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St Edward's newsletter March 2018

Dear Parents,

Curry and Beans, two foods that are not always a natural pair – however, it seems that Years 3 and 4, plus acting are a perfect match! Several of the performances from the boys were total showstoppers and it is great to see some young people clearly find a passion that they didn’t previously know existed. That is the beauty of a broad curriculum and dedicated staff; we are lucky that, as an independent school, we can choose to develop this vital side of education without the pressure of league tables to distract us.

The weather has dominated a lot of this half term, but it has not detracted from a superb term of rugby for all of the boys in Years 3 to 6. A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes to get the boys to the levels they are now at. I know that the enhanced cricket facilities at our disposal next term will bring about at least the same level of performance, if not more.

Here’s to a great summer term, and hopefully some glorious sunshine!

Mr Morgan-Nash.

Derek Suttie appointed as new Headmaster of St Edward’s Prep

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Derek Suttie as the new Head of St Edward’s Prep, Reading. Derek, who will be joining the school in September, is currently Head of the Primary School at the International School in Como, Italy. He has accumulated a wealth of experience, having taught in and led prep schools in the UK and all over the world.

Derek has particular experience in identifying opportunities to extend and improve provision, pushing for higher standards across the curriculum. Everything from Maths to Physical Education to Learning Support has come under his scrutiny, and he also has specialisms in Science and Outdoor Learning, fitting well with the school’s strong focus on STEAM subjects.

Commenting on his appointment, Derek said: “I am really looking forward to joining St Edward’s Prep. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the school during the interview process and meeting pupils and staff. I saw exciting learning taking place throughout the school and it was clear that significant developments have been made in recent years. I am looking forward to working with staff, parents and pupils to build on what the school is already doing well, and extending the provision we offer our pupils throughout the curriculum and beyond.”

Sam Antrobus, Executive Chair of Wishford Schools, added: “We are excited to welcome Derek to St Edward’s Prep. His huge experience and proactive style made him the ideal candidate in a strong field, and we look forward to seeing how his experience impacts our happy and successful school.”

Mr Suttie will be available to meet with parents over refreshments on Monday 30th of April from 4pm-6pm and again on Tuesday 1st of May from 8.15am-9.30am. We hope to see as many of you that can make it for an informal chat and to welcome him to the school.

World Book Day and Paul Geraghty visit

After a quick trip to Narnia, the boys came back to ‘Hogwarts’, where they enjoyed our belated World Book Day celebrations. The day began with an Inter House Lit. Quiz and after six rounds, St David’s were the winners. Huge congratulations to them and to the winning team, Narwhals – Oliver, Nathan, Isty, Rohan and Joshua.

The boys enjoyed lunch in the Hogwarts Great Hall, complete with candles hanging from the ceiling and Hedwig. Thank goodness nobody received a Howler! They dined on Bertie Bott’s Beans, Polyjuice and Butter Beer.

They have also enjoyed some wonderful sessions with the author and illustrator Paul Geraghty.

The boys were resplendent in their costumes and a great celebration of books and reading was had by us all.

Mrs Andrew.

A few pictures from the day.
Pre-Prep Assembly

Pre-Prep celebrated the end of a delayed Book Week by presenting an Assembly all about books and a love of reading to the rest of the school.

Year 1 introduced us to books old and new, and the idea that inside each book, a new and exciting world awaits.

Reception and Pre-Reception took us into this world. They wondered where the story would take place – on a sheer mountainside, inside a castle, in a sweltering jungle or in deep snow? They thought about which characters could be there – Humans? Animals? Monsters? And what would happen. A battle? A shipwreck? Discovering a new species?

We then heard from Year 2 who shared extracts from some of their favourite books including The Gruffalo, Horrid Henry and The Man on the Moon. They went on to recite Magic Keys by Leah Gibbs Knobbe, a poem encapsulating the exciting places reading can take you.

The Assembly ended with the fun and catchy ‘Library Song’, which is bound to stick in the heads of everyone who heard it!

We’re certain that the Assembly inspired all the boys to pick up a book. Happy reading!

Mrs Swift.

Many congratulations to Avi who is our Head Boy for the Summer Term.
Pirates of The Curry Bean

Wow, what can I say other than that we have been completely inspired by Years 3 and 4 work ethic this term. During their rehearsal time, the boys have worked hard to develop their characters, learn the staging and of course get those dance routines down- and I am sure many of you know them now too! Which brings me on to my next point, thanking you as parents for all of your support with line learning, including the songs that they have worked hard on with Mrs Hagyard in music, costumes, props and ensuring they are able to attend rehearsals. Huge thanks to the staff, especially Mrs Hunt and Miss Lewis for their continued support in guiding the boys through this journey, making and gathering props, communicating with parents and much more. We have had so, so much fun putting this show together, and we hope that you enjoyed watching the boys tell this piratical tale... We dedicated our performances to the loving memory of Kirstin Silcock.

Amy, Ellie and all at Berzerk Productions.

Have a lovely Easter break. We look forward to seeing you back at school on the 17th April.

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