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. Please see further information below from Mr Carrick, our Sports Leader.
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
Dear Parents,
Thank you for your feedback and comments regarding the new PE kit. Please know that I am more than happy to answer any questions or queries in person and can be found in school every Wednesday.
It appears that the main issue is the cost of the PE kit. I have therefore spent the last few days researching the price of kit from other local primary schools. I can confirm that the new PE kit we will be rolling out is mid-range and the same price, if not cheaper than some local schools.
One school in Tunbridge Wells has rolled this PE kit out for the same price to over 400 pupils and it is successfully now compulsory school uniform. Another local school uses Simmonds as their supplier and the price of their full PE kit is £79.75. I am therefore confident that the price we have for this new kit is reasonable.
Another popular question has been if parents of Key Stage 1 are able to buy the full kit. Although it’s not compulsory, the full PE kit will be available to buy for Key Stage 1.
The full kit however is compulsory for Key Stage 2. Key Stage 2 have many of their PE lessons outside throughout the winter due to hall space and many more of them are involved in events and fixtures. We will also be introducing new in-house sporting tournaments and encouraging those children who attend after school clubs to wear the new PE kit to save parents having to buy the latest football kits or sportswear. This ensures we are being as inclusive as we possibly can.
The new kit will be available to try on shortly after half term and we will take orders soon. Please bear in mind that we will be phasing in the new kit over an extended period with it only being compulsory from September 2020.
Kind regards,
Adam Carrick
Sports Coordinator
