Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome back to the second half of the Spring Term! The milder weather and sunshine has been very much welcomed this week and our Sports Coaches have been able to use the Penfold on a Tuesday and Thursday lunch time.

We began this week reflecting on the start of Lent which this year runs from 18th February to 2nd April. As Shrove Tuesday this year fell in half term, we marked this a week later and in true Great Gaddesden style as all children got to enjoy making and tasting pancakes in small groups. The children were also excited as Mrs Hollings came in for the morning with her baby boy, Sebastian. 

On a seperate note, I would like to politely remind all parents/carers to carefully monitor your child(ren)'s balances on Arbor for dinners and clubs. In line with our Charging, Remissions and Debts Policy, a maximum of £20 debt is permitted. This is to ensure we do not allow parents to accrue an unmanageable amount of debt and also to ensure we are able to cover the costs associated with delivering wrap around and providing school meals. Thank you in advance for your support with this.

Have a lovely weekend and we look forward to seeing you for the reading breakfast on Monday!

With best wishes,

Mr M. Beach

Headteacher

📩Communication sent out this week:

• Spring Parental Consultation Evenings Letter (bookings opened yesterday morning on Arbor)

• Parent Forum Minutes from 12th February

• Letter regarding the school's invacuation and lock down procedure

🗓️Things happening next week:

w.c 2nd March - Book Week

• Monday- Reading Breakfast (Parents are welcome to come into school with their children at drop off to enjoy some shared reading and a light snack- the session will end with the sound of the bell at 9:15am)

• Tuesday-  Dacorum Family Services Coffee Morning (from 9:00am) in the school library - Emotional Based School Avoidance Focus (all welcome)

• Thursday- World Book Day (Bedtime stories/Pyjamas & option to bring in a decorated potato for a display in the Library)

• Friday- Parent Cafe @Church (after drop off)

Whole school attendance this week: 95%

Overall attendance so far this year: 94.4%

Well done to Early Years  for the highest attendance this week with an incredible 100%

All absences must be reported to the school either by leaving an absence message (Option 1) or emailing Mrs Redman (Pastoral Support/Attendance Lead) via absence@greatgaddesden.herts.sch.uk

Please note: in line with the statutory guidance from the Department for Education which is reflected in our attendance policy, we are unable to authorise term time holiday.

Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-improve-school-attendance 

Lent has arrived at Great Gaddesden and the children were invited to come up with a Lenten Promise or Prayer. We were really impressed with the thought and care that went into these and they were read out at Church this morning. 

Here are some photos of the children enjoying pancake making which took place on Tuesday:

This week, we hear from Early Years.

Early Years have had a great week and have really enjoyed the start of their new topic of Space. The focus text 'Whatever Next' has engaged the children and they have enjoyed thinking about what they would take to the moon. They have also been learning about the solar system and the different planets within it. They have used balloon painting to create different planets. They have made helmets and acted out being astronauts and going to the moon as well as pretending to be the bear in the story. The children had an amazing time creating a solar system inspired by Jackson Pollock flicking paint! 

Awards we are working towards

House Points