Good morning, Prep School family,
Welcome back to the first Bennett Bulletin of this school year. The Bulletin is back by very popular demand and I am so pleased that so many of you have continued to enjoy reading it over the past 4 and a bit years. Who would have thought that something that I started during the global pandemic to keep in touch with everyone on a daily basis would now be a well-loved, weekly milestone! As per last year, the format has stayed the same. I have taken on board feedback from parents and children and the weekly well-being tips, jokes, quotes, conversation starters and of course, the most popular Sleeps til Santa part will stay! I am, however, always happy to mix things up, so if you have anything you would like me to add, please do get in touch.
During term time, I will continue to send The Bulletin out weekly, on a Tuesday, 8am. For all of our new parents, The Bulletin is not intended to be a list of reminders or things to do – that’s the job of the newsletter/school calendar. It is simply intended as a way of me communicating my thoughts and feelings to our Highclare Prep School families and share things about our week at school that will hopefully make you reflect, smile and spread a little happiness! The content varies from week to week and some weeks are longer/shorter than others. I cannot say that all the material shared in The Bulletin is my own, but I am always happy to give credit where credit is due. Therefore, if I have read something or seen something that I am passing on, I will always credit the original author.
The past few days and being back at school has been wonderful! I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing so many smiling faces. I have so enjoyed welcoming all of our new children and parents into our Highclare family and catching up with you all about all of your adventures throughout the holidays. I have been immensely impressed with all of our new children. We have had very, very few tears and the children are already showing off their new found independence. I have been most impressed by the new Reception class children. It seems to me that the moment they wear their red blazers, they suddenly grow up and are ready to take on the world.
Parents – I am proud of you too – again we have had very few tears, well done! The first day back for me is like the airport scenes at the beginning and the end of the film Love Actually. We have the whole spectrum emotions, attitudes and reactions! We have the hugs and kisses, to smiles and happy waves. We have the children that meet their friends outside school and then don’t stop chattering until the bell goes at the end of playtime to my favourite of all- the children that stroll in and don’t even look back to give their waiting (tearful) parents a wave. How amazing that the children are so comfortable at school that even after 8 weeks away, they come back like it was yesterday. I also find it hysterical when parents are physically pushing their children through the gate after a very long 8 week break. I have had one of my all-time funniest moments this year when a parent saw me at the gate, hugged me and just said ‘Thank you, they are all yours’ as she handed over her children and literally skipped away down the road! I know that we, as a school, are very lucky to have such a brilliant parental body, one that believes and trusts in us implicitly enabling us to give the children in our care the most wonderful days at school possible.
I am thoroughly looking forward to the rest of this week and to getting back into the routine of the school day. I look forward to seeing those who I haven’t managed to catch up with yet and to just being in school with everyone – children, staff and parents. I have the best job in the world and it is a privilege to come to work at Highclare each and every day.
Quote of the week: “I’ve always loved the first day of school better than the last day of school. Firsts are best because they are beginnings.” – Jenny Han
Well-being tasks for this week: These are all based on self-care September. We need to learn to let go of the thought that self-care is selfish, it really isn’t – it’s essential to keep us well, thriving and achieving our best ion all areas of school life! These tasks and ideas are good for all ages.
Tuesday 10 September – When you find things hard, remember its ok not to be ok
Wednesday 11 September – Make time to do things that you really enjoy
Thursday 12 September – Get active outside and give your mind and body a natural boost
Friday 13 September – Be as kind to yourself as you would to a loved one
Saturday 14 September – If you are busy, allow yourself a break and pause
Sunday 15 September – Find a caring, calming phrase to use when you feel low
Monday 16 September – Leave positive messages for yourself to see on a regular basis
Jokes of the week:
What do librarians take with them when they go fishing?
Bookworms!
Why did the pupil study in the airplane?
Because he wanted a higher education!
How did the music teacher get locked in the classroom?
His keys were inside the piano!
What do elves learn in school?
The elf-abet!
What object is king of the classroom?
The ruler!
If you think you can do any better (surely you can), please send your jokes to me and I can include in The Bulletin.
Conversation starters:
What is your favourite word?
If you could invent something to make life easier, what would you invent?
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 completing a full week of school.
- I am looking forward to unpacking boxes and sorting out my new house.
- I am looking forward to catching up with an old friend at the weekend.
- I am grateful for how quickly everyone has settled back into school – it’s like we’ve never been away.
- I am grateful for coffee this week and plenty of it.
Sleeps til Santa: 105 days left and counting. That is only 16 Mondays. We will be in double digits before we know it. For those of you who like to get in the mood early, Sainsbury’s (and I am sure other supermarkets as well) have started stocking up on their festive ranges. You know me, I LOVE Christmas but this is even a tad too early for me!
Have a super week and I look forward to seeing you all around school.
Much love,
Mrs Bennett
