Prep for the Week - Week 11

Prep for the Week Issue Number 1874 – 17 November 2017

In this week’s issue…

Headmaster's Blog & Commendations Kingfishers Update Christmas Shoebox Appeal Lower School Update Boarding House Update Chosen Charity Information Sports Update Week 12 Calendar Birthday Announcements Notices

joy n e u o y e p o h We As ! n o i t i ed s ' k e e d n this w a s l i p pu e h t , s y s alway u b a d a h e v a staff h week!

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Headmaster's Blog

Dear Parents On Thursday night I had the great pleasure of attending The Prep’s performances of Julius Caesar (Year 6) and Romeo and Juliet (Year 8) at the Shakespeare Schools Festival at the Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury. Both performances were magnificent and I must admit to shedding a tear when witnessing the innocence of young love as portrayed by Harry and Tilly.

Encouragingly, I had witnessed both of them on the games field the day before and had read of their academic prowess as both had sat mock examinations just after Half Term. My point is that all of the children involved in this drama fest had sought to add yet another ‘string to their bow’ using the many and varied opportunities offered by The Prep. This is something that some do better than others and I will be emphasising the need to step out of one’s comfort zone in Monday’s assembly.

Headmaster's Commendations Edward McQuitty For being an excellent buddy for a taster day pupil. He showed true empathy and ensured that he had a really good experience.

Sky Jamieson For her fabulous bird painting.

Eva Colbourne For her winning composition of The Prep as a Christmas card.

Jasper Brumpton For an exceptional piece of art work.

Mr Jon Whybrow Headmaster

Alice Wheatley For her composition of The Prep as a Christmas card.

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Kingfishers Update Reception have thoroughly enjoyed their outdoor Maths lessons this week.

They have been comparing the height and length of different objects. Some children decided to compare different length sticks, whilst others chose to measure themselves using the stacking blocks. Reception were even able to tell us which teacher was the tallest and which teacher was the shortest!

We love our Creative Club on Saturdays in Kingfishers for Years 1 and 2. Every week we theme our activities and do lots of different things arty and crafty with the teachers. Our Saturday Club runs all year and from next term we will be breaking out of Kingfishers to have some activities in the Art Room, the Science block, sports sessions and we even have a languages morning coming up. Please do check the Saturday morning programme for specific details.

Last Saturday we enjoyed some Autumn and Firework art activities, breaking open the glitter and glue in traditional pre – Christmas fashion.

We hope that you enjoy looking at our photographs.

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Christmas Shoebox Appeal

We are very excited this year to be participating in the Christmas shoebox appeal. We will be sending shoebox gifts to deprived children and families in Romania.

How do I donate a shoebox?

1)

Find an empty shoebox. Wrap the lid and box separately in Christmas paper.

2) Boy, Girl or Home? Choose who you would like your box to go to and fill out the label. These can be downloaded and printed from www.teams4u.com 3) Personalise your shoebox. Fill it with gifts that you think the person receiving it will enjoy.

Please see the list below for ideas of what to include and what not to include.

4) Make your donation. You can do this online at www.teams4u.com 5) Drop off your shoebox. Please deliver the box to Mrs Theedom in Lower School by Friday 24th November.

Please DO NOT include

What can go into my shoebox?

Here are some ideas of things that you could include‌ For girls and boys Toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, hair accessories, soap, flannel, stationery and paper, gloves, hat and scarf, socks and underwear, soft toy, games, puzzles, small instruments, toy vehicles, soft or inflatable ball, sweets, a photo of yourself.

For the family/home: Candles, cooking utensils (no knives), plastic containers, tea towels, bowls, cups, small Christmas decorations, soap, washing up cloths, clothes pegs, socks, underwear.

Food (only exception is sweets), medicines, war related games, fragile items, aerosols or anything flammable, sharp items, novels.

Thank you in advance for your support of this appeal.

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Lower School Update Dutch Visitors Goededag from The Netherlands! Lower School have been lucky enough to have some special visitors this week, all the way from The Netherlands. These Dutch teachers have been teaching lots of interesting lessons and activities, which has been great fun.

The teachers are visiting from Driestar University and have spent two days observing lessons and teaching lessons about ‘Famous Dutch People’ and ‘Dutch Culture’. We have found out about famous people such as the concert pianist, Andrea Rieu, the famous Queen Wilhelmena and several other famous people.

The Year 4 pupils have created passport posters to represent their chosen famous person and the Year 3 pupils have really enjoyed singing Dutch songs, learning some new language, becoming familiar with Dutch geography and much more.

The link with the Dutch teachers is well established now and this annual visit always creates much excitement and fond memories for the Lower School Children. We would like to say a big thank you to the hard work and effort given by the teachers to deliver fun lessons and activities and we look forward to a repeat visit next year.

Year 3 were taught som e Dutch words and found out about the Du tch Royal Family. All the children really enjoy ed learning a new language and participat ed in a typical Dutch game that is played on Kin g’s Day. It involves trying to eat a cookie which is hanging on a string without using their hands.

Unsurprisingly, all the ch ildren managed to eat the cookies!

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Boarding House Update Since returning from Half Term the Boarding House has swung straight back into action with a busy week of work and play. On Friday night our Year 8 Boarders' enjoyed a chilled evening of Dominoes Pizza and a film to celebrate the end of their exams. This was followed by a relaxed Saturday afternoon of a few trips to Bath Road, watching rugby, crafting and games. Felix, Ben and Jerome braved the weather and headed out on a 'Night Hike' and sleepover with the Scouts.

On Sunday morning some of the Boarders' chose to attend the College Remembrance service where we were able to hear the Schola Cantorum choirs (which contain several of our Boarders) sing beautifully. They represented the Prep School brilliantly and should be commended for their maturity and behaviour.

The rest of the house enjoyed some downtime playing games, chatting and enjoying a bit of football.

In the afternoon the Boarders' embraced the crisp and cold weather and went Iceskating at The Link Centre in Swindon. There was much fun had and they only returned with a few bumps and bruises! Thanks to Mr Patterson and the brilliant Gaps for taking the trip and having a good go at skating themselves.

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College's Chosen Charity

HEAL Romania Details HEAL Romania works to improve the lives and the future of children living in state run orphanages and to provide food, education, medical assistance and housing for families living in poverty in Bucharest, Romania.

The children in these orphanages are completely instituionalised. The only contact that they have with the outside world is when they go to school. Otherwise they are locked inside the orphanage which is manned by security guards and a few social workers. Many of these children have never been to the park, the cinema, to a restaurant and have no idea of what it is like to be part of a family.

HEAL Romania The school council have met and voted for the charity that we will be supporting this year.

The charity is called HEAL Romania and we are excited to put all of our fundraising efforts towards this cause.

The charity predominately works in three orphanages providing education and extra tuition to children of all ages. The current social workers, Silviu and Mihaela, do a fabulous job at keeping these children, who are massively behind in their education, in school. At the weekends, Silviu and Mihaela take small groups of children out of the orphanages for the day on a rota basis. They might take them to the park, out for a meal or take them to their home to learn the guitar or to cook or just to spend time in a family home and understand how this feels.

HEAL Romania also takes on individual and family cases if there is the possibility of being able to help. The charity works through the needs of the child and their family until the case is resolved. An example might be finding a child’s family and reuniting them, extending or improving housing to provide adequate living space, enrolling the child into a school and after school care programme or helping the parents to find a job. Once the child and family is settled, the case is closed and a new family or child case is considered.

Our final project is based in an institution for teenagers and young adults with learning difficulties. Again, these boys are locked up 24 hours a day with little contact with the outside world. There is very little understanding of the boys’ needs and capabilities; they have been written off as useless to society. Silviu and Mihaela visit at least once a week, taking some small treats, talking to the boys, playing games with them and ensuring they are being cared for in the best possible way.

In the future, HEAL Romania would like to open its own day centre. This would be a place where vulnerable children could visit to be provided with food, a safe space to play, help with school work and learn the social skills to enable them to cope with the outside world. It would also be a place for parents to come for advice about parenting, education and how they can access financial support from government initiatives.

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Pupil Author

Claudie has also been asked to give an interview on BBC Radio Gloucestershire with Dominic Cotter at 2pm on Tuesday 28th November and also she is doing some book signings on Saturday 2nd December 11-2 at Octavia's Bookshop in Cirencester and also on Sunday 3rd December at the Suffolk Anthology in Cheltenham. She is going to be doing some readings in school in the next week and is bringing along her own cuddly gorilla puppet.

Well done Claudie!

Claudie McInnes, Year 8, has coauthored a range of childrens' books about a gorilla that lived in her village 100 years ago and went to the village school. Part of the proceeds of the books is going to the Ape Alliance, an international organisation for the protection of apes based in Stroud.

11+ Entrants Day Last Friday, Year 6 were joined by other prospective pupils to the school for an 11+ experience day. The morning was spent at The Prep enjoying activities such as language and code cracking, festival music, periscope making, as well as thinking skills. After lunch, pupils went over to College, where they were joined by the 3rd form pupils, who were able to answer any questions about college life.

Pupils also had an opportunity to tour some of the boarding houses. The day was finished off in College dining hall, where tea and cakes were served to pupils and parents.

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GIRLS' SPORT This Week's Results 1st VII vs Beaudesert 0-4 1st VII vs The Elms 2-1 2nd VII vs Beaudesert 0-4 2nd VII vs The Elms 0-3 3rd VII vs Beaudesert 3-3 U8A vs Beaudesert 2-2 U8B vs Beaudesert 2-0 U9A vs Beaudesert 1-5 U9B vs Beaudesert 3-0 U10A vs Beaudesert 0-2 U10A vs St Edwards 3-0

Team of the week...

U8B

A great match with plenty of enthusiasm from the team. I was really pleased with the greater accuracy of hitting and passing and the determination shown around the goal post, hence our 2 goals. Whilst in the first half we were still too clustered around the ball giving less opportunity to pass and move the ball forward, the team listened and took on board the half time advice, playing with greater width in the second half and using much more of the pitch. We still need to keep trying to dribble the ball and drive it forward before passing and the team need to look for space to move into so that there is someone ahead to pass the ball to. Well done girls I can really see how you have been progressing in your skills and understanding of the game.

U10B/C vs Beaudesert 3-0 U10B/C vs St Edwards 2-0 U11A vs Beaudesert 1-4 U11A vs St Edwards 4-1 U11B/C vs Beaudesert 2-2 U11B/C vs St Edwards 3-1

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BOYS' SPORT This Week's Results U13A vs Beaudesert 20 - 10 U13A vs Abberley Hall 2-1 U13 B vs Beaudesert 45 - 10 U12A vs Beaudesert 25 - 10 U12 A vs Abberley Hall 20 - 5 U12B vs Beaudesert 40 - 20 U12B vs Abberley Hall 50 - 15 U11A vs Beaudesert 25 - 10 U11A vs Abberley Hall 25 - 5 U11B vs Beaudesert 10 - 45 U11B vs Abberley Hall 50 - 20 U11C vs Beaudesert 25 - 30 U10A vs Beaudesert 35 - 40 U10A vs Abberley Hall 15 - 35 U10B vs Beaudesert 20 - 25 U10B vs Abberley Hall 40 - 5 U9s Home Festival U8s Dean Close Festival

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s Team of the week - U12B

The last two matches have been a major turning point in the U12B Rugby Season. The boys have played some fantastic Rugby but more importantly are working together better as a team and have a much more positive attitude.

The process started with the 7s Rugby training in the previous week and the following matches against Dean Close on Wednesday 8th November.

The 7s required greater imagination from our more creative players but also better use of all the whole team. This has helped develop our defensive line, not overload at the breakdown and tackle with greater success. The transformation was evident over a period of four ‘friendly matches’ in quick succession and the relaxed atmosphere generated a great response, the afternoon was immensely enjoyed by all, even though there was some reluctance at the beginning.

A more aggressive session on the Friday continued to build on the work from earlier in the week. Handling has also improved as the 7s game showed how ball retention is key. This led to a challenging match against Beaudesert on Saturday 11th over on the College pitches. After an impeccably observed two minutes of silence, the boys really showed their adapted game in the 12-a-side format. Passing was slicker, the rucking was harder and the back line moved the ball well from side to side, creating space and opportunities. Using the slope to their advantage, the team came in at Half Time 5-1 up on their opposition. Defending against the terrain in the second half brought a sustained attack from Beaudesert, but defending was tight and tackles were made from everyone. Up to this point, the U12Bs have relied on key players to do a lot of the hard graft, but it was evident that the workload was shared. Even a reply of three tries from Beaudesert didn’t knock the team and they walked away with an impressive 8-4 victory.

There was a buzz during training on Monday and the progress was obvious as the Bs took the game to the As in a mixed match at the end of the session. It is great to see the Year Group congratulating each other and being so encouraging of all, especially after a tough season last year. This wave of enthusiasm boiled over into a traditionally tough fixture against Abberley Hall and their famous ‘games every day’ policy. In a match against a mixed Year 7 and 8 side, the U12s killed the game off in five minutes with three tries. It is also important to note that due to injuries and illness, both U12 teams are down to the bare 12 players. This scenario is worrying to a coach as there is no way to give players a breather, mix up positions or tactics, or give advice to those who are off. It also means that there can not be any weak links. However, the momentum continued and the final result was a resounding 10-3 win.

There is still plenty to work on, particularly spacing and moving up together as a defensive unit, as well as being clear on what is and what isn’t offside, but it has been a privilege to watch the Rugby improve and the boys become more resilient to little moments that can change a game. The challenge now is to keep performing and continue to learn.

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CALENDAR

Sunday, November 19, 2017 - Sunday, November 26, 2017 Sunday, 19 November 2017 10:00

Boarders’ Trip to the Harry Potter Studios (Full and Regular Flexi-Boarders Only)

Monday, 20 November 2017 Week 12 (12) 20 - 26 November 17:00

LAMDA Show Case 1 (Lake House)

Tuesday, 21 November 2017 08:30

Year 3 Egyptian Day (Lower School)

Wednesday, 22 November 2017 11:30

Departure for Pinewood 7s (A): 1st VII. Start 12:30. Pick up 17:30

12:45

Departure for Rugby v St Hugh’s (A): U13B XIII, U12A XII, U9A VII, U9B VII, U9C VII. Start 14:30. Pick up 17:15

13:00

Departure for Severnside Hockey Tournament at Dean Close (A): 1st VII, 2nd VII. Start 13:30. Pick up 17:00

13:00

Departure for Dean Close Rugby Festival (A): U10A VIII, U10B VIII, U10C VIII. Start 14:00. Pick up 16:30

14:00

Cheltenham Rugby Festival (H): U11A IX, U11B IX, U11C IX. Pick up 16:30

14:15

Hockey v Berkhampstead (H): U10A, U10B, U11A, U11B. Pick up 16:15

14:30

Rugby v St Hugh’s (H): U12B XII. Pick up 16:15

15:15

Hockey v Berkhampstead (H): U8A, U8B, U9A, U9B. Pick up 16:30

16:00

Hockey v Pate's Grammar School (H): 3rd VII, 4th/5th VII. Pick up 17:15

Thursday, 23 November 2017 16:45

Swimming Gala v Monmouth (H): Years 7-8. Pick up 18:00 - Cancelled

18:15

Parents' Meetings for parents of Year 8 pupils who sat Mock Scholarship Examinations

Friday, 24 November 2017 00:00

House Maths Challenge

14:00

Recital at local care home

14:15

Chapel *

15:30

Exeat begins for pupils in Kingfishers (no after school school care or activities)

16:00

Exeat begins for pupils in Lower School (no after school school care or activities)

16:15

Exeat begins for pupils in Middle and Upper School (no after school school care or activities)

Sunday, 26 November 2017 10:00

The Cheltonian Association & Society Christmas Fair until 16:00 (Entrance via College Reception)

19:00

Boarders return, latest return 19:30

All changes and additions to the School Calendar are highlighted in yellow.

Cheltenham College Preparatory School Tel - 01242 522 697 Thirlestaine Road Fax - 01242 265 620 Cheltenham Email - theprep@cheltenhamcollege.org Gloucestershire GL53 7AB Website - www.cheltenhamcollege.org

Duty Mobiles: MS/US 07867 505721, LS 07789 938512, Kingfishers 07789 938514 Please email absentprep@cheltenhamcollege.org should you need to inform us of any absence from school

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Notices BIRTHDAYS Happy birthday to the following pupils whose birthdays are coming up this week: Sebastian Mawdesley-Thomas (9) Tiger Shaw (9) Joshua Cox (3) Taylor Smith (11) Thomas Smith (11) William Matthews (12) Harry Crawford (11) Ethan Fenison (12) Alia Tabatabai (5) William Donaldson (11) Freddie Young (11) Sam Constantinou (3)

FUN FRIDAYS Next Friday (24 November) we have a 'Fun Friday' tester session in Kingfishers, 9.00am-10.15am.

This is for parents with children under the age of three to come along and have a free morning of fun, and to take a look aroung.

Please help us to spread the word by telling your friends & family with young children.

Charity Bake Sale On the last day of the half term, the lads form ‘Grow Your Own Cash’ put together a cake sale. Our group meets every Friday and we are aiming to raise as much money as we can for the school charity, HEAL Romania.

This was our first event to raise some cash and we would like to thank all of the parents and children for supporting the cake sale, particularly those pupils who made cakes or helped to serve children on the day. Overall we made £106.70 and we are now deciding how to invest this money in order to make the amount ‘grow’ for the charity. Our ideas include a Christmas Fun Event, the sale of personalised or House items (like keyrings or pencils) and, of course, more cake sales.

In the future we hope to have made enough money to organise bigger events like a school disco or even zorbing! Do look out for our next events and the HEAL Romania charity wristbands coming soon.

By Charlie Whitney, Fred Barter and Felix Doran

The next bake sale will take place at 4.15pm on Friday 24 November at Day End. Come along and help us raise money for an amazing cause (and enjoy some delicious treats!)

To register or for more information, email prepadmissions@ cheltenhamcollege.org

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