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Note from our Head

In our first newsletter of 2021, I would just like to take the opportunity once again of sending huge thanks, appreciation and congratulations to our Oakfield family for the amazing job everyone is doing to support the children with their learning, development and wellbeing, whether this is remotely or in school. I could not be prouder of the way in which our school values are being lived out in all that we are doing.

No one would have wanted or chosen to be in the situation we find ourselves in, and these are without doubt tough times for us all in so many ways. The dark morning and evenings and the short days can make life feel a little oppressive, and our viewpoint can become inward-looking and limited.

I attended a strategy meeting earlier in the week with our IT partners, London CLC, and it was actually very positive to be able to focus, even if just for a short time, on looking ahead and thinking above and beyond the current situation. It reminded me to remember the 'big picture' and the importance of maintaining a sense of perspective, optimism and ambition for the future. So often it is our children who model this for us, along with their resilience, cheerfulness and sense of fun and joy - all of which are so apparent still.

I am sure that many of you are moved, comforted and inspired, as I am, with the work of the wonderful Charlie Mackesy, and may remember that I used his book 'The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse' in developing our school values and associated character traits. I have just glanced through it again and been struck by a couple of sentences in particular:

"Tears fall for a reason and they are your strength not weakness."

"Sometimes just getting up and carrying on is brave and magnificent."

I wish you and your families rest and relaxation this weekend. Take care and keep safe and well.

Moyra Thompson

Parking

Please remember not to park in the residents' forecourts of the buildings next to our Pre-Prep. Thank you very much for your co-operation with this.

WE WANT YOU(R) FOOTAGE

We are looking to create a video of how Oakfield Prep have adapted to remote learning. We would love you to please record some footage (it can just be a few seconds) of your child learning from home. For example, it could be them on a Teams call, accessing work via the Pupil Portal or completing school projects or activities from home. You don't need a fancy camera - just filming on a smartphone or tablet would be great! If you can please film in landscape format and send your clips to bgolden@oakfield.dulwich.sch.uk.

Thank you so much!!

OAKFIELD BIRTHDAYS

We could all use a bit of fun and dress-up at the current time. Cue our new Head Boy Charles and Head Girl Vivi with shout-outs to all the Oakfield children celebrating their birthdays....

YEAR 6

English

Lovely piece of writing from Edward S based on a scene from Avatar:

Lapis blue, emerald green and azure dragons were surrounding them on stooping cliffs and the rocky plateau of a rock floating miles above the ground. Jake’s heart was beating faster and faster as he unrolled his whip, he intimidated the other dragons out of the way until he got to his elected wyvern. The beast turned around and vociferated at him Jake hissed back the monster backed away in surprise. Tsu’tey began to mock Jake but it only made him want to do it more. The dragon slashed at him but he ducked under, wrapped his whip around the mountain banshee's mouth preventing its quarts white teeth from ripping him into ribbons and leaped on. The beast tried flying away but Jake kept it down.” Make the bond!” cried Neytiri as Tsu’tey taunted him again. Jake pulled up the antenna to make the bond but it pushed back its head and he fell of and rolled of the edge of the rookery. Clutching on the edge, a drop of sweat rolled down his face and with his last ounce of strength he pulled himself back up. Leaping on he grabbed the antenna again and completed the Tsaheylu with the banshee.

Jake took of the lasso and turned the beast around, the dragon jumped down trying to fly but instead it plummeted down towards death. The dragon spread his wings but glided into the cliff face "Incredible” exclaimed Jake as the dragon landed on the tabular cliff Jake almost falling off the dragon leaped off soaring down and screaming. Jake exclaimed and the dragon started flying. They glided past rocks and Neytiri flew down on her dragon to follow him. They flew past rocks before flying back round. “I’m not really a horse guy but I was made for this”