Weekly Newsletter 20th January 2023

Dear Parents,

With Mr Oldroyd away from school attending a family celebration, it falls to me to pen some words for our Weekly Newsletter. The first full week back has been a busy one, with lessons, sports fixtures and the addition of a full raft of clubs and activities. Well done to our U10 girls’ netball team who came third in the Charterhouse Netball Tournament on what was a long and pretty chilly afternoon.

This morning, we enjoyed an excellent assembly from 3G about the benefits of giving – one of our Five Ways to Wellbeing. The children spoke about how giving is not just about giving presents but also explained how it can make us feel happy that we have had a positive effect on someone else. They gave examples of giving effort, support to our friends, compliments, giving thanks and even something as simple as giving a smile. They also have made some promises to keep which I am sure have been noted by the parents attending!

Whilst I have the front page, as Head of RE, I wanted to share with you how successful the roll out of our new RE curriculum has been for Years 1-8. Our children have been enjoying spending lesson time learning even more about world religions, their traditions, beliefs, celebrations, communities and places of worship. It is exciting that they are learning in so much more detail how different religions express their faith. Year 7 and 8 have also been enjoying their Theology, Philosophy and Religion curriculum which has recently included some thought provoking ethics topics. I have witnessed some terrific debate in lessons and long may it continue.

Next week is also full of various events which leads me to remind you that on Tuesday morning, we are holding the first of a regular meeting for any parents of children who have a special educational need or learning difference. We hope this will be an opportunity to meet other parents and share ideas and experiences.

Wishing you all a peaceful, safe and restful weekend.

Mr Paul Crisell

Deputy Head

Pre-Prep

Dear Parents,

Our assembly this week centred around our PSHE topic for this half term of ‘Dreams and Goals’ which fits well with the start of a new year. The assembly began with some 4:6 breathing (counting to 4 on the in-breath, 6 on the out-breath) so we were in a relaxed but alert state. I then asked the children to think of something they had done that makes them feel proud. I had some wonderful responses, including “practising my sounds at the weekend”, “reading”, “helping in the garden”.

Following this, I then asked the children about something they wished they could do but hadn’t quite mastered yet. Mrs Pickard shared her own dream of wanting to be a better skier but as we couldn’t quite provide a ski run, she was asked instead to blow up a balloon, something that can also be challenging! With the support of the children telling her to keep trying and not to give up, she blew up the balloon and we discussed that perseverance would be the same with her skiing.

Certificates were given out for Bronze badges in Year 1 and 2 and birthdays celebrated for Talia, Elodie, Vasco and Alice.

Thank you for the warm coats, gloves and hats in school – it makes playtime and forest school so much more enjoyable for all at this time of year. We seem to have missed the snow so far but perhaps I shouldn’t speak too soon!

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs Rachel E Harris

Head of Pre-Prep