APS 26

2 January 2021 AbingdonPrep News As I write this with the light fading outside and the term drawing to a close, I feel the lead up to Christmas is well and truly upon us. The boys have had their school Christmas lunch, Christmas jumpers aplenty, and they are excited to start their holidays. In such a strange term, one of the many highlights was our recorded carol service. This was a chance for the school to come together remotely and listen to all of the boys singing their carols and Christmas music, alongside readings of the Christmas story. Every boy participated and we even had a staff choir singing a Covid-19 version of the 12 Days of Christmas! The Abingdon Prep community has come together brilliantly during the term and the boys From the Headmaster have shown great resilience in school, getting on with all of their lessons and Other Half clubs in as normal a way as possible. They have continued to thrive and develop their knowledge and understanding in all subjects. When not in lockdown, we have managed to undertake a number of day trips to places such as Cogges Farm, The Natural History Museum, and The Ridgeway and the boys have been fully immersed in their Other Half activities which have for the most part, continued as before. We had a visit from the Abingdon Lord Mayor as well in the final week of term to present some boys with prizes for their entries in the non- plastic Christmas decorations competition. Our Remembrance service was very moving with Remembrance The whole school assembled, as we do every year at 11am on the 11 November, to observe the two minute silence as part of this year’s Remembrance commemorations. Toby in Year 8 played ‘The Last Post’, poignantly signalling the start of the silence, which was observed immaculately. There was a fine array of homemade poppies held and worn, as well as those bought contributing to our fundraising efforts for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. This year we raised £291.85 which is one of the biggest sums that we have achieved. The theme of our assemblies this year was the events of 1940, but I am sure that each would have his or her own thoughts about those who had given service or the ultimate sacrifice to help defend our freedom. a series of assemblies leading up to that day about the First World War, done through the medium of numbers. Our Parents Association have appointed a new chairperson and we have launched newsletters and held a number of hugely enjoyable online events, again helping to really bring the Abingdon Prep community together. Despite the difficulties that covid has brought this term, the boys have responded incredibly well and school has continued to be a place of learning, friendship and engagement. The boys and the staff have certainly all earned a Christmas break. With best wishes Craig Williams The boys have been thinking about all the things that they are grateful for rather than focusing on what they cannot do because of Covid-19. Their ideas, written on a Christmas bauble, were hung on a tree in the school foyer. Thanks ranged from being grateful for having a home and a bed, a lovely brother, for being on earth, for having a pet, coping with lockdown to appreciating beautiful sunrises, the kindness in the world and for art supplies! The project was the idea of the school nurses who encourage the boys to practise mindfulness and to look after their mental health. It was also part of a school initiative to encourage plastic- free Christmas decorations. Christmas Thanks Tree Day One Catapults with Y6 in CDT December, the Mayor visits