We are so enjoying this theme, hearing from families within our school community and gaining a great insight into the children’s different lived experiences. For the record, I do appreciate the time and effort that goes in to preparing for these and cannot thank everyone enough for giving up their precious time in order to do so – safe to say, our assembly programme has been tremendously enriched as a result.
Mrs Drishti’s assembly led seamlessly into Year 2’s class assembly today which presented the perfect opportunity for them to showcase their learning in class about Judaism. The children spoke eloquently and knowledgeably, and most definitely expanded our understanding of the Jewish faith – thank you to Year 2 for a wonderful assembly.
Tuesday saw the children immersed in Safer Internet Day activities, we were delighted to welcome OpenView Education back to lead a series of age-appropriate workshops. Regular reminders of the importance of keeping safe online is vitally important to help us all to keep the children properly safeguarded and, as we all know, a strong partnership between school and home is paramount in this respect. On this note, I was delighted that many of you were able to come along to Peter Cowley’s talk on Tuesday night where he shared plenty of practical advice and top tips on the subject of online safety. We will be sending information from the event but please know the parental restriction sheet he showed during his talk is the very same I sent out to you all last term, that is, with the autumn term safeguarding letter.
Added to all of the above, it has also been Children’s Mental Health Week and we have spoken about the importance of beginning to recognise and acknowledge our feelings and emotions. We practised the 5,4,2,3,1 technique to regain connection, certainty and control. This takes you through connecting with your five senses to help remind you of the present and is a well-known calming technique to help one get through tough or stressful situations. We are going to re-visit this again and will be practising it in school, which we hope you might find beneficial at home, too.
How lovely for us to welcome ‘Headmaster for the Day’, Mr Wiggins, who as a former Pre-Prep pupil, took to the role with poise and aplomb! The children here very much enjoyed their time with him when he read to them so beautifully.
Half term concluded with House Cross Country and we were very proud of all our Year 1 and 2 runners who put forth their best efforts in the event – well done!
The recipient of the Courtesy Cup and Badge this week – Murtaza (Year 2) for being such a considerate friend and talk partner, and for always striving to complete his work to the best of his ability.
and Stars of the Week went to the following pupils:
Year 2: Jacob for sharing his mathematical explanations eloquently.
Year 1: Alex for brilliantly re-telling the story of the three little pigs.
Reception: Felix for his fabulous independent writing about ‘Harry and the bucketful of dinosaurs’.
Well done to Rory (Year 2) for achieving ‘Man of the Match’ for playing in a position he doesn’t normally play in.
Have a wonderful, well-deserved break and we look forward to seeing you all again on Monday 20 February refreshed and ready for the second half of term!