We have explored this week with the theme Growing Together, spending time as a school reflecting on how our actions towards others matter deeply. Children have been thinking about how respect, kindness and service shape the way we live in community together - not only when it is easy, but when it costs us something. The question that sat at the heart of our worship was: How can we choose to serve even when it’s hard? Our discussions have been thoughtful and grounded in the idea that putting others first is an act of love, and that small decisions - sharing, listening well, including others, saying sorry - help us grow a school community where everyone flourishes.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

This passage reminds us that true growth happens when we look beyond ourselves. Serving others is not weakness - it is strength shaped by love. As we grow together, we learn to see others with compassion, to lift rather than compete and to give even when it is difficult.

The UK Mental Health Foundation (2023) reported that spending time outdoors during winter - even short walks, playground time, or noticing seasonal changes - improves mood and reduces stress in children. When paired with connection (walking with a friend or family member), wellbeing increases even further. Growing together sometimes starts with leaving the screen, stepping outside and sharing the moment.

Following parent feedback in our safeguarding questionnaire, many families asked:

“What happens once a safeguarding concern is raised?”

At St Michael’s:

• All concerns - from small worries to significant disclosures - are recorded securely and promptly on CPOMS.

• The Designated Safeguarding Leads review every report and decide next steps quickly.

• Where needed, we work with parents, offer pastoral support, seek external guidance, or follow statutory pathways.

• We will always communicate sensitively and appropriately with families where this is safe and in the child’s best interests.

We would also like to remind parents and carers that children must remain with an adult in the playground before school, unless they are an authorised independent walker in Years 5 or 6. Some children have recently been left unsupervised outside in the playground before the building doors open and this places them at risk. If your child is not registered as an independent walker, please ensure they are supervised until they enter the building.

This helps us keep the site safe, calm and secure, and ensures children are safely handed over at the start of the day.

Thank you for your cooperation - safeguarding is strongest when we work together.

I hope many of you will head over to St Michael’s Church Christmas Fair today - it’s always a joyful community occasion and our Chamber Choir sang beautifully there this morning, filling the church with warmth and music.

Next week brings both the beginning of Advent and the start of our Christmas celebrations in school. We will be shining God’s light through our worship and we are looking forward to: Chamber Choir singing on Wednesday at the Southfields Christmas Lights Switch-On and the Reception Nativity Performance to their parents on Thursday.

A wonderful start to the season of hope, light and joyful expectation.

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Harris

Headteacher

Reflection and Prayers: