Dear Parents and Carers,

The children have been working so hard over the last two weeks both inside and outside the classroom. I've been so impressed with their learning behaviours when I've been in and out of each class across the school. Children have demonstrated to me how passionate they are about their learning and I've had some lovely conversations with them about the texts that they are reading in school as well as some of the amazing writing that they are producing which is a whole school focus of ours. I could not feel more proud of them for their super work ethic and commitment to trying their very best; well done everyone! At the same time I am also continually proud of the staff team and their efforts to produce quality sequences of learning for the children that challenge and engage them; they know the children so well and I feel so lucky to work amongst such a great team of people who share the same vision as me and demonstrate each and every day that the children are at the centre of all we do.

Our whole school value this half term is 'happiness'. Last week I enjoyed reading children the story, Augustus and his smile by Catherine Raynor. Happiness is a big part of our school ethos at Lark Rise and one of our 'rights' which underpins our behaviour policy. We learnt in the story different ways that Augustus found to be happy which he had not recognised at the start of the story. This led us on to think about what makes us happy; we spoke about the importance of making other people happy but how it was really important to think about ourselves too and things that make us happy. As always there were some super reflections from the children.

Can you spare a few hours a week to become a reading helper at our school? We are working with a charity called Coram Beanstalk to recruit and train volunteer reading helpers who can commit to an afternoon or two a week to come in to school. As a reading helper you will support at least 3 children on a one to one basis outside of the classroom environment. It’s a fun role that’s about much more than just listening to children read. As a reading helper you will support children to become readers; helping children to switch onto reading, learn to read and become confident independent readers. You will be trained in a proven approach and will lead sessions for each child that bring fun and enjoyment to the reading experience, ultimately wanting the child to choose to read and be enthusiastic about it! For more information or if you wish to apply, visit the website at www.corambeanstalk.org.uk or call 0207 729 4087.

Finally, it was great to welcome our parents and carers from Peacocks class into school last Friday to watch their class assembly. There was lots of learning to recall from the assembly which had a 'Pointless' gameshow theme. The children once again demonstrated confidence and the ability to read or recall their learning to an audience; well done everyone.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend and look forward to seeing you all on Monday.

Mrs Romina Lang

Headteacher