Newsletter: Friday 17th March 2023

Dear Parents,

It has obviously been a disrupted week here in school due to the industrial action but the children have shown great resilience. Bidborough was represented along with other Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells schools at the rallies in London. There are no further planned strikes at this time but thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Some activities were able to carry on as usual:

Netball by Ellis

On Wednesday Bidborough went to a netball tournament at Skinner Kent Academy. In total we scored 3 goals over four matches with 2 losses and 2 draws.

We all felt we had improved from previous matches and it was really good to see our training come together.

We really enjoyed it and wish the best for the year 5's next year.

Bikeability
The last group of Year 6 children have completed their Bikeability training. The trainers have been very complimentary about all of the children across the 3 groups, noting their enthusiasm, concentration and courtesy throughout. Not only do the children learn valuable cycling skills, they increase their awareness of road safety in general which is so important as they prepare to travel to their secondary schools with increasing independence in September!

MUGA
We are delighted that we step ever closer to our Multi-Use Games Area as the planning application was approved earlier this week. Committee chairman, Cllr Andy Booth (Con), said the application would amount to a "dramatic improvement to the school."

He added: "Anything where we are looking at the provision for educational need and development and also the provision for improving facilities are two, in my opinion, massive tick boxes.

"I totally understand the concerns about the AONB and green belt, however, when we have an overwhelming demand to improve a school, and offer something that is going to enhance it – let's not forget this is for the children of that site.

"Anything that we see before us on this application I would suggest would be hugely advantageous to many schools throughout Kent and they would look at it with some degree of green eyes."

The news comes as a welcome boost, particularly given that it has been so wet and the field is still very muddy and waterlogged! What this space for more news on how to get involved in the next steps.

Learning Reviews
These will be available to book on ParentMail early next week. As before, we will offer a blended approach with in face consultations available on Tuesday 28th following the school day and via TEAMS on Wednesday 29th.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy celebrating Mother’s day with all the special women in your life.

Kind regards,

Julie Burton
Headteacher

28^th March – Learning Reviews
29^th March - Learning Reviews
30^th March – Easter Celebration day and last day of term
31^st March – INSET day

17^th April – Start of Term 5
19^th April – Class R trip
21^st April – St. George’s team may wear red
1^st May – Bank holiday
5^th May – Class 1 assembly
8^th May – Bank holiday (Coronation)
9^th May – Year 6 SATs
10^th May – Year 6 SATs
11^th May – Year 6 SATs
12^th May – Year 6 SATs
26^th May – Last day of Term 5