Headteacher Message

Hello all.

Well that was the year that was.  I have to admit, I am sure like many of you, I am feeling a bit tired.  2020 has been a challenge to us all.  Throughout this period the school and our community has been my constant, my own personal source of motivation, inspiration and validation.  I really hope that it has been there for you and your families.  As we stand at the cusp of a new year I am filled with optimism regarding the direction of the school.  We have all the ingredients.  A settled, welcoming loving staff, amazing children and a supportive parental body who are working in partnership with us at every opportunity.  There are challenges ahead, but nothing we cannot handle together.  We have worked our way through an unprecedented crisis and emerged stronger than before.  

For me our greatest achievement this term has been the happiness of your children.  Their wonderful resilience combined with our child centered approach has allowed them to flourish in these challenging times. I have been extremely lucky to lead a number of tours around the school recently and there has been superb learning taking place with quality teaching and motivated children in every class. Every family that comes to visit the school remark on how well behaved and calm our children are.  Perceptions of this school are becoming more and more positive on a daily basis.  I had a family visit last week who had recently arrived from a period living abroad.  They were impressed to the extent that they challenged other parents who said that they should not send their children to Darell.  They asked them why.  They had no answer.  There is no answer.  A historical perception of Darell still exists in some of the locality.  Quite simply we are going to smash this to pieces and Darell, as it is beginning to do, will be the school of choice for all in our community. We have recently added a welcome video to the homepage of our website.  Please take a look.  I think it really shows the warmth that exists at the heart of the school.

I really should list what we have achieved this term but I also need to look after my own and my families well being so I am going to sign off shortly.  I just have a few thank you’s to make.  Thank you to all of our amazing staff.  Every single one of the team.  It is truly humbling to lead them. Our children. Our motivation and inspiration, they have been magnificent.  And of course you.  Thank you all for trusting us with your children and working with us to ensure that we have not just survived but actively thrived during this period.

Have an amazing break.  Rest, reflect, and enjoy precious time with your lovely families.  We will see you all  in the New Year.  It is going to be a great year.

Joe Porter