Headteacher Message

Dear all,

I would like to start by saying a very big thank you for adapting to the change at the start of the school day.  We are now closing the gates in the morning at 8.45 am rather than 8.55 am. As a father of three, I am aware of the logistics involved in the morning routine and know that 10 minutes can seem like a relative lifetime when you are trying to coordinate pack lunches, uniforms, school bags, PE kit etc, etc.  The good news is that we have already had less lateness this year. Getting your child to school on time allows them to settle into the school day and will enable them to transition smoothly into their learning.

My bumper term of tours began this week, and it has been really lovely to showcase the excellent behaviour and learning that is taking place across the year groups. I walked into the Reception class on Wednesday and could not believe how purposeful and calm the children were. Some of them had only been attending school for two days! 

Our kindness initiative has begun well. I have already had two staff members come up to me and say how kind the children have been to them. We have really emphasised that it is possible to spread kindness by small gestures, including smiling and saying please and thank you. I know that the parent body met today and is on board with this initiative.  

I am aware that our club offer has been slightly reduced this year, and some of you have rightfully raised this as an issue. The problem we face as a one-form entry is that outside providers will not deliver training unless they get adequate numbers to sign up. However, we like solving problems at Darell School, and we are looking at how we can be innovative and support the providers who are not yet meeting their tipping point for delivery.  

Another update. We have moved away from using X (Twitter) and are now transitioning into using Instagram to keep you updated with what is happening in school. We have had a few teething issues, but it shouldbe up and running next week.  We will send you a link shortly.

Have a lovely weekend. September sunshine is on its way!!  

Thank you,

Joe Porter   

Communications Sent Home

• Whole School - Meet the teacher invitation
• Whole school - Coffee Morning invitation
• Year 1 - Richmond Museum trip
• Year 2 - Richmond Museum trip
• Year 4 - Thames Young Mariners residential
• Reception - Year 6 - Nasal Flu immunisation
• Reception - Year 6 - Clubs reminder and updated list
• Year 5 & 6 - Swimming Reminder

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 - Can you remember who rang on the doorbell in the story 'So Much'? (Auntie Bibba, Uncle Didi, Nannie and Gran Gran, Cousin Kay Kay and big cousin Ross) 

What was the family celebrating? (Daddy's birthday)

Peake - Do you think Leonard is like the other Lions in the story 'How to be a Lion'? Why or why not?

Weir - Do you think Iris' parents are going to let her keep the Lion? Why?

Walker - When is your birthday? What do you do to celebrate your birthday?

Newton - What's your favourite toy? Why? 

Thunberg - Is there anything you think that Hortense should have done differently? Why?

Darwin - Talking animals is one element that many folk tales have. Can you think of any others?

Attenborough - Do you think the myth of Arinta can help Isabella find out what happened to Cata?

Parks - What was Rosa Parks' childhood like? What challenges did the Black community face?

Stars of the Week!

Early Years Star of the Week

Wonder Class

Everyone - for getting to know their new classroom, new teachers and new routine!

KS1 Star of the Week

Peake Class

Freya - for showing confidence and enjoyment in our mastering number lessons, and being whizz at using the rekenrek. Well done, Freya!

Weir Class

Brandon - for being a patient and kind role model and friend.

Walker Class

Loki - for settling well into your new year at school and being a responsible and independent learner when you are in your year 2 class. Well done, Loki!  

KS2 Star of the Week

Newton Class

Jessica - for her confidence in class & for having positive attitude towards her learning. Well done, Jessica!

Thunberg Class

Maksim - for being a thoughtful and observant mathematician, and for explaining his reasoning in fantastic detail! Well done, Maksim!

Darwin Class

Ruairi - for kindness in giving his time to helping others in the class with their maths.

Attenborough Class

Caitlin - for a great start to Year 5, living our school values and trying her best at all times.

Parks Class

Tyrese - for an amazing start to the year! We are all wowed by your resilience.