining reception, is moving to the next year group or preparing to leave the Prep School for the last time – be safe in the knowledge that they are very ready and so capable of meeting the challenges ahead – let them spread their wings and watch them soar to heights you never imagined possible. . . and be immensely proud – we, as a team, have enabled them to do that! What an honour and a privilege.
So to end, in the words of my dad (and one of his many life affirming sayings). . .
“Life is a journey, enjoy the ride!”
Quote of the week: “There’s always gonna be another mountain
I’m always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose
Ain’t about how fast I get there
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb” – Miley Cyrus
Well-being tasks for this week: These tasks are based on Joyful June. Actions to help us look for the good all around us.
Tuesday 25 June – Show your appreciation to those who help others
Wednesday 26 June – Make time to do something playful, just for the fun of it
Thursday 27 June – Be kind to you – do something you enjoy
Friday 28 June – Notice how contagious positive emotions are between people
Saturday 29 June – Share a friendly smile with people you see today
Sunday 30 June – Make a list of the joys in your life and keep adding to it in the coming months
Monday 1 July – Be grateful
Jokes of the week:
What bone will a dog never eat? A trombone.
How does a scientist freshen her breath? With experi-mints!
Why did the man get fired from the orange juice factory? Lack of concentration.
What is a tornado’s favourite game to play? Twister!
What did the dalmatian say after lunch? “That hit the spot!”
Why can’t a leopard hide? Because he’s always spotted!
Conversation starters:
If your toys were like Toy Story and could talk when you weren’t around – what do you think they would say?
If you were as small as an ant, how would you describe our school?
5 things that I am grateful for or looking forward to this week:
Can you try this simple exercise in gratitude and positivity?
- I am looking forward to the KS2 sleep over on Friday night – not even joking.
- I am looking forward to the Year 6 Enterprise Days.
- I am looking forward to the Swan’s graduation ceremonies.
- I am grateful for sunshine and warmth.
- I am grateful for our wonderful Prep School children.
Sleeps til Santa: 182 sleeps. . .
Have a wonderful week – enjoy every moment and have lots of fun along the way.
With much love,
Mrs Bennett
