It has been an age since I last updated this blog. Life has been ferociously busy and every time I have sat to write, something else has taken priority. But we are here now so let me fill you in on some of the things that have been occurring.
Last week we had a very strong focus on anti bullying. This is an aspect of our work that we take very seriously and so we tapped into the National Anti Bullying Week campaign to add even more focus to our teaching. The children’s homework around this was excellent. Anti bullying is threaded through all of our pastoral work, is ongoing and can be ‘unseen’. Last week, however, it was very much high profile. We had two key messages for the children: bullying will not be tolerated in this school and should it arise there will be definite consequences to that chosen action.
Children must feel safe in order to learn and we were clear to them that should they feel unsafe at any time they must tell an adult and an adult will listen. We also wanted to be clear with our message that bullying is more than someone being unkind once; that bullying is persistent and targeted. Whilst the perception of bullying can often be wrong, we have a duty of care to investigate all allegations. We will have children falling out; that’s life in a busy school, but we want our children (and parents) to be sure about what is a disagreement or unkindness and what is bullying.
In our school we have clear procedures for dealing with any allegation of bullying, and every one of those is taken seriously. Mr Morgan-John leads this aspect of our work. Allegations are recorded and handed to him to investigate. He does this with rigour and involves parents in the discussions. He also ensures that all investigations are followed up with pupil ‘check ins’ and contact with parents. The children know this and are quick to bring our attention to their concerns. They tell us they know who to talk to and that they are happy at school.
Thank you for all your support for Children in Need. So many aspirations and great fun had by all.
Letters for tickets for the Christmas performances have come home; check with the school office if you have not received one. This year the reception children will be singing for us, years 1 and 2 will be performing the nativity and our Junior children are sharing a Christmas singing extravaganza with us. Bring tissues and be prepared to be moved…in a good way!
Last Friday we had our PTFA Christmas Fayre. As well as a chocolate tombola, yummy, there were other stalls with festive gifts. Huge thanks to the PTFA who despite being a small group work tirelessly to raise funds. This event made just over £300. Thank you for your support. The PTFA are also selling tickets for the Christmas party (This is different to the party we are having in school time). I believe they are on sale after school.
Thank you for your understanding with regard to the school closure last week. Without a fire alarm or telephones; cooking facilities or hot water and with a notification that the power would be off for at least 3 hours, I really felt that I had no choice. Once again I apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.
We have a lot of sickness in school at the moment; please don’t send your children until they are fully recovered. We seem to be a hot house of bugs at the moment. Yuk!
On that note I shall say keep well and warm and I look forward to seeing you next week for our Christmas Performances.
All good wishes,
Nicola Wood.