Dear parents,
It is always lovely to be back in school after a few days away at conference. Of course, I very much enjoyed listening to speakers and connecting with other heads, but I do get itchy feet ready to be back in school. My Monday started off with our first coffee morning where we welcomed parents from the lower school for a coffee and cake; thank you to those that could make it, it was lovely to hear how well your children have settled.
Lower Two at Beam House
I welcomed the Lower Two pupils back from residential on Saturday afternoon, and what fun they all had. Surfing, climbing abseiling to name but a few of the activities; a lot of tired pupils (and staff) but it was clear form listening to them this Monday morning that a lot of team building was had.
Playground update
We have gained a new climbing wall, and astro in addition to our already wonderful playground. This has been a huge hit with our pupils who are certainly enjoying these new additions.
Aspirations
On Monday, Miss Rose reminded pupils of our school virtues in an assembly on flourishing. Pupils considered what they aspire to be when they are older (and there were some interesting responses!) and how having a good character can help us achieve our dreams. Drawing on inspiration from sport, we looked at the examples of Michael Jordan and Simone Biles, who experienced much failure on their paths to success, and pupils were reminded of the importance of taking small steps towards their goals. We concluded by revisiting our eight school virtues and explaining how practising these will enable us all to flourish as we progress through the school year.
Whole school photograph
Tuesday was the day of the whole school photograph, which included all senior, junior and our lovely pre-prep pupils, as well as three dogs. The patience and behaviour from all of our pupils was outstanding and I am very much looking forward to seeing the end product and having a copy in my office.
Click here to see the magic in progress
Pupils’ hard work
During ‘Good Works’ I enjoy listening to the pupils spotting their friends, siblings and (old) teachers whilst they wait to show me their work. Deliveroo visited me on Tuesday lunch time in the guise of Livvy and Huxley who delivered some rather delicious crostini and tomato relish, freshly made from ingredients from the school garden. I am not sure I was supposed to eat all of them, but they really were rather delicious, and I could certainly get used to this each week. Thank you, Planet Protectors, Mrs Jones and Simon and team – a wonderful treat!
Governors’ and Teacher Assistants’ day
Today we welcomed our governors to school who spent the morning shadowing pupils across both schools. It is always lovely to welcome the governors to school, and I know that they very much enjoyed observing lessons and spending time with pupils and staff. We also said a HUGE thank you to our Teaching Assistants to celebrate National TA day; we are very lucky to have such amazing TAs in the junior school who make the junior school a better place to be.
So once again, it’s been another busy week in the junior school but as I have often said, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Wishing you all a lovely weekend.
