Dear Parents,

Firstly, thank you for wearing a face covering at pick up and drop off – I was astonished how quickly my invitation got out and encouraged to see you take such care of each other.

Our youngest children have been very impressive this week. I am sure that they are tired after their first couple of full days. They have taken on the challenge of meeting new friends and eating lunch in the dining hall in their stride. Well done to all our new Reception children.

The children have coped well with the arrival of Autumn. We will get them outside whenever possible, particularly for breaks, so please make sure they have a labelled, warm, waterproof coat with a hood in school every day (even on days when the sun seems to be shining at drop off!). With our doors and windows open to ensure adequate ventilation during this epidemic, please do ensure that your children have extra layers under their school uniforms. I think the time has come for tights and long trousers for all except the hardiest of children!

Over the next week or so, our Pupil Leadership Team will be helping us to create a virtual tour of the school. We would normally invite prospective parents to visit us throughout October as they look to choose a school for their young ones. With the added restrictions announced by the government, we are encouraged to do this virtually where possible so over the next couple of weeks we will have a visit from a cameraman who will try to capture the essence of Bidborough. The video will be shared on our website and I look forward to showing it to you all.

As most of you are aware, the play area in Bidborough is no longer safe. The friends of Bidborough are working with the Parish council to raise funds to replace the play apparatus. Although it is not part of the school grounds, I am sure that many of your children have enjoyed the facilities in the past and would love to see something wonderful here to play on after school once these difficult times are over. If you would like to get involved, an early opportunity is to take part in the Scarecrow trail. If you live outside of the village, please do email the team as there are ways that you can still get involved! To enter, please email friendsofbidborough@gmail.com to complete the registration form and secure your place on the map. There are prizes for the most creative, the scariest and the friendliest scarecrows so do get your thinking caps on.

A message from Alison Boulton: Come and experience the power of prayer ...you are invited to join myself and Stephen Hills to pray for all aspects of school life. We will be meeting the first Friday of each month at 9am in St Lawrences Church. First meeting next Friday 2nd October 9am.  Book your place by emailing me if you would like to join us and / or send any prayer requests to alisonboulton95@yahoo.co.uk in advance if you are unable to attend. It would be lovely to see you.

I hope you all have a very good weekend.

Kind regards,

Julie Burton
Headteacher

23rd September 2020