Good morning, Prep School family,
Welcome back to the second half of the Spring term! Welcome to the last day in February and welcome to the 59th Day of 2023. I hope you all managed to have a wonderful half term break and that you managed to relax, no matter what you did. I heard some very exciting tales on the gate yesterday morning and these continued into school – I can safely say that my half terms never seem as exciting as the children’s!
I had a lovely break – we went to Norfolk for a few days, walked along the beaches and around Sandringham. We ate many delicious meals, drank plenty of adult beverages and I caught up on the many books that I had been meaning to read for months. The weather was perfect – very cold, slightly windy but dry. The sky was a gorgeous, cloudless blue in the day and at night, it was transformed into a blanket of stars. The rest of the holiday was also fun, filled with catch-ups with friends, nights out and lie in’s past 5:00am – pure luxury.
I have decided that as we are celebrating Mindful March within the Prep School this month that all my Bulletins will be based on sharing positivity and making others feel good. I read an extremely thoughtful post on social media last week by Ben Fogle and it made me smile. I thought I would share it with you this week to see if it makes you feel as good as I did after reading it. It was entitled ‘Some Sunny Thoughts to Brighten your Day’.
Be happy with who you are, not who others want you to be.
Remember that just because someone carries it well, it does not mean that it is easy.
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Do not forget that social media is an edited snap shot of who we are. It is a part of us, not the sum of us.
We are all sunshine and clouds.
We all suffer anxieties and doubts.
We are all vulnerable.
We are all our own worse critics.
Try not to listen to the voices in your head, follow your heart.
Remember that our imperfections are also our strengths – they make us who we are and help create our unique personalities.
Do not chase someone else’s life – make the most of your own.
Fill your days with your own hopes and dreams.
Do not underestimate yourself by comparing yourself to others – value you.
Be true to yourself.
Be bold, be strong, be ambitious, be positive, be happy, be kind, be you.
And some extra positive thoughts from me: its only 21 and a half working days left until the Easter holidays (unbelievable!) and in just four weeks’ time, the sun will set in at 7:30pm – summer is on its way!
Quote of the week: “We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right.” – Martin Luther King Jr
Well-being tasks for this week: Mindful March
The task this month are set to help us take time to look within. Learning to be more mindful and aware can do wonders for our well-being in all areas of our life. It helps us tune in with our relationships, our feelings and stops us dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It also helps us to identify the things that we are grateful for which is scientifically proven to raise out happiness levels.
Tuesday 28 February – Call a friend to catch up and really listen to them
Wednesday 1 March – Set an intention to live with kindness and awareness
Thursday 2 March – Notice three things that you find beautiful in the outside world
Friday 3 March – Start today by appreciating your body and all of the amazing things that it can do for you
Saturday 4 March – Notice how you speak to yourself – only use kind words today
Sunday 5 March – Bring to mind people that you care about and send love to them
Monday 6 March – If you find yourself rushing, make an effort to slow down
Jokes of the week:
What is a little bear with no teeth is called?
A gummy bear.
Why did the chocolate chip cookie go to the doctor?
He felt crummy.
How do we know that the sea is friendly?
It waves.
What is a pirate’s favourite class to take at school?
Arrrrrrt!
Where do polar bears keep their money?
In a snow bank!
Sleeps til Santa: 299 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 the Year 3 class assemblies this week
- I am looking forward to taking part in all of our Book Week activities
- I am looking forward to Saturday night and going out for our best friend’s birthday
- I am grateful for having Patsy in our lives – the Prep School has benefitted so much since she became part of our school family
- I am grateful for cups of tea in the afternoon
Have a super week and enjoy all of our Book Week celebrations and activities – what a great way to start the half term!
With lots and lots of happiness,
Mrs Bennett
