Headteacher Message

Hello all,

It is 6.30am and I have just had communication from the Year 6 team that it was a very peaceful night and all the children have and are sleeping well.  They now have their last day of activities before heading home.  I was lucky enough to visit them on Wednesday afternoon. The sense of space was lovely.  It is situated in the woodland areas of the Surrey countryside and the children were enjoying the freedom this space gave them.  They have spent nearly 4 days without phones or televisions or any sort of screens and not one of them mentioned this to me.  Instead, they were out in the wild enjoying being part of a team and having fun.  It is not possible to truly recreate this in the urban landscape that we live in, but it is a good reminder to reconnect with nature when you can and in whatever form.  It certainly made me think about my use of my phone.  It is so habitual and hard to break but so good when you do manage to prise yourself away from your device. Whilst camping in France, my phone broke and I did not have it for a week.  It was the most enjoyable week of my holiday.  Instead of scrolling, I went walking and felt much more connected to where I was.  I have been inspired to try and break the habit and will be putting my phone away (for a bit!) on the weekend. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the dream team that accompanied Year 6 on their trip.  Laura Cook, Laura Gavin and Sarah James. They will have spent 4 days away from their families and effectively been on duty 24 hours a day throughout the trip.  Thank you for facilitating this great experience for our children.

I look forward to welcoming everyone back at approximately 5pm this evening (we will text Year 6 parents if this changes) and hope they and you all have a restful and peaceful weekend. 

Darell Families Facebook Group

Follow the link below to join the Darell Families Facebook group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/darellprimaryparentgroup/

Darell School Choir

The wonderful Darell School Choir will be performing at Kew Sparkle, in Kew Village on Friday, 1st December.  They will be live on stage at 5pm. Please put this date in your diary and join in the festivities. 

The Kew Sparkle committee have also begun their fundraising efforts to pay for the Christmas lights and trees in the village. If you would like to donate, help out or find out more, please visit their web page  www.kewsparkle.org.

Communications

Sent Home

• Whole School - ECO Refill sale and price list
• Y6 - School Journey updates

The Reading Corner

Welcome to our weekly section of the newsletter all about reading. Every week, we will share a question (or two) with you about the book your child is reading in school. Please use these questions to help you find out a little more about what your child has been reading in school and continue to develop their love of reading.

Wonder - What does 'Something Else' do to be like the others? (say 'Hi', paint, play games, bring his lunch in a paper bag)
Why does the creature say he is 'just like' Something Else? (because he's something else too) 

Peake - Can you remember any of the animals in the poem 'Big Green Crocodile'? (big green crocodile, big brown lion, small furry teddy bear)

Which animal would you rather go to sleep with? Explain why. 
 

Weir - What do you like about poetry? Do you know any poems?

Thunberg - Which poem have you enjoyed reading most this week? A Secret or A Disappointment? Why?

Darwin - What is your favourite poem and why?

Attenborough - What do you think will happen next in Girl of Ink and Stars? 

Stars of the Week!

Early Years Star of the Week

Wonder Class

Axel - for always coming into Reception with a big smile, for always being busy and for great listening on the carpet 

Peake Class

Arthur - for his enjoyment of poetry and always being such a kind friend. Well done, Arthur!

Weir Class

Nil - for her obvious enjoyment of our class poem and aspiring to be a great reader.

Walker Class

Dineo - for using clear words to name all the animals in the animal matching game. Well done Dineo! 

KS2 Star of the Week

Newton Class

Caleb - for his enjoyment in his French lesson and his perseverance in all his other learning. Well done Caleb!

Thunberg Class

Sam - for being a kind, patient and supportive learning partner, and for really challenging himself in maths this week! Well done, Sam!

Darwin Class

Chad - for being incredibly helpful around the classroom, enthusiastic about a challenge and always prepared to go the extra mile to help others with their work.

Attenborough Class

Dalia - for being a supportive learning partner and an aspirational learner in all lessons. 

Parks Class

Liana - for her enjoyment and aspiration in all lessons this week. 

Rashford Class

Elise - for her positive attitude towards her learning and been a kind and supportive friend.