Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back to school! It certainly felt like a bit of a 'summer holiday' didn't it, however the rain has arrived so not anymore. I hope you've all had a wonderful break and that the pupils are ready for what promises to be a really exciting half term ahead.
Our INSET day was all about oracy in primary schools. Oracy is simply the ability to articulate ideas, express opinions, and listen effectively. In primary schools, explicit oracy education through guided debates, structured discussions, and presentations boosts academic attainment, bolsters reading and writing skills, and improves emotional regulation and social mobility. It's on our school improvement plan for this year, and Mrs Hines and Mrs Stead have been attending some great training which we're starting to bring into our school. You may hear your children talking about their 'listening skills' and their 'talk tactics' signs for different ways to engage in conversation – things like instigate, agree, challenge, and build upon. It's all great stuff and especially useful for those quieter children who might need a bit of encouragement to join in.
This week has been absolutely brilliant. For the past four days we've been treated to daily assemblies that really captured the hearts and minds of our pupils. Henry Leney was ill but Mrs Leney presented his talk about understanding and working with his ADHD and autism whilst working in a successful graphic design role. Rosanna Leney shared her story about alopecia and becoming a Royal Ballet principal dancer despite anxiety. Paul Sturgess – who I'm very sure you've heard about, he's an ex-Harlem Globetrotter and Britain's tallest man – spoke about overcoming difference, being unique, and being wonderful. The basketball workshops for each class went down a real treat, and on Friday, Evie and Theo's dad came in to talk about neurodiversity. This whole week was born from an idea following the watching of the film 'I Swear' and with funding help from FOSS we managed to make it happen. I really do hope your children now accept and understand difference as unique, special, and positive. It's been genuinely inspiring to see the impact these messages have had.
Looking ahead, next week is just as busy. Swimming lessons resume on Monday for Herons and other Kestrels. We'll be interviewing for a new learning support assistant, and selected infants will enjoy a trip to Alice Holt. On Wednesday 10th, we'll be having class photos – this is usually a nice outdoor shot. Please make sure your child has a uniform on for that day, if it's a PE day bring your kit separately. Sweatshirts should be worn, hair should be up, and everything should look smart. Year 6 will have their famous 'Leavers' photo taken and will need to bring in home clothes along with their clean leavers sweatshirt. Wednesday is also our new parent's induction evening. This is where we get to meet all of our new families, they can have another tour of the school, and find out more about life in the Robins classroom. On Thursday, nurses will be in for vision screening for summer born Robins.
Such a full half term ahead as I sit and write this with sounds of Africa filling the room. There's so much happening, so much to celebrate, and so much to look forward to. Thank you for your continued support of Sheet Primary School – it really does make all the difference.
Sports day is set for 23rd June - if you want to come and watch your child in the afternoon, you are welcome to arrive from 12.30pm for a picnic, races will begin at 1.15pm.
Have a great weekend.
Julie Robinson
