1 May 2020

WEEKLY MAILING

This week’s mailing is:

Letters:

Notices:

From the Headmaster to all parents: 

Dear Parents

I hope you and your families are all well.

As we move into the month of May, the Prime Minister has suggested that we are on the downward slope in the UK with regard to cases of the coronavirus; let us hope that he is right. I think we are all speculating how and when the lockdown in this country might come to an end. Please rest assured that we are monitoring developments carefully and that we will be in touch as soon as we have more news about the next steps for schools.

In the meantime, I have again been impressed by the way that the boys have continued to engage with their online lessons this week. I suspect we are all developing routines to deal with these new ways of living and working and the students are to be commended on the commitment and enthusiasm they show in their approach to school. I am grateful to all my colleagues who are working with great dedication to ensure the continuity of the boys’ education.

In my end-of-week message to the boys, I have again emphasised the importance of getting fresh air whenever they can. I hope that you and they are able to enjoy some time together outside over the weekend.

Best wishes, Mike Windsor, Headmaster

The Importance of Silence: Headmaster’s assembly for w/c 27 April 2020

Please follow the link to see this week’s assembly from Michael Windsor on the importance of silence.

Parents’ evenings (Second year and Fourth year)

For the forthcoming parents’ evenings, a few days before the events an email will be sent to parents detailing how to access the Zoom meetings.  When your sons are arranging the meetings some flexibility on appointment times will be needed for some staff who are caring for young children on their own: staff will endeavour to make alternative arrangements.  Thank you for your understanding.

Parents of 5th Year Pupils: Next Steps with Summer Work Experience

Last Friday, 24 April, all 5th year pupils were sent an email with a link to a video advising them on what they should do regarding Summer work experience, whether they have a confirmed placement or not. Please make sure your son has watched this video and acted on the recommendations made in it.  In that same email was a link to an online work experience reporting form; pupils with confirmed placements should report their placement to the School. There was also an attachment containing suggestions for how pupils can get the most out of a work experience placement. And, as a reminder to parents, there is a work experience checklist linked from the bottom of this web page on the school website. If you have any questions about Summer work experience, contact Michael Triff, Head of Career Guidance, at [email protected].

‘Not Home Clothes Day!’ – Thursday 7 May

Thursday the 7th of May brings our first Abingdon ‘Not Home Clothes Day!’ As an alternative to our more standard charitable events, boys are encouraged to attend lessons dressed in a way they wouldn’t normally be during lockdown. They might choose to wear evening attire, a daring hat or even their school uniform*.

Whether they choose to participate or not, donations are encouraged which will be split between our charities for the year: Save the Children, Unicef, The Abingdon Bridge, Mind and Close the Gap. Contributions can be made via a fundraising site – the link will be shared with pupils in due course.

Perhaps the whole family might like to get involved! We would love to see some pictures.

*Any outfit chosen should still be appropriate, no pyjamas, dressing gowns or revealing clothes!

From Paul Gooding, Head of Wellbeing – Pastoral Evening for Parents – video recording

We have recorded the “pastoral evening for parents webinar” that was held on Monday 27 April if you were unable to attend.  I am conscious that some parents might have had difficulties accessing the webinar live due to time zone differences or other commitments.  We covered a range of pastoral topics including: coping in lockdown, maintaining good mental fitness, screen time, sleep hygiene, parties, dealing with work deadlines and much more. We hope you find it helpful as you support your sons from home. Please follow this link to watch the video.

Music:

  • Please click on this link (as in above letter) for information for parents regarding online music teaching in the Summer Term 2020

News from the Week:

Here is the link to previous weekly mailings.