Headteacher Message

Hello all,

I hope you are all well.  We have had a great start to Autumn 2 and today I had a chance to look at the work in books from across the school.  Myself and Mr Gilbert really enjoyed seeing the hard work that your children have put in already this term.  While we celebrate and compliment the teachers, it also gives us the opportunity to reflect on provision across the school and we are always looking to make the work ‘even better.’  Fixing boilers, bidding for grants, writing coronavirus risk assessments and meeting all and sundry are vital components of this job.  I get satisfaction to an extent from completing these tasks but nothing compared to how I feel after reflecting on excellence and planning for even better through the process of looking at books and working with teachers.  Today has been great as I feel that I have reconnected with the core of this job.  Further improving teaching and learning across the school.  Anyway, that was my day.  I hope you have all had a great day and are looking forward to the weekend.  If you are attending fireworks or having your own displays please take care.  I will never forget the day my dad accidentally ignited the whole tin of fireworks and while the display was spectacular it was rather short in length.  He was subsequently relieved of his duties.  Please take care.

One bit of news I need to share.  We have sent a separate e-mail regarding this but wanted to mention it here. Fit For Sport will no longer be running our after school care.  This will be from Friday 26th November.  Initially, the school is taking over as we explore our options.  Wrap around care will always be available at Darell School.  Please read the e-mail accompanying the newsletter as prices have actually slightly dropped!    

I need to go and see my lovely family now so all that is left is for me to wish you all a very happy weekend.

Stay warm, stay safe and enjoy your families.

Mr Porter

Author Visit

Exciting news! On Friday, 12th November, we will be having a special visit to our school by author Kate Wilkinson, author of ‘Edie and the Box of Flits’. This book is about eleven-year-old Edie Winter and her magical box of winged people that only children can see. She will meet the children in Years 4, 5 and 6 and talk to them about her new book in a special workshop for each class.

‘Edie and the Box of Flits’ will be available for sale at £6.99 during the lunch break on the day too, which Kate is happy to sign personally for your child. If you would like your child to have a copy of the book, please ensure that any money is brought into school in a sealed envelope with your child’s name and class on the front, and given to their class teacher. If possible, please enclose £7.00 rather than a ten-pound note, as we do not keep large amounts of change in school.  

Thank you for your support.

Kathryn Hayward

Communications Sent Home 

• Year 1 - Richmond Museum Trip letter
• Year 3  - Richmond Museum Trip letter
• Individual/ Sibling photo order form
• Christmas Card Project art work form

Community News

The London Welsh Little Wizards (Under 6's) meet at our ground on the Kew Road TW9 2AZ

Our sessions start promptly at 0930 - we suggest coming along any time from 0915

Our sessions last about 60 minutes

The first four sessions are ALWAYS free of charge / on the house, with no obligation, just come along and give it a try.

The Under 6 set-up is run by Julian Davies and myself. Our own children went through it many years ago, and we always enjoy welcoming new families to the club.

I was a Darell parent for 12 years from 1989 onwards: all my three sons still have such happy memories!

We don't have fixtures at this age - it's against the rules - we just train and above all try to make sure the children enjoy it. 

We welcome children from age 4. The guideline is that if the child can take instruction in a group of 3-4 then we know we can keep them safe.

If the child needs separate shepherding then it is probably too early.

London Welsh welcomes girls as well as boys, and we now have good numbers of girls at all ages.

Rugby boots are not mandatory but as the ground gets muddier in November they are advisable. Otherwise, just dress your child for the weather.
With this age of children, we are NOT "in loco parentis" and we need one parent / guardian in sight lines throughout the session.
And we definitely encourage parents to get involved.
We all have a lot of fun!

If there are any other questions just ring my mobile as below and ask. 

It is helpful for us to have a mobile number, so parents are in a WhatsApp group. That is because if we ever have to cancel because of weather, we only ever do that at about 8am on the day, (our pitches often dry out miraculously overnight, and we don't like to cancel!) 

Sebastian Scotney

Coaching under 6s at London Welsh since 1992

W: 020 7014 2818

M: 07768 288 988