The Courier

Dear Parents,

We have arrived at half term! It has been a time of considerable change and adjustment to new routines and norms, both for the school and for me personally. I am left feeling very positive about the road before us. At this stage I am keen to gather the views of all parents as we start to build up a plan for the years ahead. As part of this process you will all be invited to complete a short online questionnaire shortly after half term, so please keep an eye on you inboxes for this in a couple of weeks' time.

Thank you to all those parents who came into school during the week and met their teachers to discuss how your children are settling in to their new classes. It is early in the year and at this stage it is very important for you to meet and get to know your child's form teacher and these evenings play an important part in the process. It does of course make it a long day for staff, and I would also thank them for their efforts, but it is great for them to hear the positive feedback and recognition for their efforts that so many of you gave on Tuesday and Thursday. If there is a single secret for children succeeding in school it is the partnership that is forged between school and home and this is certainly something that I want to build on and develop in the years ahead. At the end of this term you will all receive a full written report on your child's progress and also some important next step targets for further improvement.

We look forward to a full two-week break that gives the children a chance to recharge their batteries and reinvigorate themselves in the midst of the longest term of the school year. I know that many Year 6 children will be doing important preparation for their upcoming independent school exams but I do hope that all of you can find time to make a visit to a local place of interest, historical, geographical or natural, during the holiday. Young children get so much out of these trips and it is great way to enjoy a day out together as a family.

Enjoy the break

Joe Thackway
Headmaster