Headteacher Message

Hello all,

I hope you are well. It has been another busy week here. Election fever has gripped the nation. We have been holding the hustings for our school council and the Richmond schools pupil Parliament. This is the first year that we are taking part in the Richmond pupil parliament and I can't wait for Darell to take their rightful place at the big council table; it is a great initiative.

Rather than me explain what it is, here is an AI summary:

Year 6 pupils from participating schools elect representatives who then debate and share their views with the borough council on various issues, from the school curriculum and sports to broader topics like anti-racism and climate change. Each year, elected representatives compete in an event at York House to become the Pupil Mayor and Pupil Deputy for the borough. 

I am lucky enough to know who has been elected from Year 6 and I know that they are going to be exemplary representatives of Darell school and that they should be eying up the pupil Mayor positions.

More exciting news: me, myself, and I am taking over the school Instagram account and will now be updating on a very regular basis.  Please bear with me for the following reasons:

1. I’m firmly into middle age, and I am learning about these hashtag things ###. 

2. I am going to be focussing on showing excellence in our early years to make sure that all potential families know that Darell school is the best place for their child's learning journey to begin. 

https://www.instagram.com/darell.school/

There was some research published yesterday regarding falling rolls across the country and in particular London.  The basic fact is that school funding is defined by pupil numbers. So we need to be as full as we possibly can.  Please be sure to spread the word to anyone you know with children under 5.

3. I did actually approach a lady in a pram outside the school and ask her to have a tour of the school. It’s OK. I had my lanyard on, and she was happy to have a chat! I’m not suggesting you do this, but please spread the word, we are in a competitive market and, unfortunately, more than ever schools are in competition with each other. We have an Open Day coming up, and we are advertising far and wide. If you go to any local groups or clubs that would be willing to put up / hand out a flyer, please come into the office to collect a few. 

I really hope you have a lovely weekend with your families.

Joe Porter

BBC 500 Words Competition is open for entries!

We want to encourage as many Darell children as possible to take part and have fun writing stories.  The children have been set this challenge to complete at home, but Mr Porter’s office and Miss Hayward’s classroom will be open at lunchtimes if children need some extra time.

There are two age categories: 5-7 and 8-11 year-olds. Spelling, punctuation and grammar will not be judged; the focus is entirely on the creativity of young writers. There are prizes to be won - each winner will take home a bundle of books and the gold winners will also win 500 books for their school library.

Further details about the competition can be found here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/500-words

Make sure you submit your stories before 9pm, Friday 7 November.