We have had one Grade 7 boy test positive for Covid this week.

BISHOPS SUPPORT UNIT

The Prep has over time slowly built up its specialist staff who support boys either academically or emotionally. Whereas much of this is done by teachers and Housemasters, there are cases where more specialised or more focused and individualised attention is needed. Up to now these staff have been housed in rooms all over the school which is not ideal, and with the new library extension taking over two extra lesson teaching rooms, a new venue was essential. On top of this our remedial department has increased from one to three part-time therapists. Consequently we made the decision last year to convert what was previously a three bedroom flat next to the Grade 3 wing into a bespoke Bishops Support Unit. This we have now completed. The conversion, together with adjoining rooms, now houses three remedial teaching rooms, rooms for extra lessons, a counselling and play therapy room and a meeting / small group teaching room. In addition we have refurbished the Grade 3 foyer and landing which also serves as the entrance to the BSU. Photographs are included below.

While this project was a pragmatic and practical one, to provide appropriate spaces for the relevant practitioners as well as a more collaborative space, we have also specifically made it a light, airy and welcoming environment for boys needing emotional or additional learning support. As a school we strive to assist boys through difficult emotional situations, to help boys with particular learning difficulties or gaps in learning and this development shows our commitment to it. But maybe most importantly, it is a happy and welcoming space for boys that will need to utilise its services at some time in their Prep career.

We also include a number of photographs of former (and current) Bishops boys who have recently received recognition in rugby and in hockey, at an Olympian level. Some of these boys also came through the Prep.

Keep safe and warm.

Bishops Travel

A special offer for Bishops Parents. Contact bishopstravel@suregiltedge.com.

Cupcakes of Hope

Grade 7 Teacher, Russell Drury will be tackling the Transbaviaans MTB challenge and hoping to raise funds for Cupcakes of Hope whilst doing so. The Transbaviaans is a 230km, 24hr MTB marathon, not called the toughest single stage race in the world for nothing, taking the riders from Willowmore in the Western Cape, through the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area.

Cupcakes of Hope's initiatives are aimed at providing direct support to children suffering from cancer, committed to assisting them where they need it most. Cupcakes Of Hope raises funds through community driven initiatives, which drive community interaction and grassroots cancer awareness.

If you would like to help Russell reach his fundraising target, please click HERE.

Library Bag Collection

Do you still have your son’s old library bag or any similar size bag that is collecting dust in the back of a cupboard? If you do VUSA would love to put them to good use. They will be handing them out to the boys and girls to take library books home from their mobile library. Your son can drop them in the collection box in the Prep Library.