22 Sep 2017

WEEKLY MAILING

This week's mailing is:

Letters:

Notices:

Open Day – Saturday 30 September

Open Day runs from 9.30 until 12.30. All boys, EXCEPT first years who are not involved in an activity such as an orchestra or band, are expected to attend and should arrive at School no later than 8.45 am to register before beginning their Open Day activities. Boys on school buses should go straight to registration when their bus arrives.  Request for absence on this day should, as usual, be made to the housemaster, as for a single weekday absence. For boys wishing to miss School sports fixtures, parents should write to the Headmaster, as usual, copying in the Director of Sport and PE, Pete Bignell.  For boys who use the joint bus service, all the morning routes will be operating the weekday schedule running 30 minutes later than usual. For the return journey, the weekday 5.20pm service will depart on all usual routes from the coach park at 1pm.

Abingdon Prep School Open Day. Saturday 7 October 10am – 12pm All welcome

Abingdon Prep will be holding an open morning on Saturday 7 October from 10am-12pm. It will be a lovely opportunity to meet the new Headmaster, Craig Williams, and to see the fantastic new facilities that have been built over the summer.  For full details about the Open Morning please follow this link, and you are invited to pre-register for the event on our online form.

Pastoral Advice for Parents from the Deputy Head (Pastoral)

I am aware that we have a large number of new parents, and that the summer holiday might have meant that your son has not only grown out of all his uniform, but has also hit a new stage of adolescence. Equally, for some of our existing parents, your son might have hit a new age and stage of development. To that end, please find a link to the document “Pastoral Advice for Parents” covering a variety of pertinent issues from screen time to parties. As ever, please do feel free to contact Mr Hindley (Deputy Head Pastoral), or your son's housemaster, if there are aspects of this document that you would like to discuss.

For parents of 3rd, 4th and 5th Year Pupils: 'Language Skills in Careers' Symposium, Friday 6 October 2017, 6:00-7:30pm, Charles Maude Room, Abingdon School

To help 3rd, 4th, and 5th Year pupils (and their parents) gain an insight into the value of foreign language skills in careers, the Career Guidance and Modern Foreign Languages departments are co-hosting with the Old Abingdonian Club a symposium entitled 'Language Skills in Careers' on Friday evening, 6 October 2017, 6pm-7:30pm in the Charles Maude Room (CMR). The event features a panel presentation by Abingdon School alumni (OAs) from different career sectors, all of whom studied foreign languages at Abingdon and at university. They will tell you about how foreign language skills are used in their specific job and their wider career sector and also share their professional opinion on the value of foreign language skills when it comes to competing for jobs and for career progression. Parents are encouraged to attend.  Booking is not necessary, and last-minute attendance is fine, but completing this form will give us a better idea of numbers.

Jazz Charity Concert for TAB

Big Band to appear in Jazz Charity Concert for TAB, The Abingdon Bridge, supporting young people in challenging circumstances. 
The school's Big Band is taking centre stage alongside some famous professional Jazz musicians at a special charity concert on Friday 3 November, straight after half term.

I am writing to encourage you to book tickets as I believe they are already selling fast, particularly so in the stalls.
The charity TAB (The Abingdon Bridge) supports some of the poorest and disadvantaged young people in Abingdon. The director of the charity happens to be former parent Dick Richards, whose son, Tom OA, is now a highly regarded and successful saxophonist and Big Band leader. He is joined by fellow jazz musician, Joe Stilgoe, (son of Richard).
Tickets are selling fast – please book yours by following this link

Musical Youth Company of Oxford present Something Wonderful – Friday 6 October 2017, Amey Theatre

Don't miss the award-winning Musical Youth Company of Oxford as they bring 'Something Wonderful' to the Amey Theatre this autumn.  Featuring the best of stage and screen, this talented group of Oxfordshire teenagers (including boys from Abingdon School) will delight audiences with Songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein, as well as West End and Broadway shows such as West Side Story, Billy Elliot, Matilda and Hamilton.  Renowned for their highly acclaimed performances, MYCO's 'Something Wonderful' guarantees a night of pure musical entertainment.

Annual Touchliner Rugby Dinner

To all parents, our annual Touchliners Rugby Dinner takes place on Saturday 4 November, 7pm til 11.30pm in the Dining Hall. Out guest speaker this year is Neil Back (England 2003 World Cup winner and British Lion). It promises to be a cracking night. Please email: [email protected].

Ultimate Activity Camps and Academies of Sport at October Half Term

If you are planning your October Half Term arrangements for the children, Ultimate Activity Camps and Academies of Sport are back at Abingdon School’s Sport Centre and Tilsley Park for some Half Term inspiration and fun!

Ultimate Activity Camps

As well as their exciting range of over 40 activities available through the week, for October Half Term they will also sprinkle in some fun seasonal activities.

  • Monday 23 – Friday 27 October 2017
  • For children age 4-14 years
  • Early Booking Offer of £39 per day or £179 per week if booked by Tuesday 3 October
  • Book through www.ultimateactivity.co.uk or call 0330 111 7077.

Academies of Sport

After a popular summer academy when GB star Tom Carson coached at Tilsley Park, the ‘Hockey Academy with International Star’ returns for October half term (star name to be confirmed).

  • Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 October
  • For children age 7-16 years
  • £109 (10% off when booked before Tuesday 10 October)
  • Book at www.academiesofsport.co.uk or call 0330 111 9077

Driving along Park Road and Park Cresecent: 20mph

Parents are asked to adhere to the speed limit along these private roads.

Food Menu for the coming week – Week 1