Wow these last couple of weeks have been amazing with our continued day trips, special activities in school and award ceremonies.
Class 1 visited the Mini Europa centre in Brussels and learnt about countries in Europe as part of their IPC unit. They were impressed by a mock up of Vesuvius that erupted as they went round, amongst other things. Class 3 were able to visit the Cosmodrome, including visiting the planetarium, safely looking at the sun and making and launching a rocket. The rockets went really high and we lost one on top of a building. Class 5 visited the Africa museum and investigated how many Africans live today and compared it to the Benin Empire that they have studied. They were also able to tour the grounds and have a picnic. Class 4 have also been to the Cosmodrome today in connection with their space studies. I would like to say that wherever we have taken our students they have been a credit to our school and we have been highly complimented on their behaviour and great questions.
We have released several videos recently. The Early Years show was a treasure. The youngest children did so very well singing, acting and narrating their show. We have also released the music concert where each class performed a specific number they had been practising.I believe other videos are in the pipeline so keep a lookout for them.
On Tuesday the children moved to their new classroom for a morning and found out who their new teachers were going to be. I am sure they have told you but I will review our staffing later in this newsletter.
On Wednesday we had the class 1 and 2 Award Ceremony where we presented our certificates for the year. We recognised the students IPC personal learning goals that they had achieved along with a variety of other awards.
In the afternoon we were able to watch the drama and music club’s production of a series of sketches and humorous items that had us all in stitches, as well as some class music performances. Congratulations to everyone who took part in the show. To round off the afternoon we had an ice-cream van in school and the children thought it was the highlight of the year to be able to have an ice cream. They were so excited.
On Thursday it was the turn of class 3 and 4 to have their Award Ceremony. We discussed that ‘no man (or woman) is an island’ – John Donne, and that even those who achieved the awards needed the support and encouragement of others to achieve so well. The ceremony went very well and the students were pleased for each other’s successes.
Today class 5 had their Award Ceremony and ‘Moving On’ ceremony. They too were pleased with their certificates. They also shared some of their memories of school life, a poem and performed a wonderful song. We wish them all the best as they transfer to Secondary school.
Monday is our Sports Day and all students should come to school in their PE kit. It will be an exciting day of competition all round. Keep hoping for good weather!
On Tuesday morning we will have the EY Foundation class ‘Moving On’ ceremony after the whole school final assembly. We have plenty of activities planned for both.
And so onto staffing! At the end of this term we will be very sad to say goodbye to Mr Nick and Ms Alina. They have both given a lot to the school in their time here and we are grateful for all they have done for our students. We wish them both every happiness in their new endeavours.
Mrs Harwood will be moving to Early Years Foundation class and Mr Haycroft will be moving to Class 2. Ms Megan Mckenzie has been announced as the new teacher for class 4 and has met with all of the current students who will be in her class. She is from the USA and is experienced in teaching older primary students. She is very excited to get established in the school. For the Early Years Reception class we are finalising the contract details for a new teacher and I will announce her name shortly. She is a very nice lady with lots of good ideas.
It will be a while before I see you all again but I would like to wish you all a safe and happy summer. I hope our students have lots of fun and relaxation and get out and about to enjoy some experiences they have lately been denied due to covid.
Sharon Short
Head of Primary
Safeguarding Lead