9 Jun 2017

WEEKLY MAILING

This week's mailing is:

Letters:

Notices:

Safeguarding alert

We received the following message yesterday (in italics below).  We would encourage you to discuss this with your sons, and ensure that they are taking all the appropriate precautions.  

A Larkmead student was inappropriately propositioned by a lone male, in a car on the Drayton Road, at 1.30 today. The car involved was a red BMW – the matter has been reported to the police, together with a good description of the driver and details of the car registration. The student was not harmed in any way nor were any verbal or physical threats made. There is no general cause for alarm, as full details have been shared with the police, but students should be mindful not to walk home alone.  

We would restate the precautions that we have issued a number of times recently:

  • Where possible travel to school in groups and stick to the busier roads, avoiding alleyways and under passes.
  • Be alert and aware of your surroundings and avoid the use of head phones as this can be a distraction.
  • Please report anything suspicious via 101 or 999 if in immediate danger, or inform the Safeguarding Officer in your school as soon as possible.

At Abingdon the Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mark Hindley, Deputy Head (Pastoral).

Let's talk about Food 

Following on from the recent parent survey,  one of the areas that had been highlighted as an area for review is food at the School.  In order to gather information about the likes and dislikes of the student body and also to help them to understand why a balanced and varied diet is necessary,  we are launching 'Let's talk about Food' next week.  Each lunchtime, different year groups will be encouraged to come into the dining room and to eat with teachers and catering staff.  This will all be done very informally.  At these times it will be possible for some pupils to discuss the menus and to offer feedback on the food served at Abingdon.  This is also the opportunity for them to make suggestions to the catering team of food items they would like to see on the menu in the future. Specific times will be allocated to talk to boarders.  Although this is not a compulsory lunchtime activity,  I would like as many boys as possible to take this opportunity to give their opinions and so I would be grateful if you would speak to your sons and encourage their participation.  Once we have gathered all of the thoughts and feedback we will then review this with a view to presenting new menus back to the boys next term. 

Data check form – Reminder

Data check forms were sent out to all year groups apart from the Upper Sixth.  Can we please remind all parents who have not yet returned their son's form to do as soon as possible.  If you need another copy of the form please contact [email protected].

Bronze DofE

Current 3rd year boys going into the 4th year in September are invited to apply to complete the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award. They need to complete this application form regardless of how they wish to do the expedition section.  Bronze DofE Walking application deadline is Wednesday 28 June 2017 to allow selection of boys before the end of term. Applications should be sent to Mr Dempsey via the MCR by this date.

Bronze DofE with Canoeing Expeditions – Bronze DofE Canoeing application deadline is Wednesday 28 June 2017 to allow selection of boys before the end of term. The Bronze award is open to all boys in the current 3rd year.  Applications should be sent to Mr Johnson via the MCR by this date with a supporting letter of experience.

Bronze DofE with Sailing Expeditions  – Bronze DofE Sailing application deadline is Wednesday 28 June 2017 to allow selection of boys before the end of term. The Bronze award is open to all boys in the current 3rd year.  Applications should be sent to Mr Simmons via the google form in the letter. Please see attached the DofE sailing flowchart.

Dropping off and collection of pupils by car

Parents are reminded not to drop off or collect boys from the Park Lodge area, or Lower Field car park, please. This is because the area is already busy with pedestrians, pupils and school traffic, and drop-offs cause congestion for our neighbours. We therefore ask that parents drop and collect boys in Park Crescent, operating a one-way system travelling clockwise past the private housing on the west of Albert Park, and ending up near the boarding houses. The Crescent ends at a cross roads, where halting is obligatory on these private roads.  You are advised not to leave a car unattended on Park Road or Park Crescent as there is the risk of a parking ticket and current fine of £100. Please respect the speed limit of 20mph.

Careers Event: The Truths and Myths Behind Often Misunderstood Careers, Wednesday 28 June 2017, 6pm to 7.30pm, Abingdon School Greening Court

4th year, 5th year, L6, and U6 Pupils and Parents are invited to attend an event entitled ‘The Truths and Myths Behind Often Misunderstood Careers’ on the evening of Wednesday, 28 June 2017 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at Abingdon School (Geography Department, Greening Court).  Following a plenary session introducing the evening, Old Abingdonians and Parents working in Banking/Finance, Engineering, Government, Healthcare, Law, Marketing, and Scientific Research will meet with pupils in small groups to reveal some truths and bust some myths about what their careers are like. In these groups, we will distribute a new career guidance booklet by the same title, which lays bare the truths and myths about these careers as experienced by Old Abigndonians and Parents. No booking necessary. Questions? Email Michael Triff, Head of Career Guidance at [email protected].

Music Notices

Wednesday 14 June at 6pm, CMR – Junior Instrumental  Solo Competition – Parents are warmly invited to hear and see our young instrumentalists in a solo competition to win the prestigious Junior Soloist Cup. This is the second year of the competition and we have some fourteen young soloists performing a wide variety of solo instruments under the experienced eye and ear of Debbie Rose, Director of Music at Abingdon Prep School. We start at 6pm, admission is free and all are most welcome.

Checking your son's kit

As well as labelling all your son's kit with his name, parents are asked to check the names in the kit he brings back home.  Please ask your son to return the kit to Lost Property in Boarders' Hall.  If your son has ended up with Nick Bird's bag and running kit please return it to lost property.

British Lions breakfast

On Saturday 24 June the British & Irish Lions play their first test match against the mighty New Zealand All Blacks 08:35KO. You are invited to come and watch the big game here at Abingdon School in the Charles Maude Room.  Doors open from 07:45, entry is £5 per person with bacon rolls & hot drinks available upon arrival. All moneys raised go towards this summers senior rugby tour to Japan.  You are very welcome to bring along family and friends to the event for what promises to be an awesome match and superb atmosphere!  To confirm your attendance please click on this link and complete the Lions Breakfast booking form.

Abingdon Sports and Leisure Summer Newsletter is Available Online Now! 

We are delighted to share our Abingdon Sports and Leisure Summer Newsletter with you, which covers a wealth of news and exciting activities we've got planned over the coming months. From 'Film and Splash' sessions to our brand new Zorb Events, there's something for everyone. Click here to take a look at our Summer Newsletter online.  Hard copies are also available to pick up from the Sports Centre, Tilsley Park and the Amey Theatre.

Rowing Summer Camp 2017, 22-25 August 2017

During the summer holidays we run specialist coaching courses, which includes our Rowing Summer Camp. Boys moving up to the 3rd Year or joining Abingdon in September 2017 are invited to join us at the Boat Club. Learn to row, be part of a team, have fun and experience one of Abingdon’s most successful sports. Details can be found on this poster. Further information and booking details can be found on our website.

Abingdon School Instagram

In addition to following the School on Twitter and Facebook, we now have an Instagram account where we aim to post photos that capture the character of and activities at Abingdon. You can follow us on Instagram: @abingdon_school or follow this link and just a reminder of our Twitter and Facebook contacts:

NT Live: Peter Pan – Saturday 10 June at 2pm, Amey Theatre

'Spellbindingly imaginative. A dazzling production.' Radio Times. All children, except one, grow up. Captured live at the National Theatre, a recorded performance of JM Barrie's much-loved tale screens in cinemas this summer. When Peter Pan, leader of the Lost Boys, loses his shadow, headstrong Wendy helps him to reattach it. In return, she is invited to Neverland, where Tinker Bell the fairy, Tiger Lily and the vengeful Captain Hook await. A riot of magic, music and make-believe ensues. A delight for children and adults alike, Sally Cookson (NT Live: Jane Eyre) directs this wondrously inventive production, a co-production with Bristol Old Vic theatre.

Food menu for the coming week – Week 2