Dear Parents and Carers,
Congratulations to everyone for making it all of the way through such a long first half of term of the school year. Well, almost everyone anyway. Many apologies for not being available this week, but I finally succumbed to a nasty bug that has wiped me out. As always, when I am away from school for any reason, our skilled and experienced staff have kept the school and everyone in it thriving. Usually, my absences are planned for meetings, training etc, but in this case staff have all rallied around at short notice, showing great dedication to ensure a smooth final week for the children. Thank you everyone.
We really have crammed a lot in since 7th September with author visitors to school; a visit to Westward Ho! and Mental Health workshops. There have been trips to Bristol and to Farmwise; Harvest Festival; RNLI visitors and a drama workshop. Many HB children took part in TEAM Cross Country - attended by over 200 children from the trust. Parents in Class One have been invited to 'Stay & Play' in phonics and Maths. Children have earnt hundreds of merits in total. Nearly 150 certificates have been awarded so far for Writing, Maths, Reading, Positive Behaviour, Healthy Lifestyles and being Star of the Week. Staff have completed a range of training from annual safeguarding refresher to First Aid and anaphylaxis in addition to their individual CPD. We have made a great start to the school year, but there is still much to come and much left to do ...
Book and a Biscuit
We haven't forgotten! Our first BaaB evening will be on Tuesday 10th November. Please pop in to your child's class at the end of this day and look through their school books with them. It is always a great thing to see how proud the children are of their work as they show this off and talk through what they have been up to. There will be biscuits too!
Parent Meetings
Our first week of parent meetings will also take place in November. We will be offering 10 minute slots after school during the week beginning Monday 23rd November. We will put the time-slots to sign up for on Arbor in the week after half term.
Miss Trofa's Maternity Leave
A little earlier than expected, I am delighted that Mrs Rowden has taken over Miss Trofa's teaching duties this week. Although it will be strange not having Fran in school for the following months, it is reassuring to know that we have someone of Mrs Rowden's experience to take the learning of Class Three on. She will of course work closely with Mrs Kennard who continues with her normal hours in Class Three. We will keep you posted of Miss Trofa's progress.
We will be back for the second half of term on Monday 2nd November.
Have a lovely half-term break,
Rob Norton
Head of School
