The Courier

Dear Parents

It is pleasing to report that during the week we have seen a steady but significant reduction in the number of COVID cases in school. By my calculations, we will be down to low single figures by the beginning of next week, although I hope I am not tempting fate by saying this and a raft of new cases will emerge over the weekend. If numbers do reduce as hoped, we can then look at reviewing our control measures accordingly.

One thing we have missed in recent weeks are whole school assemblies in person. It is so uplifting to get all of the children together and sing and celebrate achievements and consider important pastoral messages. Let us all hope that these can begin again very soon.

In fact, next week we are looking forward to our growth mindset focus workshops and assemblies as part of the national Children’s Mental Health Week. We have lots of activities planned around this theme, culminating on Friday with a carousel of activities around seven themes related to growth mindset. We are fortunate to have contributions from two parents who work professionally in this field will work with the children during the week. Many thanks indeed to Mrs Gill and Mrs Mercer for your expert input.

The greatest single superpower that everyone possesses is their own brain and how they choose to use it. This in essence is the message of the week that we hope will inspire the children. Once we believe as an individual that we can achieve great things, then it becomes possible. This is based not on wishful thinking but sound scientific principles. We don’t want a child to feel limited by a sense of inadequacy or not having the intellectual power to achieve what they want.

Of course, it is much easier to say than to do and achieving a positive mindset isn't something you can do overnight. However, as with so much of education, this is about planting a seed for children and giving them a starting point on a journey. There is more information regarding our mindset week elsewhere in today's newsletter and I hope this provides the background information that you need and you feel you can support this at home with your children.

We finished this week with our learning mentor meetings and I know that the message that all the staff will be giving to the children is that everything is possible as soon as you believe it. Don’t say ‘I can’t’ but only ‘I can’t yet’.

In the meantime, I hope you are able to enjoy a well-deserved rest this weekend and can spend some quality time with your children.

Best wishes

Joe Thackway
Headmaster