Weekly Newsletter 21st May 2021

Dear Parents

We started the week by acknowledging the easing of restrictions with an assembly for Years 5 to 8 in the Chapel. This felt much more normal with our increased bubble filling the pews as the children kept well spaced out. I now look forward to the day when we can sing collectively again and fill the space with the joyous sound of a popular hymn. The main theme of the assembly was honey and how bees work tirelessly and collaboratively to make it for our delectation. The children were then challenged as to how they can work together to ensure that we adhere to our Pupil Profile, with a special focus on being generous and compassionate.

By lunchtime, I discovered first hand how difficult it can be, at times, to work together efficiently, especially when faced with making a decision that is completely subjective. I found myself on duty as lunch break began. We had just had a downpour and the skies looked threatening. Mr Crisell and I decided it should be an indoor break and I stood outside in the drizzle with an umbrella sending the children back into Great Roke. By the time they had got back to their classrooms, the sun was out and their teachers sent them all back outside again. They passed me, giggling that I had been overruled! However, I wasn’t convinced, but decided to give the children the opportunity for some fresh air and exercise. Ten minutes later, when on duty inside the Refectory, the heavens opened sending the children still outside running for cover, so I inwardly had the last laugh!

This week, the older children got the best of the weather for their cricket matches. It was lovely on Wednesday when we experienced proper cricket weather as our teams played fixtures against Belmont and Amesbury. There were also lots of great performances to boost the spirits further. On Thursday, the weather could not have been more different. Bowling can be challenging at the best of times, but in the strong winds and rain I was very impressed at how our younger children persevered, showing some excellent skills.

To round off the week, Year 1 will be enjoying Castle Day. Throughout the term, Mrs Crisell has been stocking up on cardboard boxes and I am looking forward to seeing the children’s creations at the end of the day. I am sure that this will be an indoor activity as cardboard structures in the wind and rain are not to be recommended!

My major task this week has been to prepare my report for the Governors. It has been a time to reflect on the year that we have experienced and it is certainly quite an original report given that we have moved in and out of full and partial lockdowns and we are now following the Government’s roadmap to the 21st June. Overall, I feel incredibly proud to have led Barrow Hills throughout this period of time. Everyone in the school community has been held together by the characteristics of our Pupil Profile and I would say that what we have experienced and the way we have approached the various situations has prepared us for greater things!

Best wishes for the weekend.

Kind regards

Philip Oldroyd

Head

Pre-Prep

A week of sunshine and showers. We have been so pleased that we have covered outside areas in Nursery and Kindy! Reception, who are now enjoying increased freedom and mixing with Year 1 and Year 2 in the Pre-Prep garden, were not so lucky this week as they were caught out in a downpour with Mrs Reed!

It has been a busy week in Pre-Prep, beginning with the Year 2’s cricket match against Pennthorpe, which was much enjoyed. Tuesday saw a visit from TT the pony to the Pre-Prep garden for Nursery and Kindy, with many children and staff enjoying a stroke and finding out about TT.  Nursery and Kindly also welcomed an impromptu French lesson with Mrs Newman. She helped them name the not so real farm animals, as well as ‘le poney’!

Thursday’s assembly included Reception in the Chapel with Years 1 and 2 (well spaced out and windows open!) which was the first time all had been together for a while. I read the book ‘How full is your bucket?’ and shared how we all have an invisible bucket. When our bucket is full, we feel great. When it’s empty, we feel awful, yet most children (and many adults) don’t realise the importance of having a full bucket throughout the day. Also, how our interactions with others can both fill and empty our own and other’s buckets. We all gave each other a smile to help fill our buckets!

I look forward to hearing all about Year 1’s Castle Day which happened today as the excitement has been bubbling away all week!

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs Rachel E Harris

Head of Pre-Prep