Dear Parents/Carers,

We really enjoyed welcoming people safely back into school. Your positivity and reconnection was amazing and the books going home for a longer sharing session (with family and your child) is something I think we will do again each time (on the understanding they come back the next day).

A special mention to Year 2 who have started their time in the Parish Hall next door. It may seem disruptive but how many primary school classes have their own stage, own attached hall, luxury toilets and a whole building to themselves ?!!

The roof works are going well, we need a run of dry weather to help the project run smoothly. We are looking at approximately eight weeks if the weather is kind.

1. Christmas events this year

We hope to have all of the following events in the run up to Christmas providing it is safe and our Covid cases are extremely low (or non-existent !).

Reception/Year 1 will perform a nativity based short production in the last week of term (it will be an afternoon) in Madley Church as we can space out and it is like being outdoors in terms of temperature !

All classes will have a Christmas party (most classes will do theirs at forest school as it worked well last year). Year R and 1 will have one in the school hall.

Talent show - we do this every year and it will either be in class groups or we will host it across the school on Teams for the classes to share.

Christmas dinner will take place.

Other events such as the PTA Christmas Fayre, Christmas disco and our whole school church event won't happen this year but there will be a time when it all returns (please see the next item as you may be able to help, find sponsorship or contribute in some way ?)

2. Marquee to cover the playground !

It has always been an ambition to have a structure over the playground so we never have a wet break again, have a space for clubs whatever the weather and give scope for other fund raising events (maybe even an outdoor disco !). I have got prices for hiring a marquee and the company have also found a good quality second hand structure (with a price for a new cover). We are looking at a 12m by 25m structure that would be bolted to the floor and we could leave up all year for around £15,000. We would need assistance to raise this amount quickly (we did it a while ago when we purchased the original mini-buses). If you can help in any way or know any good contacts for sponsorship please let the office know. Ideally we want to hire or buy something for the winter months.

The Exploration Garden will also see a new structure soon as a traditional Native American Sioux tipi will be installed giving us an extra covered space for classes with a fire in the middle for warmth. This addition also adds to our history curriculum, in particular a Year 5 theme.

We are still exploring more comfortable outside toilets for classes for the winter months.

3. Reception class 2022 !

As it says on the banner at the front we do allow prospective parents to visit and get a 'feel' for our school. We won't be holding an open evening/morning as we will it is better to see us working and in full flow (whatever is happening) as it shows what life is like here everyday, we want it to be 'real.' Please tell anyone who may not be sure about a potential visit to contact the school office and we don't mind when as Friday afternoon won't be any different to any other time, every minute of everyday should be about learning in some form.

4. Mr Richards

Construction teaching for Year 5 and 6 is a big part of our school and Mr Richards has been a great ambassador and leading figure in that. Next week will be Mr Richards last week with us as he has secured a full time teaching post at the post 16 special school in Hereford. He will be sorely missed and we wish him every success for the future. 'Thank you' Mr Richards for having a positive impact on so many children.

Construction teaching will continue and we have plans already to continue Mr Richard's legacy.

5. Absence - I have attached a useful 'should my child be off school ?' chart for information.

Kind regards

Mr Batstone