As we draw to a close on yet another half-term, I want to share my sincere gratitude with you for the support during the last five weeks. It has been quite a short half-term but it has probably been the most difficult half-term with daily disruptions due to multiple Covid cases. Many of you were very kind and checked in to ask how staff were doing and gave us your best wishes. You were patient with things that slipped a little, understanding the additional workload on staff who had to put measures into place at very little and sometimes no notice. It will have been very difficult for many of you too so thank you for your patience and resilience.

Despite these challenges, it is always so heart-warming to see the children continuing to learn, be flexible and get on; they are a real credit to you.

Building Relationships, Improving Behaviour and Creating Stronger Communities

On Tuesday this week Mark Finnis visited the school and spent the day working with staff and taking the opportunity to see various children around the school. Quite early in the visit Mark commented, “You don’t need me here”.

It was a great compliment for all children, staff and you as parents. It just so happens that we know they we did not ‘need’ Mark to come and visit to train the staff. However, by coming and working with us, the ‘way of being’ that is embodied in the team can be further embedded, developed and improved even more so. Making marginal gains in these areas means that we will not stop seeking to develop the positive relationships, no matter how good those relationships are.

We continued discussions in circles (or near circles), about circles. The links were made about sports teams having team talks in circles, to engage everybody with no-one left out. This simple formation has the same value in classrooms and in staff meetings where everybody in the room is encouraged to be present, listen, offer ideas and be valued. I find it interesting when people gather and self-organise themselves so they are not putting their back to others (well, most of the time). We will keep working on our communications and will never intentionally turn our back on the children, parents nor any other.

We currently have £291.15  owed for lunches, a rise from last week’s £248.05. WIth the half-term break now here, please do make the outstanding payments as soon as possible so that school staff are not chasing payments and can work on other, more positive matters.

I have been really pleased with the quality of the food lately, despite some claims to the contrary. Children do say they enjoy it and rarely have an issue with it; when they do, we listen, act and ensure that any changes needed are made or misunderstandings are put right.

Thank you all for your support with lunches.

Thank you to those that have completed the questionnaire so far.

We have had a little less than 40 responses to date and it would be wonderful to get many more. Your views really do count and help us to keep doing what works well and make changes where things are not quite as desired. Please do complete the form if you have not done so already.

Best Wishes for Mrs Chotai

Today was the last day of Mrs Chotai working with us. All that have had the pleasure of her presence will know what a positive person she is and hugely effective member of the team. Mrs Chotai will be greatly missed and we will seek to fill the position as soon as possible. She could always be relied upon to help the children with their work, support staff in whatever the year group and keep a calm disposition, always. Mrs Chotai was also a motivator for the various faith events and festival days.

Thank you very much for your continued support. I hope you have a wonderful half-term break. 

Yours sincerely   

Mr Kite

Principal

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