Headteacher Message

Hello all,

It is lovely to be able to write this newsletter with the sun streaming into the office and the sounds of a full school filtering in from every doorway.  We have had a great start to the Summer term with your children returning refreshed and raring to go.  I have managed to get into every class this week and what strikes me is how happy all our children seem.  It is  as though a weight has been lifted from them and there is a definite sense of relief that we are looking forward to a full Summer term.   

Next week we are looking forward to parents evenings.  Please make sure you have made an appointment as this is an invaluable opportunity to hear from your child’s teacher.  As a parent I recognise that it is important to know how my child is getting on academically and what I can do to support but for me what I really want to know is does the teacher really know and value my child?  Have they built a positive relationship with my child and is my child happy?  We aim to give you both perspectives, an update on academic and personal growth.  As ever we welcome any feedback on the process.  Please bear with us regarding the technological aspect of these meetings.  The leadership team will be manning the switchboard so please phone the school if you are having difficulties.  

I am very excited to announce that we will be producing a Darell newspaper in the next couple of weeks.  Today I went out to the school for volunteers to provide the content and we have already had a number of children sign up for the various roles on offer.  Reporters and art directors have been the most popular so far.  We are aiming to produce and distribute this newspaper on a monthly basis.  Any child who signs up for a role will be given an opportunity to contribute in the upcoming editions.  As a teacher, I find that giving writing a purpose motivates children and I am really looking forward to reading the results.  This week one of our Year 6 children wrote to a local councillor regarding the bin in Darell Road that unfortunately spills into our Key Stage 1 playground.  I would like to give great credit to the councillor who replied almost immediately.  Here is what he wrote.

Dear Sa’ra

Thank you for your email and for sharing your concern of the bin and the overflowing waste.

I will email our Council Waste and Recycling Officer to look into this matter and to ask for this bin to be moved to a more appropriate place.

Please let me know if there is anything else that I can help you with.

Stay safe,

Yours Sincerely

J-F

Cllr J-F Burford BEM

I am really proud of Sa’ra who has lived our motto of ‘Make a Difference’ and shows what direct action can do.  I really want all the children at Darell to believe that they have a voice and be able to stand up for what they think is right.  

Have a lovely weekend, continue to stay safe and enjoy spending time with those that you love and love you.

Mr Porter

Mr Gilbert is fundraising!

Hello everyone! I hope that you don't mind me using the newsletter to promote a great fundraiser that I am taking part in. On 26th June I will be walking up Mount Snowdon in the middle of the night to raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. My best friend was diagnosed with brain cancer when he was 25.  It is now 10 years since that diagnosis and he is in great health and will be taking on the challenge with me. If it wasn't for the amazing work of the Royal Marsden, I may have been taking this challenge on alone so this is our small way of trying to give something back and 'Make a Difference'. Whilst we were due to complete the challenge last year, it has been rescheduled for this June and we are very excited to raise money for this good cause. If you are able to donate then please follow the Just Giving link below and make whatever donation you can. Finally, please be nice to me when you see me in school that week as I am sure I will be quite tired!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paulandmarksnowdon

Thank you,

Mr Gilbert

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.

Packham - Why did the Dump call Little Blue Truck 'Little Brother'?

Peake - Why do you think the author-illustrator chose a rock to be Felipe’s friend?

Weir - Which beetle is your favourite? Why? 

Mozart - We have been learning about weather and reading non-fiction books.  Can you describe what the weather is like today? 

Newton - What do you predict the story will be about?

Thunberg - No one is too small to make a difference. How can you help stop deforestation?

Darwin - If you met the Gentle Giant what would you tell him?

Attenborough - Do you think it is a good idea for the children to take that journey to Johannesburg to find their mum?

Parks - Summarise the book you are currently reading for pleasure.

Describe the protagonist from your book. What kind of person are they?

Maths Challenge

The mighty maths challenge is back!

Each week you will find a new maths challenge in this section of the newsletter and your Google Classroom along with the winner of the previous week.

Good Luck! 

Please email your answers to maths@darell.richmond.sch.uk

Our challenge winner last week was Vivien from Thunberg class

Well done!