Good morning, Prep School family,
I hope you are all well and that you all had a wonderful weekend. I met a friend for coffee and I went to an amazing fireworks display with friends and family. The rest of the time, I was busy doing adult jobs like cleaning, sorting and ironing! It was a very rock ‘n’ roll weekend.
I was so impressed and proud with all of the conversations and work that the children in school produced last week linked to COP26. Our children have such an amazing social awareness and conscience. The children, right from the Pre-Prep were excellent in expressing their views on what they think our world leaders can be doing to help slow and stop climate change.
I was lucky enough to visit Alaska the summer before covid hit and I have seen first-hand the impact of climate change on the landscapes of the Arctic from the melting of the glaciers to the extinction of some wildlife. It really is mind-blowing how much the glaciers have melted, even in just the past 10 years.
The children also made #Promisetotheplanet, whereby they made pledges and promises for the future care of our wold. The pledges were so thoughtful, insightful and mature. If you would like to have a look at some of these promises, please visit our social media pages – we have showcased a huge range of these. You will be as proud as I am, I really hope that, together, we can make the big change that is needed to help stop our planet changing beyond repair.
With this in mind, I came across this piece of writing over the weekend and I thought I would share it with you all. It is linked to many aspects of all our lives and I thought it was so beautiful:
Do not become preoccupied with our children’s academic abilities, but instead teach them to sit with those sitting alone.
Teach them to be a friend to the lonely.
Teach them to be encouraging.
Teach them to be kind.
Teach them to be generous.
Teach them to offer help.
Teach them to look after the planet.
Teach them to build bridges, not erect walls.
Teach them to look out for good.
If we teach our children lessons of the heart, this is how they will change our world for the better.
If we all did a bit of the above, imagine what a different world we would be living in. Make that change.
Quote of the week: “We are not defined by our challenged but lifted up by them.” – anon
Well-being tasks for this week: All of these tasks for November are based on moving forward.
Tuesday 9 November – When you feel like you cannot do something, add the word ‘yet’
Wednesday 10 November – Be curious – learn about something new
Thursday 11 November – Do something ‘normal’ in a different way
Friday 12 November – Find out something new about someone you care about
Saturday 13 November – Do something productive outdoors
Sunday 14 November – Play outside
Monday 15 November – Be positive all day
An added extra bit of fun courtesy of our Language Ambassadors at HPP:
The Language Ambassadors would like to set you a special challenge in the run up to Christmas. Every week, they are going to ask you a question in the Bennett Bulletin about how people in Spain celebrate Christmas. If you would like to participate, you need to email the answer to Ms Kenny at c.kenny@highclareschool.co.uk
Whoever finds the most correct answers over the weeks will win a special festive prize. This is open to all children in Key Stage 1 and 2. IBuena Suerte!
Week 2 question: What is the word for nativity scenes that are used in Spanish Christmas?
Answers via email please.
Jokes of the week:
What do you call a laughing motorcycle? A yamahahaha!
I made some fish tacos last night. . . they just ignored them and swam away!
Sleeps til Santa: 45 sleeps til Santa
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 frostier mornings.
- I am looking forward to story club.
- I am looking forward to having my carpets cleaned!
- I am grateful for my cosy slippers.
- I am grateful for our school family.
Have a brilliant week and enjoy everything that you do!
Love from
Mrs Bennett
PS All of the Christmas songs are on the radio now – this makes me sooooooooooo happy!
