Friday 21 November 2025

What a very chilly week it has been at Jupiter! The flurry of snow on Wednesday morning was especially exciting for the children, although it was short-lived and had vanished by the time break time arrived - sadly! However, with the temperatures dropping significantly, please do ensure your children have suitable warm clothing to enable them to still enjoy their time outdoors, whatever the weather. This includes a warm coat, and crucially, gloves, hats, and scarves. 

This week, I met with the School Governing Board to update them on all of our progress this term. It was a valuable opportunity, and it made me reflect on all the things we have begun to do to make Jupiter even better. This is particularly evident in the steps we have taken around parental communication and feedback, aiming for greater transparency about school life, and inviting parents into classrooms more frequently. This engagement and open dialogue really is the kind of partnership we want to foster between home and school, and I know that Mr. Robinson, our new Headteacher, will continue to build on this when he joins us officially in a few weeks time. 

We have been delighted to have Mr. Robinson in school for a number of days this week. He has been busy getting to know our staff, pupils, and parents, and was fortunate to join me at the School Governing Board meeting on Wednesday. I know many of you have said hello to him at the gates, and he will be here over the coming weeks before he starts to get to know even more of you. 

Our whole-school assembly this week focused on our core value of Kindness, linking this directly to the incredible work of the Children in Need national campaign. I was genuinely impressed with all the children's sense of maturity and understanding regarding how the money we raised goes towards helping other children who are facing significant challenges.  We looked specifically this week at how hearing dogs are provided for some children who are born without hearing, and how absolutely vital these animals are for their independence and safety. This was a really important and insightful topic that sparked a lot of thoughtful discussion.

Thank you to the many of us who dressed in something bright and visible today as part of the national Road Safety Week campaign – there were some wonderfully creative outfit choices! It certainly reminded me that I probably need some brighter colour clothes in my own wardrobe!

A final reminder regarding upcoming school closures:

Next Friday, 28 November: Whole-school closure for an Occasional Day.

Monday, 01 December: School is closed for pupils due to Staff Training/INSET Day.

Have a wonderful weekend; stay warm and safe!