This week’s mailing is:
Letters:
- To all parents – Inclusivity in reading
Notices:
From the Headmaster to all parents:
Dear Parents
On Tuesday the Government announced the measures that will come into effect on Thursday 3 December, when Oxfordshire will move into Tier 2. We have been informed that further guidance will be issued to schools but I do not anticipate significant changes before the end of term. We will of course let you know if we do need to alter existing arrangements.
One of the challenges of this term has been to ensure that Other Half activities can go ahead while adhering to our Covid-19 protocols. One activity that presented particular difficulties with regard to this was music but the department has adapted their normal ways of working to make sure that boys can continue their music-making this term. You’ll be able to enjoy the boys’ collective efforts when the recording of our Christmas concert is broadcast at 7pm on Wednesday 2 December; further details are below.
The concert includes the 3rd and 4th year orchestra and I enjoyed having the chance to sit in on the double bass with them. They played with irrepressible joie de vivre; there was no stopping them once they got going on their version of the Can Can.
I also spent some time this week in 1st Year music lessons giving our new boys an introduction to the double bass and bass guitar. I hope that some of them might be tempted to take up the bass or another instrument. There is so much joy to be had in making music with others, as Mr Stinton describes in our latest school blog.
We are keen to embrace all genres of music here and a number of the boys are committed to DJing and creating their own music. I wanted to share a track with you today that was produced by Duro, one of our Upper Sixth students, to provide you with a mellow and uplifting soundtrack for the coming weekend. I hope you enjoy it.
Best wishes
Mike Windsor, Headmaster
To parents of Lower Sixth students who wish to drop a subject, from the Upper Master
I have been talking to Lower Sixth students over a number of weeks about potentially dropping a subject & wrote to them two days ago with details of the process they need to go through. Please find the details here. You will have received your son’s November test results today and have the opportunity to discuss his progress and prospects with subject teachers on Monday/Tuesday. I suggest that the rest of the process starts at this point, when everyone is fully informed. Nick O’Doherty
Revision Advice to 5th Years, from the Middle Master
The 5th Years recently received advice on how to revise and create a revision programme for the Christmas break. Here is the link to the presentation, so that parents are aware of the advice that has been given. Andrew Crisp
Abingdon Toy Drive
In the lead up to this Christmas, the Abingdon Community is collecting toys to be gifted to children from low income families, and the Charities Committee aims to support them as much as possible. If you would like to donate new, unwrapped gifts for children aged 1-16 there will be collection boxes in both the Park Road and Faringdon Lodge receptions. It is also possible to donate through an Amazon wishlist (www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/BKA6K6MACCG0) and JustGiving page (https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/acefundraising) if you would prefer non-contact options. Any help would be greatly appreciated especially this year with all the challenges people have faced.
Christmas Jumper Day
Tuesday 8 December is our annual Christmas Jumper Day, with funds going to our two charities for the year, AGAPE and SSNAP. Donations are £1 and can be made by texting JUMPERS to 70490 (texts are charged at £1 plus a standard rate message). If your phone does not support text donations there will be some donation boxes distributed through School. Normal school uniform should be worn with a Christmas Jumper replacing a normal jumper or sports top.
Music:
- Congratulations to the 11 pupils who participated in Wednesday’s Junior Solo Instrumental Competition. The competition was adjudicated by Sean Fitzpatrick, Director of Music at Abingdon Preparatory School. There were some wonderful performances from a range of instruments and year groups. The winner of the cup this year was David Hrushovski in the 5th year, who gave a beautiful performance of Tartini’s Clarinet Concertino.
- Christmas Concert – Wednesday 2 December at 7pm – streamed and online. Do consider requesting a live streaming link from the Box Office. We have been recording some exciting items from many of our orchestras, bands and choirs, including a lovely performance of Schumann’s Piano Concerto with Nicholas Raptakis as soloist.
Why Music?
Michael Stinton, the Director of Music, has written the latest school blog, which inspires us all to take up music. Michael discusses its many benefits and is persuasive in his conviction that no matter how limited you feel your musical abilities might be, with practice and determination, you really can become quite accomplished. Enjoy the read.
Pink Touchliner face masks
The Touchliner face masks have arrived and look great. Your son(s) can buy a maximum of two each at a cost of £5 each. If you would like to purchase a mask please fill in this google form before the deadline date of Wednesday 2 December. The amount will be noted and added to your school bill. Distribution will occur w/c Monday 7 December. Matthew Gold, Director of Rugby.
Abingdon Box Office:
- Reminder – Abingdon School 5th Year Presents: Pink Mist – Friday 27 November, 7.30pm Please book a free ticket to access, Please note that for licensing reasons, you will only be able to watch the show at the time of the streaming. You will not be able to watch the show at a later point.
Abingdon School on Instagram
If you want to see more of what the boys are getting up to, we post photos most weeks to our Instagram and other social media accounts. You can follow us at:
News from the Week:
Food Menu for the coming week – Week 2
School Calendar
Please continue to consult the School Calendar for up to date information.
Here is the link to previous weekly mailings.
