Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been truly wonderful to welcome the children back this term, and I must share how refreshed, energised, and enthusiastic they all seem. Their curiosity and passion for learning have been infectious.

It has been especially delightful to hear pupils discussing their recent learning with each other—from the world of Ancient Greece and the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons in Britain, to insightful discussions about the geographical reasons why people from the past chose specific locations for their towns, villages, and cities. We are incredibly proud of our pupils' engagement and enthusiasm across the curriculum.

We hosted our first Parents' Evenings of this academic year on Wednesday and Thursday. It was wonderful to see so many parents and carers in attendance across both evenings. The traffic incident on Wednesday evening threatened to put a spanner in the works but the academy community drew on it's principled, problem solving and caring attributes. Everyone collaborated together to ensure all parents and carers who managed to arrive and remain at the academy, waited patiently and were all seen by their respective teachers who willingly stayed late to meet with them.  I would like to extend particular thanks to Mrs Champ for meeting with the parents and carers of Rochester Class and to Mr Leach for coming back to support us as soon as he was released from jury service. It was an evening that could have been a disaster, through nobody's fault, but instead was one where the academy community pulled together to make things work.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank those of you who have taken the time to share positive feedback and praise our staff (very evident on both parent's evenings) for their knowledge and support regarding your child. Your positive contributions and communications mean a great deal to us, and we are very grateful for your continued support.

Finally, I wish you all a peaceful weekend. 

With best wishes,

Mrs Tipple