Headteacher Message

Dear all,

I hope you are well. It is Thursday, and it feels a bit strange to be writing this now. I am not going to be in tomorrow as I am accompanying my wife to her graduation. She is being awarded a doctorate at Southampton University and I have to be there. This is the culmination of 9 years' hard work and proof to us all that you never stop learning.

It is impossible to sum up a year in one newsletter, and so I will do it through the eyes of the tour I have just given. We walked into Reception and were met with a sea of happy faces. Happiness is key.  We then moved into Year 1 and saw a number of children owning their own learning and working independently and in small groups. They have really developed as learners this year. 

We then popped into the nursery (wrong order, I know!) and saw the children setting up for their nursery graduation. I then showed this young father our nurture provision and spoke about how we feel we are doing a great job looking after the emotional needs of our children. We then sped in to Year 2 and 3, who greeted us with enough energy to power the national grid.  Next was Year 4, who were so engrossed in their learning that they did not even look up!  Finally, Year 5 were making high-quality watermelon slushies, as part of their Design and Technology project.  Year 6 were in the hall practising for their leavers' assembly, and it was emotional.    

Throughout the tour, every child and adult greeted us with warmth and made us feel welcome. A sense of belonging is so important. At the end of the tour, this lovely young dad said to me that the school has a lovely feeling to it.  I couldn’t agree more.

A feeling is not something that you can easily put into data or on a spreadsheet. It comes from the head and seeps into the heart. It is impossible to truly express what is so amazing about this school, but you feel when you walk around and interact with the community.  Thank you to all! Pupils, parents, staff and all that make up this lovely community.

I really hope you have enjoyed this year as much as we have. It is your children that add the magic to this school and I really hope you have a lovely summer holiday with your families.

Joe Porter