Phew, we made it! What a fun and productive first half term of the academic year we have had! So many wonderful memories and experiences to look back on!

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Some wonderful dioramas have been created by the children in Cherry and Apple Tree Class as part of their space learning! Using a wide range of junk modelling materials, the children carefully designed and built some fabulous 3D space scenes featuring planets, rockets, stars and other objects. They demonstrated great creativity by combining different materials, textures and techniques, including painting, cutting, sticking and constructing. The vibrant colours and thoughtful details really did bring their creations to life. Well done Cherry and Apple Tree class.

 

Mrs Moseley, our Maths Advisor, visited the school on Wednesday to lead a professional development session focused on adaptations in maths. Staff had the opportunity to reflect on the many strengths already evident in our maths teaching and explore ways to further challenge and support all learners. The session sparked lots of inspiring discussions, with teachers sharing ideas and effective practice from across the school. We are excited to put these new approaches into action and continue developing engaging, inclusive maths lessons that help every child thrive.

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Friday brought a sea of orange to Haslingfield as we enjoyed our annual Pumpkin Day, one of the highlights of the year! The effort, creativity and originality on display were truly outstanding. Each year I wonder how the pumpkins can get any better, and each year our children and families surpass all expectations. It was wonderful to see so many families embracing the challenge and to hear the excitement and pride as children shared their creations. Thank you to everyone who took part and congratulations to our winners. Choosing the winners was no easy task, and our lunchtime staff faced an incredibly difficult decision. Every pumpkin was special and every child should feel proud of their achievement.

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A big thank you to Mrs Siddall for coming back from retirement this term and helping cover some staffing gaps. The children and staff were so pleased to see her and really appreciated her support. We're sure we'll see her around next term too.

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Our School Ambassadors have the incredibly important role of representing the voices of our children and helping to make positive changes across the school. At our school councillors first meeting of the year, they identified that Monday mornings can sometimes feel a little challenging after a busy weekend and wanted to find a way to help everyone start the week with a smile. As a result, Disco Mondays were born! Each Monday morning, music will be playing as children and families arrive at the school gates. Whether you choose to dance your way into school or simply enjoy listening along, we hope it creates a fun, welcoming atmosphere and helps everyone begin the week on a positive note. The school council didn't stop there. They also suggested bringing music to Friday lunchtimes as a way to celebrate the end of another successful week. We are delighted to support this idea and know that many children and staff will enjoy sharing their love of music together. It is wonderful to see our children using their voices to make a difference and recognising the positive impact that music can have on wellbeing, happiness and our school community. We can't wait to see the smiles, dancing and fantastic energy that Disco Mondays and Feel-Good Fridays bring!

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Thank you for all your kindness, support and hard work this half term. Your encouragement, positivity and commitment are greatly appreciated by us all. Wishing you and your families a fantastic half-term break. Take time to relax, recharge and make some wonderful memories together. I look forward to seeing you all on Monday 2nd November. And, of course, don't forget to bring those dance moves back with you!