Dear Parents and Carers

It's been another whirlwind week here at Delce, packed with exciting activities and achievements!

We were thrilled to host a circus skills workshop, an experience made possible by the funding from Sport England and the organisation by Medway Plus charity. Our children had an absolute blast, honing their circus talents and creating memories to cherish.

Our after-school clubs have been buzzing with energy, offering a diverse range of sports, arts, and other engaging activities. A huge shout-out to our boys' football team for exemplifying sportsmanship and dedication on the field. Thank you to all the adults who came out to spectate and support this event—it truly means the world to our young athletes.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the parents who joined us for the Triple P workshop. Your involvement and support are invaluable in creating a strong partnership between home and school. I encourage everyone to stay updated with our key dates and explore Mr. Palmer's section for more details on upcoming events and initiatives.

Just as our children are constantly learning and growing, our teachers are also dedicated to enhancing their skills. During our weekly CPD sessions, they've been hard at work crafting engaging learning journeys tailored to our children's needs and interests.

I'd like to take a moment to commend our pupil leadership teams for their unwavering dedication and continuous support in ensuring that Delce remains a happy and safe environment for all our children. Your contributions are truly appreciated.

As we look ahead to the coming weeks, let's continue to foster a spirit of collaboration, growth, and excellence within our school community.

'At Delce We Do Belong'

Why Uniform Matters at Delce Academy!

At Delce, we believe in the power of uniforms for many reasons. First and foremost, uniforms foster a sense of belonging and identity within our school community. When all our children are dressed alike, it creates a cohesive environment where they feel connected to one another and to our school's values.

But the benefits don't stop there. Uniforms also lower the pressure of peer comparison, sparing children from worrying about their attire and allowing them to focus on their learning and relationships instead. By removing the emphasis on fashion trends, we ease the financial burden on families and promote equality among children.

Additionally, adhering to a uniform policy eliminates the risk of children feeling singled out or ostracised for not conforming to dress norms. This proactive approach prevents unnecessary conflicts and ensures a more inclusive environment for all.

As some of our children prepare for the transition to secondary school, enforcing uniform standards instils important habits that will serve them well in their future academic endeavours. Let's continue to support our children in embracing the importance of wearing the correct uniform each day!

JLT Update: Read-a-Thon Results and Exciting Plans Ahead!

This week, our Junior Leadership Team (JLT) convened to discuss the latest updates on our Read-a-Thon competition. In a fierce battle of words, Rhodes class emerged victorious, claiming the top spot over Earhart class. Congratulations, Rhodes!

The competition is heating up, and the stakes are high. The winning class will enjoy a thrilling array of sports activities and a delightful picnic with Mr. Minlah at the end of term. Keep those pages turning if you want to be in with a chance to win!

In addition to the Read-a-Thon, the JLT delved into plans for their upcoming initiative. Excitement filled the room as they finalized details and made preparations to bring their vision to life.

Furthermore, the JLT decided to dedicate an extra week to perfecting their upcoming assembly. Their commitment to excellence ensures that every presentation is delivered flawlessly.

Stay tuned for more updates from our dedicated Junior Leadership Team!

Is it Banter or Bullying? 

In our ongoing efforts to foster a safe and respectful school environment, it's crucial to understand the distinction between bullying and banter. While both involve interactions between individuals, they differ significantly in their nature and impact.

Bullying is characterised by repetitive, intentional, and harmful behaviour that is intended to intimidate, hurt, or exclude someone. It often involves a power imbalance, where the bully wants to control the other person, causing emotional or physical distress.

On the other hand, banter refers to playful or teasing remarks exchanged between children in a lighthearted manner. It is typically mutual and enjoyed by everybody involved, contributing to positive social interactions and camaraderie.

As we promote kindness and empathy within our school community, it's essential for children to recognise the difference between banter and bullying. 

Let's work together to ensure that all interactions at Delce are characterised by kindness, understanding, and mutual respect.

Mr. Palmer's Parent Drop Ins 

Each week Mr. Palmer will be available 9am-10am every Friday in 15 minute slots to discuss any concerns.

If you would like one of the 15 Minute Slots to discuss something, please use the QR code below to access the booking system. 

Summer Term Foodie News

Chartwells - our school meal provider – has launched their new Summer menu, filled with crowd-pleasing classics and fresh, seasonal flavours.

To see the new menu below or visit the school website.

There is plenty of foodie fun planned for the summer term with themed menus such, Mexican themed Fiesta Fun in May and celebrating National Picnic Week in June.

All theme menus can be found here.

Complaints procedures

At Delce, we aim to meet our statutory obligations when responding to complaints from our parents. Parents should follow our Complaints Policy that explains the procedures that should be followed. 

Stage 1: Informal 

The complainant should raise the complaint as soon as possible with the relevant member of staff or the headteacher as appropriate, either in person or by letter, telephone or email. If the complainant is unclear who to contact or how to contact them, they should contact the school office.

If the complaint is not resolved informally, it will be escalated to a Stage 2 formal complaint. The school will maintain a log of informal complaints and review this on a termly basis.

Stage 2: Formal 

If the issue cannot be resolved through informal action the complainant should inform the headteacher in writing. This letter will be acknowledged within three working days. Formal complaints must be reported the local governing body. The local governing body must then be kept informed about progress and outcomes. This letter should provide details such as relevant dates, times, and the names of witnesses of events, alongside copies of any relevant documents. The complainant should also state what they feel would resolve the complaint. 

For more details visit our website.