Friday 28th April
Headteacher's Update
This week I have been having meetings with Governors and Senior Leaders to begin planning the next phase of our Federation's journey. We were proud of the outcome from last term's OFSTED inspections and saw it as confirmation that we are on the right track. However there is much work still to do.
This week we have started to write the plan to become OUTSTANDING by the time of the next OFSTED inspection in approximately four years. This plan will evolve further over the next few weeks as I consult with staff and pupils on its contents. I also look forward to sharing it with parents later this term, to give you the chance to feedback, contribute and support.
Earlier in the week, I issued exciting news about our new Federation school uniform which will be introduced from September 2023. We received a fantastic response to our consultation earlier in the year and I would like to thank all the parents and children who responded. School uniform is a key component of our vision and values, and a physical representation of what we stand for, so we're excited to reach this key milestone. If you've not had a chance to read the full blog post it can be seen here. A full list of the new uniform requirements can be viewed on our website here.
Walk to School Week
Walk to School Week takes place from Monday 15th May to Friday 19th May. This is a great chance to teach the importance of road safety, learn about the local environment and have a chat; whilst enjoying a healthy start to the day. It will also help congestion at the school gate. Children will be able to register their journeys on a chart in class and participants will receive a certificate at the end of the week. Your child will receive a leaflet about this today. You can also find out more about Walk to School Week here.
Children's Birthdays
Recently, I have been asked about the Federation's policy on children bringing in sweets to school to hand out to the class when it is their birthday. I am aware that there are a range of views on this subject.
Some parents are keen to do this as a fun way of celebrating their child's birthday, others would prefer that school encourages healthy eating. Some parents feel this puts them in a difficult position. In setting out the Federation's approach I would like to invite parents to share their views on this subject with me via this link.
Sporting Events
Netball Two teams took part in the Newbury District Netball Festival at St Gabriel's last Saturday. Both teams played brilliantly and did a great job representing WHJS. The A team reached the quarter final's and fought back hard scoring 3 goals after going 4-0 down and just missed out a place in the semi-finals. The B team also showed great determination improving in each match they played. Well done girls! Thank you to Mrs Bowden for giving up her Saturday to enable the girls to take part and parents for supporting and transporting the girls.
Football A team of Lower School girls represented WHJS in a football tournament at Park House this week. They showed great team spirit and really had a fun time despite the rain. We would love to have a football coach to develop their football skills, see more about that below. Thank you to all the parents that helped with transport to Park House and Mrs Jones for accompanying the children.
Marathon We are also celebrating an impressive sporting achievement from one of our own staff team this week. Congratulations to Mrs Jones for completing the London Marathon last Sunday - a great example of courage and perseverance!
Football Coach Wanted
We would be delighted to hear from anyone that would be interested in coaching a girls football team at WHJS. We can provide a wonderful group of girls full of enthusiasm and beautiful fields to train and play on. If anyone could spare time at lunchtime or after school please get in touch with Mrs Jones via the school office, all volunteers are DBS checked. Thank you!
Star Awards
The following children received Star Awards this week! They should all be really proud, well done!
21st April: Imogen R, Charlotte B, Eloise D, Niamh J, Toni-Lea E, Finn K, William W, Nicholas M, Emilia K, Henry W, Daniel B, Ella W, Rhys H and James A.
28th April: Etta B-N, Isabella C, Max E, Daisy L, Rose Ha, Nel M, Emily W, Henry W, James A, Maddison S, Freddie L, William W and Archie L.
Six Strands Awards
Self-Regulation
28th April: Daisy L, Bertie J, Rhys H, William W and Samuel A
Hot Chocolate
21st April: Alfie K, Harper D, Louann D, Daniel B and Emily W
28th April: Amelie R, Niamh J, Xander B, Ria L and Rohan R.
Comments