Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• 28th April 2023

  Fri 28 Apr 2023 Jacquie Vanstone

  Dear Parents,

   

  I hope you are well.  We have enjoyed another busy week.  There is great excitement over the near complete ballcourts and trim trail and as last week, I have added some photos.  We will be opening the new area next week and each class will be taught how to use the new trim trail safely.  We will be having an official opening in a few weeks time and we would love you to join us for that, more information will follow. 

   

  Mrs Dodds and Mrs Khan enjoyed their first Eco club session with a new group and it sounded wonderful. The photos that I have seen, along with my conversation with Mrs Dodds clearly demonstrate the positive power of being outdoors. 

   

  Mr O Reilly took some Chaffinch boys to play in a football tournament today. They did really well and got through to the semi finals. Well done to them all and thank you Mr O Reilly. 

   

  Next Friday, we are planning a celebration tea party for the King's Coronation.  The children can come to school dressed in red, white and/or blue non uniform or if they choose, they can come dressed up as a monarch of their choice.  During the afternoon, we will come together for a tea party which we will provide.

   

  Also next week we will be holding our Phonics meeting on Thursday at 2.30pm. Teaching Rosefinch on Thursday was a great opportunity to see the progress the children are making with their phonics and with extra support at home, the children will be able to accelerate this further. 

   

  I wish you all a lovely bank holiday weekend. Tuesday is another strike day but we will be fully open. 

   

  With kind regards 

  Jacquie Vanstone 

   

   

   

   

  

• 21st April 2023

  Fri 21 Apr 2023 Jacquie Vanstone

  Dear Parents and Guardians,

   

  It has been great to welcome the children back and there was certainly a lot of excitement over the work on the new ballcourts and trim trail.  I have added some photos to show you the point they have reached as of today.  We also have a new sign at the front which we are pleased with.  The church picture is a photo of one of Mrs Shepherd's paintings to represent our vision - making the most of every new day.

   

  Monday was offer day for Reception 23 children and I am delighted that we offered all places out and have a waiting list.  This is wonderful news and I look forward to meeting our new families over the next term.

   

  This week, we have restarted the run, although the weather has not been what we had hoped for.  It is a wonderful thing to do for both our mental and physical health and I hope to join the children next week.

   

  We have been delighted this week to welcome Mrs Evans to our staff team as our new SEND lead.  I have fulfilled the role for some time and I will now carry out a thorough and gradual handover to Mrs Evans.  We would like to arrange meetings during the summer term for children on our SEND register.  I will not be handing over the SEND responsibility for Year 6 children.  This will ensure continuity over their final term and for transition to Secondary school. We are now at the stage of arranging interviews for the Chaffinch LSA. We are delighted to have Mrs Baker and Mrs Martinez fullfilling the role at the moment. We are very grateful. 

   

  Next week, I will be sending home attendance information to parents who have children who are persistently absent with attendance at or below 90%.  Mrs Dodds as our Wellbeing and Aspiration lead will be working with Mrs Paterson (Mental health lead) and myself to support families to show the progress we need for attendance.  Everyday is important socially and academically and we are keen to work together with high aspiration.  An Information guide regarding attendance along with a new way to report absence will be emailed home next week to all parents. 

   

  We have finished the week with a great achievement.  Our Year 5/6 football team reached the final in a tournament in Reading and lost in the final 1-0 to Keep Hatch.  I am so proud of what they have achieved against much bigger schools. Thank you Mr O'Reilly for organising it and coaching the boys. 

   

  Thursday next week is a strike day. I currently expect us to remain open to all. 

   

  I wish you a lovely weekend and look forward to seeing you next week. 

  With kind regards

  Jacquie Vanstone