Dear Parents and Carers
The swimming pool has really come into its own with the continuing warm weather, and it has been fantastic to see the amazing progress the children have made with their swimming. I have been particularly impressed with the way the less confident children have learnt new skills and that they should be picking up such a valuable life skill so quickly is brilliant. We are entering a squad for next week’s local Year 4/5 Swimming Gala at Riversmeet in Gillingham, and I’m sure the children will do the school proud.
Today’s Mini Olympics, held at St Gregory’s School this year, was another chance for our children to compete against other schools. As usual, our children fully entered into the spirit of the event and had a super time and were complimented by others for their superb participation and behaviour. Last week, two of our Year 6 pupils represented North Dorset at the Dorset Athletics event in Bournemouth; while they didn’t win their events, they should be proud of their efforts – they tried their hardest and will always remember the experience.
We benefit greatly as a school from our links with Gillingham School’s PE Department, and this year our children across the school have taken part in football, netball, tag rugby, swimming, kwik cricket, athletics, dance, and hockey events with other schools – an impressive coverage for a small school like ours. My thanks go to the staff and volunteers for the extra work they put in to prepare our children so well for these competitions and festivals.
The Wind in the Willows
Next week, of course, we have our Summer Production which the children are looking forward to. Thank you to everyone who has sourced costumes or props. The contents of the hamper for the raffle are still looking a little too healthy – more donations of goodies would be much appreciated! If you do not require any of your allocated tickets, please return the slip from yesterday’s note letting us know, as we can then allocate your seats to other families.
Sex and Relationships Education (SRE)
Over the next couple of weeks, the children will be covering the SRE aspects of their PSHE and Science curriculums. We are following the usual Jigsaw PSHE teaching materials for this in all year groups, while Year 6 will also be learning more about growing up, puberty and relationships. If you would like to discuss the content of the programme with your child’s teacher, please catch them at the end of one day next week, and if you have a child in Year 6 and would like to see the materials we will be using, Mrs Hudson and I will be able to share them with you next Tuesday after school.
Internet Safety Workshop
Following the parents’ invaluable workshop delivered by the Safer Schools and Communities Team earlier in the term, next Friday, children in Years 2 and 6 will have the opportunity to learn more about staying safe on-line with an age-appropriate workshop. If you would like another copy of the SSCT flyer which has links to excellent resources such as the NSPCC and ThinkUKnow, please pick one up from the office.
This Week’s Star Pupils
All the teachers have awarded the certificate to the child in their class for being kind and helpful.
Well done to:
Conkers: Ellie Rae
Acorns: Noah
Chestnuts: George T
Oaks: Owen
This terms Bags2School collection is Tuesday 10th July please bring any clothing, curtains (no bedding) for recycling as the school receives a payment for these items.
Don’t forget that tomorrow morning, the PTFA has organised a painting party to continue smartening up the school, this weekend’s focus being on the outdoor classroom and the swimming pool fence – do join them if you can spare the time.
With best wishes
James Stanford