Pre-Prep Reflections Week 2 September 2024

Diary Dates

Saturday 14 September 11am-2pm – Heritage open day

Tuesday 17 September – Phonics and reading parent workshop

Thursday 19 September – Open morning for prospective families

Thursday 19 September – Flu immunisations for Reception-Year 2

Friday 4 October 2.30pm – Grandparents’ afternoon

Saturday 5 October – Exeter School open morning

Thursday 10 October – Year 2 taster day at Exeter School

Friday 18 October 3pm – Harvest assembly for parents

21 October to 1 November – Half term (2 weeks)

Wednesday 20 November 2.15pm – 7+ assessment parent information meeting

Wednesday 27 November 4.00-7.30pm – Parents’ evening

Tuesday 10 December 3pm – Informal parent drop-in

Thursday 12 & Friday 13 December 2.30pm – Nativity performances

Tuesday 17 December – Christmas pantomime

Wednesday 18 December – End of autumn term (12 noon)

A list of term dates for the academic year 2024-25 is available on the school website.

Spotlight on Year 2

We have had a brilliant first full week in Year 2. In English, we have started our fiction topic on ‘Africa’ by writing descriptive sentences related to safari pictures. This links to our geography topic, ‘what a wonderful world’ where, this week, we practised naming continents and oceans and used songs to help us. In mathematics, we have been exploring numbers and looked at representing numbers in different ways. Our science topic is ‘animals including humans’, and this week, we looked at matching adult animals to their offspring and categorising animals in different ways. In art this week, the children have explored different qualities of line, colour blending and mark making to create beautiful spiral drawings. Have a look at our Key Stage 1 Art display board to see the stunning results! Last week in computing, we learnt about what information technology is; this week, we have been identifying the uses of information technology in school. We have been very impressed with the way in which all the Year 2 children have settled into their new class and new routines and are looking forward to a fun and productive year ahead. 

Ms Richards, Mrs Goodwill and Mrs Titchin

Parent phonics workshop

We would like to invite all parents to a short workshop on how we teach phonics, reading and handwriting at Exeter Pre-Prep. This will take place in the Year 2 classroom from 4-5pm next Tuesday (17 September). Refreshments will be available in the classroom from 3.30pm. You are welcome to book your child into late room without charge, if needed. We look forward to seeing you if you are able to join us.

Ms Richards and Mrs Rickard

Grandparents’ Afternoon

In celebration of Grandparents’ Day, we would like to invite grandparents of all children at Exeter Pre-Prep School to our annual Grandparents’ Afternoon. Full details will be sent out next week but, in the meantime, please make a note of the date and time: Friday 4 October at 2.30pm. Please don’t worry if grandparents can’t make it – other family members or friends will be welcome to attend.

Healthy Eating

As usual at this time of year, we like to remind parents about healthy playtime snacks.

Snacks that are high in sugar and salt should be avoided. Please remember that sweets, chocolate and crisps are not allowed, in accordance with NHS guidelines. Items such as processed meats and cakes lack the nutritional value that children need to aid learning and concentration. Even some fruit strings and winders have very high sugar content.

We strongly encourage children to bring a small fruit or vegetable snack. Plain rice cakes or breadsticks are another healthy alternative for fussy eaters. If your child is staying after school for clubs or late room, you are very welcome to pack them additional healthy snacks, which we will give them time to eat.

We also ask that every child brings a named water bottle to school so that they can stay well hydrated. Children are encouraged to refill their water bottles as needed throughout the day, and water is served in jugs and cups at the lunch table every day.

Please note that we are a nut-free school. Children are welcome to bring in individual cakes or cut-up tray bakes on special occasions such as birthdays, but please ensure these are nut-free for the safety of all children. Thank you for your continued support.