Dear <<Salutation>>

Our first week back after half-term has been a very busy one, with numerous fixtures throughout the week, rehearsals for three dramatic events (Wind in the Willows, our musical 200Funk a Space Odyssey and the Shakespeare Speaking Competition), as well as two Festival Showcases. We also hosted the IAPS U13 hockey tournament on Friday, with huge credit going to the boys who played and the staff who organised it. It was a wonderful event, despite the grim weather! We also welcomed Year 6 parents into school for Parents’ Consultation Evenings on Tuesday and Thursday, and we hope parents had some helpful conversations about their sons’ performance so far, and how they can keep improving.
 
Half-term itself was busy too, with boys visiting Barcelona for the Spanish trip, and South Africa for the cricket tour, both of which sounded like enormous fun. Both sets of boys also, very pleasingly, drew a number of plaudits from hotel staff, cabin crew and other school staff for their outstanding behaviour. Just casting back before half-term, huge congratulations to everyone involved in House Singing, which was superb.
 
Please read on for events to come this half-term.

Y8 Bushcraft Trip Information Evening, Monday 16th March
Just a reminder that there will be an Information Evening for parents and boys at 6.45pm on Monday 16th March for those signed up or thinking of signing up for the Bushcraft trip. We will run through a kit list and you will have the chance to ask any questions you might have. Information packs with consent forms and medical forms will also be handed out. Please could you log into your son’s Wisepay account and ensure that all the payments are up to date. Thank you.
 
Upper School Christmas Ski Trip, 12th - 18th December 2020
The Upper School Christmas Ski trip, which is going to Tignes for a week in December, is open to current Y8 boys who are moving into the Upper School in September. For further information please see Mr Huddlestone’s letter here. If your son is interested in joining the trip, please pay the deposit via wisepay and return the forms to the Bell Room.

School Eucharist, Sunday 1st March
The preacher at this Sunday morning’s service of Holy Communion for the First Sunday in Lent (starting at 10am) is the Revd Richard Peers SMMS, Director of Education for the Church of England’s Diocese of Liverpool. Prior to his move northwards he was Headmaster of a large all-through school in Lewisham, having begun his career as a reception teacher. Parents, families, and members of the School community are always welcome at Chapel services. For further details, please see the Chapel Term Card.
 
World Book Day, Thursday 5th March
Please see here a letter from Mr Affleck about the activities which are planned for your son’s class on World Book Day on Thursday.
 
Author Visit, Thursday 5th March
As part of the World Book Day celebrations on Thursday mentioned above, we will be joined in school by author Peter J Murray who will be talking to boys about his latest book. Peter will return to school on Friday for a book signing. Please see the flyer here for more information.
 
Wind in the Willows - tickets now on sale
Tickets are now on sale for the school play: The Wind in the Willows. This production of the children's classic story features an ensemble cast of fifty seven Prep School boys from across Years 5 - 8 and will be performed on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th March, at 7pm, and on Saturday 21st March at 2.30pm and 7pm. Tickets can be purchased online at: http://www.quarrytheatre.org.uk/shows/the-wind-in-the-willows/

Boarding Taster Weeks
Last autumn we launched an opportunity for all day boys to try boarding for themselves, and we are offering these Boarding Taster Weeks again from now until the end of term. They will give every boy the chance to see what it is like to board at Bedford: a week with no travelling, a week living with friends and fellow students, a week where staff are on hand to supervise prep time, and all meals and a full laundry service are provided daily, a week for school and school friends that leaves more family time for the weekend. Boys are invited to apply with a friend if they would like to and we will do our best to accommodate boys together where possible. Spaces are limited and those interested are encouraged to apply without delay. The cost is £180 per week or £45 per night which will be added to blue bills at the end of term. Tasters are available for a period of up to six nights during the month of March. We ask that boys taking up the full week begin on a Sunday evening, but shorter stays are more flexible.  Parents are asked to contact Mr Simon Lincoln slincoln@bedfordschool.org.uk to book their son’s space.
 
Upcoming Concerts - Dates for your diary
Informal Concert for boys in Y4 & Y7,
Friday 6th March, 4.30pm in the EMH
 
Informal Concert for boys in Y5 & Y8,
Friday 13th March, 4.30pm in the EMH
 
Composition Competition Finals,
Tuesday 24th March, 4.30pm in the EMH
 
BSA Family Conservation Day, Sunday 29th March
Join us on Sunday 29th March for a fun filled family day of conservation at the school’s nature reserve in Ickwell.   Bring your ‘young explorers’ to spend a day in the fresh air, green fields and varied wildlife.  Volunteers will be involved with tree maintenance, wood cutting and chopping, clearing invasive vegetation and learning about charcoal manufacture.  There will also be an opportunity to learn more about the reserve by way of a short site tour.  Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.