8th December 2023
Christmas is in full flow here at Rupert House!
We started the week with the EYFS Twinkly Nativity, followed by the KS1 play – A Mouse in Santa’s House, both of which were fantastic! The children all spoke so clearly and confidently and most importantly, seemed to really enjoy their moment in the limelight. Thank you to everyone who came along to watch, and an extra special thank you to the Pre-Prep staff for all their hard work in putting the performances together and to Mrs Light for her wonderful musical accompaniment.
Mrs Light has been busy taking Prep children to sing in the local community this week. The Chamber Choir brought some festive cheer to the Mayor’s Over 65s Christmas Party on Tuesday in the Town Hall, whilst the Junior Choir sang Christmas songs to the residents of the Manor Care Home on Thursday. Year 6 pupils will be heading to the Kenton Theatre on Monday evening to join other local schools in singing ‘Carols in the Community’ (please see the letter below).
On Tuesday we also presented the Mayor with the lovely collaborative Coronation artwork our children created with those from other schools in and around the town. The Mayor was delighted to receive the framed picture which she said she was keen to hang in a very visible spot. Many thanks to Mrs Poulter for leading this super initiative and to the Friends for paying for the framing and coloured prints each of the participating schools received.
On Thursday we had a visit from Toby Garbett, an ex-GB rower and now a coach at Leander Club who owns TG Fitness in Henley. He led the Prep assembly, talking to the children about his rowing career and about persistence and overcoming setbacks. His message to them was to have an ‘I can’ attitude and to step outside your comfort zone to try new things - growth mindset through and through! He then took the Year 4 PE lesson with Mr McArthur, teaching the children team-based exercises in trust and strength.
We concluded this week with our annual whole school pantomime which was great fun. The children enjoyed an adaption of Jack and the Beanstalk by the team at M&M Productions, followed by an ice-cream treat.
Carol service
We are very much looking forward to the carol service on Wednesday and I hope to see many of you there. The service starts at 2pm and we expect it to last around 90 minutes. Collection is from the church at 3.30pm. Please let the Office know in advance if your child needs to be walked back to school for homework club or pre-booked aftercare. No other clubs will be running. Year 6 parents are invited back to school after the service for mulled wine and mince pies in the Hall. Please see the letter below for more information.
Order deadline
Monday 11th December is the deadline for ordering centenary merchandise for this year. We will reopen ordering again in the Spring Term. If you have already placed an order, we will be in touch when your items are ready to collect. The link to order is here: https://forms.office.com/e/dk6KshHXre
Minibus
If you require your child(ren) to use the minibus for their journey to and/or from school during the spring term, please email Arlette Halfhead to book using ahalfhead@ruperthouse.oxon.sch.uk. The current routes can be found here.
Santa Run
The Henley Santa Run takes place this Sunday 10th December at 10am outside Leander Club. It is a fun family event which is open to all ages. We are sponsoring the event this year so it would be great to see as many Rupert House families there as possible. You get a free Santa hat and hot chocolate at the finish with your entry; I hope to see lots of you there! Find out more here: Santa on the Run 2023
Catholic church service at Stonor Chapel
There will be a family-friendly Catholic church service at Stonor Chapel this Sunday (10th December) at 9.30am. The Stonors would like to welcome any Rupert House families who are interested in coming along. For those coming when you arrive please park at the Tumblestone Hollow Visitor car park and come to the chapel at the side of the house.
I hope you have an enjoyable weekend.
Best wishes,
Nick Armitage