Dear Parents and Carers,
Thank you for all the Harvest Donations last week. Your generosity will benefit many families in the local area. We don’t know what the coming winter will be like for many residents in Bishop’s Stortford and the surrounding villages, but your support enables the Food Bank to be there for anyone who needs help through a crisis.
Congratulations to this terms School Ambassadors. School Ambassadors act as spokespeople for their year groups and take on some wider responsibilities across the school.
Year 1: Ruby Reynolds & Maisie Smith-Holley
Year 2: Gargi Dahiya & Mateo Ribeiro
Year 3: Gwen Lawrence & Nicole Kuchnio
Year 4: Iman Olaobaju & William Doe
Year 5: Felix Woodbine-Craft & Kyla Cochius
Year 6: Eleni Powner & Jokubas Varkalys
Following our most recent Full Governing Board meeting we would like to make you aware of a few changes. Anne Hummersone is our new Chair of Governors. Anne knows Thorn Grove incredibly well having had children go through the school and has been on the Governing Board for the last few years. Anne brings her knowledge and enthusiasm to our hard-working and dedicated team. Anne takes over the role from Russell Knight. To support Anne we also have a new Vice-Chair, Andy Fowles (Parent Governor). Andy has children in Reception, Year 3 and Year 4.
Russell Knight is stepping away from the Governing Board after 8 years and the last few years as Chair. Throughout his tenure, Russell has shown an unrelenting commitment to improving the quality of education for the children at Thorn Grove but also, having led as Safeguarding Governor for some time, the safety and well-being of everyone in the school's community. Russell was instrumental in helping the school meet the ever-changing needs of running a school during Covid and has been a steadying presence in the period of time since. Russell will be big loss to the board but we wish him well.
We currently have vacancies for a parent governor which we would like to fill as soon as possible. Parent governors are elected by and from the parents of children currently attending our school. They serve a four-year term of office and bring a very important and valued perspective to the work of the governing body. The governing body has a vital role to play in making sure every child receives the best possible education. No special qualifications are needed and the most important thing is to have a keen interest in the school and be prepared to play an active part in the governing body’s work. Training is available for all governors and is free of charge. Most importantly, we seek a parent governor who has a passion for Thorn Grove and is keen to work in a supportive but challenging way with the Senior Leadership of the school, to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality education for children of families in our local community.
If you are interested or would like to find out more about the role please speak to Mr Luck.
This Friday (18th) is Showing Racism the Red Card/ Say No to racism. There is no place in society for racism and discrimination of any kind. To support this cause children can wear something red on Friday eg hairband, socks, t-shirt, skirt, however It is not a non-uniform day.
The football team played their first match last week. Unfortunately, they lost 3-0 to St. Joseph's. Hopefully, they will get their first win when they play Little Hallingbury after school today.
The teachers are looking forward to speaking to you next week at parent consultations. Just a reminder to book an appointment if you haven't already. If you are unable to book an appointment at the dates set, speak to your child’s teacher to make alternative arrangements.
Entries are now open for this year's BBC 500 Words competition. Mrs Lilley is running a Thursday lunchtime club for children to talk about / write their stories but they may wish to continue this at home. More information has been posted in Google Classroom.
There are two age categories: 5-7 and 8-11 year-olds. All children need to do is write a story they would love to read in 500 Words or less. The stories will be judged on: Characterisation, Plot, Originality, Language and Enjoyment.
It's all about creativity - spelling, punctuation and grammar are not marked!
You can listen to last year's winning entries here
Golden Certificates
Year 1 Joshua Dean & Ruby Reynolds
Year 2 Alissa Teixeira & Flynn Shanley
Year 3 Wilfie Melton & Lila Baxter
Year 4 Elias Burke & Iman Olaobaju
Year 5 Arjun Dahiya & Logan Kearley
Year 6 Roman Clark & Jokubas Varkalys
Headteacher Year 6
Future Diary Dates
October 2024
Tues 15th Gymnastics Day Yr3
Wed 16th Yr5 Trip
Mon 21st Parent Consultations Week
Tues 22nd Gymnastics Day Yr6
Wed 23rd Parent Consultations Hall
Half term Monday 28th Oct – Friday 1st Nov 2024
November 2024
Children’s first day Monday 4th November 2024