Headmaster's Message
Dear Parents
I know that there will have been lots of butterflies in tummies last Sunday evening as everyone prepared for their return to school after the summer break. In my house, we used to call this the ‘Songs of Praise’ syndrome, as this was always family viewing on a Sunday evening. I’m quite sure that the butterflies were there for teachers as well as children, all of whom were nervously looking forward to that first day back after the summer holiday. Well, I’m delighted to report that the butterflies very soon fluttered off and that everybody came back with a smile on their face and we have enjoyed a very positive first week of term.
I based my first assembly around the idea of ‘saying hello’. We tried it in a few different languages and tried to guess where the children had been on their holidays. The message was that a simple smile and a greeting is often enough just to break the ice and make other people feel at ease and welcome. I hope we made you welcome to the school this week, and I say this to both new and existing parents and families.
In particular, it was great to see the new Reception children coming in for their very first week and settling in so quickly. I know that Mrs Pullen and Mrs Noyce have been delighted with how the boys and girls have settled down and this augurs well for the terms ahead. Inevitably, they have tired a little as the week has gone on but they have all done really well.
Elsewhere in this week’s newsletter you will find information about communications between the school and you as parents. I hope you find the time to read this and make contact with us if there is anything you aren’t sure of. I know how important it is to provide information at the right times and in an accessible format that enables you to balance busy work and home schedules. This is something we continue to refine and build on and in the rest of the year.
I would also like to flag up for everyone the Crescent 70th celebrations that are coming up this term. Next Friday sees children and staff dressed in the style of one of the seven decades of the school, and on Saturday 29 September there is a double celebration with events on here at school and a ball in the evening. Please do look at Ms Lowe’s piece in the Courier, all the details you will need are in there.
I am pleased to report that the children have been delighted with the changes to the school, both in the changing area and the science lab. These two new much improved facilities will continue to provide great benefits to all of the children over the coming years and it is great to see them being embraced and enjoyed by the people who matter most.
Coming back after the holiday is not always the easiest thing for children and teachers, particularly after the wonderful summer we have enjoyed this year. I indulged myself a bit this week and told the children about my recent camping expedition in the Cairngorms with my two boys. The weather wasn’t so great up there mind you but this just added to the sense of challenge and remoteness.
It’s always good to set ourselves challenges and to approach them with resilience and good humour and these are the values that I am sure will stand us in good stead for another great year in school.
Best wishes
Joe Thackway