End of Year
ST JAMES PREPARATORY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER 2022
by Romy, Yr2.
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e u ss i s i th in 04 Highlights
21 Class 5J
08 Gallery
22 Class 6S
12 Nursery
23 Class 6N
13 Reception A
24 Sports Update
14 Reception R
28 Creative Writing Competition
15 Class 1L
31 Eco Committee Report
16 Class 2B
32 Wizard of Oz Performance
17 Class 3J
33 Sanskrit Speech Competition
18 Class 4C
34 The Journey
19 Class 4I
38 Memories and Messages
by Leonie, Yr4.
by Amaya, Reception.
20 Class 5E
m o r f e g a s es M the Head
During my two years as Head of St James Prep, I have happened on a form of words that I have found very useful in describing our purpose and measuring the School’s success: to be one’s best self. This is very different to the aim “to be the best”, which is often seen in school mottos and development plans.
If somebody is interested only in being the best, they are often distracted by who is in front and who is behind; and because it is hard to know whether you ever really are “the best”, it is likely to lead to feelings of disappointment and anxiety. We might hear this from a pupil: “Whenever my competitiveness surfaces, I feel tense and anxious in the pit of my stomach”. Our school's aim encourages the person to be the best they can be, instead of competing with others. Because they are setting their own benchmarks for success, it is likely that they feel more relaxed and in control. A teacher might hear something like this from a pupil who is focused on being their best self: “When I’m simply doing my best, I feel excited rather than anxious. There is no tension in my body and I feel present and at ease because I’m not in a race.” We might conceive of ambition as being all about achieving success on our own terms, whereas competitiveness means striving to be more successful than others. I like to think that at St James we have a healthy ambition for ourselves, each other and for the prep school as a whole.
The key, says psychiatrist and author Dr. Neel Burton, is to pursue healthy ambition - not looking over your shoulder at how others are faring, but simply doing your best: “People with a high degree of healthy ambition are those with the insight and strength to control the blind forces of ambition, shaping [it] so that it matches their interests and ideals. They harness it so that it fires them without also burning them or those around them… Ambitious people act with purpose, but allow themselves room to explore, experiment and discover.” Of course, being your best self is a lifetime’s work. It is a process. It calls for collaboration. It should also be compelling and fun. As I leave the prep school I see pupils, parents and teachers who are set to work with the happy ambition to flourish and be their best selves. And, if you are in doubt about whether you are being competitive or ambitious, ask yourself this: “Am I really trying to do my best or is this about my need to be the best?” Chances are, you’ll be able to tell which state you’re in just by how you feel in your body.
Kris Spencer Headmaster St James Preparatory School
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s t h g i l h hig There are so many superb events and endeavours to remember this academic year – from the Great St James Prep Bake Off initiative arranged by the School Council to the parent-led International Extravaganza at the end of International Week. It has been wonderful to see the children whole-heartedly support charity events such as Children In Need, with their creative commitment to dress up in yellow, and their thoughtful engagement with the Petals for Peace project for British-Ukrainian Aid. The festive season was marked with a dazzling Nativity performance from Year 1; Festive Hats were donned at the school Christmas Lunch, and we welcomed, with enthusiasm, the return of the Christmas market. As always, World Book Day was marked with an amazing array of colourful costumes, and Well-Being Week was embraced by the children - not least at the Prep School spa! During Enrichment Week, the lower school children explored Asia, Australasia, the Americas, Africa and Europe and the wonderful diversity of our school community was evident when parents visited classes to share their culture and customs. Of course, the Queen’s Jubilee was not forgotten with a special picnic lunch in the playground.
We hope you enjoy this selection of highlights from 2021-2022.
Childr en in Need
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We llbeing Week
Christm as
k ee W l a n o i t a n r e t In Eco Comm it tee
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y a D k oo B d l r o W
y a d i r F n w o d w o Thr 6
School Council
Nativity
Sports Day Jubilee
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y r e l l a g by Fareed, Yr1.
by Sophie, Reception.
by Marnie, Reception.
by Aria, Yr1.
by Lani, Reception.
by Jacob, Reception.
by Tianna, Yr1.
by Zorawar, Reception.
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by Tianna, Yr1.
by Zara, Yr1.
by Lara, Yr2.
by Benjamin, Yr3.
by Salila, Yr3.
by Romy, Yr2.
by Arthur, Yr2.
by Reva, Yr3.
by Josh, Yr2.
by Joseph, Yr3.
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by Claudia, Yr4
by Dylan, Yr3.
by Viktoria, Yr3.
by Kaitlyn, Yr4.
by Adithya, Yr5.
by Grace, Yr5.
by Kaitlyn, Yr4.
by Eliska, Yr5
by Jessica, Yr4.
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by Ralphine, Yr5
by Elle, Yr5.
by Priya, Yr5.
by Karim, Yr5.
by Adithya, Yr5.
by Daisy, Yr6.
by Daisy, Yr6.
by Vishnu, Yr6.
by Penn, Yr6.
by Sienna M, Yr6.
by Beata, Yr6.
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nursery
Q&A with Miss Rutter
What are the characteristics and dynamics of your class? Welcome to the St James Nursery! We are full of enthusiasm and positivity, ready to take on every day! We love to explore in Forest School, climb like monkeys in the playground and conquer new topics in our indoor free-flow activities. We are filled with soon-to-be artists, performers, scientists, doctors, authors and many more.
What is your favourite memory from the year? We’ve enjoyed learning from the many different guests that have come through the Nursery. We’ve learned about how to brush our teeth from a dentist, all about the Chinese New Year from Nursery parents and much more! Thank you to everyone who came to visit!
What has been your class’s greatest achievement(s) this year? All the Nursery students have come so far in all areas. We see so much growth throughout the year: learning numbers and letters, being creative with our art and our storytelling, asking well-thought-out questions, and generally becoming awesome and kind humans.
What is your parting message/words of wisdom to your class? It has been such a pleasure getting to know each and every one of you. You have shown such perseverance and positivity over the year and it has been amazing watching you grow and learn. Keep being your amazing selves and always remember to reach for the stars!
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What has been your class’s greatest achievement(s) this year?
er ception
Their greatest achievement would be everyone’s reading and writing. When I think back to when the children first came in September to where they are now, the progress they have all made is unbelievable. Well done and remember… Never Give Up!
Q&A with Miss Atkinson What are the characteristics and dynamics of your class?
This year my class has brought me many smiles and laughs. They are enthusiastic, energetic, hardworking and fun. We have a saying in our class, that we are a team and we can only work when we work together. It is true, every child in my class is individual and unique and when they come together they form a strong, caring and kind team that flourishes every day.
What is your favourite memory from the year? I have two favourite memories from this year. The first is... story time. At the end of each day, we read a story together. I started to read the series of Mr Men books, which the children LOVE. The classroom is always filled with laughter and joy when we read them. It is a lovely way to end each day. The second memory would be during International Week when we learnt about New Zealand. We went on to learn about rugby and the Haka. As a class we made up our own Haka; I don’t think any of us had laughed so much!
What is your parting message/ words of wisdom to your class? Thank you for a wonderful year filled with lots of memories, laughter and joy that I will never forget. I will miss you all dearly but wish you the very best of luck for Year 1.
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What are the characteristics and dynamics of your class? The children have been the most welcoming, kind and energetic class. This year they have had two teachers, five new friends joining through the year and have been working so hard and learning so much. The children have taught me a lot too, sharing all about their backgrounds, families and wonders of the world. They are not a forgetful bunch; they remind me everyday of the day, month and year because I have to say, “when I am hungry I tend to forget”, a little joke between me and the children.
reception Q&A with Miss Rieffel What is your favourite memory from the year?
It’s hard to choose just one when you think back and realise every memory this year has been a favourite. Each day the children make each other and the teachers laugh and spread so much positive joy. One memory that shines out to me is when we all thought that the gingerbread man was real when he was on stage. We were all blown away and our eyes were glued to the stage in amazement!
What has been your class’s greatest achievement(s) this year? Reception’s greatest achievement this year is that they are all fantastic, readers, writers, mathematicians, scientists and much more! They have opened themselves up to their learning and are on their way to making many more achievements in the future.
What is your parting message/words of wisdom to your class? Reception year has been full of fun, your learning has shone just like the sunshine. Our year has now come to an end, you’ve grown so much and made great friends. We’ve had lovely times along the way, your smile cheers me up each and every day. So, remember you’re fantastic, a little shining star, keep being incredible and perfect as you are.
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What are the characteristics and dynamics of your class?
L 1 ss Cla Q&A with Miss Laird
Wow, what a fun and energetic class! I have adored working with such a wonderful range of personalities this year. They are positive, funny, kind, caring, respectful and hard working. They put a smile on my face every day and I look forward to seeing them in the morning as they bounce into school with excitement for learning! They show respect and good manners towards myself and the adults in school. They treat each other with respect; exchanging kind words, sharing warm hugs and being a helpful friend. My Year One class are a diverse mix of many cultures, and we celebrate that, making each child feel special for who they are. My Year One class delight in opportunities to sing and dance, which they do with expression at any given chance! They have embraced all the lessons packed into a day and any challenges which are thrown their way. The children have progressed into writers this year, with adjectives, similes and conjunctions it's clear! They are enthusiastic learners and ready for Year Two. Miss Bienkowski good luck... it’s over to you!
What has been your class’s greatest achievement(s) this year? To be confident in themselves! I wanted every child to believe in themselves and know that they are amazing in many ways. I wanted them to feel free to voice their thoughts and feelings, and most importantly, enjoy learning. Each personality has blossomed!
What is your favourite memory from the year? There are so many – too many to pick one, but some highlights have been:
What is your parting message/words of wisdom to your class? Kindness goes a long way. Be brave and believe in yourself. Good things come from challenges. Stay A-MA-ZING!
Visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral and taking the children up to the stone gallery to observe London and the Thames 376 steps above the cathedral floor. Releasing the real-life butterflies during forest school. Watching the children gently hold the butterflies on their finger before they fluttered away. Watching the children achieve rewards throughout the year by putting their name on the rainbow and seeing them fill their sticker chart. The small things that mean the world to them! The class assembly - for being brave, learning their words and enjoying their performance.
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Class 2B
Q&A with Miss Bienkowski What are the characteristics and dynamics of your class? Reflecting on Year 2 brings a big smile to my face and I am so proud of the way in which each individual has flourished and grown. They are open-hearted, hard-working and have great humour! I have particularly enjoyed watching their performances in The Nativity and our Class Assembly where they have been supportive of one another and performed excellently. Year 2 have brought me much joy - conversations, kindnesses and watching their developments together. I have no doubt Year 2 will bring much delight to their next teacher and I shall look forward to watching them continue to grow at St James. Thank you for a great year!
What is your favourite memory from the year? My favourite memory of Year 2 was when we walked to The Kyoto Garden in Holland Park. They were incredibly mindful on their travels. They delighted in dog watching (Y2 are dogobsessed), peacock-watching and flower-spotting and they were a credit to the school.
What has been your class’s greatest achievement(s) this year? The class are always surprising me with their achievements but the greatest would have to be their performance in The Nativity. I couldn’t believe that after only half a school term they were able to perform with such charm and steadiness.
What is your parting message/words of wisdom to your class? Year 2 are proof of the A.A. Milne quote: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” They have progressed in leaps and bounds this year and I am incredibly impressed!
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What are the characteristics and dynamics of your class? All classes are memorable. They all have different characteristics, different dynamics and different quirks. When you have had many classes like I have had, you know pretty quickly when you have a special class. 3J 2021-22 are one of those. Year 3 is such a transformative year. Watching each of the 18 pupils in Year 3 grow has been such a pleasure. They have grown in independence, in curiosity, in ability and in mindset. They are now fully ready for the challenges of Upper School and all have a huge amount to offer St James.
Class 3J
Q&A with Mr Jones
What has been your class’s greatest achievement(s) this year? What is your favourite memory from the year?
The way they have looked out for and looked after each other. Being kind and caring to one another is such an essential value that they have all embraced
Our residential to New Barn, Dorset. The way they worked together to throw themselves in at the deep end into new experiences and activities was wonderful. They fully rose to the challenge of a residential visit and were a credit to themselves.
What is your parting message/ words of wisdom to your class? You have been magic. Magic in the way you have worked hard. Magic in the way you have accepted all challenges. Magic in the way you are polite and well mannered. Magic in the way you have grown together. Most of all, they are magic and special young people. Never lose that magic!
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C4Class
Q&A with Mr Cook
What are the characteristics and dynamics of your class? Over the year, the boys have excelled at sport, performing, and creating and making. They played football non-stop, performed a special Nativity play to music and ran like gazelles in cross country. In the Spring term, four new boys joined increasing the size of the class by 50%. The new boys integrated brilliantly and created more healthy competition in sport, especially in rugby and cricket, where they were unbeaten in matches against other schools. Whenever they weren’t writing, reading or solving tricky maths problems, you would find them making intricate Lego worlds or innovative contraptions with K-Nex. Their other favourite occupation was singing and performing. Often, in down-time, a song would spring up from nowhere: Country Roads, Sanskrit verses or Toreador.
What is your parting message/ words of wisdom to your class? Never give up, boys!
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What is your favourite memory from the year? After no class holidays for two years due to Covid, their class holiday in Durham was a highlight. The weather was beautiful, the boys were delightful, and it was lovely to see them experiencing Hadrian’s Wall and the fantastic countryside of Northumberland.
What has been your class’s greatest achievement(s) this year? Their unique Nativity play in the Autumn term. They performed so confidently and played their music so sensitively which was very inspiring.
What are the characteristics and dynamics of your class? There are many adjectives I could use to describe 4I but the three that immediately spring to mind are energetic, caring and hardworking. Every member of the class has boundless energy, care and respect for one another and always give maximum effort and attention in whatever they are being asked to do. I could go on for days, but you already know how brilliant your daughters are! From the beginning of the year, my classroom has been a positive, happy environment where each girl has thrived and accomplished greatness. It has been an absolute pleasure to be a part of their successes and a privilege to be their teacher. We have had many laughs, some tears, very few reprimands and, overall, have enjoyed a fantastic year together. I couldn’t have been made to feel more welcome by a group of pupils or parents; thank you for making my first year at St James so enjoyable.
Class 4I Q&A with Miss Inglott What is your parting message/ words of wisdom to your class?
What is your favourite memory from the year? My favourite memory from this year was the day I returned to school after being absent due to COVID. The girls threw me a welcome back/birthday party, which was the best surprise ever! It is just one of many examples of how kind-hearted and thoughtful they are.
Remember girls: it doesn’t matter if you get something wrong, but it does matter if you don’t try. It’s also so important to have fun and keep laughing! In the words of the Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo: “Nothing is worth more than laughter. It is strength to laugh and to abandon oneself, to be light.”
What has been your class’s greatest achievement(s) this year? Undoubtedly, my class’s greatest achievement was settling back into school life with no lockdowns but still having to deal with the consequences of the pandemic. They showed such tenacity and were able to make progress both academically and personally, despite the challenges they faced.
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Class 5E
Q&A with Mr Edwards What are the characteristics and dynamics of your class?
For such a small class, 5E really pack a punch! They have shown themselves throughout the year to be knowledgeable, helpful, ambitious, creative, polite, and as a class, very, very funny. What more could a teacher ask for?
I was especially impressed by the way in which the boys performed their class assembly. Not only that, but in the days preceding the performance, the whole class were industriously working together to prepare the backdrop, the masks, the artwork and so on. Everyone seemed to be taking responsibility for its success. This might not necessarily seem like a great ‘achievement’, but it really made me proud.
What is your parting message/ words of wisdom to your class? Share your ideas, and your kindness, and your jokes, but keep your hands to yourselves!
Cartoon / characteristics by Adithya
What is your favourite memory from the year? My favourite memory of the year has to be the class residential. It was brilliant to see the children challenging themselves, from working together to climb over an insurmountable wall on the assault course, to abseiling down a perilous 18-metre descent to the bottom of the quarry! As it was the first residential this class had been on, I was really impressed with how the boys looked after each other in the dorms and took responsibility for themselves and their rooms. Having said that, I’m still not sure how a toothbrush and a sock could end up in the toilet, Room 5... I suppose that’s part of the fun of a residential!
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What has been your class’s greatest achievement(s) this year?
Class5J
Q&A with Miss Johnson
What are the characteristics and dynamics of your class?
This class is full of zest and love taking on new challenges! They encourage each other and are always steady and willing in new situations, such as speaking to visitors, going on trips or having to change plans at the last moment. This shows their level of maturity and readiness for Y6.
What has been your class’s greatest achievement(s) this year? I am constantly proud of my class. Whether it be watching them sing in assembly, tackle the opposition on the football pitch, experiment together in Science or eat everything on their plates to reduce food waste. They always try their best – not only for themselves but for one another. Having said that, I think their achievement that I am most proud of is their friendship. There are always close friendships in classes, but this class really stand out as being open and inclusive. I have felt this for a long time, but in one of the final weeks of term this was made particularly evident. I don’t think any of them knew that I was watching, but on the whole-school photo day, nobody was focusing on themselves and how they looked. Rather, they were all helping to fix each other’s collars, make sure everybody had their blazers on and some were even plaiting their peer’s hair. It was such a lovely moment to witness and one that I will always remember!
What is your favourite memory from the year? There are too many to mention here but of course, the Y5 residential to Somerset is a stand out for us all. For the majority of the class, it was their first overnight trip, due to Covid, and they took every moment in their stride, even if the stride was extremely muddy or wet! I also loved making virtue bracelets with them during Well-Being Week. I still wear mine every day and they will always remind me of this wonderful class.
What is your parting message/words of wisdom to your class? You are capable of ANYTHING! And remember... mistakes are proof that you a trying, so make lots of them!
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S 6 Class
What is your favourite memory from the year?
Q&A with Mrs Story
Favourite and least favourite - on the Adventure holiday in Norfolk on a cold lake. Clinging onto the raft we’d built as it lurched from side to side and girls and boys fell off, one by one, either side of me.
What are the characteristics and dynamics of your class?
What has been your class’s greatest achievement(s) this year?
Y6 girls, brave, resilient and sporty, have challenged themselves to run faster, score more goals, jump higher and tip more teachers in the water than ever before. They are gregarious, thoughtful, kind and laugh ALOT. They work hard too, delighting in the finer points of Ancient Greek architecture and plotting graphs to show diminishing areas of Arctic ice. The classroom is constantly redecorated with kind messages and upbeat words to remind everyone to keep smiling, be happy and be yourself. The Wizard of Oz wraps it all up – Courage, Brain and Heart - these girls have all these in spadefuls and Home or being yourself wherever you are.
Overcoming their shyness about singing in public for the production of The Wizard of Oz. Just one achievement amongst many.
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What is your parting message/ words of wisdom to your class? Remember what you have learnt about stillness and quietness from the practise of the pause. Use it in your life - it is a precious gift.
ss a l C6N Q&A with Mr Norris
What has been your class’s greatest achievement(s) this year? What are the characteristics and dynamics of your class? The Year 6 boys have had a fantastic final year at St James. They are always full of laughter and energy, bringing enthusiasm to everything they do. Whether in Sport, English, Maths or any other subject, they always do their best and encourage one another.
The boys sporting achievements have been remarkable this year. Both in terms of sporting success and teamwork, the class are always encouraging one another in their sportsmanship and competitiveness. Seeing them succeed in football, rugby and athletics, beating their own personal best, has been amazing.
What is your favourite memory from the year? The best moment of the year was seeing the boys challenge themselves on the Bushcraft trip; camping in tents, making traps, creating camouflage and learning first aid were all wonderful experiences, even if the boys failed to ‘rescue’ Mr Norris in the SOS practice activity!
What is your parting message/ words of wisdom to your class? Thanks for all your hard work and enthusiasm, boys. Good luck in your next schools!
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Y3 & Y4 Cross Country Medal Winners
Sports
ISA 5-a-side Regional Championships St James Boys Team
Update
Following all the Covid disruptions, it has been wonderful to get the school back into sport and entering competitions! At the ISA Regional Swimming Championships, St James scooped up a total of 13 medals - 3 golds, 2 silvers and 8 bronze medals - with Maggie and Sienna M (Y6) and Eliska (Y5) qualifying for the Nationals. The Prep School achievements continued: with an amazing 14 teams entering the St James Prep Inter-Schools Y5 Netball tournament; the Y6 girls winning silver medals at the ISA Regional Netball Championships and also placing 5th in the Nationals, the highest position ever achieved by St James. In the summer term, we competed in the ISA Regional Athletics where we achieved 1 first, 4 seconds and 5 third place positions. Lilly (Y6) also qualified for the Nationals.
Y5 & Y6 Cross Country Medal Winners
Successes continued with the Y6 boys winning the Plate at the ISA Regional 5-a-side Championships and bronze medals in the Inter-Schools Rugby Tournament. There was plenty of endeavour and competitive spirit at Sports day where 7 school records were broken and we finished the year of competitions with a first time entry to the ISA Regional Cricket. The Annual World Cup Handball competition rounded off the year – as always it was great fun! What a successful year it has been – congratulations to everyone and especially to all the winning teams and individuals! House Competitions Winners: Canterbury
Girls House Football Cup
Winchester
Boys House Football Cup
Winchester
Year 3 and 4 Cross Country Cup
Canterbury
House Netball Shield
Salisbury
ear 5 and 6 Cross Country Cup, Y The Handball Cup and The Rugby Shield
Salisbury
Sports Day for the 2nd year running
Canterbury
Swimming Gala
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ISA Regional Netball Championships Silver Medalists
House Rugby Tournament - Winners Salisbury
St James Y5 Team Inter-Schools Netball Tournament
House Football Autumn Term Winners Winchester
House Netball Winners Canterbury
ISA Regional Swimming Competition Medal Winners
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s rt o p S Day 26
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g n i it r W Cr eative Competition 2022
Winners
Runners-Up
Y5B Damir Gumerov
Y5B Raphael Moreno
Y5G Priya Waind
Y5G Elle Finnerty
Y4B Finn Dwyer
Y4B Luca Fontan
Y4G Lara Skinner
Y4G Jessica Wills
Y3 Mika Abraham
Y3 Zak Dzulkiflee
Y2 Magali Rosman
Y2 Bailey Goodman
Y1 Oba Odeleye
Y1 Tianna Tang
Y6B Leander Yousuf
Y6B Vishnu Avadhani
Y6G Sienna Skinner
Y6G Livia D’Avanzo
Extracts from some
nning wientries
Soon, mum came home and saw the mermaid in the bathtub. She said “I know you love the mermaid, but she belongs in the sea.” First, they put on their swimming suits. Next, they put on their swimming goggles. Then, they set out to swim and they sank and floated and sank and floated. Soon they reached the middle of the sea where she would never get washed up again. Oba and Titi was sad to say goodbye, but they knew it was the right thing to do. Oba Odeleye Y1
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Miles and miles away next to a rushing, rushing river there lived a grumpy ogre. He was bad. He was nasty. He was evil. He could crack branches down. He could smash rocks apart. One morning, when the ogre was having a doze, a bunny moved into a hole next door. The ogre had a secret, a huge secret, well actually a massive secret… Magali Rosman Y2
…As she carefully touched the ribbons she began to feel dozy. All of a sudden Cornelia felt the wooden floor of a theatre’s changing room. She started to feel uneasy as she was used to the floor of the plastic wardrobe. When she looked down, instead of ribbons, she saw some highly polished wood. She smelled perfume. She looked around and saw a lipstick, a hairbrush and some rubber bands… Mika Abraham Y3
Once there was a chick named Iggle and his brother Iddle. They had always wanted to travel the world. Sadly, they’d been stuck at a farm since they were born. One day, they went to the farmer because they hadn’t been fed but he wasn’t there. Then Iggle start to cry. “Waaaaaaaa!” he wailed so loud that glass shattered. Iddle had none of it. He searched the room for clues whilst Iggle cried. “Found it!” he said excitedly. “What?” said Iggle whilst sobbing. “A note!” said Iddle. “It says farmer caught - location Egypt.” “Let’s get packing,” said Iggle. Finn Dwyer Y4
I ran towards the voice, panic levels rising. Fear was etched into my heart. I crumpled in a heap on the leafy floor. Life was beautiful and full of love and surprises but now it was ugly and misshapen. My heart beat faster and faster. A sob escaped me. No mum. Then I heard a swish of a baseball bat and a thud on the ground and a voice saying “Out you go.” When I awoke, I smelled honey water. Lara Skinner Y4
Pets are not just helpful for responsibility and not just for mental health but for learning. They help us to see how animals grow, how they sleep, how they eat and how they feel. Mr Spencer, listen now, you are the only one who can make this change. Are you a selfish, careless headmaster? Are you responsible? No, we know you care for us. Don’t give up – make the right choice. Get this done for the good of the school and its pupils. Priya Waind Y5
Somebody was coming down the hallway. Ducking low in a dark corner behind an old crate, we could hear the footsteps getting louder and louder, shouts of anger drifting across the dark, decrepit mansion. My legs went numb, my arms like stone and only by listening to Rob’s steady breathing could I reassure myself. …They were sure to be in the room now. I could hear chairs and desks being thrown at the crate we were hiding behind, closet doors being swung open in anger. They were nosing everywhere and it was only a matter of time before they would check behind the old crate - but they didn’t! Their torch was switched off and we could hear the creak of the door and then a set of footsteps running back down the corridor. I let out a sigh of relief. As we clambered down the guttering and dashed back down the road, I tried to recall how I had got into such a mess… Leander Yousuf Y6
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Sienna Skinner Yr 6 Winner Theo was crammed on top of a tall wardrobe trying to stay calm. Beside him, the kidnapped girl, Chloe, was uncomfortably close; this was due to a lack of space, and quite frankly, options. The only thing in the room apart from themselves and the wardrobe was an antiquated, old stool, and Theo very much doubted it would hide them both. Suddenly, he heard voices in the hall. He signalled to Chloe, but very clearly the look on her face showed she had heard them too. She was completely white and had a look of pure panic in her face. As the kidnappers searched in the wardrobe Theo tried to grasp the memories swirling around his brain. He had been cycling along the road, trying to put as much distance between himself and his mum’s new house. Everything had been bare and Theo couldn’t stand the sight of it, so he had picked up his bike and fled. He had just been wondering if he should move to Australia and become a snake charmer when he had heard muffled shouting and banging in one of the apartments. Theo had then seen her - a girl roughly his age with piercing green eyes -trying to get his attention. He had climbed up the guttering and smashed the window with his foot. The girl had just finished explaining that her dad was Robert Downey Jr, and that the villains wanted all of the money being used for a new Marvel movie, when they had come back to check she was still there. All of a sudden, a loud slam shattered Theo’s vision. ‘They’re gone,” breathed Chloe sounding relieved. And it was about time too. Quick as a flash, they scrambled down from the wardrobe checking cautiously to see if the coast was clear. They used the same way Theo had got in to get out, and within no time both Theo and Chloe were safely riding back home. On arrival, Theo was bombarded with questions from his mum and two police officers who had been called immediately after he had texted his mum to tell her what had happened. The police swiftly called Chloe’s dad who turned up 20 minutes later with some exciting news. According to the police, his mum and Chloe’s Dad, a great deed deserved a great reward! And being Robert Downey Jr, he had managed to pull a few strings! “Lights, Camera, Action!”
Damir Gumerov Yr 5 Winner
Dear Mr Spencer, I am writing to you on behalf of your loyal students of St. James. When the young people of the future can’t even hold another living, breathing creature; when learning environments are as dull as a 1950’s movie; when there isn’t an ounce of responsibility on children’s shoulders, then it is time for an urgent rethink! Class pets are a part of the class. They go through experiences with us. They are friends. They are family. They teach children essential and valuable life skills such as responsibility and how to take care of an animal. Over 50% of children suffer from loneliness and this might be their only solution. Do we want bored, friendless children or do we want responsible, flourishing minds? The answer is clear. 23% of children experience paranoia or other mental conditions. Without class pets or proper treatment, they might grow to succumb to those issues. Not only that, but without class pets, children’s understanding of the big world will be severely diminished. Do we really want children to grow while never seeing a dog? This is a depressing but realistic prospect. Is this a school which wants to nurture children into fear? Is this a school that simply doesn’t care? No! Mr Spencer, you can change the situation. Take action - immediately!
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o c e ee t it m m o c Report
Over this Academic year the Eco Committee have been hard at work creating eco bricks, reducing lunch waste and finding ways to fix things around the school - all with the aim to improve our green credentials and make a positive impact on global warming and the environmental crisis. Here is a report by two of the committee about an exciting new development for September 2022!
Wildlife Garden Report by Shiv and Madhu This year the Eco Committee have been working on rebuilding the gardens. We have been making powerpoints with design ideas for our garden. We showed these powerpoints to parents who are designers. We wanted all the children to experience growing vegetables so the new design has growing stations for every year group. Then we made a convincing letter to Ellie (in the Development Office) to persuade her to give us the budget for the garden and a green roof.
werJuneDay No Po28th
Happily, we have the budget for designing a new garden and hopefully a green roof! So the wildlife garden will be ready for September!
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d r a z i W of O z
Year 6 took us all over the rainbow as they put on a magnificent production of The Wizard of Oz.
The show represents an escape – a grand dream of something magical that can take audiences to another world and Year 6 brought the magic. They took on solos, dances and winged monkeys. We got to hear all the classics from Somewhere Over the Rainbow to Ding Dong the Witch is Dead. The passion and commitment from the class was clear and the songs were often heard being sung in the corridors. Year 6 are an extremely talented class. They worked incredibly well together and each child performed brilliantly. What a way to end the year. Well done Year 6!
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h c ee p S it r k Sans
Competition 2022
This year we had as our judge Mr Daniel Simpson, author of ‘The Truth of Yoga’, a comprehensive guide to the history of Yoga practice. Daniel teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, at Triyoga in London, around the UK and internationally. Passages from the Veda, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita were sung from memory, and an English translation of each passage was recited. This year for the first time, we also featured the Avadhuta Gita.
Here follows a taste of the philosophical texts recited:
Reception
‘May that Being protect us both. May that Being take pleasure in us both…’
Year 1
The Perfect Prayer ‘That is perfect, this is perfect…’
Year 2 Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12 verses 9 and 10 ‘If your mind is unable to rest, practise concentration...’
Year 3 Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9 verses 27 to 30 and 34 ‘Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you sacrifice, whatever you give, whatever discipline you perform, do it as an offering to Me…’
Year 4 Boys Katha Upanishad 2.3.9 to 10 and 2.1.10 to 12 ‘No eye can see the Self. It is realised through meditation and discipline. They who know Self go beyond death…’
Year 4 Girls Avadhuta Gita verses 130 to 134 ‘You are the completely pure, uniform Essence, bodiless, unborn, undecaying...’
Year 5 Boys
Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.2-6 ‘It is the blazing spirit, finer than the finest...’
Year 5 Girls Durga Suktam verses 1-5 ‘We praise that Goddess who through Her fire of knowledge burns up all difficulties within and without. May that knowledge carry us over the perils of the world, as a boat over the rough sea…’
Year 6 Boys Mundaka Upanishad 3.2.4-8 ‘This Self is not attained by weaklings, blunderers or charlatans. But the Self of that knower who strives enters the Absolute abode…’
Year 6 Girls Invocation to Rigveda X.90 and X.191 ‘O divine fire, nourish us with prosperity and shower us with your blessings...’ It is noticeable how through recitation the pupils are able to refine English and Sanskrit speech, to learn how to work well together and to experience joy in vocal expression.
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s r e n n i P rize W
St James Prep
2021-2022
Nursery
Congratulations to our wonderful Nursery students who have displayed such curiosity, resilience and positivity this year. It has been a joy and privilege to see you start your educational journey and we wish you happiness and success for next year!
Rece ption
Congratulations to our two Reception classes who have shown great enthusiasm and energy throughout the year. Your fun and laughter have accompanied your hard work and you have made great strides in your first year at St James Prep. Well done to each and every one of you!
Year 1 – Miss Laird Form Prize Prize for Academic Excellence Progress Prize Creativity
Year 5 Girls – Miss Johnson Zafir Erik Malu Isabelle
Year 2 – Miss Bienkowski Form Prize Prize for Academic Excellence Progress Prize Creativity
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Raphael Alex Abdelrahman Adithya
Form Prize Prize for Academic Excellence Progress Prize Creativity
Pip Antonia Serena Esther
Year 6 Boys – Mr Norris Rosa Lara Claudia Olympia
Year 4 Boys – Mr Cook Form Prize Prize for Academic Excellence Progress Prize Creativity
Form Prize Prize for Academic Excellence Progress Prize Creativity
Year 6 Girls – Mrs Story Mika Salila Rohan Viktoriia
Year 4 Girls – Miss Inglott Form Prize Prize for Academic Excellence Progress Prize Creativity
Zoe Elle Cassie Pippi
Year 5 Boys – Mr Edwards Mustafa Magali Andrea Romy
Year 3 – Mr Jones Form Prize Prize for Academic Excellence Progress Prize Creativity
Form Prize Prize for Academic Excellence Progress Prize Creativity
Mac Ektor Ahmad Lennox
Form Prize Prize for Academic Excellence Progress Prize Creativity
Rocco Kevin Billy David
School Prizes Creative Writing
Livia – Y6
French
Daria – Y6
Personal Growth
Aisha – Y6
Art Drama
Layla – Y6 Harrison – Y6 Sophie – Y6 Maxmanou – Y6
Aspiring Young Chef Science
Stephanie – Y6 Lazer – Y6
History
Ettore – Y6 Selina – Y6
English
Sienna S – Y6
Maths
Nicole – Y6
Teamwork
Beata – Y6
Music
Suki – Y6 Oliver – Y6
ICT
Anika – Y6
Sanskrit Prize & CUP
Daisy – Y6 Vishnu – Y6
Lilly – Y6 Penn – Y6
House Sports Prizes Netball Shield
Canterbury
Sports Day Cup
Girls Football Cup
Canterbury
Sports Day Victrix Ludorum
Boys Football Cup
Winchester
Bronze Medal Winner Silver Medal Winner Gold Medal and CUP Winner
Year 5 & Year 6 House Cross Country Cup Handball Cup Rugby Shield
Salisbury Canterbury
Canterbury
Swimming Gala Cup
Canterbury
Swimming Gala Victrix Ludorum Bronze Medal Winner Silver Medal Winners Gold Medal and CUP Winner
Roger Pincham Prize for Endeavour
Salila – Y3 Eliska – Y5 Oliver – Y4 Maggie – Y6
Tara – Y6 Sienna – Y5 Lilly – Y6
Sports Day Victor Ludorum Bronze Medal Winner Silver Medal Winner Gold Medal and CUP Winners
Salisbury
House Cricket Shield
Salisbury
Oliver – Y4 Oscar – Y6 Zach – Y6 Leander – Y6
Special Head’s Prizes for Service to the School Lilly - Y6 Oscar – Y6
Andrew Bedford Prize Generosity
Matilda – Y6
Karnan – Y6
Phoenix – Y6
Sienna M – Y6
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Aisha
Playing ‘Piggie’ with Isabella and Stephanie.
e th y e n r jou
Her e ’s to Year 6!
We wish all the Year 6 students well as they move on from St James. It has been a privilege to know them and teach them and we know that their new schools will be lucky to have them too. We hope that they will remember their time here with fondness and that they can take what they have learned out into the world. May The Road Rise Up To Meet You May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. (traditional gaelic blessing)
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Anika
Doing the Wizard of Oz.
Antonia
Inventing a handshake with Lilly at breaktime.
Beata
Becoming friends with the new girls this year.
Billy
Esther
Karnan
Daisy
Finals of ISA regional netball.
Ettore
Kevin
Daria
Harrison
Layla
David
Isabella
Lazer
I loved learning how to make knots to build the rafts at Manor Adventure.
Making a difference when I was on the school council.
When I pushed Miss Robertson and Callum into the pool at the swimming gala!
Always being happy at St James.
I enjoyed the ISA football tournament.
When I joined a rock club – called the Dwaynes – in Year 5!
Getting the part of Dorothy.
When Vishnu turned into Tarzan while rock climbing at Manor Adventure.
I loved the s’mores at Bushcraft!
Having a water fight in netball.
The pizza at Bushcraft – I’ll always remember the Leander special!
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Leander
Matilda
Oscar
Lilly
Playing the lion in wizard.
Maxmanou
Penn
Livia
Playing the witch in wizard of Oz.
Nicole
Phoenix
Maggie
Oliver
Pip
When I played Mr Jessup in the Tribes Got Talent at Bushcraft.
Making new friends.
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Beating school running record this year.
I loved sleeping in a room with my friends at Manor Adventure.
When I got the highest score in cricket.
I loved it when we got guppies in Year 4.
I loved building the raft and falling in at Manor Adventure.
I enjoyed Wellbeing Week when we could bring in electronics!
I will always remember the evening games at Bushcraft.
Raft building and blind trail in Norfolk adventure holiday.
Rocco
Sienna M
Doing camp songs at bushcraft.
Suki
Salma
Sienna S
Tara
Selina
Performing the wizard of Oz.
Sophie
Falling off the raft in Norfolk.
Vishnu
Serena
Stephanie
Zach
I liked the canoe racing in Manor Adventure and when Miss Robertson got pushed in!
Building and sleeping in the shelter at bushcraft
Having my birthday at bushcraft.
Getting picked and participating in the national book challenge.
When Isabella joined the school and we all played together.
Bushcraft doing’ tribes got talent’.
Rehearsing for wizard of Oz.
I loved the climbing at Manor Adventure.
I enjoyed the shooting at Manor Adventure – I got lots of bulls eyes!
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ST JAMES PREPARATORY SCHOOL Earsby Street London W14 8SH Tel: 0207 348 1794 Admissions Tel: 0207 348 1793 admissions@stjamesprep.org.uk stjamesprep.org.uk
The Sports Day, Year 6 Wizard of Oz Production and the informal Class Photographs have been reproduced with kind permission of Birgit Tabarrah Photography. The Sports Day and Year 6 Wizard of Oz Production photographs can be ordered by visiting www.birgittabbarah.com and by entering the following case-sensitive passwords: Sportsday2022 and WizardofOz2022 respectively.