There is a fantastic buzz around the school, the Primary students have started their IPC projects and there have been some inspiring entry points lately. I especially enjoyed welcoming an impressive range of celebrities, both from the present and the past last Wednesday when Year 6 started their AD900 topic. It is not every day you bump into Greek gods, scientists, sportsmen and activists in your school!
We are well underway with the Primary Curriculum Evenings. Year 5 will have their virtual event tomorrow, Tuesday 8th September, whilst our Years 1-2 and 3-6 Pathway 3 classes will meet their teachers virtually on Wednesday 9th September and EYFS theirs on Thursday 10th September. Please note that the events start at 4.00pm.
This week Key Stages 4 and 5 are invited to virtually Meet the Tutor. These will take place tomorrow, Tuesday 8th September for parents of students in Years 9-11 and on Thursday, 10th September for Years 12-13. The events start at 6.00pm. For meeting links, please refer to the emails sent out by Mr Bull.
On Thursday, I look forward to delivering a virtual Well-being workshop. The importance of our well-being and the well-being of our children has become a hot topic over the past few years and especially since the changes and challenges we have experienced as part of the Covid-19 response. This will be the first of a series of workshops focusing on how we can support ourselves, our families and our children to be healthier and happier.
Date: Thursday 10th September
Time: 8.30am
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/94548743251
Meeting ID: 945 4874 3251
Our Year 13 students have their last mock exams this week and the Year 11 students their final days of assessments, the focus seen so far has been commendable.
There are obviously some changes to life at school relating to the new levels of hygiene and safety, the adjustments to the rhythm of our days and the wearing of masks – which certainly have some impact on our day to day functions. There are also the less tangible impact such as, not being exactly sure how those around you are receiving your communication, understanding how secure students are in their learning, how relationships are developing between students and adults in school.
These challenges have and will continue to adjust the way we operate and interact. They will at times be frustrating but also they will stimulate our professional growth as we explore the most effective ways to tackle the new normal and adjust as we strive to continue to provide an excellent education at Dover Court for all our students. These challenges will help us learn, develop and build our personal and professional resilience. I personally feel lucky to be going through this period surrounded by so many dedicated teachers and staff, which brings me back to how timely Teacher's Day was to recognize the extra dedication and support our teams have brought to ensure we are not just open again but continuing our work developing and improving the education we provide.