Autumn Term. Issue 535. Friday 30 November From the Headmaster. Fairfield Prep School, Leicester Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire. LE11 2AE.

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1 Autumn Term Issue 535 Fairfield Prep School, Leicester Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire. LE11 2AE Friday 30 November 2018 From the Headmaster An early Monday morning call from the Independent Schools Inspectorate wasn t really the way in which I anticipated my week to start, but suffice to say it has been another enjoyable week nonetheless! I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the 159 respondents to the parental questionnaire, as your feedback was positively glowing. Although I am not at liberty to state the official result until the final report has been published, I was particularly pleased with the verbal feedback I received from the Lead Inspector, as it clearly reflected the success of the recent initiatives we have introduced at Fairfield, which are evidently bearing fruit. My staff, as ever, also need their time in the limelight for their herculean efforts, not to mention the support they will be giving at tonight s Christmas is Coming. I do hope that they have the chance to rest and recuperate over the weekend before the delights of Kindergarten s Nativity, Reception s Wriggly Nativity and Year 1 & 2 s The Night Before Christmas get into full swing next week! My thanks also go to the PTA for organising Christmas is Coming and for leaving the exactly as they found it once Santa had got on his sleigh back to the North Pole! I think Father Christmas may have somewhat of a pre-christmas fan club gathering this weekend as hundreds of Santas will be assembling in Loughborough s Market Square on Sunday to support their chosen charity during the annual Santa Fun Run. I m sure that my winter training regime will prove invaluable as I take both Rosie and Lizzie around the course in a blue Santa Suit in aid of the Rainbows Hospice. If you are out and about on Sunday, please do give the pooches and me a wave and also keep a look out for other participating members of the Fairfield staff who will be easy to spot. They will be the ones with the white beards Ho! Ho! Ho! This is always a highlight of Year 5 and this year s visit did not disappoint. The children had already looked at the Space Race and the Apollo missions as part of this term s North America topic and they were keen to investigate the many artefacts and exhibits relating to space flight. A 3D film explained the conditions by astronauts. There were also workshops on the Earth, Moon, Sun and the seasons that complemented the children s work in Science. The children behaved well and we know they really enjoyed themselves. On the following day, they were able to use their experience to write some descriptive stories about a voyage in space.

2 Last week, Ethan's mummy surprised us by being our Mystery Guest. She came to talk to us about how electricity got from a power station into our homes to power our appliances. Some of the children were 'volts', showing how the voltage got smaller and smaller after passing through sub stations with the cables getting thinner until they reach our homes. Next time we switch the TV on, I wonder if we can remember the long journey that the electricity takes to power it? Last Friday saw the first of 'Loughborough Schools Music Presents' concerts with the Percussion Ensembles stepping out onto the Stage. All five of the schools' percussion ensembles played with skill and flair, performing a mixture of drumline and tuned percussion pieces. The five Year 13 (four of them ex Fairfield) pupils who went on the Music Tour to Ireland in the summer, also reprised their piece 'Strike and Strike Out' by our very own Mr Geary complete with choreography! Well done to all performers.!

3 We have been able to acquire a licence which allows us to video the Pre Prep productions this year. DVDs of the show will be available to purchase at a cost of 10 per copy. Reception, Years 1 & 2 s production will be produced onto one single DVD, thus allowing for parents to buy one copy, even if they have children in different year groups within the Pre Prep department. If you would like to purchase a copy, or additional copies as a Christmas present for grandparents, please send either cash or cheque made payable to Loughborough Schools Foundation, in an envelope, addressed to Mrs Young, along with your child s full name, class and the number of copies you require. These can be handed to your child s class teacher or to the Main School Reception. There will be a limited number of DVDs available to purchase and sales will be on a first-come, first-served basis. IAPS Gymnastics Competition For the first time ever, the school entered the National IAPS Gymnastics Competition held at Kent College. After working so hard to perfect the routines and vaults the girls were excited to perform at such a prestigious event. This is possibly the furthest we have travelled for a competition, but it was well worth it. We arrived in good time to take in the surroundings and experience the atmosphere. For many of the girls, it was their first experience of a Gymnastics Competition so they were keen to see the floor and apparatus. After a thorough warm up in the holding room we ventured through to the main hall to compete. The atmosphere in there was amazing! Whilst we waited, we saw group routines to music and some of the older children performing on the vault and floor. The girls were so calm and collected, whilst my heart was racing! We were due to compete on the floor first and were allowed 3 minutes to warm up. Our warm ups went well and before we knew it we were half way through our routines. The girls had so much to remember, with lots of people watching and they had to try to enjoy themselves too! Our floor routines went well with our highest score, a fabulous 8.6. We moved over to the vault and again had a 3 minute warm up. The vaults were definitely more imposing than our ones at school and the spring boards gave a super lift! The girls flew over in the warm up and loved using the new equipment. As our vault rotation started, I sat with my fingers crossed, I just wanted the girls to land safely. However I had no need to worry. The girls produced some of the best vaults I have seen them do and secured all their landings, giving a huge smile after each one! We received our scores from the judges and some extremely positive comments along with a few invitations to other competitions. We all left the competition feeling extremely proud and happy. The results were announced on Tuesday and our girls exceeded all our expectations. With a total 64 points the girls achieved 5 th place nationally and an individual 6 th place. This is an outstanding achievement and one that all involved should be incredibly proud of. Well done to all the girls. Thank you to Rob Payne who has helped to coach them and all the parents who travelled all that way to support us! Mrs Webster.

4 Hockey v LGJS The last hockey matches of the term saw the girls travel south to play Leicester Grammar Junior School. All three teams played really well despite the very wet and windy conditions and it has been an absolute pleasure to see their hockey skills continue to develop through the course of the term. The results are given below and, as can be seen, it was a very successful afternoon. Many thanks as ever to the parents who came to give their support and to Ms Nicol and Mrs Love for their coaching and umpiring. Well done girls; you should all be very proud of your performance this season. Results: A team 7-0 win B team 1-1 draw C team 5-0 win Mrs Sutcliffe. Rugby v Witham Hall On Saturday morning, the U9 team played a Rugby Festival at Witham Hall. This was a 4-way affair including the hosts, Laxton Junior and Stamford. The first game was against Stamford and Fairfield started brightly, scoring a couple of early tries. Stamford, however, fought back to bring the scores close at half time, in what was turning out to be a fast, open game of running rugby. At half time the boys knew that they needed to up the tempo with their defensive play and stop the key runners early. This prevailed, as the second half saw only 1 try conceded in a 10-4 victory. Witham were up next in a slightly closer contact game, with plenty of hard running and tackling from both sides. The supporters from both sides were often wincing at the big collisions happening on field, a credit to both sides commitment. It was an even game until the end, where Fairfield didn t take some key chances and their opponents made the most of theirs. Final score Fairfield 5-3 Witham. The last game saw a very similar game to the one before, this time against Laxton. It was a brutish battle, with hard tackles flying in from both sides. In previous games Fairfield had failed to move the ball sufficiently from the ruck area, so they set out to improve this as one of their goals. They did this much better against Laxton, and in the end, ran out close winners by 4 tries to 3. A fantastic effort by all the boys, well done! Mr Rennie. On Saturday 24 November, the U9 B Rugby team played in the Witham Hall Festival. The boys played some fantastic rugby right from the start and scored numerous tries from quickly identifying space and evasive running skills. Their defence was equally impressive as they were all willing to make tackles when required. Their results were as follows: Fairfield B 11 v Stamford B 1 Fairfield B 7 v Witham Hall 5 Fairfield B 6 v Laxton B 5 Well played everyone, against some good rugby playing opposition. The results demonstrate what strength in depth there is in this year group. Mr Pitts.

5 Rugby v Spratton Hall - Away It was a wet and windy day but we were delighted to see so many supporters make the journey to Northamptonshire. The opposition was fiercely competitive this week but Fairfield were undaunted and defended with passion. This was an excellent Spratton Hall team, who tackled and rucked quickly and decisively. Scores came quickly initially but Fairfield began to organise more efficiently and their tackling was extremely courageous. When they were able to put players into space Fairfield did well and there was the opportunity for a well taken try in the first half. Unfortunately, the boys found it hard to string passes together consistently. If all boys are able to attend training they will coordinate their efforts with greater confidence. The last match will be at Witham Hall next week. Mr Wilbraham. On a wet, bleak afternoon at Spratton Hall, our U10 team put in a sterling effort against very strong opposition. In a match that yo-yo d back and forth, Fairfield did themselves proud, demonstrating the excellent progress the team has made over the course of the season. The tackling was tremendous, the support play was splendid and the effort was truly excellent. As we look ahead, the boys now need to work on protecting the ball at the breakdown and seeking to move the ball more quickly when in full flow. Well done boys, you persevered well against a tough team. I m very proud of you! Mr Caldwell. Rugby v Spratton Hall - Home On Wednesday 28 November the U11 A Rugby team played Spratton Hall at home. Spratton started brightly and scored two early tries. Fairfield then got into the game and scored two good tries of their own. The rest of the half continued to be an even contest with both teams demonstrating good handling skills in increasingly difficult playing conditions. The half time score was 4-3 to Spratton. Unfortunately for Fairfield, Spratton stepped up to another level of handling and support play which resulted in a number of excellent tries being scored. With a last effort, Fairfield managed to score one more try only for Spratton to deservedly score the last try of the match. The final score was Fairfield 4, Spratton Hall 10. The boys can take away many positives despite the defeat and look forward to their last match of the season away at Witham Hall. Mr Pitts. The U11 B team faced Spratton Hall, for what was set to be their last home Rugby fixture as a Fairfield pupil. And, right on cue as the first whistle blew, the heavens opened up making it a boggy, muddy affair. The weather did not seem to affect the boys though, as some good handling was displayed by both teams, as well as some hard tackles. Spratton took the early lead after a slow start from Farifield, but they stuck at it and managed to be within touching distance at the break. By this time, Mr Earnshaw and other supporters had wisely taken refuge inside the Year 6 cloakroom! The second half started in a similar fashion to the first, Fairfield a little asleep and allowing Spratton into a 5-1 lead. They suddenly woke up and staged, what was set to be a miracle comeback bagging 3 tries and tackling like demons to try and win the ball back. However, it turned out to be too little too late, as the final whistle blew on an epic 5-4 loss. Well done boys, an extremely spirited performance and one to be proud of! Mr Rennie.

6 Rugby v Witham Hall - Home The sun shone on a lovely autumnal day for the U9 A team s final fixture of a successful rugby season. This time it was the visit of a tough Witham Hall side, with Fairfield out for revenge after the previous Saturday. The game started as we left off on Saturday, with high intensity and good skill level. The first half was evenly matched with some brilliant passages of play from both sides and excellent handling in tricky conditions. Witham were slightly ahead at the break by 7 tries to 4. At half time, it was hard to come up with things to improve on, as everyone was playing so well! Much of the same was needed for the second period. Very pleasingly, the boys played valiantly in the second half, the tackles were still flying in and Fairfield were playing their best rugby of the year so far. Unfortunately, the boys came up short 12-8, but there were smiles all round after a very evenly matched game and well deserved hot chocolate! Well done boys on a fantastic season, you should be very proud of your performance! Mr Rennie. On Thursday 29 November, the U9 B Rugby team played Witham Hall at home. Both teams were fully committed to the tackle and this resulted in a very physical and skilful game. Witham had some big, strong ball carriers and some with great evasive running skills. They opened the scoring and remained a try or two ahead of Fairfield throughout the match. The boys demonstrated great determination, commitment and skill from the first whistle until the last. Despite losing by a score, they should be very proud of their performance. Well played everyone! Mr Pitts On Thursday 29 November, the U9 C team played Witham Hall at home. Wow, what rugby from these boys. They ran, tackled and passed the ball around beautifully. There were superb tackles from Lucas and all the boys ran strongly with the ball. An area to work on is passing the ball as it sometimes didn t quite go to hand. We lost narrowly 10 tries to 11. A fantastic effort boys; well done! Mr Young. PE SURVEY Reminder A reminder if you could complete the PE Survey (link below) by 12:00 on Monday, it would be much appreciated. Last week s Stars of the Week Congratulations to the following children who were last week s Stars of the Week. Leo Carrelli Elise Webb Kashi Gumber Leo Nicholson Ashree Raj Katie Browning

7 Useful Numbers: Absence Line Main School Reception Monday - Friday 07:30-18:00 Term time only Don t forget that it is our Christmas Fayre, Christmas is Coming this evening 17:00 20:00 in the and Dining room. Everyone is welcome and entry is free. We look forward to seeing you and enjoying a glass of something, some delicious food, Christmas crafts, activities and games for the children and of course some wonderful shopping opportunities. Christmas is Coming - Friday 30 November :00-20:00 Golden Anniversary Ball - Saturday 2 February :00 Medical Room If you have any feedback or suggestions for the PTA, please feel free to contact us at nurses@lsf.org pta@lsf.org. A list of committee members can be found on the school website PTA page on the noticeboard outside the. Correspondence can also be left at Fairfield s Main School Reception. Head s PA Mrs S Dexter fairfield.pa@lsf.org Registrar Mrs E Harrison fairfield.admissions@lsf.org Wrap Around Care Monday - Friday r.willingham@lsf.org Breakfast Club 07:45-08:45 After School Club 15:30-18:00 Loughborough Schools Foundation Shop lsfshop@lsf.org Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 15:00 17:00 Wed 13:00-17:00 First Saturday in the month 09:00-12:00 Please see the link below for further merchandise available at the School Shop Nearly New Shop Opening Times nearlynewshop@lsf.org Tuesday & Friday Located on the ground floor of the White House From 08:15-09:30 There are still places available on the Christmas Holiday Courses. Please click the link below if you would like to book a place.

8 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Beef Bolognaise Vegetarian Bolognaise Pasta & Country Vegetable Mix Mini Blueberry Muffin Pork Sausage & Yorkie Vegetarian Sausage & Yorkie Mashed Potato & Garden Peas Chocolate Brownie Roast Chicken Quorn Fillets Roast Potatoes & Carrots Scone with Butter & Jam Beef Bolognaise Vegetarian Bolognaise Chicken Enchilada Bean & Vegetable Enchilada Fruity Flapjack Blueberry Muffin Pork Sausage & Yorkie Vegetarian Sausage & Yorkie Salmon Fillet with Sweet Chilli Sauce Chocolate Brownie Spotted Dog: Suet with Sultanas Roast Turkey & Cranberry Sauce Quorn Fillets Greek Pasta Bake Tortellini Provençale Scone with Jam & Cream Thursday Friday Turkey Meatballs Provençale Quorn Meatballs Provençale Pasta & Green Beans Jelly Pots Chicken Steak Breaded Quorn Chips & Baked Beans Freshly Baked Cookie Turkey Meatballs Provençale Quorn Meatballs Provençale Cottage Pie Chocolate & Pear Cake Jam or Lemon Curd Tart Chicken Steak Cheese & Tomato Pizza Freshly Baked Cookie In addition to pudding you may also help yourself to a piece of fruit. Also available daily - yogurt, jelly, Angel Delight & cheese & biscuits. All desserts served with Birds Custard. KINDERGARTEN MENU MAIN COURSE Pork or Vegetarian Bolognaise Pork or Vegetarian Sausage with Yorkie Roast Chicken Quorn Roast Turkey or Vegetarian Meatballs Provençale Breaded Chicken or Quorn Fillet VEGETABLES Country Veg Mix Garden Peas Carrots Green Beans Baked Beans POTATOES, PASTA & RICE Wholemeal Pasta Mashed Potato Roast Potatoes Pasta Chips DESSERT Blueberry Muffin Chocolate Brownie Scone with Butter & Jam Jelly Pots Freshly Baked Cookie Yoghurt or cheese & biscuits are also available as an alternative to the dessert of the day. Fresh fruit will be offered daily. AFTERNOON SNACK Banana Wholemeal Pitta & Hummus Blueberries & Raspberries Sour Cream Dip with Cherry Tomatoes & Celery Cheese & Cucumber Water will be available with the afternoon snack.

9 After School Club Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Main Fish or Vegetable Fingers in Bap Tomato & Mascarpone Pasta Jacket Potato & Fillings Sandwich & Crudité Selection Toast & Toppings Dessert Cheese & Biscuits Fresh Fruit Basket Oat, Lemon & Raisin Cookies Fresh Fruit Basket Chocolate Concrete Weekly Diary w/c 3 December 2018 Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Year 4 Swimming Gala LSF Pool 13:30 Brownies 15:40 17:00 Rainbows Busy room 15:40 17:00 Year 1 & 2 Christmas production 09:15 Reception Christmas production 11:00 Kindergarten Christmas production Pre Prep Hall 14:30 Rugby: U10 & U11 A vs Witham Hall Away 14:30 Year 5 House Cross Country Quorn Playing Fields 08:45 11:30 Year 1 & 2 Christmas production 09:15 Reception Christmas production 11:00 Kindergarten Christmas production Pre Prep Hall 14:30 Beavers Scout Hut 16:15 17:15 SoundBites Pre Prep Hall 12:45 Cubs Scout Hut 16:15 17:15 Scouts Scout Hut 17:45 19:30 Tiyani Chauhan (5W) has lost her skort. It is named. If found, please could you return it to Year 5. Thank you. This week s lucky lottery winner is Remember there will be many doors of opportunity this year. Try to make the most of opportunities that come your way.