Dear Parents and Carers, 

Over the last fortnight we have had lots of visitors to the school who continue to remind us of what a special place Lark Rise is for the children to learn.  This is so lovely to hear; huge thanks to our staff for the passion they bring to their roles day in and out and also a huge thanks to you, our wonderful parents, for ensuring that our communication is as strong as it can be in order to provide the right support for your child. Working together is so important to us as it results in all children being able to reach their full potential. We were pleased to welcome Councillors Liz Jones and Eugene Ghent to the school today who enjoyed hearing all about the History topic that KS1 have been involved in this half term. The children demonstrated great confidence and articulated themselves beautifully based on their enquiry question; How has Dunstable high street changed over the years? This was a great opportunity for them to see how to present their learning with a real purpose in mind. Huge thanks to our visitors for joining us.  

Over the last two weeks there have been some wonderful enrichment opportunities provided for the children which have ensured that the learning has been brought to life and enabled them to develop confidence and character. I was delighted to receive a front row seat for the Chiltern Learning Trust Busking event hosted by Denbigh High school. Our children were the only primary school in attendance but they did not let that stop them from putting on an extremely polished and engaging performance; their confidence was through the roof and their singing and overall performance was a joy to watch. Huge thanks to the parents and carers that came and supported this event and ensured they were able to collect their child after.  Last but not least, big thanks to the incredible Miss Slough and Miss Spokes who have been rehearsing with our choir in school to ensure they were performance ready and have continued to nurture such great talent. Continuing on the theme of music and performance, all the adults in school were so impressed with our end of half term music showcase in the hall where each key stage performs to one another. KS1 had made the effort with their rock star accessories for the occasion in keeping with their song but the all round performances from each of the key stages were phenomenal. So much so that we would like to award the children with a non-uniform day after half term, date to be confirmed. 

This week the children in LKS2 were welcomed to Hogwarts for an immersive day linked to their English key text, Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. We have tried to capture this on social media for you so that you can fully appreciate the day from start to finish through the eyes of the children, however I am sure you will agree if your child took part in the day that it was a resounding success with so much excitement. Thank you for ensuring that your children looked the part for the day, I think this is definitely a 'magic moment' they will remember. 

Last week it was Children's Mental Health Week and there was lots happening in school in order to continue to raise awareness around this important topic. Thank you to Mrs Hartley who delivered an assembly around this and explored 'the right to play' with the children through the book Children Who changed the World by Marcia Williams. We have spoken about the importance of doing things that we enjoy to support our mental health including playing, spending time with friends and exercise! We have raised a total of £329 for CHUMS through our Shine Bright Wear Bright non uniform day and a further £159.06 through the bake sale organised by some children in UKS2; well done everyone. 

It was been lovely to welcome parents and carers into school during the last fortnight for Red Kites and Macaws class assembly. Both classes spoke so well about their learning and it was fantastic to see this showcased for parents; well done everyone! 

Finally, we are looking forward to seeing all of our Year 6 children in school after half term at the slightly earlier start time of 8:30am in the run up to their Statutory Assessment Tests. The gates will open at 8:25am for a prompt 8:30am start in the classroom. 

I hope that you all get to spend some time over half term with your families and I look forward to seeing you all back in school on Monday 26th February. 

Mrs Romina Lang

Headteacher