Next week’s value is Hope

“Faith is what makes real the things we hope for.  It is proof of what we cannot see”.  Hebrews

Dear parents/carers

I hope you were able to make the most of the wonderful weather during half term! How fortunate we were to experience ‘above average’ temperatures for this time of year!  Over half term our new Outdoor Classroom has been installed thanks to the fundraising of the 3 Peaks Team!  We are very excited by the new addition to the playground and look forward to many outdoor learning opportunities.

The second half of the spring term has got off to a flying start! I have been reflecting, alongside my busy colleagues, on how it seems like more than four days since we returned to school after the half term! Monday was the first of our earlier-timed assemblies, since we adjusted the timetable to fit in more curriculum time.  On Wednesday, I attended an all-day training event at the Good Shepherd Trust offices, when head teachers heard, from a practising psychologist, about the latest developments and provisions offered by Educational Psychology Services. During the afternoon, we were privileged to receive detailed and well-informed child protection/safeguarding training. 

This afternoon, Mrs Buckley and I meet with the Trust’s Director of Education. We will talk through our experience of the recent inspection, in respect of which we expect to receive a formal account of findings at some point during the next couple of weeks. Please look out for the report in an A4-size envelope in children’s bags.

Tomorrow, to finish off the week, children in all classes are to be treated to a performance of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ presented by ‘M and M Productions’. There will no Monday morning assembly and no Celebration Assembly next week.

Two of our teaching assistants will be out of school tomorrow. They will be attending the training centre at Guildford Church House, where they will learn about supporting teaching and learning in Early Years.  Mid-year staff appraisals are due to commence next week. As well as assessing teachers progress towards meeting their predicted targets for pupil outcomes at the end of this year, this provides me with an opportunity to thank all of my colleagues for their invaluable contribution to the school.

Finally, a reminder that next Friday (8 February), children may come to school dressed as animals, in return for a small fee (£1). This is to support the World Wildlife Fund, a charity which raises money to help sick and injured animals. This is a cause that is very dear to our children’s hearts. The Mufti Day was instigated by our Pupil Leadership Team and School Council! This is yet another example of children displaying caring attitudes and the values we try to promote. Aren’t they all wonderful! 

Have a super weekend!

Janis Radcliffe

Head teacher