27th January

Dear families,

what a miserable day weather wise! Here at Shacklewell we haven't let the adverse conditions dampen our spirits. Continuing our theme of curriculum enrichment and the culture of reading, today Year 5 and Year 4 headed off to explore the National Portrait Gallery and Dalston library respectively. Coming up this week the children in Year 6 will experience a Victorian schoolroom at the Vestry House Museum, Year 3 will explore the British Library Young Rebels workshop, Year 4 will visit the Postal Museum and Year 1 will continue their weekly excursions to Pudding Lane and Monument. This is not taking into account all of the fantastic sporting experiences on offer this week, including cross country, Year 3 football and girls' football.

This week we have several key events for families. The first is on Wednesday 29th, at both 8.30am and 3.40pm. These parent sessions will be focused on the Relationships and Sex curriculum and the proposed changes for the school syllabus. There will be a short presentation from myself then an opportunity for you to share your opinions and ask questions. These sessions will be in the top hall. On Friday 31st between 3.15pm - 4.00pm we have the art gallery opening in the top hall. This event is likely to very busy because all families are invited to visit the hall and admire the children's history inspired artistic creations.

We also have a host of year group specific family events this week. on Thursday 30th at 9.00am we have Year 3 Come Learn With Me. This is a great opportunity for the Year 3 children to work with their families on some curriculum focused art. Also this week families in Year 2 are welcome to join us for our Reading Breakfast on Friday 31st at 8.30am. These ever popular mornings are a great way to end the week and to spend precious time with your children sharing stories. Year 4S have a very exciting assembly planned for Friday 31st at 10.00am- looking forward to seeing you there.

It has been fantastic this term to be handing out so many certificates for attendance and punctuality during my Monday morning assemblies. Thank you for your support with this. The competition for the end of term attendance prize is really heating up so please continue to help your children and their class by ensuring they are here everyday and on time.

You will have noticed that the side entrance to the school has been closed over the past few days. This is as a result of a boundary wall issue but I am pleased to say that from Tuesday morning the side entrance will be open again. We may have to temporarily close the entrance in the coming weeks but we will be sure to keep you informed.

Have a great week and I am looking forward to seeing you at our various family events,

Rory