Dear Parents and Carers,
Science
As part of their Science work this week, Classes 2, 3 and 4 took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch. The children found out that it is important to have a variety of birds to maintain ecosystems and to increase biodiversity. Counting birds in the churchyard revealed quite a diversity. Many children spotted Woodpigeons, Blackbirds, Starlings, Carrion Crows, Herring Gulls, a Robin and a Sparrow. The heavy rain led to fewer sightings for some children, but all findings are important to the RSPB, who will collate our data and that from across the country. They then aim to help species that are struggling. Well done to all involved and thanks to Mrs Rowden for organising the HB count.
London
It has felt very empty in Class Four without the seven Year Fives who have journeyed to London on residential. I'm sure they will all come back with stories of what was their favourite part and who they have made friends with from other schools. Mrs Laurence will certainly need a good rest over the weekend, but I know she is having a great time looking after the children. As well as some great photographs, she has sent back a message saying what a credit the children have been to themselves and the school: what a fabulous bunch!
Child Protection
As you will be aware, Child Protection and Safeguarding are our top priorities in school. We have robust systems in place and all staff are trained and refreshed yearly. We also provide Safeguarding updates for staff on a weekly basis. This week I met with Stephen Graham (Chair of LGB) to review our practice - something that we do on a termly basis. If you would like to find out more about Child Protection and Safeguarding at HB, here is a link to the policy on our website:
https://www.high-bickington-primary.devon.sch.uk/content/?pid=83&contentid=6
TEAM collaboration
One of the great advantages of being in TEAM MAT is the opportunity to collaborate in so many ways. Staff work together across schools to share expertise and learn from one another; children meet peers from other schools to work, socialise and make friends together and links between schools supports our curriculum development super-well. This week, Umberleigh 'borrowed' the use of HBCC for an afternoon so that two of their classes could visit the 'pop-up' planetarium there. As there was a session vacant, Class Four were able to take advantage and were able to have a lesson inside the planetarium. This provided a great opportunity for the children to recap learning from the recent Space project they had undertaken in Science.
School of Sanctuary
It was lovely to have a visit from Rebekah, Sue and Khadeja to confirm our School of Sanctuary status and to help set targets for us as a school for the next three years in terms of how we maintain that. Many, many thanks to Mrs Kennard who has coordinated all of the hard work that has gone in to School of Sanctuary and who continues to lead this at HB. Thank you also to Evelyn. Esmay, Millie, Kaitlyn, Isaac and Jack who spoke so well and showed our guests around the classes.
Have a great weekend,
Rob Norton
Head of School
