Dear Parents,
As you know, the NSPCC visited our school today and delivered their "Speak out. Stay safe." assembly to share information with your child about how they can keep themselves safe from harm and get help if they have any worries.
It was a very worthwhile and empowering session for both pupils and teachers. They spoke to the children and staff about the valuable work they do across the country, and talked about how important it is for everyone in our school community to join them in their ‘fight for every childhood’.
Talking PANTS with your children
The NSPCC’s work in schools will help encourage conversations about staying safe – and they have a number of child-friendly materials to help you carry on the conversation afterwards. That includes ‘Talk PANTS’, a simple way for parents to help keep children safe from sexual abuse – without using scary words or even mentioning sex.
The guide uses the rules of PANTS to teach children that their body belongs to them and them alone. You can find out more and download the free resources at nspcc.org.uk/pants
If you’d like to know more about the NSPCC’s work, or take a look at the wide range of information and advice which is available for parents and carers, please visit their website nspcc.org.uk/parents
We were treated on Friday to Class 5's Assembly. It was most informative as the children shared what they had been learning about the world and electricity. Did you know that a submarine has travelled under the artic to prove that there is no land, just ice? The children finished by singing a great song - Living on a Prayer - with full gusto (coincidentally one of my favourites). I was so impressed by the confidence of each and every child as they stood up proudly to tell everyone what they had been learning. They seem to have quite suddenly matured and blossomed as individuals.
Our Year 5 and 6 netballers were in action recently too. Beth has written a match report:
We were against Claremont, who were one player short. Charlie stepped in and played with them for the first round as WD. Lily was C, Lola GS, Beth GA, Carmen GD, Connie GD, Bonnie WA and Emily GK. Lola scored twice in the first round and once in the second round. In the second round, Carmen offered to play for Claremont. Sadly we lost 5-3 but we did have a brilliant game and it was great fun!
I was so proud to hear of our children stepping in to support another school. They were heard to say, "I may not be from your school, but I am in your team and will do my best for you." I am sure this will have taken courage.
We are supporting the Parish Council in their bid to get the speed limit reduced from 30 to 20 in the High Street and Spring Lane to keep our children and other pedestrians safe. There is a petition both here and at Bidborough Stores that you can sign in support. Alternatively, you can sign online at www.bidborough.20splentyforus.org.uk I am sure you will agree that this is one way to help keep our children safe.
Finally, I would like to confirm some dates with you for the next term. A couple of them are altered from the beginning of the year (in capitals) so please do add them to your calendars:
28th March - Spring Concert
29th March - Mothers' Day lunch (Y6 and YR only)
1st April - 8.30 a.m. OPEN CLASSROOMS and 'Dress as a Fool'
2nd & 3rd - Learning Reviews (please sign up if you have not already done so)
5th April - Last day of Term 4 and Y5/6 DanceFest
23rd April - Children return to school, St George's team may wear red and whole school Easter Celebration day
26th April - HOME LEARNING EXHIBITION
3rd May - Class 1 assembly
7th May - Chiddingstone Literary festival
9th May - PENSARN MEETING 7PM (Year 6 parents only)
13th May - Year 6 SATs week begins
14th May - Class R trip
21st May - Girls' cricket tournament at Bells Yew Green
22nd May - Kwik cricket tournament at the Nevill
24th May - STEM day
4th June - Children return to school and beginning of Enterprise Week.
Kind regards,
Julie Burton
Headteacher
