Dear Parents and Carers,
Well, despite a few bleary eyes and tired brains (mine!) most of us made it in on Monday after the excitement of the football in the early hours! It was lovely to be told by a parent governor this week how thankful she was that we managed to keep going last week with severe staff shortages and the week before in the heat. In turn, I would like to say how thankful I have been for the way the children have kept going: it is a long half term anyway, but if you add in all of these other 'distractions', the effort and perseverance shown in all classes has been all the more creditable.
Class Transition Day
We had a lovely time on Tuesday, when all children moved up a year as a taster for September. For half of the school this of course meant moving up a class too. The reports from staff and children alike were that everyone coped really well and learnt a little of what school life will be like next year. It was lovely for Class One to have Mrs Game back at the helm as she got to know her class for her return.
Good Bye!
With Mrs Game's return, we will sadly be saying good bye to Mr Northmore. It has been wonderful having Mr Northmore back at High Bick this year and his work in Class One has been fantastic. The children in the class have all benefited from his enthusiasm, expertise and sense of fun that he brings to learning for the youngest children. I know they will all miss him too. You have been an absolute star this year and I would like to thank you for all the work you have done here. We all wish you well, Mr Northmore and hope that you will continue to thrive and flourish in your career at your next school.
We are also saying good bye to Mrs Outteridge, who is leaving her post as MTA at the old site. Again, many thanks for all you have done in your time at High Bick. I know the children will find it strange not having you out on the playground in all weathers!
Hello!
I am very pleased that Mrs Vowden has agreed to take on the MTA role on three days per week at the old site. There is a plan in place for the other two days and I will communicate this to you next week when I will be able to confirm the staffing timetable for next year.
Vision Day 6
'Let Your Light Shine and Celebrate!'
Mrs Kennard! You are an absolute star! Every year you re-imagine our Vision Day into an iteration that takes it on to the next level. As Jack (our Lead Boy) said, "every year they get better and better and this was the best one yet." This year we have been celebrating the achievements of each and every child in our school and it has been beautiful. We certainly could not do it without Mrs Kennard's ideas, drive, planning and incredible execution. She has worked so hard and with such passion on all aspects of the day - not least the logistics of cooking with KS2 and in making the arrangements for our wonderful celebration in the church yesterday. TEAM's new CEO - Mr Polak - talks often about 'famous lessons' that he saw in China. I think we are beginning to establish 'famous lessons' and events at High Bick - and Vision day is certainly one of those events. The children all had an amazing time celebrating just a few of the moments when they 'Let Your Light Shine'. Well done to everyone who read, performed and helped out with serving and tidying the church. Special mention goes to Class Two who performed their play '1066 - the Year of the Three Kings' to their peers in the afternoon, having already smashed the morning performance to parents and carers. Also, a special mention to Merryn who stepped up and read one of her friends' poem when they were a little shy about doing so - this was an absolutely heart-warming moment. Special mention too for Maddison for the incredible shift she put in setting up and cleaning afterwards. Final words go to Megan in Y3 who wrote an acrostic poem. The 'G' of High was: 'great school that we all feel proud of'. And rightly so!
Passionate About Art
Many thanks to Mrs Laurence for organising another Passionate About Art morning for TEAM MAT today. All of the children in KS1 and KS2 at HB joined in with the online sessions that were based around 'Austin's Butterfly' (please ask your children about this). Everyone was able to explore a range of media as they produced ever-better pictures of flora.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Rob Norton
Head of School
