Dear Parents and Carers,
Here we are at the last day of a packed term. The children have done so well to battle the various illnesses and still be in for the vast majority of the time to focus on learning and curriculum enrichment activities. Whilst acknowledging that debilitating illnesses will keep children away from school (as I have always done), I think now is a great time to look at the positive side of attendance. The last full week's attendance at HB was a fantastic 98.71%. This really does set a standard that would be tremendous to keep up in the Summer Term. I also think that it takes a lot to be in every day and I would like to congratulate the following children who have achieved that in the school year to date:
Highlights
As I say, it has been a packed term and there have been many highlights (for me at least!). But here are a few of the children's memories from this term (sorry I couldn't fit them all in:
This term I have enjoyed going to St George's House and learning about mountains [Sonny]. My favourite art we did was our canvases. I was excited for gymnastics. [Madeleine]. We did well in Ofsted - I'm really looking forward to the party! [Ezra]. Having the most amazing teachers and friends in a very good class [Grace]. I have enjoyed making mountains and painting our canvases [Evie]. Getting really high reading scores! [Merryn]. The new wheely toys [Amelia]. Getting 10/10 in my x table test [Imogen]. I like basketball because it is healthy [Reggie]. Phonics [Jessica]. Church [Arabella]. Having neater handwriting [Dexter]. My work [Dylan]. Helping my friends [Leo]. Respecting others [Oliver]. I love learning [Olivia]. My friends helping me when I need help [Paige].I have improved my handwriting and have really enjoyed the school trips [Freddie W]. This term has been really fun because I loved all of school! [ Niah]. Ofsted!!! They seemed to be pleased with us, and I am extremely happy with that. [ Isaac]. I believe we succeeded in Ofsted; they were impressed with out knowledge it seemed [Jack].
Thank you and well done to all of the wonderful children of HB: You have really 'Let Your Light Shine' this term. Thank you also to parents and carers who have continued to support the work of the school so positively.
Rock Steady
Well done indeed to all of the young rock stars who took part in the concert on Monday. The three bands were all excellent (as one parent wrote to me) and, although there may have been a few nerves before hand, all of the band members absolutely smashed it on the day. Really well done to Harker, Evelyn, Niah, Kaitlyn, Emilia, Mason, Merryn, Megan F, Grace, Reggie, Oliver, Clara, Charlie, Emmett, Maia, Ada and Louis.
Easter Egg Donations
Many, many thanks for all of the egg (and other chocolate) donations for the PTA Easter Bingo and Raffle. There is an actual wall of eggs in the office!
TEAM Gymnastics
Well done to the Y4 girls who took part in the TEAM gymnastics event at Falcons' on Wednesday. It was special to be able to use 'proper' gymnastics equipment and all seven of them had a great time. Mrs Pearce said, "The girls had a great time and would fully recommend it! All girls participated well and even had a go on the rings! (Which is a discipline usually just for the males.) They showed amazing perseverance and did every activity with determination, from the vault to balancing on the beams. Well done to all of them." Congratulations on your amazing efforts, Grace, Imogen, Lily, Evie, Zoe, Amelia and Madeleine.
Homework
Fabulous Lego modelling and an incredibly well-informed talk to Class Four by Torben today. Torben had learnt so much about the Artemis II moon mission and spoke so fluently about it - all off his own initiative. Great work, Torben!
Go Beyond Residential
I have just received Freddie R's report from his recent residential. I have never seen such glowing comments in one of these. Although the report mirrors what we know about Freddie, it must be great for him to read the comments: you should feel extremely proud of yourself. We are certainly very proud of you!
Easter Collective Worship
I have written the letter in advance of today's CW, so am thanking you in advance, if you were able to attend! I hope you enjoyed what the children had prepared - they have all been learning / recapping the Easter Story. Thank you to Rev Tracey for the talk too.
Use of the playground out of school hours
We have always been happy for children to use the playground out of school hours, and we continue to be so. Recently, there have been some reports from residents that small children are in the playground after school. This is obviously absolutely fine - the playground is for the use of primary school-aged children out of school hours. However, please do make sure that there is adequate supervision for the age of the child. The barriers should not be used for climbing on for risk of a fall and head injury. These will be put away over Easter and we hope that children will be able to enjoy the playground safely.
Have a smashing Easter holiday,
Rob Norton
Head of School
