From the Head of the Junior School

We have had a very smooth start to the start of 2024. When I check in on classes, the children are all learning beautifully – sometimes quietly at desks, sometimes noisily in groups, sometimes outside moving around, sometimes on the floor listening to teachers or their peers. Learning looks different for different children, at different times of the day. The teachers know this, and I am so thankful for their flexible approach with their classes. Thank you once again to the time given by teachers and parents at last week’s ‘Parent Information Night’ sessions, to find out all about the learning planned for this year.

In assembly, we are learning about the values and behaviours that shape our school. These are the very same values and behaviours that the staff are learning about, and that guide our discussions when moving forward as a school. Our behaviours are simple to talk about and understand, but certainly challenging for us all to live out every single day.

The last few weeks we’ve been talking about “Growing Someone”. Our staff and students are challenged to think about how we can build others up, encourage and influence them, so that every member of our school community can achieve their best. We talked about how growing someone is like growing a plant – people need good things to grow – positivity, encouragement, kindness - like plants need sunlight, water, good soil and fertilizer. 

In assembly we showcased Mr Coote’s gorgeous plant and Mr Sanders’ stunning plant and they were so healthy! Clearly the result of care and commitment. No-one wants to end up like my Maidenhair fern, which sadly did not grow well at all! Thank you to those parents who have been popping in to assembly to see their children present on our Wellbeing topic and to celebrate the weekly learning and growth of all of our students. 

Mrs Rachael Newton

Head of Junior School