Newsletter 23.10.20

Dear Parents/ Carers,

This half term seems to have whizzed by and we are delighted at how happy and safe pupils are. Teachers and teaching assistants are telling me that the stamina for learning is returning and any gaps in reading, writing and maths have been quickly identified and addressed. We have a full catch up plan for after half term and are using our teachers to facilitate this extra boost. It makes sense to use the very best teachers to accelerate the progress of our children.

Oooh Arrr Pirates

In Year 1 I am so impressed with the independence of our pupils. The boys in this picture were so proud to tell me all about the pirate ship they had made and they kept returning to it to refine and improve their model. Great teamwork – well done.

PCSOs

Our local community police officers paid us a visit at lunchtime last week. Pupils were very excited and were keen to ask lots of questions. It was lovely to see a positive relationship forming with the very people who keep our community safe. they are also returning to teach us about safety online which parents tell me is important and ties in with the remote  learning which is on our school development plan.

Maths through school

Here are some pictures showing a range of maths throughout school – you really can see the progress. Well done to staff and pupils.

Pedestrian training

Thank you Mr Thompson who has been teaching Year 3 how to keep ourselves safe out of school. We learnt how to cross the roads in a number of places including T junctions, between parked cars and at pedestrian crossings on Tang Hall Lane. I had the pleasure of attending a training session and the children seemed very engaged and knew lots of answers to Mr Thompson’s questions which tells me that our Year 3 and Year 4s have very good listening skills.

Welcome Maple!

Maple is our new therapy dog and we would like to take this opportunity to introduce her to both pupils and parents. She is in her probationary year and is learning how to fulfill this role which means she doesn’t spend time with pupils at the moment. Next year alongside our risk assessment we will have allergy forms for parents to complete. I know you’ll agree with me that the pastoral offer at our school is excellent. This is another opportunity to support the wellbeing of pupils within school.

Congratulations – it’s a girl!

Congratulations to Mr Hind and his wife Sophie who have just shared their amazing news – the birth of Adaline Hind. This is baby number 2 for our school this year and girl number 2. Photos to follow and more baby news will be featuring in our fortnightly newsletter.

Let’s keep the virus away

Thankfully we have not had to shut a bubble in school and send pupils home. We are working even harder to reduce the size of our bubbles so that if there is a case in school we send home the minimum number of pupils which reduces disruption for parents and carers. There is a strong parent voice that tells us pupils are enjoying their schooling and learning opportunities. Thank you for following all of our safety procedures including one way systems and wearing face coverings.

Clubs for next half term

There are still places for the following clubs all 3.15 – 4.15pm:

Monday

Football 56GR 6JH

Multi-sports 4BC 5FW

Tuesday

Multi skills 1MT 12SM 2HM

Thursday

Hockey 3JP 34KG

All clubs are £1 per session so £7 per child and payable via parent pay (we no longer do slips)

Enjoy the break

Staff have reported pupils starting to tire – I am not surprised – our children have given their all this half term. They always try their best and that is all we can ask of them. Have a restful half term and see you all the following week.