Dear Parents,
Apologies for the lateness of this newsletter – it has been an incredibly busy last week of term!
There have been quite a few tours around our school this week. I have been so very proud as we visit classes and they marvel at our children’s manners, behaviour and enthusiasm for learning. What was also incredible to see were how engaged the children across the school are in writing their entries for our 500 word story competition. There is a huge variety of story ideas across the school and a real buzz about writing. The children were certainly inspired by the visit from John Kirk, a performance story teller. Stories need to be completed by Friday 1st March, in good time for judging for World Book Day, the following Friday. On World Book Day, the children are invited to come as a book character or in pyjamas for a bedtime story. We will be holding a special awards assembly to celebrate the winners of the 500-word story competition.
As I show visitors around, I often pause at our mural to explain what being at Bidborough is all about. I talk about our sense of family, often explain what koinonia means and just wish I could bottle our Thursday morning Worship and Praise sessions as they sum up so much. This Thursday, Virginia Corbyn visited from the Diocese. She was thrilled to be able to join us for Worship and Praise and has now invited us to send a group of children to sing at Rochester Cathedral in June!
And all this following Monday’s outstanding performance at the Assembly Halls! We joined with other Tunbridge Wells schools for a festival of singing. As well as singing several songs as a combined choir, our Key Stage 2 choir sang, “Thank you for the music”. Considering we are one of the smaller schools in Tunbridge Wells, the sheer number of children volunteering to be in our Key Stage 2 choir was something to be proud of. Inspired by Mrs Bateup and Mrs Lindley, over 50 children stood on the stage at the Assembly Halls and did us all proud. There are many photos on the website and I will endeavour to get a short video clip up on the website too. The choir will be performing at the up-coming Spring Concert. If your child takes music lessons outside of school, please do ensure you return the slip on the letter sent out to secure them a slot in the concert too.
Thanks for your feedback regarding the new PE kit. The children have shown a lot of interest in it too.
I hope you all have a restful half term and I look forward to seeing you when we return on Monday 25th February.
Kind regards,
Julie Burton
Headteacher