Good morning, Prep School family,
I hope this finds you well and getting into the Christmas mood! Did some of you put your trees up this weekend? I know some of your teachers did! I felt very Christmassy on the drive to work yesterday morning. There was a lovely frost, so everywhere was twinkling and white. The mist was hanging low over the trees and the sky was a beautiful pinky/purple colour as the sun rose. I had Christmas songs playing on the radio and a coffee in my hand –I thoroughly enjoyed my morning drive.
As much as I love Christmas and everything about it, I thought I would veer away from it in this week’s Bulletin as I know not everyone feels the same way. I was asked an interesting question over half term by my niece. She said, “Auntie Pol, why do you read books.” I went on to explain that I like stories and adventures but just saying that I enjoy them didn’t really seem to answer her question enough for me. Yes, I love to read for enjoyment and my Story and Book Clubs are my favourite times of the week at school, but there are so many more reasons other than simple enjoyment (although this is a very important reason!). I wasn’t able to put my reasons into words. This has been bugging me since! Then this weekend, I came across this following quote on social media. I think this sums up why I love to read too! So next time I get asked the question, I shall share this with them. Thank you, Gary Paulsen, whoever you are!
Why do I read?
I just can’t help myself.
I read to learn and to grow, to laugh
and to be motivated.
I read to understand things I’ve never
been exposed to.
I read when I’m crabby, when I’ve just
said monumentally dumb things to the
people I love.
I read for strength to help me when I
feel broken, discouraged, and afraid.
I read when I’m angry at the whole
world.
I read when everything is going right.
I read to find hope.
I read because I’m made up not just of
skin and bones, of sights, feelings,
and a deep need for chocolate, but I’m
also made up of words.
Words describe my thoughts and what’s
hidden in my heart.
Words are alive–when I’ve found a
story that I love, I read it again and
again, like playing a favourite song
over and over.
Reading isn’t passive–I enter the
story with the characters, breathe
their air, feel their frustrations,
scream at them to stop when they’re
about to do something stupid, cry with
them, laugh with them.
Reading for me, is spending time with a
friend.
A book is a friend.
You can never have too many.”
Back to Christmas next week but until then, can you put into words why you love to read? I would love to hear from you!
Days of the year themes for the coming week: Its a quiet one this week!
Tuesday 24th November – Sardines Day
Wednesday 25th November – Shopping Reminder Day, Parfait Day and Jukebox Day
Thursday 26th November – Thanksgiving
Friday 27th November– Buy Nothing Day, Black Friday, Flossing Day, Bavarian Cream Pie Day, Sink Day, Day of Listening and Maize Day.
Saturday 28th November – French Toast Day and Aura Awareness Day,
Sunday 29th November – Chocolates Day, Lemon Cream Pie Day, Square Dancing Day and Electronic Greetings Day.
Monday 30th November – Computer Security Day, Mousse Day, Cyber Monday and Mason Jar Day.
Quote of the week: “The most wasted of all days, is one without laughter.”
New Ways November calendar task (this month’s activities are based on continued learning and trying out new things):
Tuesday 24th November:
Share with a friend something useful you learned recently
Wednesday 25th November:
Use one of your strengths in a new or creative way Thursday 26th November:
Tune into a different radio station
Friday 27th November:
Enjoy new music today. Play, sing, dance or listen Saturday 28th November:
Join a friend doing a hobby and find out why they love it Sunday 29th November:
Discover your artistic side – design your own Christmas card
Monday 30th November:
Look for reasons to be hopeful – even in the difficult times
Sleeps til Santa: 31 days
Five things I am looking forward to today (thanks to Mrs Hinch for the inspiration): Can you try this each day? Remember, it focuses your mind on the positive and reminds us to show gratitude for things, no matter how small!
Today I am looking forward to: Spending time with Yr4W, The Great British Bake Off (again!), writing Christmas cards, winter sunshine and an early night!
Have a fantastic week,
Take care of yourself and each other and stay as safe as you can,
Love
Mrs Bennett
