Dear Parents,
With only one week left until our half-term holiday, I look in amazement at children throughout the school. They have risen to the challenge of higher expectations in their new year-group and only two months into the term, seem at least six months older. After a day's concentration, children are usually tired by home-time and exhausted by the end of their first half term in a new class. The autumn term is a long one and by the end of next week, the children will have had seven full weeks at school. A short break from the routine of school will refresh them all.
Do remember to visit your child's classroom next Friday morning to see how busy and productive they have been. Their artwork is superb; much of it worthy of gallery space.
Over the past fortnight we have held two reunion tea parties for ex pupils now in Years three and four. It has been a pleasure to catch up with them and to see how they have continued to grow, both physically and emotionally. They are all articulate, interesting and enthusiastic young people and a reminder of our purpose in creating a full prep school. We have such engaged children here at The Children's House, it is always sad to see classes separate and move on to schools all over north London. I am excited that finally our children can continue to blossom without the interruption of a change in setting at the end of Year two.
The past week has been colourful, noisy and exciting. Every class has been celebrating diversity through 'Our Wonderful World Week'. The playground has been awash with flag painting and ringing with the sound of djembe drumming. Lessons have been brought to life by visits from parents talking about their home culture. The theme has been reflected in dance, music, assemblies, stories and art. Thank you to everyone who has taken part and to parents who joined us for djembe drumming performances with Abass. Enjoy the accounts of the week and photos that follow.
On a purely practical note, a reminder to return completed flu immunisation forms by Monday. Although the immunisations won't take place for another month, forms are being collected by the local health authority on Monday afternoon.
We are reintroducing reading volunteers throughout the Upper School. We hear children read individually a minimum of three times per week. We suspended volunteer visits for eighteen months, but with most adults double vaccinated, feel it is safe to reintroduce the scheme. Reading is productive and rewarding for teachers and children but requires large amounts of time. We are therefore grateful for parent reading volunteers, who usually give us one hour per week. Reading volunteers don't take the place of the class teacher but provide invaluable support. If you are interested in becoming a reading volunteer, please contact me or Ainsley to arrange a weekly slot. You will be given a full induction so that reading sessions provide a meaningful learning experience for the child.
Finally, thank you for your kind words following my retirement letter. Fortunately I am here for the rest of the academic year, so my departure will be gentle with plenty of time for a productive handover.
Enjoy a relaxing weekend with your children.
Warm wishes,
Kate