Dear Parents,

As we near the end of Term 2, I now reflect on how we have moved forward as a school in the last 8 months. While we have a number of areas to celebrate, it is a positive to highlight the stronger presence of parents visiting and supporting the school. When I cast my mind back to August, we had limited parent interactions, I think we can all now see the difference in parental engagement. To see parents working in partnership with school is a positive.

Many thanks to all the parents who attended the Maths workshops last week, it was wonderful to see the children confidently explaining the strategies to parents. Many thanks for all the feedback which was very supportive, we can see that you are requesting more of these events and as we move forward as a school we will continue to develop more parent engagements across the curriculum. 

See some of the positive comments about the maths workshops below.

'It was impressive to hear all the children explaining their methods'

'I think the students did a brilliant job in explaining the maths strategies'

'Great initiative'

'The workshop was excellent.'

'It was perfect and no further suggestions to improve'

'Excellent delivery from an enthusiastic teacher'

'Fantastic experience'

We also received some comments relating to the need for more of these events and a few other development areas, which we of course will incorporate into future plans where appropriate. Many thanks for all of the feedback.

As we finish this term I would like to thank you all for your support and commitment to our school. 

We are now in the process of planning for the next academic year.

During this term we have interviewed 39 candidates for roles in the school, these include internal leadership positions, Learning Support Assistants, and Teachers. When Claire and I arrived last year, we largely inherited a school structure that was already established, after 8 months we are able to see the changes that will be required for when we start the new term in August. While we have made a number of changes this year with policies and initiatives, that have all impacted on the school and learning; we feel the changes we are planning now in staffing and school structure will have a deeper impact on the learning and provision that PDO school offers. We will of course update you across next term.

A reminder that the school closes at 12.00 today.

That just leaves me to wish you all a relaxing break with friends and family over this holiday period.

Tim Robinson

Headteacher

Road Safety 

The Lifesaving Power of Car seats

Our top priority at PDO is keeping our children safe. One of the most important ways we can keep children safe is by making sure they are safe when travelling in vehicles. It's vital that we protect our children by making sure they're properly secured in a car seat, everytime they travel in a car. We need your help with this. Follow these simple steps to make road safety a priority every time you travel. 

Early Years

This week, the children immersed into creativity, making a menu for their alien friends and then decorating with aluminum foil for our upcoming Alien party. Alongside a variety of art tools, the children experimented with colouring pasta and modelling playdough, adding texture to their creations.  They put their imaginations to work, whipping up colourful smoothies and unique pizzas too. Through engaging in these activities, they expressed ideas, worked together and demonstrated collaboration. 

Great team work!

Milepost 2

On Wednesday, Year 3 celebrated the end of their learning journey within Island Life with an Exit Point. Through this unit, the children have acquired a range of geographical knowledge and skills. They've developed the art of map interpretation, proficiently navigating grid references, and confidently utilizing the cardinal points of the compass to provide and follow directions.

However, it has been the Science and International learning that has truly captured the children’s interest. Through these subjects, they have learned about the impact of plastic pollution on marine life and ways to take action against it. During the Exit Point, the parents and children worked collaboratively to design reusable bags that will help to spread the message: PROTECT OUR OCEANS! Year 3s are eager to take their bags and posters on their forthcoming holidays, ensuring that their message is seen around the world. Well done, Year 3. What amazing global citizens!

Wellbeing update

Over the course of this term, as a school, we have increased our focus on wellbeing. Through our IC units the children learned about their own wellbeing and looking after and being aware of their own mental health. As an additional layer, we work closely with the PDO clinic to include the support of external professionals to guide us on our wellbeing journey. These professionals are all highly qualified and have all been approved by PDO. If you would like more information on these initiatives please connect with Ms Anre or your child's class teacher. 

French

This half term in Milepost 3, the children have been focusing on improving their speaking skills in French by developing accurate pronunciation and intonation and presenting their learning to an audience.   To achieve these objectives in a fun and creative way the children worked collaboratively to plan, practice, design and make their own puppet show linked to the book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See? by Eric Carle.  This week, after all their hard work over the last few weeks, each class performed their puppet show to a different class in Early Years or Milepost 1.  I am so proud of what they have all achieved and how they have all demonstrated their personal goals throughout. Bravo!

From the PTA

Please follow the link to sign up for the PDO School Quiz Night.

Wishing you a pleasant weekend,

The PDO School Team