Headteacher Message

Hello all,

I hope everyone is well.  Currently, I can see blue sky from my office and that is some light relief from the Noah’s Ark weather we have been subjected to since the clocks went back.  We have had a very productive week here at Darell.  We are currently preparing for the first major governing body meeting of the school term, and I am pleased to announce that we have 4 new governors who will be taking up posts at this meeting.  I am always in awe of school governors. It is a responsible position that has significant time commitments and it is voluntary.  I would like you to get to know the governors better, so I am planning on introducing them to you through the weekly newsletter. 

I know I have said this before, but I really love it when I get back into class.  I taught Year 2 for some of Wednesday morning, and it was a delight.  Their learning behaviour was superb, and I was so impressed with the way that they spoke in front of me and the rest of the class. At the other end of the school, I spent Friday morning working in Year 6.  They are working on a project that will have a lasting legacy at Darell School.  We were focussing on creating Year 6 pupil leaders across the school.  Their work was mature and realistic and the work that they will be doing will have a lasting impact.  We will introduce the leading roles this year (they have defined the remit and scope) and it will become part of the Year 6 experience for every child who journeys through our school.  I will give you more information next week.  I could not be more proud of them.

Thank you to all of those who have signed up for the parent-teacher meetings next week.  If you cannot make it in person, we can arrange a telephone call with you. It is really important that we work in partnership and these meetings are extremely useful for information sharing and celebrating your child's progress.  

Have a lovely weekend with your families and friends. 

Joe Porter

https://www.richmondmusictrust.org.uk/site/tuition/learn-with-us/apply-now/

Communications

Sent Home

• Whole School - Christmas Lunch Menu and Google Form
• Whole School - Safeguarding Training 
• Whole School - Travel Plan Survey
• Whole School - Caterlink School Meal Survey
• Reception and Year 6 - Height and Weight Program Letter

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 Pumpkin Soup, why does the duck leave the old white cabin? Where do the cat and the squirrel go to look for him? And why does duck come back?

Peake - What windy day activity did the boy and his grandad do? (fly a kite). What season of the year do you think it was? (autumn). What signs of seasonal change can you see when you are about and about this weekend? 

Weir - Would you like to go to London? What would you see there?

Thunberg - What do you like most about the poem you have written this week? Who else do you think would enjoy reading it?

Darwin - What similarities can you find between the Children of Lir story and Cinderella?

Attenborough - What tragic accident happens in Will’s family at the start of Treason? Do you think Will is responsible for it?

Parks - ‘Letters from the Lighthouse’ – What happens at the beginning of the story? How do you think Olive is feeling? Why?

Stars of the Week!

Early Years Star of the Week

Wonder Class

Clay - for coming into Reception very happily every morning this week and enjoying each day

Peake Class

Olivia - for her excellent concentration in maths and phonics, and always being very polite. Well done, Olivia!

Weir Class

Darcie - for always working hard and being a very kind and caring friend.

Walker Class

Loki - for joining in with year 1 phonic sessions and always trying his best whilst there. Well done, Loki!  

KS2 Star of the Week

Newton Class

Jacob & Archie - for their enjoyment of History & English this week. Well done boys!

Thunberg Class

Kateryna - for writing a fantastic, original poem full of imagination, fun and creativity! Well done, Kate!

Darwin Class

Fiach - for trying his best in every piece of work that he does in the classroom.

Attenborough Class

Neil - for his enjoyment and aspiration in our lessons, in particular during maths.

Parks Class

Eliza - for her excellent focus in class this week and her progress in maths lessons.

Rashford Class

Zayan - for his thoughtful contributions in class and excellent manners.