Headteacher Message

Firstly, the not so good part of the newsletter.  Please can I remind all parents to park safely around the school site.  I know it is frustrating when there are no spaces, but please don’t park on double yellow lines or on people's driveways.  Our first thought is always the safety of our children and the double yellow lines are there for a reason. I am a firm believer in fairness, and it is simply not fair to expect others to have to look for parking spots when you choose to park illegally.  I know this is not relevant to nearly all of you, but it needs to be said.

I love sport.  I love playing it, watching it, talking about it and thinking about it.  I would not survive in a world without sport.  I think it is because it is quite possible to lose yourself in the moment and not be or have to be thinking about anything else. I definitely lost it and myself at the boys' tournament this week.  I will not bore you again with the details, but due to the size of our lovely school, we enter these tournaments as underdogs.  We began the tournament slowly, losing the first game by a single goal.  We then drew the next three games 0-0 with consistently outstanding performances from our goalkeeper.  We came alive in the knockout competition, overcoming much larger schools and making it to the semi-final.  The moment of magic I spoke of earlier came in the quarter-final. We were locked at 0-0 and into extra time with the very school playground rule of the next goal wins.  The ball broke free in their half.  A long way out. Surely too long to shoot! But up stepped our New Zealand super signing and struck the ball with all his might.  The sound alone signaling a goal.  Time stood still as the ball arrowed into the top corner. Nobody moved.  Then everybody moved.  I lost control of my limbs and found myself running onto the pitch to join the impromptu celebration before quickly realising who I was and telling our players to shake hands with the opposition and celebrate a game played in the right spirit.   We lost the semi-final but only on penalties after a very competitive match. There is a certain individual I need to mention here and that is our coach, Manninniho (formerly known as Mannie Harding). He has trained these boys on numerous cold wet mornings and has moulded them into players who believe in themselves and play for each other.   

Why am I making such a fuss about the boys' and girls' teams? It is because this is the first time in four years that we have won a knockout game, and it is a small step on the road to world sporting domination.  Please wrap up warm, and head to Kew Sparkle to cheer on our Choir who are taking to the stage at 5pm. A great way to start the weekend.  

Mental health support team – free webinars for parents

Challenging behaviours 

Children often communicate their needs through their behaviours. The ‘Helping children with challenging behaviours’ webinar will help you to learn about the different factors that can impact children's behaviours, build or strengthen positive relationships by reinforcing the importance of giving positive attention. You will also learn strategies to establish home rules and boundaries to create a safe and structured environment for your children.

Online event: 

• 6th December at 6pm-7.15pm
• 8th December at 9am-10.15am

6th & 8th December MHST Workshop: Helping Children with challenging behaviour Sign up Form 

Communications

Sent Home

• Individual - Attendance meeting letters
• Whole School - Raffle ticket reminder
• Football Squad - King's V Darell football match
• My Childs Art Work - Christmas order information

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 - From our focus on owls this week, can you remember why owls are so good at hunting? (large eyes, excellent hearing, they can swivel their head, sharp talons, silent when they fly)

Peake - Can you remember any of the objects that were hidden under the floorboards in Major Glad, Major Dizzy? (two toy soldiers, an old photograph, a poppy, an old coin, a broken toy camel, a piece of stitching) How did the objects get there? (they were pushed/fell through)

Weir - How do you think Claude is going to prove to be a hero and save the day?

Thunberg - Would you like to have a nana like Bad Nana? Why? Why not? 

Darwin - 

Attenborough - How are things going for Will in the King’s service? Is there any danger lurking in the background?

Parks - ‘Letters from the Lighthouse’ – What was the Kindertransport?

Stars of the Week!

Early Years Star of the Week

Wonder Class

Freya - for being a kind, caring, happy member of Reception, who is always willing to have a go.

KS1 Star of the Week

Peake Class

Iqra - for living our school value of equality by inviting other children to join in her games. Well done for being a kind and caring friend.

Weir Class

Elliot - for being an aspirational learner, your postcard in English was imaginative and thoughtful. Well done!

Walker Class

Emily - for using clear words to describe objects she can see in a picture book. Well done, Emily!  

KS2 Star of the Week

Newton Class

Sonia - for trying really hard in year 5 integration and for her enjoyment in reading. Well done, Sonia!

Thunberg Class

Karima - for being a confident and patient teacher and helping us to learn the Makaton signs for our class song! Well done, Kiki!

Darwin Class

Elise - for always being a supportive, helpful and kind friend to everyone in Darwin class

Attenborough Class

Sophia - for a fantastic first week at Darell, showing a great attitude in all the lessons.

Parks Class

Riley, Breogan, Kieran, Hayk, Oscar, Jackson, Leo and Jamie - for fantastic team work and success in the football tournament!

Rashford Class

Zayan - for being a kind and supportive friend and for always volunteering to help in class!