Friday 6th June 2025

We’ve reached the end of the first week of the second half of the summer term, and what a busy and joyful week it’s been!

Our focus in worship has been on Kindness, from the Fruit of the Spirit. We’ve reflected on the beautiful image from Proverbs 16:24: “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” The children watched how a single pebble dropped into water creates ripples, and we thought about how one small act of kindness can spread far and wide, touching many lives.

On a personal note, I celebrated my birthday at the start of the week, and I’d like to say a big thank you to all the children and parents who took the time to send or make cards and wish me a happy birthday. It really meant a lot. 

I had a fantastic day on Wednesday with Year 6 on their school journey. I joined them on the zip wire, watched them bravely leap for the trapeze, and helped build rafts with all the groups, although I did spend a lot more time in the water than on the raft! All the children have settled well and are having a fabulous time. A big thank you to Miss Bostock, Miss Hotten, Mrs Banner, Mr Rochford and Natalie for accompanying the children and helping to make it such a memorable experience for them.

We were delighted to welcome Mr Martin Andrews back to St. Michael’s yesterday. Mr Andrews served as headteacher here for 17 years during the 1970s and 1980s. It was lovely to share memories and reflect on the school during his time as head, especially as both Ms Turner and I were pupils here during that period.

He was amazed to see that his old office is now our sensory room and spoke warmly about the caring, vibrant environment and wonderful displays around the school. It was quite a nostalgic visit for him, and we’re so pleased he was able to see how the school has continued to grow and thrive.

Well done to our Year 4 children, who completed their multiplication check this week, we are proud of their focus and determination.

Next week, our worship will turn to the theme of Goodness, beginning with a special service at the church on Monday. We’ll reflect on Psalm 145:9 “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”

As we continue through this final term, I’d like to take a moment to gently remind us all of the values that shape our community: Love - Serve - Grow. These are not just words for our children, they are the heart of who we are as a school family. Loving one another, serving each other in small and unseen ways, and growing in compassion are especially important when we encounter those whose lives may be more difficult than our own. Let us all be mindful of how we speak to and about one another, and model the same kindness and respect we hope to see in our children. 

Next week Year 1 children will take part in their phonics screening and children in Years 1, 3, 4 and 5 will begin their NFER assessments. 

We would also like to take this opportunity to wish a joyful Eid al-Adha to all our families who are celebrating today. May this special time be filled with peace, reflection, and happiness with your loved ones.

As always, thank you for your continued support. Wishing you all a peaceful and sunny weekend.

Mrs Harris

Headteacher

Year 3 Roman Dress Up:

"Pupils are comfortable as the person God made them to be"

(SIAMS Inspection Report: February 2019)

"Everyone is different, everyone is special"

"Pupils are inspired by RE and recognise it as a challenging but safe space to explore their own and others' religious, spiritual and philosophical convictions critically and responsibly"

(SIAMS Inspection Report: February 2019)

Goodness and Kindness Prayer

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit …

(Titus 3:4-5)

Loving Savior,

Help me to live your goodness and kindness each day. Remind me that my actions express who I am even more than my words. May I love as you love. Let me be good to those who wish me harm, forgive those who need forgiveness, and reach out in kindness to all I meet so they can experience the unconditional love of God. Set our hearts on fire for you.

Amen.