Headteacher Message 

Hello all,

I hope you are all well. It will be quite a short newsletter today because we have some unexpected staff absences, and I am teaching in Year 5 all afternoon. To be honest, I am really looking forward to it. It is always good to reconnect with the craft of teaching again as it was this that attracted me to this job all those years ago. So, a few updates. 

Year 2 attended a concert by the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the South Bank this week. The staff team reported back on their excellent behaviour throughout, and we are all proud of the way they represented the school. 

The year 5 and 6 team had their first official debate against other London schools this week.  It was virtual, it was intense, and it was brilliant because we won 3 out of 4 of our debates.  I can testify to the fact that our children are very persuasive confident speakers and it is so pleasing to see them get recognition for this.

Our swimming team took part in the borough gala this week, and we managed one first place in the front crawl heats.  Again, they were superbly behaved and a credit to the school.

We had our collection for the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria.  The money has yet to be counted, but I have seen the buckets and would like to thank you all for your generosity. When the final amount is counted I will let you know what exact charity we will be donating to. This disaster is very close to some of our community and whatever we can do to support we will.  Thank you once again for your donations. 

School numbers are very rapidly on the rise.  At one point this year we numbered 182.  We now have 212 children on role.  That is a rise of 30 children and associated lovely families! Thank you to all our new families for choosing us and thank you to all our existing families for continuing to support us. There needs to be one more thank you and that is to the staff and children of this school who are so welcoming and make everybody feel instantly part of the community.  Just a reminder, we have an open door policy here and if you would like to chat please make contact, and we will swiftly get back to you.

All that remains is for me to wish you a really happy half term.  I have to say that I am really looking forward to reconnecting with my children and I hope you are able to create some happy memories in the upcoming week.

Thanks,

Joe Porter 

Governor News

This morning a group of governors were tasked with finding out about some of the learning and curriculum at Darell. We have heard lots about the school from the teachers and senior leaders but who better to ask about what really goes on than the people it is all about - the children. 

We met with a wonderful group of year pupils from years 4,5 and 6 who talked confidently and enthusiastically about their learning, what they enjoyed and how their teachers helped them. They were able to share examples of learning they had really enjoyed and also how this had applied in ‘real life’ Their knowledge and vocabulary was really amazing, but I think we were all most impressed with their passion and love for learning which was so evident. I hadn’t expected to learn so many new things about wedding ceremonies in different world religions, the Second World War or about sustainability in one morning! 

Speaking to the children today has helped give governors a real insight into what Darell does so well - ensuring our children are confident, lifelong learners.

Communications

Sent Home

• Choir - Rose Theatre Performance

• Year 6 - Bikerbility information and consent

• Whole School - Parent/Carer Consultation Evenings

Stars of the Week!

Early Years Star of the Week

Wonder Class

Jake - for always being a cheerful, kind, enthusiastic member of the group

KS1 Star of the Week

Peake Class

Maksim - for reading words independently in reading practice sessions. What great progress, Maksim!

Weir Class

Nikki - for Being aspirational in her writing and working incredibly hard on her recount this week. Well done, Nikki!

Walker Class

Dineo and Scarlett - for going on their first ever Key Stage One trip with their peers and living our school value of Enjoyment.  Well done!

KS2 Star of the Week

Newton Class

Patrick - for settling into the Newton class environment and for trying is best in his learning. Well done, Patrick!

Thunberg Class

Narek - for being a responsible learner; Narek always tries his best at whatever subject we are learning.

Darwin Class

Whole Class - for the incredible effort they have put into improving their handwriting this half-term.

Attenborough Class

Dannah- for a fantastic first week at Darell, making new friends and already living our value of aspiration, participating actively in every lesson.

Parks Class

Ruby - for such excellent contributions in class and for always trying her best in every subject in class!

Rashford

Daisy - for being resilient and powering through when she was finding it difficult and for the positive energy she brings to class. We are proud of you!