Newsletters

Newsletter 31 – Friday, 21st May 2021 

Headteacher Message

Hello all,

Well that was a lovely summer while it lasted!  The weather this week has been dreadful and we have had to cancel break times and some PE sessions.  This is a real shame as I believe exercise outdoors is great for all of our children.  There have been two recent reports extolling the virtues of exercise for children returning from lockdown and as a school we recognise the importance of movement. I certainly had great fun leading some skipping in the Key Stage 1 playground at lunchtime.  As we come towards half-term, we are working on finalising our staffing plans for next year and who will be teaching which class.  The nice thing for me is that I firmly believe that whatever class teacher your child has next year they will be warmly welcomed and supported to do as well as they can, no matter their starting point.  I am not envisaging big changes and I can assure you that as soon as everything is finalised we will let you know. 

I wanted to clear up something that has come to my attention.  There has been some rumblings regarding the school meals that we serve at Darell.  As a school we buy into the Richmond schools contract and as far as I am aware, this contract has been up for consultation.  I am not aware of the result of this consultation and will let you know when I am.  I would like the meals we serve to be the best they can possibly be and will work closely with whoever gets the contract to ensure that barriers to this happening are removed.  Anecdotally, I have had three school meals this week and they have been good.  I particularly enjoyed the coleslaw accompaniment to the Gammon roast.  Pack lunches is a job that falls to me at home and ideally I would like to free up more parent time by providing extremely appealing lunches for all.  We are working on it.

I have to pause now as I have an important job.  It is Mr Gilbert’s birthday today and I am going to attempt a first.  If you were walking past the school at 2.50pm hopefully you will have heard 200 voices singing a heartfelt happy birthday to the universally popular Mr Gilbert.  I am and we are lucky to have him.  He is also lucky to have such youthful looks.  He is the most fresh-faced 40-year-old I have ever seen.    

Lastly, Blue the dog is coming in for a short visit next week.  We have sent a text message to all parents asking you to inform us if your child is allergic or has a fear of dogs.  Thanks to those who have already let us know.  Please have a lovely weekend.  I hope the weather breaks and you are able to spend some time with your lovely families outdoors.  

Take care,

Mr Porter. 

Office Updates

Emergency contact update 

All parents and carers are required  log into your child's Arbor account and check the details we hold are current. In case of an emergency we need to be able to contact you. Thank you

Meal accounts  

As half term is approaching, please can you clear any outstanding balance on your child's meal account.

No Parking  

Please can we ask all parents and carers, to not stop or park on the yellow zig zag lines surrounding the school. These areas must be kept clear at all times for the safety of our children and access for the emergency services.

Diary Dates

Second Hand Book Sale
All Day
From 20 May until 21 May
20
May
PSA Cake Sale
All Day
23
May
Half Term
All Day
From 31 May until 04 Jun
31
May

Wellbeing

We just wanted to remind everyone that here at Darell Primary and Nursery school we feel that wellbeing, including your physical and mental health are extremely important. We want to support the whole family during this time.
It is important that our parents and carers feel supported and well in themselves so the tips and links you will find within this section are to support adults and children.

Five Ways to Wellbeing

https://www.richmond.gov.uk/services/wellbeing_and_lifestyle/health_protection_information/coronavirus_information/where_can_i_find_help_or_support/covid-19_support_for_residents/coronavirus_and_your_wellbeing/five_ways_to_wellbeing

 

Every Mind Matters      

Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. We have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/

  Mind Workshops for Parents 

As a parent we often find ourselves ill-equipped when it comes to dealing with, or even being aware of, our child’s or young person’s mental wellbeing. In order to help them, we first need an understanding ourselves of what we mean by mental health. Second, the tools to help our young person with any emotional difficulties.  

These two complimentary workshops offer some useful insights, guidance and tips on understanding mental health and ways you can help your child. 

Workshop 1 - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/parents-workshop-1-mental-health-awareness-for-parents-tickets-126807766443

Workshop 2 - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/parents-workshop-2-supporting-mental-health-difficulties-in-children-tickets-126811497603

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.

Packham - How did Jack feel when the giant fell? How would you feel if you were Jack?

Peake - What did Ruby do to make her worry shrink? What did Ruby learn?

Weir - What do you think the girl promised the old lady? What do you predict will happen next?

Mozart - We have been looking at non-fiction books about Transport. Can you remember the vehicles we looked at? Which was your favourite and why?

Newton - Can you describe what The Beast crept into? 

Thunberg - Why do you think that Michelle Obama says that "Education is power"?

Darwin - “Imagine you had a laboratory where you could brew your own potions like Professor Puffendorf. What potion would you make?”

Attenborough - Would you have dared to run and help get the man’s passbook at the train station??

Parks - Why do you think Clara’s parents took her to visit Bishop Mason?

Why do you the narrator’s mother has to work two jobs in ‘The Boy at the Back of the Classroom’? 

Maths Challenge

The mighty maths challenge is back!

Each week you will find a new maths challenge in this section of the newsletter and your Google Classroom along with the winner of the previous week.

Good Luck! 


 

Please email your answers to maths@darell.richmond.sch.uk

Our winner last week was Luke from Darwin Class and Breogan from Thunberg Class. Well done to you both!

 Online Safety 

KS1 Star of the Week

Packham Class 

Adam - for taking responsibility for his learning and having a good attitude in class

Peake Class

Alice - for working hard to produce a fantastic diary entry in role as the Lonely Beast

Weir Class

Adil - for working hard to learn to tell the time

Mozart Class

Ray - for Using different strategies to help him cope with changes, both at school and at home. For always being resilient and having the best smile. Well done, Ray! 

KS2 Star of the Week

Newton Class

Arian - for working hard on taking his time and speaking clearly

Thunberg Class

Eliza - for being brave and using a loud voice in class. I have loved your contributions in Reading lessons this week!

Darwin Class

Mubarak - for continuing to give his very best effort in every lesson

Attenborough Class

Acacia - for her great attitude to her maths learning and fabulous work on decimals.

Parks Class

Alex - for showing enjoyment in all of his learning through his infallibly positive attitude

 

Community News

Kew The Transition

Sunflower Sunday – 23 May  

2021 is the Year of the Sunflower, so let's spread a bit of sunshine!


This Sunday 23 May from 11am - 12:30pm we are planning to meet and greet our neighbours with a sunflower seed giveaway, taking place pop-up style at the gazebo in front of St. Luke's Open Space on Sandycombe Road.

follow the link for more information:

https://mailchi.mp/1fddf974c302/kew-the-transitions-very-first-newsletter-4774190?e=df1760ed8d

 

Girls Only FREE Football Camp

We have an exciting Girls only Football camp on Tuesday 1st June. This is FREE to attend and will take place at Bedfont Sports Club, Bedfont Rec Ground/Hatton Rd, Feltham TW14 8JA.

The football camp is open to girls from the ages of 6 to 16 years old, but you must register online beforehand. The camp will run 10am-1pm. The day will be filled with fun activities and football sessions, finishing off with some matches. We require you to fill out if your child has any allergies, we have planned for a move ‘n’ smooth bike to come down where participants are able to make their own smoothies by riding the bike. (please state in an email to myself if you do not want your child to participate in this).  In order to register please use the link. No prior football experience required but please do ensure your daughter has shin pads on the day.  (if you do not have any shin pad please email me and we will be able to arrange this)

https://www.brentfordfccst.com/product/girls-only-whitsun-football-camp/ 

Girls Football Development Centre Trials      

Participants have the opportunity to attend our weekly training sessions at venues in Gunnersbury and Feltham delivered by FA and UEFA qualified coaching staff. This is open to girls from Year 2 through to Year 10.

Our football programme includes a structured development match programme against other professional club’s Community Sports Trust’s such as Coventry City, Fulham, Ipswich Town, MK Dons, QPR, Oxford United, Reading, Wycombe Wanderers and more.

https://www.brentfordfccst.com/product/girls-trials-june-2021/

We have some exciting activities that we are delivering at Gunnersbury park over the Whitsun Half term. We would love to get as many children involved as much as possible.

Please see below the booking link for the Multi-Sport Camp at Gunnersbury and also our Minibees and Tumblebees sessions for 18months old to 6 years.

https://www.brentfordfccst.com/product/gunnersbury-park-sports-hub-whitsun-camp/

Minibee and Tumblebees sessions – 18 months old – 6 years.

https://www.brentfordfccst.com/product/mini-bees-whitsun-sessions/

https://www.brentfordfccst.com/product/tumble-bees-whitsun-sessions/

 

Get Support

 


It's been a challenging time for many families, especially during the pandemic.  If you are a family with a child under the age of five and are finding things difficult then we are here to help.  Home-Start is a registered charity that provides compassionate and confidential emotional support, practical help and friendship to families through their challenging times across Richmond Borough.  If you are feeling lonely or isolated, or struggling with no one to talk to, please reach out to us.  For an initial confidential chat and to find out if our service is right for you contact us on 0208 487 8500 or email: info@homestart-rkh.org.uk.  Or if you would like to ask for support visit: https://homestart-rkh.org.uk/get-support/get-help-for-yourself, submit your details and we will be in touch. 

 

 

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This week, Year 1 drew flowers on top of their colourful backgrounds. They tried to use the whole space and think about composition. Finally, they worked into the background areas using brightly coloured chalks, whilst taking care to leave the flower shapes empty. https://t.co/LZAPLU0wyy
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Attendance

Overall school attendance this week was 95.8% our target is 96.8%.

Well done to  Attenborough  class for the highest attendance of 99% this week.

Best for punctuality was Attenborough and Thunberg class with 0 lates!

Let's do our best for next week!

PSA News 

Cake Sale Friday, 28th May

Summer Term Cake Sales - Volunteers needed. Can you help?
We know the children love the Darell cake sales and the PSA feel that these events are an important way to help keep the Darell community spirit thriving.  With this in mind, we are planning several cake sales through the summer term.  As well as being fun events, the sales help towards PSA fundraising and so benefit all the children at Darell. 

In order for these events to go ahead, we need volunteers to set up and run the stalls.  If you would like to volunteer, please contact us through Classlist or via your class rep.  We are currently struggling to get enough volunteers and so would very much appreciate your support.  This is just half an hour of your time and a fun opportunity to engage with other parents as well as the children. 

Useful Links

     Arbor Parent Portal - darell-primary.uk.arbor

     Follow us on twitter - twitter.com/darellschool

     School Uniform Shop - The Shoe Station

      School Meals  -  Feeding Hungry Minds ISS