Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

We have made it!  It has been an incredible year for our school and I feel proud of all we have achieved.  We faced the Autumn term with clear Covid procedures but a huge amount of anxiety to go with it.  Bubble restrictions in the Autumn term especially put great strain on each member of staff.  We then had the uncertainty of will we, won't we open in January and then changed between the two overnight.  Our staff responded in an organised, proactive and professional manner and the teamwork was admirable.  To me it felt like when we had the call for Ofsted; we were ready, expecting it but it still sent us into momentary, organised panic!

It was of course an absolute pleasure to support our Key worker children but we missed our school being together.  As parents, I hope you feel proud of the support you gave your child, as I said at the time, that support will have looked different in every household but I know every family did their best and that was absolutely good enough.

The 8th March reopening couldn't have come quick enough but we were then thrown back into that feeling of greater anxiety.  As we have moved through the summer term, we have gradually and safely expanded our provision, the pressure has eased slightly and the learning opportunities were wonderful to see.

 

It is important to reflect on the year and I am sure you will do so at home.  For me, whilst we have learnt so much, our vision has led us through.  As a school we have worked with high aspirations and hope and with the positivity and care of our pupils, staff, parents and Governors.

No doubt, next year we will do more of the same but hopefully with a lot more 'normality' in the mix.

 

 Now for my thank you's and goodbyes to our wider school community

 

We have finished the term with the Leavers show, parties and treats and at last the sun is shining.  Fofsa had great success this weekend with their Summer auction raising over £800.  Kelly Price has led the Fofsa committee with great focus and determination and I thank them all for their hard work and time.

 

My thanks goes to our wonderful school community who have gone above and beyond this year, great thanks to NSsport, Beehive and our Church community.  Mr and Mrs Fox have shown such enormous commitment with their assemblies and their leavers service was lovely to be part of.  Mr O'Reilly has been busy today setting up for Holiday club which I hope some of our children are able to access and enjoy.  NSsport have adapted their provision all year with clubs in bubbles and excessive cleaning of equipment, thank you so much to them.

 

Today we are saying goodbye to our Year 6. Whilst there has been limitations, I am so pleased with the experiences they have had.  I wish them every happiness for their futures and I hope they work hard and make the most of all that comes there way.

Finally Mrs Stangroom is leaving us after 2 wonderful years.  She has done the most incredible job, especially with her technical support.  Mrs Stangroom will be missed but we wish her a happy future in her new home.

 

It leaves me to wish you all a happy summer holiday.  Stay safe and I hope we can enjoy lots of sunshine!  Lockdown led me to take on a crazy challenge and in October I will be running the Virtual London Marathon.  I have no idea how I will achieve this but I am determined!  I will running for a charity called Place2Be which is a charity that supports children with their mental health.  So that is my summer planned!

 

Thank you once again for your incredible support and our wonderful school team.

With kind regards

Jacquie Vanstone