The Hundred of Hoo Primary Academy

End of Term 1

As we reach the end of term one, it is almost unbelievable to think that our students have only been with their new class teachers for just seven weeks. When I, or other academy leaders, spend time in classrooms, it so evident that the children continue to rise to the aspirational expectations set of them both academically and in terms of behaviour and conduct.

As mentioned in my first briefing of the year, we have introduced individual targets for Writing, Mathematics and Reading, which children are embracing and working hard to achieve. Those of you who have been able to take the opportunity to join us for the parent book-look sessions, will hopefully have noticed the progress your children have made since the start of the year; if you have not been able to join us for these, I know that class teachers are excited to share this success with you in the upcoming Parents' Evening at the start of term two.

I am sure that if you ask your child what their targets are or "What are you working on to improve your writing?" for example, they will explain to you what they are really trying hard to improve.

Moving into term two and thinking about the celebrations which come towards the end of December (I'm trying very hard to avoid that word in October!), our wonderful PTA and hardworking staff will be in contact to share with you the many opportunities there will be to come into school and share in what truly is a very special place to be.

I would also like to take this opportunity to publicly thank you all for your ongoing support in helping to continue to make our academy the best possible school for all of our students to be.

Staffing

It is with great sadness that today we say goodbye to Miss N'Diadia, our fabulous Administration Assistant, in the school office. Although she has only been with us for a relatively short time, she has learned a huge amount and has truly helped the school to run smoothly on a day-to-day basis. Miss N'Diadia leaves us to embark on her exciting journey at university and I am sure you join me in wishing her the very best for the future.

We are very lucky to have been able to already recruit for Miss N'Diadia's role and are excited to welcome back a familiar face to many of the children and parents/carers - Mrs Hallbutt. Mrs Hallbutt will be joining us from the first day of term two!

Expansion Project

You may recently have seen in the local media that planning permission has been granted for the expansion project of our school to become two-form entry. This confirmation is excellent news and means that the building project will commence over the half-term break.

In the next week, you will receive further correspondence from me and the Central Trust which will outline more specific information around how this will look and any impact this may have on parents and pupils. I can confirm that we are working hard with the contractors to ensure that the minimum possible disruption will take place in terms of learning and also in terms of pick-up and drop-off.