First half term

Date: 18th Nov 2017 @ 6:28pm

 

What a busy first half term it was!

There was great excitement as the new school year approached.  4 classes, new staff, new pupils arriving.

The teachers had worked hard over the summer to get their classrooms ready for learning.
As a team we all agreed on non-negotiables of presentation and a need to 'raise our game' a little higher in organising our classrooms.  We had one job - ensure the children would be excited to enter their classrooms.

Class 1 had had a tremendous magic spell waved over it.  A cathartic, and somewhat painful declutter of resources and a completely new layout, fit for an early years foundation stage learning environment.

All displays were changed in Class 1 and clear areas of learning were established.  new equipment and resources ordered and located.

Class 2 was unrecognisable.  Gone were the old nursery equipment and displays, and a magical cave was established.  Cared for resources were thoughtfully placed, supportive resources on every surface, but not cluttered.  And a beautiful reading area established.

Class 3 had also had a good sort through, new storage furniture had arrived, bringing the room together.  It appeared larger somehow, but clear personalised support for those requiring it.  Working walls were all set for the weeks ahead.

Class 4 was impecible.  New baskets ensuring everything had a place, thoughtful room layout that best serves the needs of each child, and the beautiful art work/reflection area that had been prepared in the final weeks of term.

And so the gates opened, and wave after wave of children arrived for day 1!  Where had they all come from?  Suddenly, realising we had 70 children, 74 with the nursery, it all became very real as they squished into the small arrival area.

It was a little chaotic, but huge smiles and excitement to be returning.

Staff quickly agreed that moving children onto the playground to line up would ease some congestion and classes could enter school more calmly.

Class 1 continued to line up closer to the door to ensure they could enter school swiftly, and with space around them.

And that 1st morning was beautiful.  A quiet buzz of learning, settling, collaborating.  If I could bottle the sense of awe, wonder and pride - I would make millions.

The weeks whizzed by, celebration worship celebrating many achievements adn individuals pushing themselves that little bit more and being the very best that they can be.

 

It was lovely to hold parents information meetings in that 1st week.  It helped parents settle and know what life would be like in their classrooms.  It made clear teacher expectations and gave parents a helpful insight into how the week would be organised.

 

The half term was filled with training opportunities for staff (TAF, Safeguarding, Neuroscience, Sensory Processing, EYFS, NQT, Maths training) as well as appraisal meetings and target setting.  Each governor committee needed to meet, and of course the after school clubs were established.

 

There were a couple of small teething issues with ironing out the logistics of nursery children in school, and differentiating their needs with reception children.  They are invited to wear uniform if they want to, a small note at the end of the day to share what the day has looked like and ensuring parents were clear on who the key worker was for each individual.

Swimming sessions started.  This year we have opted for a full term of swimming sessions, rather than just 10 for class 3 and 4.  then the summer term will look at booster swimming for those who find it more difficult, or who are less confident.  That will be in the summer term.  For this term, Class 3 (Barn Owls) have enjoyed the opportunity.

Each class decided on their name.  Mrs Gibson was ' a giddy kipper' about finally getting her own classroom and qualified teacher status, so she desperately wanted to have a 'Sparrows' Class.  This lit a spark, and we concluded with:-

Class 1 - Eagles

Class 2 - Sparrows

Class 3 - Barn Owls

Class 4 - Falcons

And some how - they each feel very fitting for the individuals in each class.

We also introduced a new concept 'Secret Reader'  Each Friday 1 or 2 lucky classes will have a surprise visitor in their class to read their favourite book.

Mrs Burge kicked us off on the 6th October reading to Class 1, then Mrs Mallows read to Class 2, a paired surprise the next week Mr and Mrs Baker read to Class 2.

 

We had an open afternoon  to welcome 2018 School starters to visit our school and see what our ethos is like and who we enrich and immerse children in learning.  The Open Day focused our learning on our key values of Friendship and Thankfulness.  The work culminated in a new display in school, brought together by the full team working together.

Class 2 Sparrows have enjoyed a class visit to Chester Grosvenor Museum in the first half term too.  It was a lovely day, supporting their learning of history.  They were also treated to Mrs Loyden (aka Mum) calling in to answer their questions about life when she was a girl, and when I was a young girl.

Falcons welcomed Jane to carry out some Volleyball training and Mrs Jones trialled some whole class guided reading.

The children enjoyed the Macmillan coffee morning and the Harvest Service as enrichments to their curriculum learning.

 

So, yes, a very busy hhalf term of learning, and a long one (8 weeks)

The children were absolutely shattered and ready for a week off.

As ever, I am incredibly proud to lead such a fabulous, hard-working, thoughful, motivated and loving school.

Every child deserves the very best they can get - and I strive to ensure I lead all to ensure that happens.  It's not always easy, but it is always worth it.