Mrs Bennett’s Bulletin Tuesday 29 November 2022

Posted: 29th November 2022

Good morning, Prep School family,

 

I hope that this Bulletin finds you well and happy. I thought I would share some pure and utter joy with you this week. I came across a list of quotes that children have said about Christmas. These made me giggle so much. Working with children all the time, us teachers often hear many examples like these but I thought you might enjoy them too. So take 10 minutes this week, make a cup of tea, relax and read. These are all genuine quotes from children all under the age of ten that are all schooled in the UK. Enjoy. . .

 

What gifts did the Three Wise Men bring?

 

Rashneet, six: “The wise men brought coconut oil which was made of coconut, some sweets made of sweet stuff and some gold made from gold.”

 

Jay, five: “The three wise men brought Jesus presents of gold, frankincense, smurr (sic) and silver. But I think he would have preferred wrestling toys.”

 

Daniel, seven: “I know for his birthday he got money and gold from the wise men but I would have given him a Liverpool kit.”

 

Dominic, six: “I don’t know what the three wise men brought Jesus but I would have given him a tin of biscuits. I think Mary, Joseph and Jesus would have all liked a biscuit, especially those from M and S.”

 

Rebecca, five: “They brought Jesus gold and myrrh but I would have brought him a nice warm blanket.”

 

William, seven: “I don’t know what presents the wise men brought Jesus but a Lego set would have been better.”

 

Ellie, five: “The three wise men brought Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh – no real presents. I feel sorry for him.”

 

Ellie, six: “When he was born three kings brought him gold, coins and a sheep.”

 

What animals were there when baby Jesus was born?

 

Matthew, six: “There were sheep, horses and a crocodile outside the stable.”

 

Ruby, six: “At his birth there were oxens, a donkey, three camels, three birds – all white – and three cats, all black.”

 

Hannah, seven: “There was a donkey, a sheep and cow there as well as Mary and Joseph. It sounds quite crowded.”

 

Megan, six: “The animals who were there in the stable were oxens, donkey, cats, a tiger and a lamb.”

 

Valente, six: “There were camels, donkeys and cows around the stable and the wise men went to the manger to say hello to Jesus.”

 

Who was the Angel Gabriel?

 

Erin, six: “The Angel Gabriel is a big white fairy. He helped Mary and Joseph look after the baby – kind of like a doctor or a vet.”

 

Jay, five: “There was also an angel called Gabriel, whose favourite thing was to fly around all day.”

 

Molly, six: “Angel Gabriel was also there and he has yellow wings and a white costume.”

 

Katherine, nine: “Gabriel was this herald angel. He sings really well, just like Harry Styles.”

 

Hollie, seven: “The Angel Gabriel is a fairy that God sent to help us.”

 

Who is Jesus?

 

Jay, five: “Jesus was a king and he wore a crown even though he was a baby. It was a really small crown.”

 

Antonia, seven: “Jesus is Mary and God’s little boy.”

 

Zoe, six: “Jesus is really old. Even older than my granny. His birthday was on Christmas 2020 years ago.”

 

Sara, seven: “Jesus is a mystery man like a secret agent.”

 

Where was Jesus born?

 

Charlotte, six: “A long way away from London.”

 

Alexie, five: “Baby Jesus was born in a stable made out of hay with string around it.”

 

Daniel, seven: “He was born in a stable where Mary and Joseph stayed. There were chickens, cows and a donkey. I don’t remember any more.”

 

Charlie, four: “He was born in a stable a long way away from here in another country. Bethlehem – it’s in England.”

 

Erin, six: “Jesus was born in the stable – it had lots of hairs.”

 

Ellyshia, nine: “Jesus was born in a barn, a shed or shelter anyway. Or it might have been a stable, one of the three.”

 

What did the wise men follow to find the stable where Jesus was born?

 

Hannah, seven: “They followed a special Christmas star, which is only out around Christmas.”

 

Erin, six: “They followed a star. It was really bright like the sun, even at night.”

 

Paul, seven: “They followed a star to the stable. It was really bright. It must have been lit up like a football stadium on match day.”

 

Who are his parents?

 

Charlie, four: “Jesus’s mummy and daddy are called Jovis and Mary.”

 

Ansel, six: ‘Jesus’s parents were Gods.’

 

Archie, seven: “His parents were Mary and Joseph. That’s easy because I was Joseph in the play.”

 

Antonia, seven: “Jesus’s mum and dad are Mary and Joseph and they were very happy with the king’s gifts.”

 

Matthew, eight: “Jesus’ mummy and daddy were The Fugees (refugees!).”

 

Quote of the week: “Christmas is the time to be with the people that you love.” – Love Actually

 

Well-being tasks for this week: This month is New November and all of these tasks are based on new beginnings and fresh starts – each day is a new day. As the weeks turns into December, the focus shifts to doing good things. These tasks are good for all ages.

 

Tuesday 29 November – Enjoy some new music

Wednesday 30 November – Look for a reason to be hopeful, even if times appear tough

Thursday 1 December – Spread kindness to others

Friday 2 December – Contact someone you cannot be with to see how they are

Saturday 3 December – Offer to help someone who is facing difficulties at the moment

Sunday 4 December – Help support a charity

Monday 5 December – Donate an unwanted possession to a charity shop

 

Jokes of the week: Because we are nearly in December as I am writing, we are going all Christmas-based for the rest of the term!

 

How does a sheep say Merry Christmas?

Fleece Navidad!

 

Where does a snowman keep his money?

In a snow bank!

 

What do you get when you combine a Christmas tree with an iPad?

A pineapple!

 

What do snowmen eat for breakfast?

Frosted flakes!

 

What do you call a reindeer with bad manners?

RUDE-olph!

 

Sleeps til Santa: 26 sleeps to go!

 

5 things that I am grateful for or looking forward to this week:

Can you try this simple exercise in gratitude and positivity?

  1. I am looking forward to seeing my friends this weekend for festive fun and secret Santa present swapping
  2. I am looking forward to the School Council meetings at both HPP and HPW
  3. I am looking forward to going to a Christingle service with Arthur and Amelie
  4. I am grateful that all of the lights for my tree worked this year
  5. I am grateful for the delicious soup Mr Bennett is making for dinner this evening

I look forward to hearing all about what you get up to instead of homework in December using our school well-being and kindness advent calendar. This has to be one of my most favourite initiatives thought up by Student Council several years ago, I hope you enjoy it too. Please send me some photos and I can share on social media! Be creative and have some festive fun with it!

 

Have a wonderful week,

 

With lots and lots of love,

 

Mrs Bennett

 

PS It is officially ok to start wearing your Christmas jumpers this week

Senior School and Sixth Form Open Evening

On Thursday 10 October, we are holding our Senior School and Sixth Form Open Evening, from 4:30-7pm.

Come and experience a whistle-stop tour of the school, as we demonstrate a typical day at Highclare. Any questions you may have will be answered as you move around the school and speak to staff and students alike. Teaching staff are highly motivated professionals with a wealth of experience that they are keen to share! There will also be an address by the Head, so ensure you arrive in plenty of time in order that you do not miss out.

As places are limited, if you are interested in attending this event, please book by contacting the admissions department. You can do this by calling 0121 373 7400, emailing highclare.admissions@highclare.co.uk, or filling out the form linked below.

Highclare School holds regular Open Events throughout the year at Highclare Senior School, Highclare Preparatory School: St Paul’s, and Highclare Preparatory School: Woodfield.  However, if you miss one of our Open Events then please contact admissions for an individual appointment to visit the School during any school day. Parents are always welcome to visit, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

If you are interested in attending our event on 10 October, please click here to book your place 

To find out more about our other open events, please click here