Dear Parents and Carers
This half term has raced by, although the Summer Holiday seems to be a long time ago! It has been a busy term and I would like to congratulate the children on their hard work and progress, and the staff for all their efforts, too. It has been a very positive half term, with the children involved in a wide range of activities in addition to their class-based learning, including the science workshops, Shaftesbury Carnival, and the weekly Forest School sessions. It has been a pleasure to take the Year 5 and 6 children to North Devon for their residential visit; as always they have been a real credit to their school and have shown a maturity and zest which will stand them in good stead for at least the rest of the year.
Future developments
I am delighted to let you know that, due to an unprecedented rise in pupil numbers since we made our plans last April, the school is now in a position to start growing again. We have eleven more pupils than anticipated, bringing with them some additional funding. As more of these children are in Hazel class, it is important we ensure we are using these funds for maximum impact on these children’s learning. The governors have therefore agreed to appoint a new teacher to work every morning for the rest of the school year, thereby reducing class sizes in the morning, enabling even more focused teaching across both Hazel and Chestnut Classes, and ensuring we have the capacity to keep growing.
We will be advertising and appointing as soon as possible, and the new teacher will be teaching all the Year 2 children as a group for the mornings. Mrs Symonds will therefore be teaching Reception and Year 1, with Miss Gale teaching Year 3 and Year 4. In order to make changes only once and maintain flexibility and capacity, the older Year 2 children will return to Chestnut Class in the afternoon, with the younger ones re-joining Hazel Class. Mrs Clasby and I will continue to share the teaching of Year 5 and 6.
Mornings:
Year R and 1 – Hazel Mrs Symonds
Year 2 – Beech New Teacher
Year 3 and 4 – Chestnut Miss Gale
Year 5 and 6 – Oak Mrs Clasby Mon/Tue/Wed
Mr Stanford Thurs/Fri
Afternoons:
Year R, 1 and younger 2 – Hazel Mrs Symonds
Year 3, 4 and older 2 – Chestnut Miss Gale
Year 5 and 6 – Oak Mrs Clasby Mon/Tue/Wed,
Mr Stanford Thurs/Fri
The afternoon changes will take place from immediately after half term, and the morning changes as soon as the appointment is confirmed – I will keep you informed of our progress in this.
After half term, please note that Forest School will be on Monday 29th October instead of Tuesday 30th October. Please remember to bring waterproof hats/coats and trousers. Mrs Batten, who runs this brilliant initiative for us, is using our facility as a Flagship School, and will be training other adults to become Forest School Teachers. Also on Friday of that week, 2nd November, Oak Class will be delivering their Class Assembly at 9:00am, with the Curriculum Showcase at 2:30pm – all offers of cakes for the refreshments gratefully received.
Stars of the Week
Congratulations to: Liam C for always working hard to do his best and Miranda for her positive attitude to learning.
Later in the term, there is a special Remembrance Service, marking the centenary of Armistice Day and to commemorate the new War Memorial, at East Stour on Sunday 18th November at 11:00am. Nearer the time I will be sending home more details about how the children can become involved, but it would be good to see as many children there as possible.
I hope you all have a very happy and relaxing holiday, and we look forward to seeing the children back in school on Monday, 29th October.
With best wishes
James Stanford