Mental Health
This week there has been a national focus on the mental health and well-being of children. We decided to focus on these issues next week, in the run up to half-term, as the children have been superstars with their work, and we are hearing from many parents that they need a break. For next week, the overall focus will be that each class will have a meeting in the morning, a check-in session at lunchtime, and an end of day review. Most of the activities will have a focus on well-being, with many practical activities, although there will be slight variations for each class in terms of eg finishing off work for the half term. Some of the activities may require preparation by you, so information will be posted later this afternoon for some classes so you can have a look. We are looking forward to hearing from the government the plans for beyond half-term, and will share information with you as and when we receive it.
Soup Lunch and Talent Show – Friday 12th February
We will greatly miss sharing the children’s performances with you all at the Village Hall but we wanted to recreate something of the experience by suggesting that families join the Teams meeting to watch the Year 6 dance at 12.30pm and then enjoy their own soup or jacket potato lunch whilst watching the video compilation of the children’s acts via the school website (password will be e-mailed on Friday lunchtime). This would normally be a fund-raising event for the Friends and it would be fantastic if families were able to make a small donation via the Friends’ website (tfods.org/donate) when they watch the video. COVID-19 has prevented many of the major fund-raising events over the past year and we would be very grateful for any support that parents can provide. We promise that the usual supply of delicious cakes and biscuits will be back as soon as possible!
The deadline for getting clips in has been extended. If your child would like to submit a short video clip, please send it as an e-mail attachment to the school office by 9am Monday. Full details in last week’s newsletter.
Proverbs
In assembly on Monday I asked the children to ask their family members about any proverbs they knew, and have had some great responses. One of my favourites is the Italian proverb which translates as “When the cat’s away, the mouse will dance.” Thank you, James!
Staffing
Mr Campbell and Miss Ryman will be leaving us at the end of next week to return to University to continue their studies. They have had a very unusual placement and have provided excellent support and ideas throughout their time in school They have enjoyed Forest school activities and put in lots of work helping the staff to plan activities for next week’s mental health week. We may see Mr Campbell again in the summer term for another placement. We wish them well in their future studies and say a huge thank you for all their endeavours.
This week we congratulated:
Willow Class: Edison, for doing excellent lockdown work and fantastic work on phonics;
Ash Class: Alice, for excellent effort and beautiful handwriting in all of her literacy work this week; Darcey, for great perseverance in maths;
Oak Class: Noah, for excellent effort in maths and great results in assessments; Solomon, for amazing enthusiasm in science lessons;
Beech Class: Noah, for enthusiasm for all subjects; Charlotte, for excellent efforts in all areas this week, especially the Space mice.
Our Christian value for the term is Wisdom. Can your child tell you of any proverbs?
Dates for the year (provisional)
12/03/2021 Soup Lunch and Talent Show (at home!)
15/02/2021 Half term week
31/03/2021 End of term
19/04/2021 Start of term
03/05/2021 Bank Holiday – school closed
28/05/2021 May Day
31/05/2021 Half term week
07/06/2021 Beech Class residential
01/07/2021 Sports Day
07/07/2021 Ash/Willow production (afternoon)
15/07/2021 Oak/Beech production (evening)
21/07/2021 Leavers’ Service
End of term
22/07/2021 INSET Day – school closed
01/09/2021 INSET Day – school closed
02/09/2021 Start of term