Dear Parents and Carers

I can’t believe it is Friday already.  The week has simply flown by, and I think that is largely to do with how busy everyone has been from Reception to Year 6. 

Last Friday our Year 5 footballers enjoyed a dry afternoon at Chesterfield High School and equipped themselves admirably, they played 5 games winning three of them and drawing one, and losing one game by one goal to nil which was extremely contentious to say the least as the whistle had already gone to signify the end of the game.  The boys and girls were obviously disappointed as they saw this as indeed did myself and Mr Parry as poor sportsmanship.  Nevertheless, these things happen and it will certainly not put us off continuing to participate in as many competitive activities as we can. 

Last Monday our Year 2 children led a beautiful collective worship celebrating their RE Theme ‘Beginnings’.  All the children were given a small heart to take back to class and asked to think about all the different types of new beginnings that they have and how they should try to embrace them.

Our children continue to work extremely hard and the teachers are delighted with their attitude toward their learning.  Can I remind you that the classrooms are open at 8.45am and children are asked to be in class as soon as they can.  This will become a new government statutory requirement from September 2023 and we are using this interim period to help families make sure that their children are in class by this time.

Teachers have had a number of meetings to discuss this term's assessments in reading, writing, maths, spelling, grammar and punctuation and other general curriculum areas.  We have collectively agreed that this term's assessment week will take place the week beginning 5^th December.  The teachers will ensure that your children will find this an enjoyable experience as they are well used to ongoing assessment by way of assessment quizzes and ongoing low stakes questioning.  We have as yet to receive an inspection visit from Ofsted which we would really like to get out of the way.  Your parents reply slips do help to capture your views and we shall be considering a similar questionnaire to one that Ofsted will ask you to complete online.  This involves around 10 questions which include homework, resource provision, governance and how the school is led and managed.  I have arranged for a local Headteacher who has also recently become an Ofsted Inspector to visit our school on Tuesday 15^th where she will conduct an Ofsted style scrutiny of many aspects that would be part of a full inspection.  I have asked her to be particularly robust and shall of course share her findings with you. 

Yesterday a group of our school councillors and Head and Deputy Boys and Girls came with me in the school minibus where we visited two local food banks and delivered your incredibly generous donations.  The pictures are now on Twitter and it was very humbling for the children to actually see these vital community services in operation.  To actually have people thanking us in person was more than moving and the children certainly saw first hand how great their need was. 

Our next charitable activity is currently ongoing as the children and families complete their Christmas Shoe Boxes.  A big thank you to those of you who have already returned them.  This is another big ask, but being able to discuss with our children the difference that this generous gesture will make to children who have never had a gift or whose toys and possessions really brings home the message of the Christmas Story.  I have arranged for our shoe boxes to be collected on Thursday 24^th November in the morning and would ask that if you are able to take part in this to return them before this date.  All I can say is thank you on behalf of children that we shall never meet.

Next week is Anti-Bullying Week where teachers have planned a number of age appropriate activities to help focus and understand what bullying is and why it can happen, and the real difference between simply having a disagreement or falling out with your friends.  To celebrate this the children and staff are asked to come to school on Monday with odd socks as a reminder that we are all different.

Our children in Year 6 shall be taking part in the Aqua Splash Swimming event this afternoon and we hope that they have an enjoyable time.  When we return I shall be taking our Year 5 & 6 girls to play a football match at St Thomas’ Primary School.  So a busy end to a busy week.

Our children shall all take part in a Whole School Remembrance Collective Worship which will take place at 11.00am this morning.  Once again, we shall focus on those both alive and dead who gave so much so that our children and grandchildren can enjoy a future of peace and happiness.

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, Charlie in Year 6 and a few of the children have asked if they can organize a raffle to try to raise enough money to buy new football kits for our girls and boys.  I have told them that the governors will support this and the Friends of St John Bosco will contribute if required.  So we now have the official grand St John Bosco World Cup Football Kit Raffle.  Details of how to buy raffle tickets will be given to the children in their classes next week.  Both myself and Miss Rogers will support the children in this event.  I can tell you that we currently have a brand-new football and a signed Jordan Pickford (Everton and England Goalkeeper) signed shirt and there will be other prizes added.  Any donations that you would like to send in will of course be gratefully received by the children.

We still have a position for a Welfare Assistant vacancy available if you would like to contact the office for more details.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Yours sincerely

Mr D MacAreavy - Headteacher