Dear Parents and Carers,
It’s always a pleasure to see so many of you on the gate each day and to have the opportunity to catch up and touch base.
We have enjoyed another great week in school, beginning with our whole-school assembly, where our theme focused on keeping safe at school. We explored the coloured lanyards used across Warden Hill and discussed what each colour means. Children then thought carefully about what safe play looks like and how we can all help to keep one another safe.
As part of our discussions, we explored allergies and medical needs in an age-appropriate way to help children better understand how they can support and look out for their friends. We began by talking about common allergies, such as hay fever, and explained how medicine can sometimes help to reduce symptoms such as itchy eyes or sneezing. We then discussed more serious allergies that may require different medication, such as EpiPens, and also talked about other medical conditions, including asthma, and why some children need inhalers.
The children were incredibly thoughtful throughout, and we were pleased with how clearly they understood the messages being shared.
We also introduced our new navy medical bags, which are located in every classroom and contain essential medication for some of our children with allergies and medical needs. We talked about how important it is to seek adult help quickly if a friend is feeling unwell.
It was a really positive assembly and one that has helped further develop our children’s understanding of how we care for one another as a school community.
Looking ahead, we have an exciting month of reading as part of the Cheltenham Literature Festival. We are delighted that our school has been invited to host Abi Elphinstone and we feel incredibly fortunate to have been given such a wonderful opportunity for our children. Abi will be speaking to our Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 pupils about her brand-new book, Goodnight Silver, which is not due for release until later in October. Even more excitingly, our pupils will have exclusive early access to purchase the book before its official release. Please take a look at the weekly bulletin for further information.
Alongside my work in school this week, I have also been facilitating sessions for our new cohort of Early Career Teachers as well as my current NPQH cohort. Both experiences were hugely rewarding and provided a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the county, sharing ideas and learning together.
Thank you to everyone who responded to our RSHE consultation. We are currently reviewing all of the feedback received and will come back to you regarding next steps in due course. I would also like to reassure parents that the content of the RSHE curriculum is not scheduled to be taught during this autumn term.
In another area of the curriculum, we continue to focus on helping children become confident and successful mathematicians through the development of strong number fluency. To support this, Mrs Prew has worked alongside staff to identify the key mathematical facts that children need to recall quickly and confidently in order to strengthen their wider mathematical understanding. Each year group has a set of Key Instant Recall Facts (KIRFs) to master each term. These will be practised regularly in school, and we would greatly appreciate your support in helping children practise them at home too. Please see the link below for further details.
In my previous update, I mentioned an exciting addition to our wider personal development offer. As part of our ongoing commitment to enrichment, we have introduced a dedicated Enrichment Afternoon each half term. These sessions will be led by class teachers and, on some occasions, enhanced by guest speakers and experts from a range of fields. Activities may include everything from Forest School experiences, VR headsets to support artists in their work and den building to baking biscuits in our practical room and much more besides.
Some of our current Year 1 children experienced a taste of this last year in Reception, when parents came in to share information about their professions and careers. We cannot wait to begin these exciting opportunities and broaden our children’s experiences even further.
I also had the pleasure of attending the PTA AGM on Tuesday evening, where it was wonderful to welcome new committee members. I would like to thank all those who continue to give their time so generously in support of our school. Last year, the PTA raised an incredible £20,000, which enabled us to purchase a brand-new set of 30 iPads and a charging trolley, install our fantastic new Sand Shed, enhance our Key Stage 1 reading areas with new bookcases and provide additional outdoor writing provision, including large writing walls for both Reception and Forest School. We have an exciting year ahead and we are looking forward to our Halloween Disco and Fireworks night! Please see the PTA page and Facebook page for more information.
Our Reception children have been thoroughly enjoying their new outdoor additions and it has been wonderful spending time with them as they settle into school life.
Talking of Reception, Mr Antonious was our mystery reader today and thoroughly enjoyed sharing one of his favourite stories, I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen. There was certainly lots of laughter and enthusiasm!
Looking ahead, we have our postponed Prince of Wales Athletics Meet coming tonight, having been rescheduled from the summer term. I look forward to sharing an update with you next week.
Finally, one quick request from me. I would be extremely grateful if you could spare a few moments to complete our short questionnaire. Your feedback is invaluable and helps us continue to strengthen and improve what we offer for our children and families.
That’s it from me – have a wonderful weekend.
Warmest Regards
Georgina Flooks
Headteacher