Pre-Prep Reflections Week 30 2024

Dear parents,

This week has been Mental Health Awareness Week and, in her singing assembly on Wednesday, Ms Richards asked the children to share their tips for good mental health. Following on from Children’s Mental Health Week earlier in the year and their weekly wellbeing lessons with Miss Lawrence, the children were able to recall our daily wellbeing walks and talked about the importance of exercise, sleep, healthy eating, breathing, learning, hobbies and play in helping them to be calm, to relax and to be in the moment – what an impressive list!

Open morning

Yesterday morning, we had record numbers of families attending our final open morning of the year. Luckily, the sun was shining, the school looked amazing and the children worked their magic charm on all the visitors. We had strong interest in all year groups and registrations within hours of the event finishing. The Year 2 class for next year is now full with a waiting list, while next year’s Year 1 class only has a couple of spaces remaining.

Assemblies

In addition to learning about Mental Health Awareness Week, I have been talking to the children about the difference between facts and opinions, and how we can’t always believe everything we hear. Tuesday’s news assembly covered a range of recent current affairs stories, from the Northern Lights in the UK to cold lava eruptions in Sumatra and even this year’s Eurovision winner!

IAPS district meeting

This morning, Mrs Van and I were at Mount Kelly Prep School for this term’s regional meeting of the Independent Association of Prep School (IAPS) member heads. The guest speaker was Leslee Udwin, an actor, producer, writer and campaigner, who spoke passionately about her Think Equal campaign and educational programme. Thank you to Mrs Smyth for coming in to teach Nursery in my absence.

Next week

We look forward to welcoming Miss Sam Moore, our new lunchtime assistant, into school on Tuesday and Wednesday next week. She will be learning the ropes from Mrs Furniss and Mr Heath ahead of her official start after half term. Don’t forget that next week is the final week before half term and that next Friday is an INSET day so school will be closed to pupils.

Finally, I hope to see some of you at the Devon County Show tomorrow. Ruffles and I will be on the Exeter School stand (Avenue A, Stand 26) throughout the day if you would like to come and say hello.