Dear Parents & Carers, 
September is drawing to a close and the weeks since we started school have absolutely flown past.
This week
Our Monday assembly linked closely to our PSHE topic this term. We talked about the importance of using kind words and a kind tone when speaking to others. We also discussed how, once something has been said, we cannot take those words back, but we can make amends through the words and actions we use afterwards.
These conversations are an everyday part of school life. We want our children to understand the importance of respecting one another, thinking carefully about how they speak to others and recognising the impact that their words and actions can have on the people around them.
Reading at home
Ms Beattie and Ms Baugh spoke to our Ladybirds and Hedgehogs parents this week about the importance of reading at home and how we teach reading through phonics at school.
Reading is one of the most important academic skills children will develop during their time at primary school. The foundations they build here will support their learning and achievement as they move into secondary school and beyond.
Any reading children do outside of school is beneficial, but we would really encourage parents of Ladybirds and Hedgehogs to make time to read regularly with their children. For our Otters and Owls, we ask that children continue to read for at least 15 minutes every day.
Please remember to complete your child’s reading record and homework log. This helps us to know that reading is happening regularly at home and allows us to celebrate the children’s efforts.
Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)
We held a separate OPAL assembly this week to remind the children about some of our outdoor play rules. One of the things I love most about OPAL is seeing our older children teaching the younger ones how to play safely and responsibly.
We talked about climbing trees safely, building dens carefully and, importantly, making sure we invite others to join our games, particularly if we notice someone who looks a little lonely.
I am always amazed by the creativity of our children during playtimes. A particular highlight this week was an incredible obstacle course that stretched across the width of the grass area, made using tyres, planks and crates. I proudly tell the children that they have the best playtimes in the South West, and this week they certainly showed why!
Next week
We have a particularly busy week ahead, with lots of exciting opportunities for the children.
On Monday, Hedgehogs and Otters will be visited by experts and animals from Exmoor Zoo to support their science learning about habitats and classification.
Monday is also the TEAM cross-country event, where children from Year 2 to Year 6 will represent Beaford. We wish them the very best and know they will represent the school fantastically.
On Tuesday, our Owls will be travelling to Bristol to visit the John Wesley Museum. They will be learning about Bristol’s links to the slave trade and the campaign for its abolition.
Wednesday and Thursday will see us take part in the Appledore Book Festival, with authors visiting the school. Ladybirds and Hedgehogs will meet Duncan Beedie on Wednesday, while Otters and Owls will meet Joseph Elliott on Thursday.
It is going to be a busy week, filled with lots of exciting learning experiences for the children.
Enjoy your weekend.
Kind regards,
George Myers
Head of School
