APS News 29

2 January 2022 AbingdonPrep News It is easy to forget when the final day of term comes around just how much the children have accomplished since term began in September. Our new pupils are fully settled into life at Abingdon Prep, and all the children are enjoying all that our busy prep school has to offer. It has been a slightly strange term with the optimism of a return to ‘normal’ school life, tinged with concern over Covid cases and absences. However, both teachers and children have coped amazingly well and school has been operating at full speed with our usual range of trips, Other Half activities, and of course, lessons. The final week saw some amazing performances, with live audiences back. The From the Headmaster Pre-Prep Nativity was a fantastic way to kick off our Christmas celebrations with some terrific singing and dancing. We were then treated to two Carol Services, for Years 3-4 and Years 5-8. It was great to be able to sing carols again and hear the beauty of the childrens’ voices at this exciting time of year. Amongst the most valuable learning experiences that schools can offer are trips, and this term has seen the boys getting out of the classroom to explore our local area and further afield. Our Year 8s spent two days exploring Studland Bay whilst Year 4 spent their first night away trekking a section of the Ridgeway, both learning about the geography of those areas. Pre-Prep have enjoyed visiting Cogges and Roves Farms, whilst our Year 5s were sent back in time to The Black Country Living Museum to learn about life in Victorian times - ‘Ye Olde Confectionary’ store was certainly a hit! Our fantastic JPA (Josca’s Parents Association) organised the return of Firestorm and the weather played ball allowing for a terrific evening of fireworks and lightsabers which was enjoyed by all. Gifts for Grown Ups was another event which the JPA very kindly ran for us and the boys loved, being able to get all their Christmas shopping done at school without parents Our Remembrance Day theme this year was to consider those brave men and women from all over the Commonwealth who aided Britain in wartime and emergencies. Some boys sent in stories of their own relatives, which helped to build up our Remembrance display. Several boys in Year 3 generously gave up their time every morning to sell poppies and raise money for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. On Thursday, at 11am, the whole school stopped for 2 minutes’ silence, signalled by the Last Post. knowing what they had bought for them. These events take a huge amount of organisation and I would like to thank our great JPA team for their efforts in putting them together. After a long absence, competitive rugby fixtures returned this term and the boys really enjoyed representing the school in matches once more. Some great rugby was played, both contact and tag or touch, allowing everyone to get fully involved. Finally, I just wanted to thank all of our parents for their continuing support of the school. I hope that you all stay safe, have a lovely Christmas and enjoy a Happy New Year. Best wishes Craig Blue Peter Green Badges Gifts for Grown Ups Sonnets Competition Remembrance Pupils in the Green Team were very excited to be presented with their Green Blue Peter badges in assembly following the completion of their Climate Heroes Challenge! This involved making changes to their everyday lives with the goal of helping to protect the planet. The boys undertook challenges such as turning off lights and taps, using refillable water bottles, eating more vegetarian food and walking rather than taking the car. The boys threw themselves into the challenge with gusto and are aiming to keep their changes going for the long term. Rachel Whitmore The team is now promoting ‘Plastic-Free Ts’ - encouraging everyone not to bring single-use- plastic wrapped snacks to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays (for starters).