Prep School Mr Henry Matthews - Head of Prep
Food Diversity Day
It has been a purposeful start to the new year here in the Prep School, with target setting and resolutions aplenty from both children and staff. The chilly weather
I also write today with news of staffing changes, two of which are within the Prep School. Firstly, we will say goodbye to Mrs Di Thompson just before half term. Mrs Thomspon has worked as a teaching assistant in the Prep School for 11 years, working closely with Pre - Prep children in their vital first steps in education. Mrs Thompson leaves us to enjoy a well - earned retirement. We also say goodbye to Mrs Oliver at the end of the Spring Term. Mrs Oliver has worked at Queen ’ s for just over 5 years, teaching a wide range of subjects and has been a brilliant form lead to many children and most recently leading expertly on the new Food and Nutrition programme in Upper Prep. She leaves us to take on new challenges and I am sure she will also continue to enjoy travelling in her much loved campervan. Finally, as noted by Mr Noad, we say goodbye to Mr Tom Walter, Director of Sport, at the end of term. We wish all three the very best in their future endeavours and will ensure a proper goodbye in due course. You may be aware that adverts for these positions and others are now making their way around various networks and we look forward to making more exciting appointments as the school continues to grow and develop. We will keep you posted on developments as they arise. We are all looking forward to getting our dancing shoes on later this afternoon at the Prep School disco. I
am sure the children will have a great time showing off their best moves and I know the staff can ’ t wait for the Macerena so that they can also get on the dance floor. A big thank you to the QCC team and particularly Mrs Swanson, Mrs Matthews and Mrs Brown for organising this event. As we look ahead to the weekend, an intrepid bunch of Year 6 explorers will be out on the Quantocks to take part in a night walk as they work towards their John Muir Award in Outdoor Education. From hearing the stories of last year, I am sure there will be plenty of challenges, fun and camaraderie. Finally, I would like to invite you to attend our next Parent Forum which provides you with the opportunity to catch up with me and discuss anything related to Queen ’ s or your child ’ s education. The next forum will take place on Wednesday 1st February between 8:30 and 9:30am. If you would like to attend, please complete this form.
certainly hasn ’ t slowed us down and, as we look forward to 2023, we begin the year invigorated and ready to get going on many exciting projects. The first of these is the development of our classrooms. As a parent, you may have heard some interesting stories from your children about strange things happening in the classrooms this week. Some children may have even asked to bring in slippers to wear in school! I can confirm, these requests, like the stories, are all true and part of an exciting project we are embarking on to revitalise our learning spaces. The aim is that children will have much greater control over their learning and the work they do in class allowing choice when using a range of spaces. Some may choose to work in a group with others, some in an individual quiet space, but the concept is that there is improved flexibility and adaptability in the learning environment - and yes shoes off learning is a part of this! The initial trials have been incredibly well - received by the children with many suggestions for ‘ collaboration stations ’ and ‘ reading nooks ’ which we will continue to implement over the coming weeks. As we move through this project, we will invite parents in to see the exciting changes we are making. Watch this space!
I wish you all a relaxing and enjoyable weekend.
Henry
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