We are now at the end of the first week back and as you are aware it has been quite busy. We’re excited about Diwali coming up and look forward to sharing the performances performed recorded and shared in a slightly different way this year. 

With the new national lockdown now underway, it is pleasing that attendance is over 96% since we returned to school after the summer break. Thank you very much to everybody that has completed the parent questionnaire for both the school and the more recent Avanti Schools Trust version. In a few weeks we will start to share the results and look closely at the comments to act and report back on them. 

Parking

I have had a couple of conversations with parents in this past week who have highlighted the difficulties when others park where they should not. Please do park with consideration for others and allow a little bit of time for the short walk into school so that you do arrive on time. As previously communicated, late arrivals at school disrupt both their learning and that of others. 

Punctuality

Punctuality is very important and we should all aim to arrive on time for the start and end of a school or work day. There are occasions when we will be delayed and may arrive slightly later than planned. These instances should be very few and our systems allow for this, without a charge for childcare. 

For those that are five minutes late or more on a regular basis, you need to expect to be charged for childcare. We do not want to be charging anybody but it needs to be respected that everybody has commitments. Put simply, if you have a problem with being challenged about lateness or have a problem with being charged for childcare, arrive on time. I will send out the information at the beginning of next week as a reminder to all of the systems in place. 

Focus on…

The 12th week of the Focus on… series is complete and a huge ‘Well done’ to N.P. who finished on top of the podium. View the final podium by clicking here.  

The 13th Kahoot in the series is available to play on Monday.

Diwali

Diwali is approaching and we look forward to the celebration. Diwali is celebrated in the Hindu tradition as the home coming of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile in the forest. This year, due to Covid19, things will be a little different. 

Each class or year group will be recording their performance which will then be put together and  added to the school YouTube channel. Due to two classes currently isolating, this will not be ready for next Friday but as soon as we know it is, we will let you know and share the link.

As next Friday is Children in Need also, we will take the opportunity to invite the children to wear something yellow and spotty (more on this below). 

On the planned day of your child’s class recording of the Diwali performance, he/she should come in dressed in their choice of traditional Indian outfit for the duration of the day (with black  school shoes). The planned days for recording are in the calendar on the website.

On Friday 13th November, the day before Diwali, lunch for the children will be a Diwali feast. No booking option is required. On the menu will be:

  • Kadai paneer
  • Naan
  • Tarka dal
  • Jeera rice
  • Far Far
  • Gulab jamun
  • Ice cream
  • Boondi raita
  • Pizza samosa with chutney
  • Sambharo
  • Mixed salad
  • Jacket potato
  • Cheese and sweet corn

Children in Need

As mentioned, next Friday, the 13th of November is Children in Need. On this day we will be inviting children to wear yellow, something spotty or any appropriate choice of non-school uniform. Donations can be made via the Arbor app, choosing a ‘club payment’ where you should see Children in Need. We will send some reminders about donations and these will be sent to all. Please feel free to make as small or as large a donation as you wish.

Thank you as always for your support. I hope you have a great weekend and stay safe.

Yours sincerely  

Mr Kite

Principal