Great learning takes place when you come out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself with something new. On Monday morning this week, I did just that when Mrs Bailey asked me to perform a poem with a couple of other staff to launch this year’s John Gohorry Poetry Competition. I am useless when it comes to learning lines but having sung along to a few different musicals many (many) times, I was able to use the opening of Come From Away as my poem. Even better for me was the fact that Thomas (Year 3) knew where it had come from!
The experts (Mrs McConnell Smith, Mrs Davies, Mr Lord and Mrs Bailey) then showed the pupils how it should have been done and hopefully inspired them to have a go and enter the competition. Details have been shared via our social media platform so please do have a look and encourage participation in this year’s event which has taken on a different look. The final is due to take place on Friday 28th February.
This week has been our Feeling Good Week and so some of the lessons have had a different focus. On Monday afternoon, Year 5 embraced Sophie’s (Year 6 and JLT member) idea of an art project highlighting our Core Purpose. Pupils looked at artists who were visually impaired or unable to use their hands to paint in a conventional way. They were then challenged with creating art using their mouths to hold the brush (as Henry Fraser does with amazing success – another musical reference), using their feet or whilst blindfolded. You can’t say that isn’t profound.
Year 6 incorporated bread making into their science this week and by all accounts, the rolls they made this year were really quite tasty. Perhaps some parents got to try them too, although from what I saw, the pupils found the smell of freshly baked bread far too tempting.
Science in Year 5 took on a different theme as they worked with Miss Wood, a biology teacher from HGS. Linked with their work on the heart, they watched and then carried out their own dissection, carefully studying the different chambers as well as the arteries and veins. They worked so well and maturely on the task and as always, we received some lovely feedback from HGS as to their attitude. Perhaps moving forward, this lesson may have been the spark for their future careers as surgeons (or butchers).
A group of Year 4s took part in the School Sports Partnership dance festival on Tuesday afternoon. I wasn’t able to attend due to prior commitments, but Mrs Wells and Mrs Williams reported back to me saying how amazing the girls were and how proud they were of the way they represented the school. I had seen the dance the other day and have to say, it was very impressive.
There was a whole range of outfits on show on Wednesday as we enjoyed a dress down / dress day for feeling good week. Pupils (and staff) came to school wearing clothes that made them happy. The range was vast, from favourite football shirts (with Zico in Year 4 rubbing in Tuesday night’s Mills upset by wearing his Real Madrid shirt) to sparkly dresses; onesies to joggers.
Although the weather this week has not been great, resulting in the cancellation of the netball on Monday, we did send a team over to the Boccia festival on Wednesday afternoon. We also had Year 3 / 4 football matches against William Ransom on the same day which I managed to pop out and watch. They were both very ‘enthusiastic’ matches and I must single out Imogen (Year 4) who channelled her inner ‘Alessia Russo’ scoring five goals. Meila (Year 3) and Sonny (Year4) both took turns in goal for their respective teams, and both made some great saves.
I spent much of Thursday with a fellow headteacher and CEO of a trust from Nottingham. We try to meet up (at least) annually either in his schools or here to share thoughts and talk about the world of education. It was a packed day which included four Year 5s joining us for hot chocolate and a whole packet of chocolate digestives! Mr Maddison and I had exactly zero biscuits. We also visited a few lessons during the afternoon, including lower school PE.
Eight lower school pupils too part in a speed-stacking competition on Thursday after school. As you can see from the photograph below, they smashed it! Both the boys’ team and the girls’ team won events with Ronnie also winning an individual gold. Well done to both teams who have been practising most breaktimes to get ready. Particularly impressive to see Year 3s in this team as they will be able to compete again next year.
Achievers’ Assembly on Friday morning was particularly busy. Wilde won Class of the Week; Orville won the Wombles and Earth won the House Cup.
As it was the last one this half term, we also presented the sports values awards and, on this occasion, they went to Thananika (Year 3), Thomas, Violett (Year 4), Indi (Year 5), Jacob B, Stanley C (Year 6). Violett has had a particularly busy and successful few days on the sporting front.
It was lovely to see so many pupils stand up as recipients of a Caught Being Kind sticker this week with some pupils indicating they had received seven or eight. That is just what we want to see during our feeling good week. Kindness and manners cost nothing, and we work hard to celebrate and reward them.
Another mention in Achievers was for our school orchestra. Both teachers, Miss Chapman and Mrs Reid, have been so impressed with the pupils this year. Their attitude is perfect and their musicianship equally as impressive.
‘Biscuits with the Boss’ this week saw another six Year 3s visit for hot chocolate and biscuits. They were wonderful company, and we chatted about school as well as what they might be getting up to over half term. There was also a little gymnastics demonstration, but I passed on joining in.
A letter was sent home today to all pupils giving them the opportunity to enter our ballot for this year’s TCS London Mini Marathon taking place on Saturday 26th April. We have a few more places that last year, which is great news. The link for signing up is in the letter but to make doubly sure, it can also be accessed below:
Finally for this week’s news, I would like to give a name-check to William (Year 5) and Joshua S (Year 6) who every day without fail, say goodbye as they walk past my office when collected at the end of the day. Wonderful manners and an example to us all.
Looking ahead a couple of weeks after we have enjoyed the half term break, we return on Tuesday 25th February to a visit from author and illustrator, James Mayhew, who will spend time working with all four year groups.
Sport that week includes the district finals of the sportshall athletics competition, netball against William Ransom and a cricket tournament for some of our lower school pupils.
In addition, we have the Year 5 maths challenge heats for some of our pupils.
Before I end, I am sure you will join me in wishing Mrs Jarman all the very best as she welcomes her new baby into the world. Roman was born on Wednesday morning and both mum and baby are doing very well. Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Jarman and son number one, Jax.
That is it for the week and the half term. Halfway through the year already and actually, if we count days, we are beyond halfway. I hope you find time to spend some quality time together and more importantly get a chance to rest.
Have a lovely week.
Best wishes,
Steve Mills
Headteacher
