Headteacher Message 

Hello all,

I hope you are well. As you walk into the Darell’s main entrance the first thing you see, apart from our amazing admin staff, is the Darell tree with the words ‘Make a Difference’ underneath. It is there because I really believe in the sentiment.  It could be argued that it is a bit grand, lofty and unspecific, but I do not believe this.  I often say to our children that it is inevitably not grand gestures that make a difference. Small things with good intentions are the way to go. Simply smiling at someone makes a difference.  Holding a door open, engaging in conversation with a neighbour these are all things that can make a difference. To others and ultimately yourself.  Again the question may be when is Mr Porter going to get to the point? Well, I need to tell you about the highlight of my week.  As you may or may not know we run a community club on a Tuesday and a Wednesday.  We are rotating it through the year groups.  Last term was the turn of Year 5 and 6 and this term year 3 and 4.  Our aim is to improve our local environment by litter picking in the locality. I am sure you have seen the neglected area of grass beside the A316. It is very disappointingly strewn with litter. Well, Year 3 absolutely blitzed it during Tuesday lunchtime clearing a large area from litter. I was so proud of them.  They were motivated, committed and visibly making a difference.  They have had the idea of putting up posters, writing to the local council and generally improving what is a very neglected story.  There are challenges in this job, but they are far outweighed by the moments that restore your faith in humanity and the future.  

Headteachers are supposed to be apolitical. I am unsure how this is possible as political decisions affect the running of a school on a daily basis.  I am not going to be party political, but I will speak up for what I believe.  Education currently is underfunded.  We are being asked to do more with less.  It is as simple as that.  I am not talking about wages here.  School spending per pupil in England fell by 9% in real terms between 2009–10 and 2019–20, the largest cut in over 40 years.  This is at a time when many services are also being cut and schools are expected to take up the slack. Something needs to change.  I do not know what the impact of the NEU action will be, but I do respect the decision to take a stand.  These decisions have not been taken lightly by the teaching staff of Darell School. I see on a daily basis the care and commitment they give to your children. This is shown by the fact they have all let me know their intentions early so we and you can plan. Their protest is about underfunding across the system. As a parent of three school aged children in school next Wednesday is already proving to be a logistical nightmare. But it will work itself out and while frustrating it will not ultimately impact on their learning.  My hope is that the government and the unions can find a way through this.  A way that facilitates the best outcomes for our children and the children of generations to come.  I need a lie down after that, so I will stop there.  

Have a lovely weekend.  One more thing please go out there this weekend and try to ‘make a difference’ however small to yourself or somebody you care about.

Joe Porter

Communications

Sent Home

• Whole school - Industrial Action

• Nursery - A Short Summary

• Selected students - Tag Rugby Match 

• Selected students - Swimming Gala

• Y6 - Junior Citizen Trip 

• Whole School - Curriculum Newsletters

• Whole school - Esafety Newsletter

Stars of the Week!

Early Years Star of the Week

Wonder Class

Kyrah - for always being cheerful and a great friend to the children in Reception.  Kyrah is always kind and caring.

KS1 Star of the Week

Peake Class

Tanya - for becoming more independent and having the confidence to ‘have a go’. Well done, Tanyal!

Weir Class

Adriana - for working hard to make her moving vehicle and for taking the responsibility to help others too. Well done, Adriana!

Walker Class

Dineo - for beginning to write all the letters in her name. Well done Dineo!

KS2 Star of the Week

Newton Class

Jessica - for being resilient and understanding with recent changes in the classroom. Well done Jessica!

Thunberg Class

Leo - for enjoying his learning, during input Leo always says something thoughtful and articulate.

Darwin Class

Nevaeh - for taking the responsibility to present the ideas from her table to the whole class.

Attenborough Class

Vivian - for her commitment to her learning, taking responsibility for her work, being a great learning partner and her aspiration to do her best at all times.

Parks Class

Elikyah - for her fantastic writing in English and history!

Rashford

Amelia - for showing excellent teamwork skills, always being kind, polite and respectful in class.