Hello Parents and Carers,

It was wonderful to see everyone back at school this last week. Last week I talked about new starts. It got me thinking (and reading) and I found a blog about new beginnings. It explained that 60-80% of new year’s resolutions fail and that for a greater chance of success we must focus on the process as much as the outcome. We do this by designing routines, establishing habits, securing success and then leveraging our social network. This really resonated with me because as a school we have lots of new starts from our new homework guidance, termly reporting or our new lunch hall routines. We know that rarely do new starts begin smoothly rather they are iterative as we establish good habits and secure success.

Here are this week’s notices.

Punctuality:

A reminder that the school gates open at 08:45 and the bell goes at 08:55 with the portcullis gate shutting at 09:00 after which pupils should enter via the office where they will be marked as late.

Local Governing Body:

This Thursday (12^th) many of our governors will be visiting our school as part of our termly learning walks. Some will be in the playground in the morning before school, so please feel free to say hello to them.

School Crossing Patrol Officer:

Southwark have informed us that a new school crossing patrol officer, formally known as a lollipop person, will be starting this week. We look forward to welcoming Ms Williams to our community and hope that you will all make her feel welcome.

Herne Hill Stepping into Stories Festival:

We are delighted to be taking part in the Herne Hill Station Hall’s Stepping into Stories Festival. Three-year groups have been selected to have author sessions. The event is supported by Tales on Moon Lane, a local children’s book shop, who will also be selling books by the authors at a reduced price—details will be emailed to the relevant year groups. You can find more details of family events provided by the festival on their website.  https://www.stationhallhernehill.org/stepping-into-stories

Homework & Reports:

Last week was a busy week for communications. You should have received an autumn term report for your child sent via your child’s class teacher. You should have also received from me your child’s login details for homework. We still have a few logins to add (Spagtastic and TT Rockstars). We also understand that the letter join user name has changed (it is now wk9277) we are working to find out if it will change every week and if so what the pattern is. You child’s teacher will send details of the dip and do tasks in the coming week. Please remember that we now have additional optional homework choices, so please do not feel overwhelmed. If you have concerns, speak to your child’s class teacher.

Library Opening:

Thank you for those of you who have been in touch to volunteer to help staff the library between 3:30-4pm one day a week. It’s not too late to volunteer, we would really like to get the library open in the next week or so, so that families have a space to read together or to complete homework.

A message from our new Trust Director of Creativity:

Dr Steven Berryman, Director of Creativity, Music and Culture for The Charter Schools Educational Trust, is keen to learn about the creative experiences of all our pupils. Parents and carers are welcome to share details via the form here https://forms.office.com/e/UGvXdHr5Be

Key Dates:

You can find some of the key datesfor the upcoming half term below.

• Clubs start in the second week of the term.
• Parent curriculum evening 19^th January 6:15pm
• SEND coffee morning 20^th January 09:05 am
• Book Week start on the 20^th February.
• World Book Day is the 2^nd March.
• Comic Relief is the 17^th March
• Parents Consultations are on the 22^nd and 23^rd March (exact dates and times tbc).  

Have a great week everyone.

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