Headteacher Message

Hello all,

Compromise is often key.  This can be applied to practically all areas of life.  Three weeks ago, I received a note from the Niton Rd Residents group complaining about the noise level of the music in the playground on Fridays.  I subsequently stopped the playing of music on a Friday.  This did not go down well with the Key Stage 2 children who really enjoyed the weekly dance in the playground.  Today, we compromised.  On reflection, we probably did have it on a bit loud, so we took the volume down from 11 and dancing returned to the playground.  The playground was an extremely happy place and the subsequent arrival of an impromptu blizzard sent all children back to their classes with happy faces.

It has been a challenging and rewarding term.  The first half term, we had a number of children off with coronavirus. This half term it has mainly affected staff members.  I am mentioning this because the staff team have responded magnificently.  It has been a true team effort with everyone pitching in to ensure that your children get the best education and experiences possible.  

I am always really proud when our children go on school trips and represent the school so well.  Year 2 went to visit St Paul’s Cathedral this week and I received an email, an excerpt of which I will share with you.

‘On behalf of the Schools and Family Learning department I would like to extend a big thank you to your students for their behaviour on their visit to St Paul’s Cathedral. The tour guides were really impressed with the respect that they showed towards the building, their interesting questions and their enthusiasm. Please see the attached certificate in recognition of their excellent conduct.’

They are a credit to you, the adults they work with and the school.         

I am really looking forward to next term. As a school we are hosting lectures delivered by the Royal Institute where we will be joined by pupils from Barnes, Marshgate and Kew Riverside.  I have to be honest it really annoys me when Darell is not perceived as an academic school.  This simply is not true.  The quality of work that our Year 6 children produce by the time they leave this school is astounding and as good as I have seen in my long and illustrious career.  We also have the last Debate Mate competition.  I am not competitive but as a school we finished in the top ten in London and 22nd nationally.  22nd nationally!!  Shout it from the rooftops.  Again, the ability to express themselves eloquently and coherently is what we aspire to for all our children to leave Darell with.  And they can.

I will return to my first paragraph now.  Children being happy.  Please have a lovely Easter break.  Compromise when necessary and enjoy your time with your precious children.

Mr Porter

Office Updates

Lost property

The lost property trolley, located in the front office is overflowing with unclaimed items. Please come and have a look through for anything you may be missing. Thank you. 

Summer Term Clubs

The new clubs list is available on the website and was emailed out to all parents on Wednesday. All clubs are now bookable and will commence week beginning Monday, 25th April.

Outstanding Payments

As we are approaching the end of the term. Please can we ask you log into your Arbor account and settle any outstanding payments. Thank you.

Cooking and

Craft Corner

Easy Easter chick

Ingredients

• 1 Easter egg
• 50g milk chocolate, melted
• 1 x bag flying saucers sweets
• 1 x bag chocolate buttons
• Assorted sweets, to decorate

Method

Use dots of melted chocolate to attach 2 flying saucer sweets the base of the egg for the feet. Attach 2 more flying saucers on either side of the egg for wings.

For the beak, use a dot of chocolate to attach a jelly tot to the centre of the egg.

For the eyes, use dots of chocolate to attach 2 chocolate buttons, fried egg sweets (yolk side down) or love heart sweets.

Finally, for the comb on top of the chick’s head, cut about one-third of a strawberry lace and secure with a little of the melted chocolate. Repeat to make a row of 3. Allow to set for 10 mins before moving

Tip: you can use any sweets you have to decorate your egg – choose your favourites and get experimenting! Large chocolate buttons make good wings, use fruit pastilles and different shapes of gummy sweets, or use fondant icing to make more intricate designs