Friday 19th March Update
Great to be back!
I have loved this week. The children have settled back in beautifully, the buzz in the classrooms has been fantastic and to be able to see the children happy and smiling with their friends again is brilliant. The children have been a complete credit to you. Although there was some anxiety, the children were full of smiles by the end of the week. Tired but happy.
School is more than just learning about Maths and English: it is about learning to mix with different people, to learn how to communicate, to learn how to make friends, to learn how to overcome difficulties and to develop their own personalities. To be able to see the children grow in confidence this week and re-establish their social groups has been wonderful.
I am so proud of how well the children have settled back into the routine of school and how resilient they have been. I know that there has been a lot of talk on the news about “Catch Up”, however our focus up to Easter, will be to ensure that the children are happy, that they are back into their routine, and to assess whether there are any “gaps” in their learning. I don’t like the term “Catch up” - the teachers and staff will work hard to ensure that the children get to where they need to be. You could discuss this further at the parent consultation meetings next week - see below for further details.
It was a shame we had to close Little Winners on Tuesday, but we have to follow the national guidelines. Luckily, we have been able to rearrange staff so that those children in Little Winners, who were not in school last Monday (15th March), can return from next week. It’s a good job I like organising timetables and rotas!!
See below for information about our Wellbeing Week and the Parent Consultation meetings planned for next week.
Wellbeing Week
As this week was the first week back to school for the majority of children since last year - we decided to focus on Mental Health and Wellbeing in class. In school we follow the NHS “Five Ways to Wellbeing” - more information can be found by following the link 5 steps to mental wellbeing - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
The children have responded brilliantly, and I am always amazed on how resilient the children are. The children have been open and honest with their feelings and emotions. As you know, we have a number of Mental Health First Aiders in school, so if a child needs more focused 1:1 support, that can be arranged.
Today, we are focusing on “Give” from the 5 steps to wellbeing because today is Comic Relief. We will be doing some activities in class to raise awareness for the children. You can donate to Comic Relief through Parent Pay. Thank you for your generosity.
Parent Consultation Meetings (via telephone)
On Thursday 25th March we will be holding our Parent Consultation Meetings. Due to the current situation, these will take place via telephone. This will be an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, any worries you might have and how well your child is doing at school. Each slot will be 10 minutes, if your require longer, please discuss with the class teacher, during the consultation day. Today (Friday), you will receive a text, enabling you to book your time slot in the usual way. If you have any problems, with the booking system, please contact the school office.
Keeping Covid Secure
I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that there is hope and optimism with the vaccine rollout, however it is important to remember that we are still in lockdown and that we should stick to the Covid regulations to help protect everyone. Therefore, please can I remind you all to adhere to social distancing when you are on school grounds, and please collect your child at the right time (avoid arriving too early or too late!).
Covid is still very much around in Winshill at the moment, so vigilance is needed. I know it was disappointing to close Little Winners this week, however the system worked and it has ensured that there has not been transmission between children or staff. The more we stick to the rules, the less likely we will have to shut a bubble!
The dedication of the staff throughout this difficult time has been phenomenal and the support from the community has been fantastic. Let’s keep going, we can do this! Hopefully, the end is in sight!
FIrst Day at School by Roger McGough
A millionbillionwillion miles from home
Waiting for the bell to go. (To go where?)
Why are they all so big, other children?
So noisy? So much at home they
Must have been born in uniform
Lived all their lives in playgrounds
Spent the years inventing games
That don't let me in. Games
That are rough, that swallow you up.
And the railings.
All around, the railings.
Are they to keep out wolves and monsters?
Things that carry off and eat children?
Things you don't take sweets from?
Perhaps they're to stop us getting out
Running away from the lessins. Lessin.
What does a lessin look like?
Sounds small and slimy.
They keep them in the glass rooms.
Whole rooms made out of glass. Imagine.
I wish I could remember my name
Mummy said it would come in useful.
Like wellies. When there's puddles.
Yellow wellies. I wish she was here.
I think my name is sewn on somewhere
Perhaps the teacher will read it for me.
Tea-cher. The one who makes the tea.
Stars of the Week
Reception: Theo & Skye
Year 1: Charlie & Jacob
Year 2: Millie & Wyllow
Year 3; Charlie & James
Year 4: Ruby & Rosie
Year 5: Darcey & Jacob
Year 6: Kaden & Calleigh
Headteacher’s Award: Roman, Milana, James & Kayla
Thank you for your continued support
Stay Safe… and help keep others safe
Miss Goodson
