Dear Parents and Carers,
It has been another busy week at Beaford, the children have been working hard in class and are back into the routine of school.
This week
On Monday, Reverend Gary joined us for our assembly. He brought some special friends with him in the form of puppets, which were very popular with the children! Gary used the puppets to help the children understand the importance of looking after others and allowing others to look after us, just as a good shepherd cares for his sheep. It was lovely to see the children so engaged and enjoying the story.
On Tuesday, we held another of our regular OPAL assemblies. Our Outdoor Play and Learning provision has now been accredited as Platinum three times, and we want to make sure that this remains a real strength of Beaford. These assemblies give us the opportunity to remind children about how to use our equipment safely and how to support one another during play.
This week, we particularly focused on staying safe in different weather conditions and making sure we are dressed appropriately for outdoor play. The children can access the grass throughout the year, but they need to wear wellies when it is wet. We also have lots of opportunities for mud and water play, so please send your child in with spare clothes or waterproof clothing where possible. We do have some school sets available, but having their own spare clothing and wellies at school is really helpful.
The Friends of Beaford
I met with our PTA Chair, Sam Harding, this week to get some dates in the diary for the Friends of Beaford. We have lots of exciting events planned for the year, which not only give the children some great experiences but also raise invaluable funds for the school.
This term, look out for:
• Christmas card designs
• Pumpkin carving competition
• Halloween disco
• Christmas fair
• Cake sales
Sam will be holding a PTA meeting in the coming weeks and we would love to see as many parents as possible there. If you cannot make the meeting but would like to get involved, there is also a Friends of Beaford WhatsApp group that you can join. Every bit of support makes a difference and helps us to provide those extra experiences and opportunities for the children.
Looking after our teeth
On Wednesday, Torrington Dental Practice visited the school to teach the children about the importance of looking after their teeth. The children took part in an assembly and then had workshops in their classes, learning about how to brush their teeth correctly and develop good dental habits.
We talk a lot at school about the importance of developing healthy habits, and brushing your teeth twice a day is a great example of how small, positive actions can make a big difference. The same is true of getting enough sleep, reading regularly and taking care of ourselves. Good habits, repeated consistently, help us to stay healthy and make progress over time.
Next week
Phonics workshop
Ms Beattie and Ms Baugh will be holding a phonics workshop for Reception and Hedgehogs parents at 9am on Thursday. Please attend if you can, particularly Reception parents, as learning to read is one of the most important foundations children develop during their time at primary school. The session will give you a better understanding of how we teach phonics and, importantly, how you can support your child at home.
Home learning
Our home learning expectations are broadly similar to last year. We would, however, like parents to take an active role in helping children to complete their home learning.
Please make a note in your child’s homework book of the activities they have completed and continue to send in examples of some of the projects and work they do at home. It is always lovely to see what the children have been getting up to outside of school and to celebrate their efforts with them.
Friends of Beaford cake sale
Our first Friends of Beaford cake sale of the year will take place next Thursday after school. If you are able to contribute, please drop your cakes or other goodies into the school office on the day.
Please remember to include a full ingredients list with anything you bring in so that we can flag any allergens. Also, we are a nut-free school, so please do not use nuts in any of your baking. We have children with nut allergies in school, so it is important that we take this seriously.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Enjoy your weekend.
George Myers
Head of School
