From the Head
12th January 2024
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to the New Year at Barrow Hills. Over the break, we completed on some redecoration, woodland TLC, and a new roof for the swimming pool. The start of term has seen a real energy from all, enjoying the crisp winter sunshine.
Let me invite you into the warm with some new parent events for the calendar. I will be hosting a seminar for parents on ‘Positive Behaviour Management’ with some practical tips and strategies on encouraging your beloved children to be reflective and responsible. A grand ambition! I will pitch content across all the year groups, from early child development to the teenage years. This will take place on Tuesday 6th February at 8.45 – 10.00am in the Refectory).
Our next workshop, more appropriately, will be virtual as we will look at ‘Technology, AI and Safety Online’. We would like to share next steps on our curriculum journey with AI. We would also like to provide some tips and resources you may find useful at home in navigating artificial intelligence and the world online, with your children. This will take place on Thursday 21st March (google link to follow).
In a plug for my new Wednesday after school club, ‘Trivium,’ (public speaking, but fancy) for Years 4-8 – I do have a few places left. This week’s Portal messages contain the Google booking form. I have also extended the Prep House Crest Competition, by another week, after receiving some fantastic entries so far. The children all know what to do – a practical art and design activity – if you would like to encourage them to do this over the weekend.
I mention the two items above with a bigger picture in mind. Firstly, a commitment to push purposeful strong academics forwards at Barrow Hills. Secondly, to develop a warm House and pastoral system with more reach and more rigour. I will return to you on both as the year progresses.
We welcomed two new members of staff this week, Mr Anton Pretorius as Head of Maths, and Ms Clara Wright onto our Teaching Assistant Team. We also warmly welcomed new pupils into Years 4 and 6.
Happy New Year.
Mr John Towers