1st May 2026

Alongside Mr Vigano and Miss Gibbon, the children took part in a wide range of memorable experiences - from visiting the Somme battlefields and learning about life in the trenches, to exploring a goat farm, flying around the forest on zip wires, watching sweets being made and exploring the Amiens Floating Gardens by boat. A particularly moving moment for us all was finding the grave of one of the boys’ great-great-great Uncles, who was lost on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The children relished the opportunity to practise their French while spending plenty of time outdoors in the beautiful sunshine, including a final night campfire, complete with marshmallows and a sing-song around the fire. Half the Year group even turned out for a French edition of Running Club around the Chateau grounds first thing yesterday morning! You can read more about the trip here.

Meanwhile, our Year 4 children have been enjoying three days of outdoor adventure at PGL Osmington Bay.

I’m sure they will all be ready for a well-earned, restful bank holiday weekend, as will the staff!

 

Summer Term uniform

1. A reminder that the existing navy and yellow polo shirts should continue to be worn in the summer term for athletics, cricket and PE, along with white ankle socks. The navy polo shirts are required for cricket fixtures.
2. For Prep children, the new sports tops and striped socks should be worn in the autumn and spring terms for winter sports, including hockey, rugby, football and netball.
3. Please also ensure that children wear white ankle socks with summer dresses, and navy ankle socks with the skirt or shorts and shirt uniform.
4. We do have a number of spare sports uniform items available in the office for children to borrow; however, these have increasingly not been returned. If you have any of this kit at home, please return it as soon as possible. If items are not returned, we will no longer be able to provide spare kit for occasional forgotten items.

 

Friends of Rupert House roles

Lizzie Benson is still seeking two volunteers to take on the roles of Chair and Treasurer from September. If this may be of interest, please do get in touch with either Lizzie or the school office. FoRH will be unable to continue without these key positions being filled.

After three years of supporting The Chiltern Centre, FoRH will also be changing its chosen charity. If you know of a local charity that could benefit from support, please nominate it using this form.

 

The Great School Run

There are just two weeks to go until the Great School Run at Stonor Park on Sunday 17th May. This much-loved, family-friendly event brings the wider Henley community together each year. There are races for all ages - from 3 years old through to adults - so do encourage your friends and family to take part. The event is free to enter, with a suggested small donation for those who are able to contribute. This year, we are proud to be supporting Ben vs Duchenne. You can sign up here: The Great School Run The Great School Run of Henley

 

Catholic church service at Stonor Chapel

There will be a family friendly Catholic church service at Stonor Chapel this Sunday (3rd May) at 9.30am. The Stonors would like to welcome any Rupert House families who are interested to come along. For those coming, when you arrive please park at the Tumblestone Hollow Visitor car park and come to the chapel at the side of the house.

 

Next week is the turn of Years 3 and 5 to go on their residential trips, which they are very excited about. A reminder that Monday is a Bank Holiday, so we hope you enjoy the long weekend. We look forward to welcoming the children back on Tuesday 5th May.

Best wishes,

Nick Armitage