Dear Parents and Guardians,

Every week I find it amazing how much we squeeze in and this week has certainly felt busy.

This week we have sent out the school reports by email and I thank all the staff for their hard work in writing them and Mrs Lawrence for sending them out.  It was a pleasure to read them and I certainly felt proud of every child.  We have received the Year 6 SATS results this week and they will be sent out to parents next week, we are delighted with the results.

We have been working hard to develop our curriculum offer and as part of this we had asked our School Improvement Officer, Anne Stopforth to carry out a subject review.  We chose History and Mrs Stopforth met with Mrs Guillaume (our History Leader) on Tuesday morning.  The meeting was very positive and helpful for us to continue to progress.  Mrs Guillaume was recognised for her enthusiasm and knowledge of our History provision and the children she spoke to were described as polite, courteous, articulate and happy to engage in discussion.

Since then, we have welcomed our Reception children into school for a very special Teddy bear's picnic.  I am delighted that they all had a great time and we look forward to seeing them again on Wednesday.

I have had the privilege of attending some sessions at The Education Festival at Wellington College this week.  It is wonderful to take time to reflect, listen to new ideas and new theories.  A personal highlight was spending 45 minutes listening to Michael Morpurgo, such an inspirational author. I look forward to sharing my learning and thoughts with the staff and children.

We have attended two Luckley House football tournaments this week.  The first was with our Year 1 and 2's.  It was such a great experience for them and they were truly exhausted afterwards.  Our Year 3 and 4's attended today and played with incredible determination; it was great to watch.  Elliot was proud of his hattrick but they all played brilliantly.  

We ended the week with a Goldfinch and parent football tournament, it was lovely to have lots of families with us even though it was very hot.

Next week is another busy week which I will summarise below.  There is set to be a heatwave and I wanted to reassure parents that we will do all we can to keep the children cool next week with plenty of water and shade.  We will review our PE lessons if the heat is as expected.  Please remember to provide hats and lotion for the children.

Next week, we look forward to...

Monday - Rosefinch and Bullfinch Pirate day

Tuesday - Open Evening 4pm - 5.30pm, visit our French Cafe and see your child's learning in the classrooms.  Please come in via the playground within the set times.

Wednesday - New starter visit in the morning and The Year 6 Leavers' show 7pm.

Friday - Transition morning within school for the children.  Year 6 parent and pupil rounders club 3.30pm.

I look forward to seeing you next week.  Whilst you are around school next week, I hope you see our wonderful new signs, courtesy of FOFSA and with thanks for Daryl Baker for putting them up, they look great.

Finally, congratulations to Keith Thomas who will continue in his role as parent governor having been re-elected with no other applicants.  Keith makes such a wonderful contribution and I am delighted to continue working with him.  Thank you, Keith.

Have a lovely weekend

Jacquie Vanstone