Preparatory School

Friday 15th September 2017Weekly NewsletterFrom The HeadmasterMrs JonesSome news – hot off the press from Mrs Jones; she has asked me to pass the following message on:

Dear parentsI hope that you have all had a fantastic summer and no doubt you are all very pleased that the children are back at school! I want to say a huge thank you for your incredibly generous gifts that I received at the end of last term. I was overwhelmed by your kindness and comments and in spite of feeling apprehensive about Speech Day, I really enjoyed it. I will miss the pupils tremendously they are all wonderful and a credit to you all. However I am currently on a 5 week road trip in Spain and France which is also very pleasurable and we are finally benefiting from a holiday outside the school holidays!!!!Many thanks once again. Best wishes

From Lisa Jones in sunny Rioja

House CaptainsI am delighted to report that the following pupils have been appointed to the position of House Captains:St Andrew – Magdalena Beil Harvey, Mickey Johnson, George SerjeantSt David – Nicholas Huntbach, Joshua Shafer, James SilvesterSt George – Toby Cooper, Finlay HatcherSt Patrick – Dimitri Moore, Oliver Morgan, Arlo RedmanI am sure they will do an excellent job in inspiring and motivating the pupils in their Houses. The key result for the first weekly House Credit totals comes out this Monday; we look forward to seeing which House has made the best start.

PrefectsOne of the many advantages of staying on in Year 7 and Year 8, is that the pupils are given positions of responsibility far sooner than in the Senior Schools. One of the key positions in the Senior School is that of prefect. All Year 8 pupils are given a job description of the role of prefect and are then invited to submit a letter of application. At the same

time, staff are canvassed for their opinion about the leadership qualities of the pupils in the Year group. The standard of the letters this year was absolutely superb. I’ve listed a few quotes from the letters below:“I think that being a good prefect is more than just doing the duties provided but having certain qualities....A good prefect should encourage others to do the right thing.”“I would like to have the responsibility of helping others and setting an example over the academic year.”“I would try my absolute hardest to encourage others to do what is right.”Following discussions amongst staff, it was decided that all the Year 8 pupils should be given the opportunity to take on the prefect role. They’ve done a great job so far; coping with duties as diverse as Low Tea and the glamorous Pig Bin, as well as enjoying the Bacon Butty and Pain au Chocolat treats. The staff look forward to working with the prefects over the next three terms.

Parents AssociationWe are, as always, very grateful for the work of the Durlston Parents’ Association. Even though the new Adventure Trail has had many little feet scampering all over it these last few days, we had the official opening on Thursday morning break. Mrs Owens, the Chair of the PA, cut the ribbon to open the structure and the children responded with a fairly noisy three cheers for the parents and Parents’ Association. The outdoor table tennis tables are also proving a huge hit; thank you parents one and all.

Preparatory School

LAMDAMs Fawcett has led the LAMDA awards in school for the past few months. LAMDA refers to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and the Awards are designed to recognise differing levels of performance and communication skills. The results this year were fantastic, and I am delighted to report that the following pupils achieved great success in their summer exams (certificates were presented in Monday’s assembly):Amelia Clark DistinctionIsla Davis DistinctionInca Benton-Jones MeritRebecca Vaughan MeritIsaac Gill DistinctionNick Dodd Distinction

Hockey TrainingA number of our Year 6 pupils were invited to attend a training session at King Edward VI School this week. Mrs Sparshott-Thompson’s report on the day is written below:The KES Year 6 Elite Hockey Training Day was a thoroughly enjoyable day for both the children and staff. We were welcomed by Matt Taylor's Hockey School and his team of International players: Ellie Watton and Ollie Willars.The morning was full of quick feet and skills and in the afternoon the pupils were able to put their skills into practice by playing in some mixed matches. We played WHP, Stroud, Chafyn Grove and FSM and were victorious in all games and did not concede a goal. All of the children performed well but a special mention for Sammy Digby-Duell who played her role almost perfectly and allowed others to shine and to Harry Serjeant, who was awarded the stick for outstanding player of the day, for listening and adapting his play at any given opportunity. He was a pleasure to coach as he listened to every word and asked questions when not sure.Being with all of the children for the day was a pleasure - well done to all of you!

Mrs Sparshott-Thompson

Staff v Parents Football MatchLast mention for a while, I promise. If you want to join in the frenetic activity on Saturday 10th October, then please let Mr Foster know. Enthusiasm is a pre-requisite; talent and stamina – definitely not.

Vision and DrinksI look forward to seeing you at the Vision and social occasion on Monday evening. I will start the evening with a short presentation which will look at Durlston now; our ethos, and looking at our vision for the next academic year and beyond. You will have the opportunity to hear from the Senior Management Team before we move to The Drawing Room. The Durlston staff team will be there if you have any questions you want to ask, or you just want to share a convivial glass of wine with us.

The evening starts at 7.00pm in the Music School. If you haven’t done so already please would you confirm your attendance using the website form at: www.durlstoncourt.co.uk/vision

Best wishes for a lovely week to you all.

Mr Richard May

Preparatory School

From Pre-PrepOur first full week has been packed with learning. Completing the first pages of a pristine new exercise book is always so satisfying and it is wonderful to see the older Pre-Prep children taking such pride in their beautiful work. All have also enjoyed an abundance of practical investigations and opportunities to put their critical thinking skills to the test.

Cecily was such a marvellous

mathematician in Reception this week.

Albert couldn't wait to start writing in his special notebook!

During Mrs Harrion’s maths lesson, one of the children wondered whether numbers 12 and 21 were the same. Ethan responded, "They are different because 12 has one ten and two units and 21 has two tens and one unit." What a superb explanation!

The multitude of acorns falling from the oak tree each day are a constant source of delight in the playground. They have been dissected, collected, piled up, lined up and transported from place to place. There is a high probability of some making it into your washing machines so please do check pockets carefully!

At the time of writing, six Magnificent Miles have now been completed. Horatio in Reception has been inspired to create his own at home and to this end has laid a meticulous trail of acorns(!), shells, stones and other treasures which are to be followed around the entire house. What fun!

Next week, we are particularly looking forward to a visit from the New Forest Ranger and welcoming Kindergarten parents to our Teddy Bear’s Picnic. Please remember that children can wear denim to school on Friday to raise funds for the Jeans for Genes charity with a suggested donation of £1.

Gilly Smith

We celebrated the Jewish Festival of Rosh Hashanah with a special snack of apples dipped in honey - symbolising a 'sweet' new year.

Year Two enjoyed a wonderful morning in The Den. The mud kitchen was a hive of activity.

Collaboration and communication around the sandpit in Kindergarten.

Preparatory School

For all parents using the website for the first time, or for those in need of a reminder, here are some tips on where you can find information on our website.

website address: www.durlstconcourt.co.uk

From the Home Page:

The ‘News and Events’ tab includes:Recent NewsForthcoming EventsNewslettersTerm DatesSchool Calendar

Parent Login

This is a password protected area. You will receive a reminder of the password in the newsletter clarion.

In this area you will find:Durlston Court Staff - Names, photos and email addresses of DC staff, for you to put faces to names.

Recent Communications - Recent correspondence, copies of letters about trips, latest clubs list, etc.

Useful Links/Documents - A collection of forms and handouts.

Galleries - Sets of photos, usually after trips

Durlston Court Website

have taken place. Parents will be notified in the newsletter when new photos are uploaded.

Parents’ Association - Details about the Parents’ Assocation, including form reps.

Weekly Spelling Sheets - Weekly spelling sheets are now available for Years 3 -8. They are arranged by year group and each spelling sheet will be added on a weekly basis.

Sports Portalwww.durlstoncourtsport.co.uk

or there is a direct link from our website. The portal opens up to a page showing a calendar, where you can click on the date, select the relevant sporting fixture, followed by the relevant age group. Finally, click on the blue icon next to the fixture

listed, this will bring up the team sheet showing you all the information you need about the fixture your child is participating in. Photos, results and reports will also be posted to the portal.

If you need further assistance there is always help on hand by contacting either Emma or Lisa on Reception at the Main School or Mitzi Collins in Pre-Prep.

Photos and news will also appear regularly on our Facebook page. Remember to like, follow and share!

www.facebook.com/DurlstonCourt

Preparatory School

Art and CeramicsYear 3 have enjoyed being introduced to the new topic of Animals in Art this week. They had such fun doing Sketchbook Circuits where they illustrated different animals from Africa using a range of materials and techniques. What lovely illustrations they created of elephants, zebras, tigers and alligators. In Pottery some of the new pupils to Middle School were able to sculpt a very woolly sheep in clay!

Year 3 have settled in to Middle School Life

3G working really hard in lesson time

Year 3 enjoying low tea

Preparatory School

From the Music Department

LessonsPeripatetic music lessons have got off to a great start this term. There are a number of vacancies in some instruments if children would like to take them (or have a trial lesson). These include: violin, viola, cello, fife, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, recorder and piano. We recommend a minimum starting age of year 3 or 4 for most instruments except recorder, fife, piano and violin, which can be started from Reception, Year 1 or 2. Children can (and do) start instruments right up to Year 8 at Durlston. Currently there is limited availability in other instruments and singing, where we have a waiting list; please do contact us if you have any questions.

Choirs and Orchestra / Staff-Parent Choir and BandWe have some exciting opportunities for our choirs this year. If any parents feel that they could offer their help with our concerts and events, you would be most welcome.

We are also hoping to establish the Staff-Parent Choir and Band this year – I have already had some expressions of interest, but if you would like to be part of this, please do get in touch!

Music out of schoolIf your child takes music exams out of school, or participates in external music activities, we would love to know about their success! We can then celebrate these achievements in school, and also it can help us tailor our music lessons here at Durlston.

Mrs HarlandLinda Harland has this year celebrated 30 years’ service at Durlston Court. She joined us in 1987 as piano teacher, and since then has helped hundreds of children enjoy and learn piano, achieve success in their exams, and take part in many, many concerts! Linda is also an integral part of the Music Department, not only helping manage our administration, but taking group tuition in a variety of instruments, accompanying the choir (and countless solo performances!), and running clubs, orchestral sessions and theory lessons. She may well be seen (or heard) at the organ in future months. Congratulations and thank you, Linda!

Mr Rob Dishington

Preparatory School

Team Opponent ResultBoys-U10A Walhampton Tournament 2nd place Boys-U9A Walhampton Tournament team won 2, drew 1 and lost 2Boys-U13A Stroud School, Romsey Won : 2 - 1 Boys-U13B Stroud School, Romsey Draw : 4 - 4 Boys-U11A/B Stroud School, Romsey Lost : 0 - 1 Boys-U11A/B Prince's Mead School Lost : 0 - 4 Boys-U10A Prince's Mead School Lost: 1 - 3Boys-U10A Stroud School, Romsey Lost : 1 - 3 Boys-U10B Prince's Mead School Lost : 3 - 4 Boys-U10B Stroud School, Romsey Lost : 0 - 3 Boys-U9A Durlston Court Primary Schools Tournament 2nd placeBoys-U9B Durlston Court Primary Schools Tournament 5th placeGirls-U11B Dumpton School Lost : 0-2 Girls-U10 mixed Dumpton School Won 2, drew 2Girls-U10 mixed Dumpton School Won 2, drew 1, lost 1Girls-U9A Walhampton Lost : 1-5 Girls-U9A Dumpton School Won : 4-3 Girls-U8A Dumpton School Won : 4-1

U10 Team at the Walhampton Tournament

U9 Girls Hockey Team

Results

Preparatory School

All Departments: 01425 610010Pre-Prep Direct Line: 01425 626233Email: secretary@durlstoncourt.co.uk Website: www.durlstoncourt.co.uk

Becton Lane, Barton on Sea,New Milton BH25 7AQ

Next Week

Jeans for Genes Day Friday 22 SeptemberPlease could children bring £1 to wear mufti

Monday 18 Sep U8 A & B Boys' Football v Meoncross (H) From 14:30Monday 18 Sep Staff & Parents' Drinks Party and Vision Presentation From 19:00Tuesday 19 Sep New Forest Ranger to visit Yrs 1 & 2 children From 09:00Tuesday 19 Sep Year 3 Visit to Hengistbury Head From 09:00Tuesday 19 Sep Kindergarten Teddy Bear's Picnic with Parents From 10:30Wednesday 20 Sep For all Sporting Fixtures, please refer to the Sports

Portal, www.durlstoncourtsport.co.ukFrom 09:00

Wednesday 20 Sep Year 7 Trip to Warwick/Stratford From 09:00Thursday 21 Sep HPV Immunisations for Year 8 Girls From 13:45Friday 22 Sep Jeans for Genes Day From 09:00Friday 22 Sep Year 7 Return from Warwick/Stratford From 09:00Friday 22 Sep Years 4 & 5 Cross Curricular Workshop From 09:00

Open Morning

Friday 29th September

“Pupils develop high levels of self-understanding, growing into confident, resilient young people who are prepared to take risks, and have huge determination to succeed.” ISI, 2017

Open Morning card.indd 1 08/09/2017 11:57:55

Open Morning PostcardYour child will soon be bringing home an Open Morning postcard. If you are able to pass it to a friend, family member or colleague who might be interested in visiting our school or if you are able to leave it at a suitable club or venue I would be extremely grateful. You are of course also very welcome to attend if you would like to have a reminder of our facilties. Lisa Lilley, Marketing Manager