FROM THE HEAD MASTER
Scholarship Success
I am delighted to announce that Charlotte Suggitt has been awarded an Academic Scholarship to Rugby and Ellis Godfrey a Foundation Scholarship to Rugby. This is tremendous news with both children having worked so very hard throughout the process. Many congratulations indeed to Charlotte and Ellis on this excellent achievement.
Snow
Clearly, the weather over the last couple of days has played havoc with the normal running of the school. I do hope, however, that the children did enjoy the rare opportunity to play in the snow perhaps sledging, making snow angels or building snowmen. Let’s hope for no more disruption as we head towards the end of term.
National Prep Schools Cross-Country
Very well done to all of our pupils who ran at Malvern College on Sunday. As I said in the newsletter last week, this is the highlight of the prep school cross-country calendar. With around 200 runners in each race, it is extremely competitive as well as tough and gruelling. Particular congratulations to the Junior Girls team who came 5th out of 50 schools, with Isla Allsopp coming in 7th individually. Very well done to all of our runners who represented the school and to Mrs Williams and Mr Canty for their dedication and training of the team.
1st VII Hockey
I was so pleased to hear how well our 1st VII team did at the Stowe tournament on Monday. The boys made it through to the final where they were just pipped by Ashfold in a ‘golden goal’ situation. Perhaps a disappointing outcome but the boys should be very pleased with how they played.
SHSPA Events
All those who attended the Murder Mystery evening last Friday appeared to have an absolutely splendid time. My huge thanks to the SHSPA team for organising such a wonderful evening, but particular thanks to Mr Wilson for writing the script and creating the whole scenario. Enormous thanks too to the 10 members of staff who took on the roles of suspects during the evening. I am now keeping a cautious eye out for Mr Ray, who turned out to be the guilty party!
On a similar subject, we are very much looking forward to another SHSPA event, taking place next term. The association is organising a Spring Party to take place on Saturday 13th May. This is not such a formal or extravagant occasion as the ball held last year but a much more relaxed affair, taking place in a smaller marquee with a hog roast and live band. Please put the date in your diary and be aware that tickets are going on sale very soon.
Outdoor Concert
Whilst you have your diaries to hand, I am very pleased to inform you that we will again be holding an outdoor concert next term on Friday 30th June. As with our previous open air concerts, every child in the prep school will be performing. This has proved to be one of the highlights of the school year. The theme this year will be ‘The Best of British’.
Mary Poppins
The excitement is building for the production of Mary Poppins in the week after next. I am sorry to say that, at present, both performances are sold out and we are operating a waiting list. Rehearsals are reaching the final stages and I am sure it will be a fantastic show.
Earthquake Appeal Fun Run
Last week I was approached by two of our Year 8 girls, Hannah Evans and Helena Sams, to ask if I would consider allowing Year 8 to organise a Fun Run to raise funds for the Turkey-Syria earthquake appeal. My answer was an immediate and unequivocal ‘yes’. I was so pleased that they suggested this and it is a fine reflection on them and their fellow Year 8s, showing their concern and thought for others. The Fun Run will take place in the afternoon of the last Wednesday of term.
Year 7 to London
Finally, I am very much looking forward to spending the day with Year 7 on my Headmaster’s trip to London on Tuesday. This is the second attempt at the trip following the postponement in November due to the rail and underground strikes. I am sure the children will be great company throughout the day.
Thank you
Simon Clarke
PRE-PREP
The scattered flurries of snow that have fallen this week have caused much excitement. Pressing their noses on the cold windows to gaze out, or hurrying onto the playground open-mouthed in an attempt to catch a tiny flake on their tongues … oh, how I wish we could all hold onto the awe, wonder and magic that young children can find in the simplest of things!
Year 1’s Sensory Journey…
The Science activities in Year 1 recently have lent themselves to some rather taste-tingling, finger wiggling experiences. Generating plenty of descriptive language, the children have been exploring each of their five senses. From the sharp taste of cranberry juice, to the sensation of freezing cold ice and the warming menthol smell of a vapour rub, the children certainly had much to think about and remember.
Year 2 Choir – Two Performances in One Week
Although I fear I may be repeating myself here, I simply must emphasise how coming together with the Year 2 Choir every Friday, is one of the most uplifting moments of my week … and I hope it is for Mrs King and the children too! We sing, smile and feel the most wonderful sense of pride and togetherness that leaves us fizzing with energy.
The children shared some of their joy with the Prep school on Monday, when they performed two songs in the Head Master’s morning assembly. Singing in front of a large audience was wonderful preparation for tomorrow, when the Year 2 Choir will be taking to the stage in the Regional Festival of Music for Youth at Northampton Girl’s School. As they step out onto the stage this Saturday, I know that Mrs King and I, plus all the children’s family and friends watching, will be so desperately proud of them.
Pre-Prep Mothering Sunday Assembly – Friday 17th March
Finally, you may have detected the odd heart-warming song line being practised at bath time or on the journey home in the car, as the children are busily preparing for their Mothering Sunday Assembly, taking place next week. Through a collection of songs and poems, this moving and uplifting event is the children’s way of saying ‘thank you’ for all the time, love, care and happiness shared with them by the special grown-ups in their lives. There is enough space in the Hunter Hall for each family to have two seats – the event will also be live streamed, so that wider family and friends can enjoy the occasion too.
Pupil Achievements
Many congratulations to the following children who have gained swimming awards – Anna Da Silva Zammit (2L) 20m and Level 4 and Arthur Ablett (1N) Level 3.
Very well done to Willow Westaway (1S) and River Bell (RY) who gained medals and certificates for their skiing skills.
Congratulations to Alex Schwartz-Jones (2L) and Tom Miles (2L) for their effort and skill in a recent rugby tournament.
A final well done goes to Alice Maule (1N) who was awarded ‘Star of the Week’ at Dance School.
Calendar Changes
Due to the disruption caused by the snow the following Pre-Prep events have been moved to next week:
Reception Assembly – 3.00pm Monday 13th March
Pre-Prep Parents Evening – Thursday 16th March
Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep
Spratton Hall's Snowy Day
HOUSE COMPETITIONS
Years 7&8 Hockey & Netball
| Boys | 1st | Raleigh |
| 2nd | Frobisher | |
| 3rd | Drake | |
| 4th | Grenville |
| Girls | 1st | Drake |
| 2nd | Raleigh | |
| 3rd | Frobisher | |
| 4th | Grenville |
Years 5&6 Football & Netball
| Boys | 1st | |
| 2nd | ||
| 3rd | ||
| 4th |
| Girls | 1st | Drake |
| = | Grenville | |
| 3rd | Frobisher | |
| 4th | Raleigh |
Senior House Science
| 1st | Frobisher |
| 2nd | Grenville |
| 3rd = | Drake |
| Raleigh |
CROSS-COUNTRY
National Prep Schools Championships
MUSIC
Informal Concert Years 3-7 – Thursday 16th March
We are looking forward to the Informal Concert on Thursday 16th March. A letter has been sent out via Clarion Call to the parents of all the pupils that have been invited to perform. Please can you return the reply slip as soon as possible. Tea will be provided for all performers and for any siblings that request it.
Exam Success
Congratulations to Athena Adam for achieving a distinction for her recent Grade 6 violin exam.
ART
Wanted Items
If you are having a spring clean, the Art Department would love the following items for observational drawing:
Teapots – ceramic and stainless steel
Any reflective objects
Tea cups
American diner style sugar pots/teacups/teapots
Animal skulls
Plastic fruit
Plastic flowers
Thank you – Mrs Moreton
SHSPA SPRING PARTY
NETBALL COACHING
NSPCC DISCO
NATIONAL ONLINE SAFETY GUIDES
Last week TikTok announced that over the coming weeks a new update to the app will automatically set up a 60-minute time limit for users under 18, if users wish to extend this they will have to input a code. Several children have said that it seems a bit of a silly new rule – children are just going to input the code and carry on. Their views have started some interesting conversations about enforcement and whether enforcing a rule actually works? Which is better: you must, you will, or, here’s an option for you to make a conscious decision? We have also been able to have conversations about how easy it is to get ‘sucked down the rabbit hole’, where before we know it 30 minutes have passed. Apps such as TikTok are great for procrastination, but not great for getting work done! Perhaps a feature such as this, which allows the option to set up reminders about how much time has been spent on the app is a good idea and maybe the 60 minute option is a good step forward. Here are two guides for parents and teens about TikTok in general, and about recent changes to the app.
https://www.tiktok.com/safety/en/guardians-guide/
https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/new-features-for-teens-and-families-on-tiktok-us
Here is the link to the school website where you will find more details and further helpful information.
