Mrs Bennett’s Bulletin, Tuesday 15 December 2020

Posted: 15th December 2020

Good morning, Prep School family,

Well we have nearly made it to the end of term! Can you believe it? September seems like such a long time ago but in many other ways, it seems like only yesterday we were starting back after the long summer holidays! It has certainly been a term that we will never forget – one of constant handwashing, social distancing, new classroom layouts, specific lunch places, heart-warming virtual nativities, digital Grandparents’ Afternoons and wonderful stories around Christmas trees to name but a few! If you had told me this time last year that we wouldn’t be out in the community carol singing at Christmas or that we wouldn’t be up at the Senior School preparing for our joint concert, or that I wouldn’t be on my 10th nativity performance of the season (with accompanying mince pies) – I would have thought you were mad! However, as strange as this Christmas term has been, it has also been very special. Our school family has come together and help one and other through the tough times, the sad times, the anxious times but also the happy and celebratory times. We have stood together in the face of adversity and we will continue to do so into 2021 and beyond.

We have really missed having our parents, grandparents and wider families into school to show off our acting and performance skills this December, however, we have found so many positives with these virtual productions. Families have been able to watch events together in an evening. Parents who could not make it into school to see these events ‘live’ have been able to join us from many different locations including dental surgeries, cars, offices, classrooms and even one parent who was ‘scrubbing up’ to go into the operating theatre. Children have been able to tell their parents about the performances as they are watching and point out their friends and reminisce about the time they had to re-film their scene for the 34th time that day! These events can be shared with friends and be re-watched time and time again! There was no one hidden behind everyone else in the corner, not being able to see properly as a sheep fell asleep on stage. We know that nothing replaces having everyone together in school, and hopefully next year we will be able to do this again, but I hope you all agree, that although different, it has been no less memorable or special.

I’d like to take this chance to thank all of the wonderful staff within the Prep Schools and those based at the Senior School who have worked so hard this term to ensure that the Prep School pupils daily experiences have been purposeful and fun. One thing we were adamant about when returning in September was that the children returned to a school that felt the same as before we had left in March, even if we had some slightly strange routines in place! We were determined that the children were to feel safe, happy and fulfilled educationally without the constant fear of Covid and hand on heart, I can say I am truly proud that we have achieved this for your children. Thank you also to you all – parents and children – for your constant support, loyalty, positivity and thoughtfulness. #HighclarePrepSchoolDreamTeam

I hope you all have the fabulous Christmases that you are hoping for and that all your dreams come true – you will find me on a sofa, drinking adult beverages, surrounded by my amazing family with the biggest smile on my face and a heart full of love and gratitude! Happy days!

Days of the year themes for the coming week: There are some great ones this week – do you notice a theme?

Tuesday 15th December – Lemon Cupcake Day

Wednesday 16th December – Chocolate Covered Anything Day

Thursday 17th December – Maple Syrup Day

Friday 18th December– Bake Cookies Day

Saturday 19th December – Oatmeal Muffin Day

Sunday 20th December – Eat a Mince Pie Day

Quote of the week: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear” – Buddy the Elf.

Do Good December calendar task (this month’s activities are based on doing good things for others):

Tuesday 15th December:
Contact and elderly neighbour and brighten up their day
Wednesday 16th December:
Say something positive to everyone you speak too
Thursday 17th December:
Practice gratitude. List the kind things others have done for you
Friday 18th December:
Give away something you have been holding onto
Saturday 19th December:
Buy locally and support independent shops near you Sunday 20th December:
Contact someone who maybe alone or feeling isolated

Sleeps til Santa: 10
Christmas jokes:

Q: Why does everyone love Frosty the Snowman?
A: Because he is cool!

Q: What is an elf’s favourite type of music?
A: Wrap music!

Q: What do you get if you cross a snowman and a vampire?
A: Frostbite!

Q: What do gingerbread men use when they break their legs?
A: Candy canes!

Q: What is the weather report every Christmas Eve?
A: 100% chance of reindeer!

Christmas facts:

Do you know. . .that Santa Claus initially wore clothes that were in green, purple, or blue. For many years, this was the common theme for the jolly old man at the North Pole. However, Coca Cola decided to dress him up in colours that match their brand and that stuck. So this is why he is always in red clothes now!

Do you know. . . that Alabama was the first state in the US to recognize Christmas as a holiday in the year 1836. Oklahoma was the last. It only recognized Christmas as a holiday in the year 1907.

Do you know. . . that Brenda Lee recorded “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” when she was only 13 years old.

Do you know. . . that if you gave all the gifts listed in the Twelve Days of Christmas, it would equal 364 gifts.

Do you know. . .that Grandparents’ Afternoon 2020 will be hitting your inboxes at 4:30pm this afternoon.

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: the twinkling lights on my Christmas tree, posting my Christmas cards, making mince pies, wrapping some presents and having a car park coffee with my neighbour this evening.

Have a wonderful rest of the term and an amazing Christmas holidays. Remember to be thankful and grateful for everything in the coming days and weeks. We are all so lucky in so many ways.

Stay safe and see you in 2021!

Love

Mrs Bennett

Highclare School is proud to announce its newest Sixth Form Scholarship

Our Sixth Form Pre-Med Scholarship is now live for applicants to Highclare Sixth Form from September 2024 onwards.

The scholarship provides a bespoke programme for students aiming to enter university in September 2026 with a research-science based degree.

For more information email admissions@highclareschool.co.uk