Dear <<Salutation>>

In normal times we would have a number of big events on the horizon before the end of term. However, in the spirit of the times, we are having to find new ways of doing things. Therefore, a number of events in the next few weeks will be run remotely. The first of these will be a Remote Move Up Session, which is advertised below. We are also planning for a Remote Speech Day, which will include speeches by me (I know you can’t wait!), the Head Boy, and some exciting special guests! There is an opportunity for boys (and parents if they wish) to record their voices for the opening hymn, which will be put together by Mr Groom (please see below). It would be great to get as many boys (and parents) as possible to be involved.
 
With regard to the latest Government announcement about whether or not primary school age children are able to return to school before the end of term, I will write to all of you in the next few days to outline our own plans.
 
In the meantime, I hope you have a restful weekend.

Remote Move Up Session, Friday 19th June
Each year we arrange a Move Up Morning where boys spend some time with their new tutor. This year, as most of the boys are still learning remotely, the boys will have a ‘remote’ move up session. Boys currently in Years 3, 4, 5 and 7 will all participate in a live Teams meeting where they will get to meet their new tutor and take part in some interactive activities. Boys will also hear a pre-recorded video from the Headmaster and their new Head of Year. Towards the end of next week, your son will be sent an invite from his new tutor to a Teams meeting which will take place during period 4 on Friday 19th June. Boys should wear mufti if they're accessing lessons from home and school summer uniform/PE kit (as applicable for their year group on Fridays) if they’re accessing lessons from school. We hope the boys enjoy the session.

Letter from the Head Master
Please find attached an update from the Head Master. 

Expectations Online
Responsible use of internet/social media and gaming
Please can you help us to ensure that all boys are following these simple guidelines to ensure they are not being exposed to material and content that is not appropriate for them.

Audio Recording of School Hymn for Speech Day 2020
We would like all the boys to participate in this audio recording of the school hymn for Speech Day 2020. To participate please ask your son to follow the instructions on this video
 
House ‘Funny Photo’ Competition
Just a reminder that we are still accepting entries for the Funny Photo Competition. Thank you to those boys who have already entered. The photos should be taken by the boys themselves and their best one should be submitted to their Housemaster by email. (Feel free to add a caption to increase comedic value.) The photos will be judged independently, the winner(s) will be announced and there will be an overall House Competition winner. If we receive sufficient entries, we may run separate year group competitions as well. The House with the most entrants will also be rewarded with additional House points. House points won will all contribute to this year’s main House Competition. The closing date is Tuesday 30th June and we look forward to seeing your entries.
 
Y5-8 Choir 2004unk Remote Recording Project
All members of the choir are asked to contribute their recordings of songs and dialogue. All details are on google classroom here (code qsqkyes).
 
Weekly Music Competition and Concert (every Sunday at 5pm)
To enter the Weekly Music Competition, simply film yourself playing/singing the piece you are practising and upload the video here. Alternatively, email the video to agroom@bedfordschool.org.uk  using google drive, onedrive, icloud, wetransfer or any other service you feel comfortable with. The deadline for submissions is 3pm on Friday. Don’t forget that every entry will receive a merit and the winners go into a fantastic concert which is broadcast live on the Bedford School Music Facebook page every Sunday at 5pm. You can view previous concerts here. Please tune in to support your friends and celebrate the outstanding music here at Bedford School. We look forward to hearing lots more fantastic entries. If you have any questions please contact Mr Groom.
 
Bedtime Stories
This week we have two more stories for you to share. The first is read by Mrs Bell and the second read by Mr Roberts.
 

 
Compline, Thursday Evenings
The Chaplain invites you to join him for a short, meditative service of night prayer on Thursdays at 9pm. There will be 20 minutes of prayer and reflection in the style and tradition of Christian monasteries. There is no need to say or do anything other than let the words and silence flow over you. To take part, please click on the link here.
 
Thought for the day
To access the Thoughts for the Day for the week gone by, please click here.