Dear parents,
Welcome back to the summer term!
It is lovely to finally have a bit more sunshine and hopefully higher temperatures are on the way. This week, I spoke to the children in assembly about our ‘endeavour and collaborate’ spotlight virtues, using our ‘teamwork turtle dove’ character, and they have been keen to show us their co-operative teamwork skills over the past few days. The children have settled back into their routines and clubs well and it was lovely to see the return of Mrs Pike’s gardening club with the better weather. We have also taken delivery of lots of new classroom resources as we start the new term.
New pupils
I would like to extend a warm welcome to the six new pupils and their families who have joined Exeter Pre-Prep this term: Bodhi, Sophie and Amelia in Nursery, Freddy in Reception, and twin brothers Santi and Salvi in Year 1. This brings the school roll up to 71 children. All the children are settling in very well and being supported and cared for by their new friends and staff.
Staff update
Mrs Rickard has been settling in well this week as our new Reception Teacher, ably supported by Mrs Dray and the Reception children, who enjoyed their first swimming lesson at Exeter School today! Following Mrs Martin’s departure, I will be taking on the leadership of the Early Years Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception), while Miss Lawrence will be Acting Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCo) for the summer term. We are in the process of reviewing leadership roles and responsibilities for September and will share more details in due course.
Recruitment
I am pleased to announce that we have appointed Ms Andrea Jellard as our school administrator to succeed Mrs Furniss, who will be retiring at May half term. Julie’s last day will be Thursday 23 May and she will then be spending some time with Ms Jellard over the half term to ensure that there is a smooth handover of all relevant information. Ms Jellard, known as AJ, is currently the pre-prep receptionist at Exeter Cathedral School, a role she has held for the past 12 years, and we look forward to having her on the team.
Next week
I will be holding my final coffee morning of the year on Monday from 8.50am. Any parent who is free is welcome to join me in the hall. Please note that there will be no Art Club on Wednesday for next week only, and that children are welcome to join Late Room without charge if needed. We have lots of outings taking place next week. On Tuesday, Years 1 and 2 will be heading out on their RE trip to Exeter Cathedral and St Martin’s Church. Year 1 will be going on a short walk around the local area on Thursday as part of their geography topic. We then look forward to our whole school theatre trip to Taunton Brewhouse on Friday afternoon, which I’m sure will be great fun!
Wishing you all a fantastic weekend.
