As we head into a new month, I hope you have all enjoyed an extended weekend.
I would like to begin this blog by welcoming our new school secretary, Mrs Carly Oliver, to the School community. I would also like to extend my thanks to Mr Wood and Mrs Dawson who, for the last nine weeks, have been doing the work of three people, without complaint and superbly efficiently.
Clubs have begun again and we have tried to ensure a broad range of activities so that each year group has some choice. This isn’t easy with limited days and limited staff. As always, I am grateful to the teachers for providing these extracurricular opportunities for the children.
This is also the term for Year 6 to undertake their National Curriculum Tests. These are government tests taken by all year 6 pupils across the country. They are externally marked and are used to provide information about how well the school is performing. This is often the starting point when a school undergoes an Ofsted inspection. This year is the first year of a new curriculum and subsequent new style of tests. Inevitably it is a potentially stressful time for the school as a great deal can depend upon these results but we will, as always, ensure that the children’s welfare is of paramount importance during the week.
As we progress through the term I can honestly say it is the favourite time of year for me in school. From a teaching point of view you can do so much more, with better weather encouraging outside learning and light evenings, of course, giving an extra dimension to the working day. Strategically it’s a time to make plans for the forthcoming academic year. We have already appointed two new teachers for next year and are very much looking forward to them joining the staff.
Don’t forget to follow the school Twitter account if you don’t already do so: @GreatstonePS. I try to update it as regularly as I can with photographs of day to day life in school. For these to go on the website would not be possible as there are potentially so many. I just think it’s a good way for you to be able to see the school at work, and trust me it is a very busy place. You don’t have to be a prolific Tweeter yourself to engage with the school in this way.
The PTFA are planning a party on the school field to celebrate the Queen’s official birthday. We will also be celebrating this in June with various school-based activities…so be sourcing the red, white and blue clothes!
We also have plans for Rio Roadshow ready for the summer Olympics. This will be the theme for the PTFA Summer Fete this year so we are very much looking forward to a carnival style event.
As always, if there is anything I can help with or you wish to make a comment, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
Nicola Wood.