I will start with a HUGE thank you to our Friends’ Association committee, volunteers and all whom came along to our not so summer, ‘Summer Social’ last Friday after school. In all seriousness, we did reasonably well with the weather and when it did start to rain, the gazebos popped up and provided some shelter for the adults. The children didn’t care and carried on running around and bouncing.
This inclusive, social occasion across both schools is a great event and one of our big fundraisers each year. You may have seen on Instagram that the initial figure for the amount raised as an amazing £4589. There is also still the chance of more money coming in, linked with this event and so as the total changes, I will certainly bring you the updated amount.
When this is added to the other money across a year, for example the ice cream sales which has raised in excess of £600 this year, it really does make a difference to both schools.
The Year 4s were out on a trip on Monday, visiting Bhaktivedanta Manor, a Hindu temple. As far as the staff are concerned, it’s always one of the best trips of the year as we are looked after so well and treated to a wholesome day. The cows are always a great hit, as well as the trailer rides.
Back in school, the Year 6s had a two-show day and performed their musical, Aladdin, for family and friends. There was a third show on Tuesday evening where the ‘House Full’ signs were displayed on the front door; it was literally standing room only.
The pupils have worked so hard this year to produce a wonderful musical and the feedback from those who attended has been lovely. Mr Mills Jnr took up the challenge of social media manager and I think his promotional shots have been very well received judging by the comments you have been posting. This role was on top of many other rolls including script editor, director and prop master (to name but a few). A huge thank you also to Mrs Bryan, Mr Wells and the whole teaching team for making this a show to remember.
We came up with a method of judging each show in terms of overall performance and audience engagement. We referred to each show as being a three or a five-canon show, for example. Those who saw it will know that refers to the number of confetti canons used at various points during the show. As far as Mr Waluk was concerned, the more successful the show, the longer it took for him to clear up the mess each time.
In my closing remarks after each show, I referenced the fact that this time four years ago, this current cohort were not in school due to Covid. What I had also forgotten until reminded this week, was that this cohort didn’t get to do a Christmas production with an audience due to the restrictions in place at the time, which made these shows even more special. A huge thank you to those who contributed to our charity collections this week. The current total stands at over £360 and this will go into the pot to be distributed to the JLT’s chosen charities.
Finally in terms of the Year 6 production is concerned, I suggested that my dad – the real-life Victor Meldrew – might take a paragraph in the blog as he came and saw the show. Well, here it is. Feel free to give him grief!
l know everyone will have been waiting with bated breath for my input to ‘the blog’ but before I type this, just an apology: When Mr Mills (Steve) was very young I tried to teach him a new word every day, we started day one with apple (so far so good), day two I introduced him to the word ‘brevity’, not a chance; even after all this time he still fails to understand the meaning, I gave up.
My wife and I went to see Aladdin at the afternoon performance on Monday. What a great performance, the costumes were fantastic, the sets and the lighting were terrific, what can I say about the on-stage performers: they were brilliant. I know in a production like this there are a lot of behind-the-scenes people working their socks off, so to everyone involved ‘thank you’ from my wife and myself for a brilliant and enjoyable afternoon.
Now back to Mr Mills, (brevity) once more, what does it mean?
Despite having July’s monthly rainfall in a week, we did manage to get the rounders played on Wednesday. This traditional summer sport was played in cloud and drizzle and we did have rain at lunch, but the matches went ahead. I popped out for a few minutes but didn’t get to see much. Miss Gooderham informed me that the standard of play in the Lower School competition was higher than with the Year 5 and 6 pupils. Go, Year 3 and Year 4!
The Upper School winners were Air House and the Lower School champions were Water House.
One of the reasons I was unable to get out in the afternoon were due to a zoom with my Chair of Governors at 1.00pm and then I was straight into the singing concert held by pupils who have lessons with Miss McConnell Smith. It was such a lovely musical matinee and to see the pupils, regardless of experience, sing with a smile on their faces was wonderful. All of the pupils did so well but I will give a shout out to Amelie (Year 3) whose story telling in her song was lovely.
Thursday was transition day. Our Year 6s had a day in their new schools and I hope did themselves proud. I was slightly concerned by the questions some of the pupils were asking their teachers the day before… ‘what happens if I get a detention?’ Let’s hope they didn’t!
Our Year 3, 4 and 5 pupils spent the majority of the day with their new teachers and of course, next year’s Year 3s joined us for the day to spend time with Mr Denney and Miss Smith.
I keep my diary clear on transition day so I can spend the time visiting the classes to ensure pupils are all making the right first impressions and getting to know what the expectations are in their new classes. There were lots of smiles and quite a lot of laughing which is a good sign!
On Friday morning we held our penultimate Achievers’ Assembly of the year. It gave me a chance to present the final set of Wall of Fame certificates for the year and so well done to all who were recognised this time around.
We celebrated Kieran, Connor and Jasmine’s recent piano exam successes with all three pupils doing very well indeed. There were also awards and medals for netball, football and dance together with a rare Rock Legend tabels award to Ronnie (Year 3).
Music was provided by Nevaeh and Goergia (Year 4) who sang for us.
The regular school awards were handed out as follows: Class of the Week went to Wilde Class and Kahlo Class; the House Cup went to Earth and Apollo won the Wombles.
During the afternoon, Mrs Vernon, Mrs Keeling and some enthusiastic readers were taken to Waterstones to spend some vouchers that we had been gifted as well as some donations which came in following the poetry drop initiative. You can never have too many books!
As soon as this blog is on the website, I will be heading outside to finish setting up for the Year 6 party. As has been the case with other recent events, I am keeping a close eye on the weather and hope we get a dry two hours from 6.00pm. We didn’t last year and so fingers crossed for this.
And so we now think about the final week of the year. We have the final visit from our current Local Authority adviser. Not only is it the final visit of the year, it is his final visit full stop. He leaves us after five very successful years as he takes a step back and enjoys his retirement.
We have our sports day on Tuesday and I have written to parents and carers on a number of occasions explaining the logistics should you want to come and watch.
The rest of the week will be spent ‘finishing off’. It would be worth pupils having a strong bag from Monday for when we want to send the books home – probably on Wednesday.
Have a great weekend and if it is your thing, I hope you enjoy the football on Sunday.
Best wishes,
Steve Mills
Headteacher
