Good afternoon,

What a busy week we have had! We started our Monday by meeting our new guinea pig.  The children have had the chance to suggest a name today (apart from Goldfinch).  On Monday I will share the new name and we will be putting the guinea pigs together.  Some of Rosefinch have suggested their own name, some the name of their sibling which I thought was lovely.

Our school council have created a display about love and care which the whole school can contribute towards.  These messages are lovely and so important to share within our school.  We have plans to communicate some similar messages to our local community too.

Many of you are aware that Wokingham Borough Council is set to initiate a public highway improvement initiative, commencing on February 12, 2024, and anticipated to conclude by September 2024. This initiative will primarily focus on the Nine Mile Ride/Finchampstead Road roundabout and is likely to cause disruptions in the local area, leading to extended travel times and increased challenges for commuting to school for some families.  I have added the link here to the Parish newsletter on our website which gives further information. I would urge you to visit the Wokingham website if you still require further information.

https://www.finchampsteadschool.org/office-updates-1/

In our staff meeting this week, the teachers were looking at English books across the school.  It is always such a wonderful opportunity to look at the progress the children are making over time.  One key take away from looking at progress in writing was the impact quality reading has on it.  The control, creativity and use of punctuation and language can be strongly impacted by the children having a love for reading.  It is a reminder to us all to share books, read in front of each other and to each other and share the experiences, journeys and emotions we can go through, all in a quality book.

We always hold great pride in our enrichment and this week has not disappointed!

A small group of Year 1 and 2 children represented the school at a non-competitive Gymnastic event at Pinewood Gymnastics Club.  They had a fantastic experience. 

Mrs Martinez took 4 children from Goldfinch to an Eagle House Maths Challenge.  They had a great time competing with over 50 other schools and again, showing a love for each Maths challenge that came their way.

Today Mrs Pasha led Goldfinch on their Living Rainforest trip.  Lots of the children were commended for their behaviour and they all came back having had a wonderful, enriching day of learning.

Goldfinch had only been back by about 15 minutes and when the football boys started their match.  They were losing 1-0 at half term but the half time talk worked and they ended the match winning 6-1.  We are so excited to have both our boy and girl football teams in the quarter finals.  Well done Mr O'Reilly, an amazing achievement.

I feel so fortunate to work with the team of staff and governors I do and this is all enhanced by the wonderful work of FOFSA.  The discos were great.  The DJ does a brilliant job, all the helpers make a massive difference and the children loved it.  Thank you to all involved, the children love a disco!

We have achieved so much in a week and I am pleased to wish staff and parents a lovely, restful weekend

With kind regards

Jacquie Vanstone