Having enjoyed the Bank Holiday weekend, we have packed in our learning this week. We are certainly making the most of every moment, given the length of this rather short half term!

Next week, our wonderful Year 6s will be sitting SATs (Statutory Assessment Tests). This is an opportunity for the children to celebrate their hard work and fantastic attitude to their learning, drawing on their knowledge built up across Year 3, 4, 5 and 6.

The children and Year 6 teaching team have been working particularly hard recently to ensure they are in the best position to tackle the tests with confidence. We could not be  prouder of you all. Go for it—and remember there is not, and shall never be, a way to test all of the amazing things that makes you who you really are.

Do your very best, give it your all; but also know this is a very small reflection of wonderful you!

I am delighted to inform you that after an intensive day of interviews and lesson observations, on Wednesday we appointed a new Class Teacher who will start in September 25, following Mrs Chamberlain’s decision to take early retirement. Miss Barrett will join the teaching team as an Early Career Teacher, having spent 2 years in journalism before venturing into the teaching profession. Miss Barrett is full of energy and spark; she has an excellent understanding of high quality teaching and learning which was demonstrated brilliantly across all  interview tasks and we very much look forward to all she will bring to our fantastic teaching team.

Those who have been able to pop into school recently may have noticed that we have an additional member of our admin team. Mrs Christensen is now working alongside Mrs Anderson each morning, answering enquiries and helping to ensure ‘front of house’ runs smoothly. Mrs Christensen has a calm, nurturing approach, she is  learning fast and is on hand to help. Please do introduce yourself when you have a moment.

I am aware of an increasing number of absence request forms being submitted for  family holidays. Please be reminded that every lesson is a crucial part of your child's learning journey, and frequent absences can hinder their progress.  We must follow the DFE’s statutory attendance guidance and cannot authorise holiday requests. Absences can be authorised in ‘exceptional circumstances’.

Please be aware that you can be given a Penalty Notice for periods of unauthorised holidays if a pupil has 10 or more unauthorised absences (equivalent to 5 school days), within a rolling 10 week period.

Thank you for your continued cooperation in supporting your child's education.

Have a super weekend,

Mrs A Fitch and the Staff Team