NewtonPrep News

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:07:13 +0100

Friday, 05th March 2010 - Newton News

From the Headmaster

Newton Scholarship Candidates

Many parents will be aware that the Newton Scholarship Fund, a registered charity administered by a board of trustees, has the capacity to offer financial support, in terms of fee remission on a means-tested basis, to the parents of bright children. At the Forum on Tuesday, I expressed the hope to those parents who attended that, through their social and professional contacts, they might help put the school in contact with the families of children who would benefit from being educated at Newton Prep but who lack the means to send their children here without support. It would be good if present parents could help us cast the net wider in our search for suitable scholarship candidates who can also benefit from means-tested support by way of bursaries. Scholarships, backed up by means-tested bursaries, are available to children from Year 3 upwards. Further details about scholarships and bursaries at Newton Prep may be found on the website.

Attending Choir and Ensemble Rehearsals

Being asked to sing in a school choir or to join an instrumental ensemble is rather like being picked to play in a school team. A positive response to the invitation and regular attendance at rehearsals are expected. Parental support and encouragement of our young musicians, of all abilities, is much appreciated.

New Staff

We welcome this week three new members of staff: Natalie Thomas who has taken over 3MS, Laura Nouch who is our new Learning Support Assistant and Natalia Ruiz in the Nursery. Congratulations to Marianne Smith on the birth of her baby daughter, Jemima Abigail, who arrived at 1:45am on Tuesday weighing 7lbs 13oz.

A School Motto

A good idea that emerged in discussions following the Forum held on Tuesday evening concerned thinking up and possibly adopting a school motto. I shall use my assemblies on Monday to introduce this idea to pupils in Upper and Lower Schools. A motto needs to be pithy, doesn't need to be in Latin, should be inspiring and, preferably, should speak to the character of the institution.

Examples I have come across in my life and career:

'Do Different' - University of East Anglia (ungrammatical but catchy)

'Lucem Sequimur' - Let us Follow the Light - University of Exeter (worthy and dignified)

'Utraque Fortuna Fides' - Whatever your Fortune, Keep Faith - Edge Grove School (philosophical and resigned)

'Semper Eadem' - Always the Same - Ipswich School (can be taken two ways)

'Conquer we Shall' - Arnold House School (vainglorious)

'Work of Each for Weal of All' - Bedales School (very arts & crafts)

I shall be holding a competition open to children and parents to create a motto for Newton Prep. The winning entry will have to meet an exacting standard if it is to be adopted. Further details next week. Get your brain-storming caps on!

Nicholas Allen

Music and Tea - March 11th, 4:30 - 5:30 in Music Room 3

The sign-up sheet for Music and Tea is now on the music noticeboard outside the staff room. Any student who would like to play needs to add his or her name as soon as possible. The list will be taken down and finalised on Tuesday 9^th March.

See you there!

Anna Miller

Would you like fish for a tropical aquarium?

The tropical fish in the science department have had babies! We have too many and need to give some away. These fish are Sailfin Mollies and are very easy to keep in a tropical aquarium. See Ms Lyle or Mrs Gascoine if you are interested.

Science Department

Ian Livingstone OBE Visit to Newton Prep

We were delighted to welcome finally (after the power cut cancellation) the talented Ian Livingstone OBE, a personal colleague of one of our parents, Sarah Bourke. Ian told children in Years 5-8 about how he has made his life's work out playing games! Founding Games Workshop with a van for an office in the beginning, he shared his story of drive and commitment to fun through all the stages of its success culminating in the internationally recognized Lara Croft with all its spin offs. One of his first interactive products, the interactive book has now been relaunched as an iphone app. We thank him for giving up his time for us so freely.

In the Dining Room

Monday	Beef sausages, mashed potatoes, peas, roasted fresh carrots; V quorn sausages. Chocolate sponge & chocolate custard
Tuesday	Lamb spaghetti bolognaise, croquette potatoes, fresh cauliflower florets, fine green beans, garlic bread; V vegetarian bolognaise. Fruit cocktail
Wednesday	Roast turkey with onion gravy, roast potatoes, sliced courgettes, brussels sprouts, fresh broccoli florets; V broccoli & leek au gratin. Creamed rice pudding
Thursday	Chicken curry or diced chicken, steamed rice, oriental vegetables, fresh savoy cabbage; V potato & lentil curry. Pear crumble with custard
Friday	Breaded cod or breaded fish fillet squares, french fries, sweetcorn, mushy peas, minted peas; V leek, cheese & potato bake. Vanilla ice cream