Friday 3rd July 2026
Headteacher's Blog
Well...what a week!
As we edge ever closer to the end of another fantastic school year, the calendar certainly isn't slowing down. In fact, if anything, it seems to be getting busier! It's been one of those weeks where every day has brought something completely different, and everywhere you looked there were children trying something new, celebrating their achievements or making memories with their friends.
We kicked things off with our rescheduled Jump Out event and, honestly, it was worth the wait. It was such a pleasure to open the gates and invite families in to see the wonderful inquiry learning that has been taking place across the school this term. There was so much to see, hear and explore, and I know many of our visitors were as impressed as I was with how confidently the children talked about their learning. They were able to explain their thinking, answer questions and show real pride in everything they have achieved. Those moments remind us just how much our children learn when they're given the opportunity to be curious, ask questions and take ownership of their learning.
A huge thank you to everyone who was able to come along, particularly after we had to rearrange the event.
Tuesday afternoon saw Year 5 swapping pens and pencils for tent poles as they enjoyed an afternoon of tent pitching with Mrs Stevens, very much in the style of the Duke of Edinburgh Award! There were a few tangled poles, plenty of teamwork and lots of determination, but by the end of the session they were looking rather accomplished. Who knew we had so many budding expedition leaders among us?
On Wednesday evening, some of our wonderful pBuzz musicians took to the stage at Barry Memorial Hall. Although we were one of the smallest groups performing, our children certainly made themselves heard! They played with confidence, enthusiasm and just the right amount of pizzazz, representing our school brilliantly from start to finish. Performing in front of a packed audience is no small feat, and we couldn't be prouder of every single one of them.
Thursday was a particularly lovely day for Year 6, who spent the morning outdoors making the most of everything they've grown in our school garden this year. They harvested fresh produce before preparing buttered potatoes for their main course and a delicious rhubarb and blackcurrant compote to serve with ice cream for dessert. There is something really special about children eating food they've grown and prepared themselves, and it was a wonderful way to celebrate all the skills they've developed during their Outdoor Learning journey. With only a few weeks left before they leave us, it was another opportunity to make memories together, and I suspect one they'll remember for a long time.
Whilst Year 6 were busy in the garden, the rest of the school were getting a sneak peek at September during our transition morning. There was such a lovely atmosphere around the building as children met their new teachers and spent time in their new classrooms. It's always one of my favourite mornings of the year. You can almost hear the excitement growing as the children begin imagining themselves in their new year groups, and it was wonderful to see how quickly they settled in. I have no doubt they'll all hit the ground running in September.
And then...today happened!
Break the Rules Day never disappoints, and this year's effort certainly didn't either. The hairstyles seemed to get bigger, the nail polish brighter and the outfits even more creative than ever before! It was impossible not to smile walking around school today, and the children absolutely loved having the chance to bend the rules for a very good cause.
Of course, everyone was waiting for the grand finale...
Thanks to the generosity of our families, Mrs Antoniou and I found ourselves on the receiving end of an impressive quantity of gunge. The children were absolutely delighted (perhaps a little too delighted!) to watch us disappear beneath buckets of the gloopy stuff. As I write this, I'm fairly certain there's still some hiding in my hair and in my ears! Glamorous, it was not!
A huge thank you (...I think!) to our brilliant PTA for organising another fantastic fundraising event. They work incredibly hard behind the scenes to create these memorable experiences for the children while raising valuable funds for our school, and we're incredibly grateful for everything they do.
With such a busy week, class blogs are taking a pause this week. They will return next week. Also, please note that we have had a new phone system installed so you may notice that our messaging system sounds a little different.
Finally, it looks like the sunshine is planning to stick around for another week; long may it continue! Please can I ask that children continue to come to school prepared for the warmer weather with a named water bottle, a sun hat and sun cream applied before they arrive at school (with additional sun cream if they're able to apply it independently).
Whatever you're doing this weekend, I hope you have the chance to enjoy the sunshine, spend some time together and recharge before another busy week ahead.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mrs Becky Heavyside
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