It is just as important that the routines are established by parents also. I have been at the gate most mornings and afternoons and it has been good to see that our drivers are generally following the rules, although I would ask you to remind them to follow the guards instructions and the BIS Drivers Code of Conduct.
Traffic aside, good routines at home will make your child’s educational experience so much better, especially in the morning and the evening.
In the morning, please make sure your child has had a good breakfast before coming to school, and make sure you leave plenty of time to arrive before school starts. As I mentioned, the traffic has been great in the morning, so there really is no excuse for being late.
In the evening, you should be calming your child before they go to bed. Do not allow them to play video games, or spend time watching Youtube, rather spend 20 to 30 minutes reading with your child. You can read to them in English or in your home language. As they get older they can read to you. If they want to hear the same story again and again, that is fine. So long as you are reading, the educational research shows the benefits go well beyond learning to read, but impact academic success and personal happiness and wellbeing. There is so much research available, but if you would like to read more, here is an article by the National Literacy Trust.
F3 Settling In
This week our children in F3 have had their first full week which included a number of new routines for them; swimming in the pool on the lower ground floor being one example. Ms Maria tells us more in this post:
F3 Firsts
COVID Precautions
Just a reminder that all children should wear a mask to and from school, and when not in the classroom (moving between classrooms, playtime, etc.). Please make sure the mask is named and that your child has a spare in their bag.
Children should be bringing a water bottle to school every day as part of their usual routine, but it is all the more important during the current coronavirus pandemic. Please make sure that your child brings their water bottle, with their name clearly on it, every day.
We have an exciting and busy year ahead and whether you are here in person or are accessing Virtual Learning until you are able to return to school, we look forward to working in partnership with you, the parents, in providing the best education we can to all our students. Be rest assured that we will provide a safe and happy environment for the children, regardless of the current global crisis.
In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact any member of the school staff should you need anything. Please see the table below for key people to contact at school.
Parents’ Information Evening
Since writing last week, I would like to update you on the arrangements for the ‘Parents’ Information Evening’ for the Early Years and Infant Campus on Thursday 10th September at 5pm. This is an event for parents and we would encourage you to not bring your children along if possible.
Having considered the advice from the People’s Committee, we feel it is inappropriate for all parents to gather in the Sports Hall, so the evening will proceed as follows:
- 5pm - 5.30pm - All parents complete a health and declaration form in the Parents’ Hall.
- 5.30pm - Go to your child’s classroom where there will be an introductory video from our leadership team, followed by a short presentation about what we are wanting to achieve as a school.
- 6.00pm - Remain in your child’s classroom. There will be year group specific presentations and a chance, if you have not done so already, to meet your child’s class teacher.
- 6.30pm - If you have children in more than one year group, the class presentations will be repeated.
- Please make attending this event a priority! Important information will be shared by your child’s class teacher, and you will have a much greater understanding of how you can support your child’s education over the course of the year.
Parent Teacher Student Conferences (PTSCs)
The first few weeks at school are very much about settling into new classes and routines. General information will be shared at the Parents’ Information Evening, but there will be an opportunity to have a one-to-one meeting with your child’s class teacher in a few weeks’ time. Please make a note in your diary that the pastoral PTSCs will be taking place on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th September. Details of how to book an appointment will be sent to you next week.
Co-Curricular Activity (Clubs) Sign Up
Thank you for completing your Child’s Co-Curricular Activities. The random selection and allocation to clubs will take place next week. More information will follow, including the arrangements for paying for paid activities.
