Weekly Newsletter

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Last week we raised an amazing £255 for Children in Need. This is an incredible amount and shows what a great school community we have. Thank you!

The children in Key Stage 2 (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6) were lucky to have some workshops today run by Livewire Rock Academy. Livewire Rock Academy is a Herts & Essex-based school of rock with outlets currently in Bishop’s Stortford, Saffron Walden, Epping and Great Dunmow. They run classes for children to learn to play electric guitar, bass guitar or drums. Today the children had opportunities to play the drums or the electric guitar. If you want to find out more you can check out their website https://livewirerockacademy.co.uk/.  

The school football team drew their match (1:1) against Manor Fields last week. Connor Jacob scored the goal for Thorn Grove. The game was the last match they play in 2024. Mr Evans was impressed with their performance and we look forward to the games when the season resumes in February.

Thank you to those parents who completed the Governor parent survey through WhatsApp. You raised issues with parking and we've been in consultation with the local councillor, Calvin Horner, to look at the parking restrictions. Governors have taken your comments about behaviour and bullying and have addressed these in meetings with Mr Luck and Mrs Lilley. Governors have also signed the Thorn Grove pledge as a commitment by all stakeholders. Your voices are heard and we will address any issues that you raise.

Some of you may receive a letter in the next couple of weeks regarding your child’s attendance. Any attendance below 90% is classed as persistent absenteeism. If your child has attendance below 90% at the end of the term then they would have missed at least 7 days of school. One of the biggest barriers to academic achievement is poor attendance. 

This week is Just Talk Week (18th – 24th November). This year’s theme is ‘Just Be Scroll Savvy’ Empowering Youth Online Safety. The campaign is encouraging young people to talk about looking after their mental Health while online. The social media campaign runs until 6th December. The campaign message is not telling young people to not be online; they want to encourage young people to use the internet safely and in a way that is positive for their well-being. Being online is a huge part of our daily lives, there are so many benefits to it, connection, learning new things, having fun. But are we always aware of the less positive impacts it can have on us and others around us? Just Talk host their annual campaign week to highlight the importance of mental health and shine a light on the wellbeing services available in Hertfordshire, whilst promoting the year-round children and young people’s mental health programme. 

If you want to know more you can check out @JustTalk Herts on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or visiting www.justtalkherts.org. 

Coram will be holding a WORKSHOP FOR COMMUNITY ADULTS (parents, carers, etc) from 15:10-15:25 on Monday, 25th November. This is a chance for you to experience and discuss some key elements of the programmes that the children will take part in during the visit. You must sign up for this session at the school office. If you can have younger children or babies looked after for the time, that is best, but don’t let childcare concerns stop you coming – little ones are welcome.  

If you are not able to come to the workshop, there will be a Meet the Educator drop-in session at 8:40-9:05 on Tuesday, 26th November. Pop in to say hello and speak to the Educator, have a look around LifeSpace and you might even meet Harold the Giraffe if he’s not too busy with his homework! You can come to the drop-in with children, but we ask that children not come on their own during this time.  

SCARF at Home
Find out how the SCARF values of Safety, Caring, Achievement, Resilience, Friendship can help your child to be their best, both at school and at home. Choose from their menu of family activities and support to find out more about building positive relationships and helping your child be a confident learner.