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Headteacher Message

Hello all,

Desk jobs. Do you have one? Do you like it? As headteacher, I have to spend a lot of time at my desk. Vital work needs to be done! However, it is when I emerge from my desk that I find most enjoyment. This week is a case in point. On Tuesday, I accompanied the Year 3 football team to a tournament at Rocks Lane in Barnes. This was no normal tournament; it was organised for small schools in the borough. Marl Tuffney, the lovely head at Lowther School, had looked at tournaments and results in the borough and, unsurprisingly, small schools were not reaching finals. He has subsequently set up a series of events for small schools. What a morning we had! We won some, we lost some, we didn't draw any. Our children were superb and are already asking me about the tournament next year.

This picture shows them scouting their next opposition. They are not trying to escape I promise!

On Thursday I took a group of Year 6 children to the Teen Tech festival at Roehampton University.

What an event it was. Our children had hands-on experiences looking at tech and in particular how it can solve problems and be a force for good. They spent time at various stalls and had the chance to design their own invention. Well, we won the best design category. I say we it, it was actually a team of three who designed a walk-in scanner to be placed at the entrance of every A and E department. The scanner would identify those in need of urgent care and reduce waiting times.

I really hope your weekends are as good as my week has been. Enjoy the sunshine.

Joe Porter

Performing at the May Fair

The wonderful Darell Choir will be performing at the Richmond May Fair on Saturday, 9th May. They will be entertaining the crowds of Richmond with a selection of songs. As these are songs we have also sung in our singing assemblies, we would love to invite more members of our community to represent the school and perform with us. The performance will take place at 11:55am, and we will be meeting near to the stage at 11:40am.

If your child is in Years 1 to 6 and would like to join the performance (they do not need to be in the choir), please fill in the Google Form by Friday, 1st May. This will help us to know how many children to expect and inform the event organisers accordingly.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgM7pe-raY9rXECYts7yYUmG8DytL-XX_-6Xvzly6LidA5BA/viewform?usp=dialog

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Rachel Carter.

Kind regards,

Rachel Carter

Office Updates

Warmer Weather

Just a few reminders for the warmer weather

Apply Sunscreen Early: Please apply a high-SPF, long-lasting sunscreen to your child before they head out the door in the morning.
Bring a Sun Hat: A wide-brimmed hat or a baseball cap is essential for protecting faces and necks during lunch break.
Stay Hydrated: Please send your child to school with a refillable water bottle.

Communications Sent Home

Selected students – Swimming assessment letter
Nursery - Meal Balances
Reception – Y6 – Curriculum Newsletters
Year 6 - Walton Firs Medical Form and Kit List

Diary Dates

Y4 Tennis - Pensford Fields

1:45pm – 2:45pm

from 21 Apr and on Tuesday each week until 19 May

28
April

Year 1 - Orleans House Gallery Trip

9:30am – 3:00pm

29
April

Y5 & 6 Catch up Swimming

1:15pm – 3:00pm

from 14 Apr and on Wednesday each week until 15 Jul

29
April

Thames Young Mariners - Yr 4

9:20am – 4:20pm

from 30 Apr until 01 May

30
April

Y4 Tennis - Pensford Fields

1:45pm – 2:45pm

from 21 Apr and on Tuesday each week until 19 May

05
May

Y5 & 6 Catch up Swimming

1:15pm – 3:00pm

from 14 Apr and on Wednesday each week until 15 Jul

Y4 Tennis - Pensford Fields

1:45pm – 2:45pm

from 21 Apr and on Tuesday each week until 19 May

The Reading Corner

Welcome to our weekly section of the newsletter all about reading. Every week, we will share a question (or two) with you about the book your child is reading in school. Please use these questions to help you find out a little more about what your child has been reading in school and continue to develop their love of reading.

Reception - In our story, Jabari Tries, what does Jabari's dad say he does when he's feeling 'frustrated'? (Gathers up all his patience, takes a deep breath and blows away all his ‘muddy’ feelings - and then he tries again)

Year 1 – In our story, ‘I am a Potato’, what animal did the ‘potato’ discover he really was? (a mouse) What scientific animal group did he find out he belonged to? (mammals) What characteristics do all mammals share? (They give birth to live young, breathe air and have fur or hair.)

Year 2 - Can you summarise what happened in Zeraffa Geraffa in three sentences?

Year 3 - Do you think Theseus was right to leave Ariadne behind on the island? What could he have done differently?

Year 4 - Edward Tulane is about to go through many adventures which he will find uncomfortable. Do you think that dealing with uncomfortable things might help him to grow?

Year 5 - ‘Journey to Jo’burg’ - Why can’t Naledi and Tiro live in Johannesburg with their mother and go to school there?

Year 6 - Clockwork by Philip Pullman: What impression did you get of Karl so far? What makes you think that?

SRP 2 - Why do you think the beast feels lonely even though he tries to make friends?

Attendance

Overall, school attendance this week was 94%. Our target is 97%.

Well done to Year 3 for the highest attendance of 90% this week.

Let's do our best for next week!

EYFS Star of the Week

Reception

Ethan - for a fantastic week in Reception! You have been busy, cheerful and ready to learn at all times.

KS1 Star of the Week

Year 1

Aaliyah – for producing a fantastic piece of writing showcasing your knowledge of the seasons. Your illustrations were beautifully detailed and carefully coloured. Well done, Aaliyah!

Year 2

Carter - for your positive learning behaviours in class this week. You have been a good listener and partner during pair talk. Keep it up!

SRP 1

Rasheed - for always being a kind and helpful boy to all the children and adults in Walker Class. Well done, Rasheed!

Nurture Star

Zian - for showing perseverance when learning a new skill and for been a kind and helpful friend. Well done Zian!

KS2 Star of the Week

SRP 2

Caleb - for participating so well in all his learning this week with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

Year 3

Kyrah - for the enjoyment you have shown in our History and English lessons this week. We loved looking through your wonderful book and hearing you share your brilliant knowledge about the Ancient Greeks. Your enthusiasm has shone brightly! Well done, Kyrah!

Year 4

Louie - for being an excellent ambassador for our school during tennis coaching and working hard to improve at the game.

Year 5

Nina - for her ambition and resilience in improving her personal beep test score.

Year 6

Rasim - for his kindness and politeness when we walk to swimming and his dedication to his maths learning.

What's going on in the community?

Useful Links

darell.school

darell.richmond.sch.uk

Arbor Parent Portal - darell-primary.uk.arbor

School Uniform Shop - The Shoe Station