It has been fantastic to see the children arriving back at school this week and settling into their new classes so quickly.  Thank you for all the preparation and planning that I'm sure has been happening at home over the last few weeks to get the children ready; it has really paid off!  It has been lovely to hear so many stories of the exciting adventures that the children had over the summer and all of the new things that they learnt, from riding bikes to new games and playing outdoors - it sounds like many of you had your hands full!

This year, we continue our Ubuntu work, by focusing on a different core value each half term.  These were decided upon by our Reflections Councillors before the summer and, for this half term, we shall be considering the value of 'Tolerance'.  Pupils have started this week by considering what makes our community special and unique.  As we go through the term we will continue to explore how we can use this idea to help us get along with one another and to help eachother.

Each class this week has completed their first DT project of the year, which is an excellent opportunity for the children to remember how well they can work within teams and to introduce some new problem solving skills to them.

We also have a few new faces within the school.  As well as some new children, we have four new adults on the staff team.  Miss Lyden joins us to teach in Year 3, Miss Finnis will be working as the teaching assistant in Year 5 and Mrs Paduchak within our Reception class team.  We have also been joined by Miss Pace, who will be completing her teacher training within the Year 4 class this year, working alongside Mrs Barrett and Mr Shane.  We would like to welcome them all!

Today, we celebrated ‘All Special, All Different’ Day at our school—a day dedicated to recognising and celebrating the diversity and uniqueness of each member of our community.

It was a vibrant and colourful day as children arrived dressed in clothing that represented their cultures, heritage, or personal interests. From traditional attire showcasing rich cultural histories to outfits reflecting personal passions, every student brought something unique to share. The day was a beautiful reminder that our differences make us special, and our diversity is something to be embraced and celebrated.

Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of activities that encouraged them to explore and appreciate the diversity within our school. Some classes prepared and shared traditional foods from around the world, giving students the chance to taste and learn about different culinary traditions. This delicious exploration of global flavours allowed students to experience first-hand the rich cultural tapestries that make up our school community.

‘All Special, All Different’ Day is not just about celebrating diversity for a single day, but about fostering an ongoing culture of acceptance, empathy, and understanding. It serves as an important reminder that being different is something to be proud of, and that each of us brings something special to the community.

We are incredibly proud of our students for embracing this day with enthusiasm, openness, and a spirit of togetherness. A big thank you to all the families who supported this event by sharing their traditions, stories, and foods. Days like today help us grow closer as a school community and remind us that, while we are all different, we are all special.

We look forward to many more celebrations of culture and individuality in the future!

We are excited to share the wonderful progress the progress the children have made in our design and technology project (constructing structures) across the school. The focus of the project has been fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and practical understanding of technology and design principles. They worked with materials like cardboard, plastic, wood, and fabric to bring their creative designs to life. They have also gained first-hand experience with tools and materials, learning how to safely and effectively build their models. 

Well done, children! We are so proud of the hard work and creativity you have shown.

At Nash Mills, we believe that reading is one of the most essential skills a child can learn.  In school, we engage in a variety of activities to support your child’s reading journey. These include daily Guided Reading Sessions, one-to-one reading, and additional interventions when needed. Your child’s reading record will be signed regularly, with comments that highlight their progress, celebrate successes, and indicate areas where they may need further support.

To support your child at home, we encourage you to read with them every day and to sign their reading record. This partnership between home and school is crucial in fostering a love of reading and enhancing their skills.

This year, we are excited to introduce a new initiative: reading buddies within the school! Each year group will be paired with another, allowing the children to spend time each week sharing stories and reading to one another. This will not only build confidence but also create a sense of community and mentorship among the students.

We are also looking for volunteers to listen to our readers. If you have a few minutes to spare in the morning at drop-off or in the afternoon and would be interested in helping children with their reading, please contact the school office. Just fifteen minutes of your time could make a significant difference!

Thank you for your continued support in making reading a joyful and rewarding experience for every child.

Miss Brewer