Headteacher Message

Hello all,

We have made it!  Year end. End of term. Summer holidays. What a year it has been.  There have been too many highlights to mention but the one constant this year has been that our community is becoming stronger. You just had to be at the summer picnic last week.  Rain? No bother. We will just adapt, prepare and meet. It was so lovely to see so many of you at this event. Thank you so much to all parents and carers who provided food. It was absolutely delicious.  Food and music brings people together and as a result we are already looking at when we can repeat an event like this in the autumn term. 

Today we said goodbye to our lovely Year 6 cohort.  It was more than a bit emotional and some tears were shed.  It is not just the children we are saying goodbye to but also parents and carers.  Parents and carers who have seen us through some turbulent times at Darell and helped us to come out the otherside. They will be missed. Their children will be missed.  But and it is a big but wherever they go whatever they do they will always be part of the Darell family.  I hope they feel this in their hearts like we do.

We are also saying goodbye to two teachers.  The first you know about. Kitty Winfield is joining our soon to be sister school in the Bahamas. We are also saying farewell to Mrs Torralba, who is returning to Spain.  Unfortunately, due to family circumstances this is a move that could not be avoided. Mrs Torralba wanted to stay and continue the excellent work she has completed in nursery, but her husband’s work situation makes this impossible. We will be recruiting but from September Mrs Claridge will be leading in Nursery supported by Mrs Brett.  We are hoping to appoint after half term.  

You will have received your child's report.  I am proud of each and every one of them. They have all made progress from their starting points. This I believe is the strength of this school.  Treating every child as an individual and ensuring that they make the best progress that they can. As a school we recognise that progress is not just measured in terms of attainment.  Many of our children have made great progress with their social skills and confidence.  We look to develop the whole child and will continue to work in partnership with you to ensure they all reach their potential.  

Yesterday I was lucky enough to accompany our cricket team to the first official cricket match that a team from Darell has taken part in (in my time). We travelled across the borough to play against Hampton Hill Juniors.  Now for some context.  They are a three form entry school, and they have been training for the borough cricket tournament for a large part of the year. We were a last minute replacement team.  Luckily, we have a talented bunch, and we won by one run in the last over. Leo from Year 5 literally smashing a six to win the game.  A great win.  I have been really keen on developing our representative sport and this is a great way to end the year.

We have not yet received our final OFSTED report which is sad because I wanted to share it with you.  This means it will not now be published until September.  You will know as soon as I do.  

I also wanted to let you know that from September our after-school provider will be Sporting Champs. The after-school club will still be provided by Sonny, but he will be running it independently. Therefore, all future booking will need to be made via ClassForKids.

ClassForKids is an easy to use, modern and secure online booking system. You will be able to book from anywhere, anytime, on any device, when it’s convenient for you.

It will take less than a minute to register and make the first booking. For our upcoming sessions, bookings will be live from Monday, 14th August 2023. Just book in for everything that you require, enter your card details, and we will send you over your booking confirmation.

https://sportingchamps.class4kids.co.uk/

It’s really simple to get booked up but if you have any questions, please just let us know!

Phew! That is it.  Term over. Academic year over.  I really hope that you have a lovely summer break with your families and I speak for us all when I say we look forward to seeing your children back in September.  Remember you are back on the 6th of September.

Enjoy

Communications

Sent Home

• Annual Reports

Stars of the Week!

All children will receive their certificates on Mondays celebration assembly.

Early Years Star of the Week

Wonder Class

Whole Class - for being fantastic! And for making our year in Reception such a happy one! Thank you, love Rima and Mrs Thomas

KS1 Star of the Week

Peake Class

Mohammed - for always being kind and helpful, especially at tidy-up time. I will miss having you in my classroom next year.

Weir Class

Whole Class - for working so hard this year and facing every challenge with enjoyment, aspiration and gusto! See you in September, wonderful Weir Class!

Walker Class

Dineo, Loki, Scarlett, Sirimi Zion - for Being a valued member of Walker Class and doing their best all year. Well done!

KS2 Star of the Week

Newton Class

Whole Class - for another fantastic year in Newton class!

Thunberg Class

Whole Class - for being an amazing class i'm going to miss

Darwin Class

Whole Class - well done for a great year in Year 4! Enjoy Year 5!

Attenborough Class

Whole Class - for all your hard work and all the fun this year. Well done and enjoy your well-deserved summer break!

Parks Class

Whole Class - for being such incredible, unique and inspiring individuals. We are so proud of you all!