Headteachers Update
Welcome to this, our second newsletter published on our website. You can find this, and past issues published on the website by going directly the News & Events tab. You can filter to just see the Newsletters from there.
This weeks update is from our Federation Deputy Headteacher Miss Knapp.
I want to start by saying a huge thank you for the warm welcome I have received at the Schools of Woolton Hill. I feel very privileged to join at such a crucial time in the journey of the new Federation and I know I have landed on my feet at Woolton Hill. My first term has been very focused on getting to know all the children and working alongside the staff team. This term, my aim is to spend more time talking to parents to gain your perspective and build relationships – please look out for me on the school gate at both schools and do come over to say hello and talk to me about your experience of the Schools of Woolton Hill.
The schools are welcoming and friendly and have such a desire to further improve, which is something I have been impressed by and delighted to be a part of. I have been impressed by the children’s friendly welcome, their curious nature, desire to learn and their drive to make things even better for themselves and for the schools. Every day the children talk to me about what is good about their school and also how we could make it even better! The staff team have made me feel equally welcome and part of something special here in Woolton Hill. I have enjoyed getting to know the team and make positive changes together.
I have been especially impressed by the children’s writing, across both schools, our children are inspired to write well because of the exciting books and themes planned and taught by the teachers. Last term I have been delighted by reading instructions for marvellous medicine recipes, news articles and reports about the island of Pandora. We have some inspirational writing going up on display in both schools. We recognise that parents have not had the usual opportunities to visit school and so we’re looking forward to starting to welcome parents gradually back into school as well as sharing some highlights via blog posts on the school website.
This term I am looking forward to leading some exciting new opportunities for collaborative working across the two schools. This has started positively this week with our Year 6 Peer Mentors visiting St Thomas’ to lead positive play sessions at lunchtime (you can find out more about this in the news section of the school website). We are also in the process of electing a new School Council at St Thomas’ to join the team of children at the junior school. We hope they will all be working together this term to plan our school event for Red Nose Day! Finally, we are working hard to select and train a group of Year 5 children to be Reading Buddies. Look out on the school website for how this scheme will benefit both younger and older children.
I look forward to another busy term at the Schools of Woolton Hill.
World Book Day - 3rd March
Children from across the Federation had an amazing World Book day yesterday. Pupils and staff looked fantastic in their costumes and I'd like to say a big thank you to all the parents who supported this. The children took part on lots of activities designed to promote a love of books and reading. You can find out more here.
Red Nose Day
This takes place on Friday 18th March. Children are invited to wear their own clothes (no football kits) in return for a £1 donation to the charity. The school council are currently deciding on what further activities will take place and they will write to you next week with the details.
Mother's Day Lunch
To celebrate Mothers' Day we'd like to invite Mums to come and have lunch with their children!. Spaces are available each lunchtime week commencing 21st March. To book your place click here.
Simply RSVP to save your place. Places are limited so please respond quickly and if you are unable to make it, please cancel your place so that we can offer it to someone else.
The Menu will be "Week 3" - please click here for meal choices.
Governing Body
We have vacancies for parent governor volunteers which we need to fill as soon as possible. We have always aimed for a partnership with parents which undoubtedly brings great benefits to the children. One of the most significant ways you can help in promoting this aim is to volunteer to be a parent governor. For more information click here.
The Governing Body is also looking to recruit a new Clerk. This is a paid role and you can find out more by clicking here.
WHJS After School Club
We currently have vacancies for a Play Leader and Play Worker at the new Junior School After-School Club that we hope to launch on Monday 28th March. If you would like to apply for one of these roles, you can find out more below. So far we have not been able to appoint to these positions and I ask that you pass this information to anyone who you think might be looking for a new opportunity.
We are also looking for donations of good quality toys and games that the children can use at the club. Please bring in anything you think is suitable to either of our schools.
Peer Mentors
The Peer Mentors from the Junior School have done a brilliant job this week, supporting play times. You can read more about this work here.
Have a great weekend.
Best Wishes
Paul Davies
Executive Headteacher
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