Headteacher Message

Hello all,

I hope you are well and enjoying the good weather.  Without fail September is very often sunnier than August, and we all end up feeling a bit cheated by the English summer. This morning, on gate duty, I was caught yawning by an eagle-eyed parent.  I am still getting used to the early morning routine and the need to walk the dog before school, but I am getting there.  No such problems for your children who have seamlessly returned to school.  I have been so impressed with our new Reception and Nursery children who have arrived this week and integrated superbly. The happiness index is high across the school and long may this continue.

We also continue to have new families touring and joining the school. Just this week we have had families from Nigeria and New Zealand coming to visit.  This is such an international school and all the better for it.  

I have had a number of conversations with parents regarding the upheaval on the A316.  It has really affected journey times for many of us.  On Monday it took over two and a half hours for some members of our staff team to get into school and I know it has disrupted many of your journeys.  I am going to raise this with the local council as I am concerned about pollution caused by the sheer weight of idling traffic and flabbergasted (What a great old-fashioned word that is) by the proposed end date of the works - June!!  I know that the scope of the work is extensive but over half a year to complete it seems excessive.  I will let you know what I can find out.

I am lucky enough to be teaching in Year 6 this afternoon and know that this will enable me to finish the week feeling positive.  I hope you have all had a good week and wish you a happy weekend with your precious children.

Thanks,

Joe Porter

One of our staff members received an email from a councillor who has been dealing with the issue.  The council have received numerous complaints and arranged a meeting with TFL.

Here is an update

At the end of the meeting, TfL agreed to the following actions:

• Place additional signage further out to the M3, warning drivers to avoid the A316 in the Richmond area.
• Investigate longer hours of working at the site, ideally 24-hours-a-day, to finish the job sooner.
• Increase TfL communications with transport users and the media to discourage use of the A316.
• Investigate opening an additional lane on the A316 by moving equipment on a closed off section.
• Assist the Council in erecting no-engine idling signs and enforcement on affected roads.
• Ban HGVs from going down Manor Grove.
• Create a yellow box junction outside Richmond Fire Station.
• Improve the pedestrian crossing timings at Manor Circus, so pedestrians don't need to wait so long.
• Ensure there is a Christmas moratorium on works to ensure people can travel more freely at that time.

TfL assured us that traffic disruption will ease considerably when this first phase of the works are completed in December. 

I just wanted to keep you updated.  As I have said I will be contacting TFL on behalf of the school.

Communications

Sent Home

• Year 1 - Year 6 - PE timetable update
• Reception - Year 6 - Autumn Clubs Update
• Whole School - LGFL update regarding emails
• Nursery - Forest school information

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.

Wonder - In our focus story, 'So Much!', can you remember what each of the different people wanted to do to the baby? 

Peake - What was the name of Lulu's teddy? (Jupiter) What does the phrase 'one-and-only' tell you about Jupiter?

Weir - How would you feel if a lion appeared near our school? Would you be friendly?

Thunberg - How do you think the giants felt when they finally realised what they were doing to the forest? What do you think they should do next?

Darwin - Talking animals is one element that many folk tales have. Can you think of any others?

Attenborough - Do you think the myth of Arinta can help Isabella find out what happened to Cata?

Parks - ‘Street Child’ – What clues have we had so far that the story is set in the Victorian era?

Stars of the Week!

Early Years Star of the Week

Wonder Class

Whole class - for a fantastic start to Reception!  For having a go at the new activities, for being kind to each other and for great listening on the carpet.

Peake Class

Brandon - for excellent focus and participation in phonics and maths. Well done, Brandon!

Weir Class

Lusine - for amazing writing, being a responsible learner and always doing the right thing.

Walker Class

Sirimi - for confidently talking to a grown up to describe her drawings. Well done, Sirimi!  

KS2 Star of the Week

Newton Class

Sonia - for her enjoyment in integration with year 5 and for having a positive attitude towards her learning. Well done, Sonia!

Thunberg Class

Hanaik - for beginning Year 3 with a positive attitude and for making thoughtful and mature contributions in RE.
Well done, Hanaik!

Darwin Class

Freya - for aspiring to produce his best handwriting in all her work. Well done!

Attenborough Class

Amelia - for her fantastic attitude to all her learning. Well done!

Parks Class

Tilly - for trying her best in every lesson and for her fantastic contributions in class