D Block Roman Day |
From the Headmaster
With just four weeks to the Dragon Sale, the term seems to be racing by. It would be really helpful if all parents could keep a close eye on the school calendar over the coming weeks as there is a great deal happening between now and the end of term. (As parents who are attending school functions may have to park in the roads around the school, I offer a gentle reminder not to leave valuables in your cars.)
Thank you to you all for your support of the Staff Panto. I’m sure you recognise the huge effort that so many staff have put in to this in order to entertain the children – and parents.
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Supporting Your Child
We are aware that the world has become an increasingly difficult place for young people to grow up in. They are bombarded with sexual imagery through various media (magazines, games, and film) and often feel pressurised to be more adult than they feel comfortable with or than is safe. There is an increase of sexual bullying at all levels, for example, from calling someone “gay” to pressurising someone to behave in a way they do not want to. It includes language and touching that ranges from inappropriate through to being illegal. The Dragon has a new Sexual Bullying policy which stands alongside our Bullying policy. Our policies can be found by clicking here. Parents might also like to look at the ‘This is Abuse’ campaign which looks at teenagers in relationships that involve abuse of power. The four films are very short (advert length) and end with two options. One is aimed at the persecutor and asks “If you could see yourself – would you stop yourself?” The other is aimed at the victim and asks “If you could see yourself – would you see abuse?” You may like to look at them and then view them with your children, both boys and girls (perhaps A and B block age). Please click here to view the films.
The site is supported by useful help lines and other links and includes controlling anger, how to recognise when anger is getting out of control, explaining warning signs of stress and strategies as to how to cope. The link is on the website. If you would like to discuss this further please contact
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Parenting Group
Parents might like to know that during the Easter term we shall be running a Family Links Parenting Group at the Dragon on Monday evenings from 7.00 to 9.00 p.m. We will explore and discuss ways to enjoy bringing up children and to get the best out of family life. We will look at how emotions influence actions and discuss many positive, practical ways of guiding children so they learn to handle both their feelings and their behaviour.
The group will be led by Wendy Baugh, Lucia Simon and Sally Stuart-Clark. The groups are strictly confidential and would ideally comprise about 10 parents. Mothers and/or fathers are welcome whether your child is at the Dragon pre-prep, Lynams or the Dragon. The dates are: 17, 24 and 31 January; 7, 14 and 28 February; and 7, 14 and 21 March.
There will be another course during the Summer Term which will take place on Wednesday mornings, 8.45-10.45 a.m. and will be led by Mary Taylor, Caroline Kerr and Maxine McConville. To book a place on either course please email
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or if you have any questions please ring Mary Taylor on 01865 315589.
Parent Potters
Parents may like to know that three Dragon parents are exhibiting their ceramics in the Dragon Art Department Gallery between Thursday 25 November and Friday 17 December. If you would like any further information on the work of Rupert Spira, Jane Bowen and Dylan Bowen please contact Luke Osmond or
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or telephone 01865 315457. For further details of the artist’s work please follow these links for Rupert Spira and Dylan Bowen and Earthmarque for Jane Bowen.
Roman Invasion
Last Tuesday, the school was invaded by 100 Roman legionaries, noblewomen, emperors and slaves. Our D Block had the day off lessons for the annual Roman Day, when they took part in human chariot races, made Roman cakes, created their own vases and ancient jewellery, learnt about slavery and solved a murder mystery! The day ended with the Dragon version of “Who wants to be a millionaire” hosted by Christus Tarrantius (aka Mr Dow). There were some wonderful costumes on show from both the children and staff, and everyone got into the spirit of the day, including the kitchen with a Roman-themed lunch. Bring on 2011!
International School House
On three separate evenings last week School House celebrated the cultures, tried the food, listened to music, watched power point presentations, learned about hyper- inflation and Christmas customs from a number of their overseas boys. The countries represented were Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Australia, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Belgium, Holland, Australia and Russia. The evenings were a huge success and all the boys enjoyed learning, thinking and tasting something new.
Boarder Birthday
Many Boarders celebrate a birthday during term time but this doesn’t mean that the celebrations are any less special. Pictured is Dominic Rosso of School House celebrating his birthday along with his housemates.
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Website Tip of the Week
Term dates can be found under School Life in the parents’ area or by clicking on ‘Term Dates’ in the footer at the bottom of every page.
Varsity Match
We have a few tickets left for this year’s Varsity Match at Twickenham on Thursday 9 December, all are welcome. If you would like to join John Baugh for a buffet lunch and the match afterwards, please contact
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. Tickets to include lunch cost £35 each.
Warm Dragons
As the cold weather has now set in, and following a few phone calls on the issue, it seems appropriate to remind parents that they can order the Dragon baselayer top all year round. To order simply click here (then search in the Schools section for: Dragon School). Or click here for the direct link to our web page. The next order deadline is Thursday 25 November and this is your last opportunity to order for a pre-Christmas delivery. Garments ordered by this date will be delivered to school by Tuesday 7 December. There is an extensive size guide on the website to make sure you get the right size for your son or daughter. If you miss this order window you will still be able to order for a delivery on 5 January. Thereafter there will be two order windows and deliveries to the school every month through the winter and spring terms.
Stuart-Clark Treats
The D Block boys of Stuart-Clarks took part in a spot of cooking for their Sunday night star treat evening in house. They made crispy cakes for the boys with the tidiest beds this week and enjoyed the team work that the task entailed.
Learning Without Sight
To enhance the children’s learning of the senses, Ian Johnson and his friend Bernard Masterman visited Year 1 at Lynams to describe what life is like for the blind. They brought gadgets to show the children including a Braille typewriter and a speaking clock. Ian and Bernard were very impressed with the children and enjoyed staying for lunch with them. Everyone found their visit enlightening and were very grateful to them both for giving up their day to spend it with the children.
Pyjama Party
On Wednesday morning, Reception arrived at school in their pyjamas, dressing gowns and slippers, accompanied by their favourite teddy for the annual Pyjama Party. The children enjoyed their midnight feast and ate the sandwiches and iced biscuits they had made during the morning. The bun break hot chocolate was a great hit! They then played with torches in the dens they made, listened to bedtime stories and sang a variety of night time songs. Great fun was had by all.
Dragon Sale News
The countdown begins! Look out for notices around the Dragon and Lynams with details of how to donate items to the nearly new stalls – the committee are particularly hoping for books, CDs and DVDs, computer games, clothes, toys, gifts, musical instruments and sheet music, ski and sportswear and equipment. Drop bins are in the Lynams playground and the Dragon gym foyer. Bottles for the Bottle Tombola can be left in the School Secretary’s offices at Lynams or the Dragon. Any prizes, big or small, for the Auctions or Raffle please contact
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(Auctions), and
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(Raffle). And finally, the Deli Stall has just released its selection of fine wines, port and dessert wines, all at reasonable prices. Browse and download the wine list and order form here. Stocks are very limited on some vintages, so be sure to order early.
Please note that the last date to order Dragon Sale Christmas cards is Tuesday 23 November. Click here for ordering information.
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Diary Reminders
For all sports fixtures and the full calendar of events, please see the main School Calendar
Friday, November 19, 2010
Staff Pantomime (tickets will be required for this performance), 6.45 p.m.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
E Block & New Parents' Lunch (for those who have received an invitation), 12.30 p.m.
Staff Pantomime (tickets are required for this performance), 6.45 p.m.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Christ The King, Rev. Tim Ling, Head of Religious Studies, Monkton Combe School, 10.00 a.m.
Monday, November 22, 2010
A Block Exams Week
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
C Block Charity Channel Swim, 3.10 p.m.
Last orders for Dragon Sale Christmas Cards
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Dragon Sale Stallholders Meeting, 8.00 p.m. with an option to pre-buy at 7.30 p.m. Art Room above the Pool
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Normal School Day
Friday, November 26, 2010
Dragon Sale Pre-Sale at 15 Northmoor Road, Oxford, 9.00 – 11.00 a.m.
C Block perform Ocean World in the Lynams Hall, 11.00 a.m.
Coffee for Year 2 Parents at Lynams, 11.15 a.m.
C, D & E Block: Start of Exeat Weekend (until the evening of Sunday 28 November), 12 noon
A & B Block: Start of Exeat Weekend (until the evening of Sunday 28 November), 12.30 p.m.
Last orders for Dragon Pottery extended deadline
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