Dear Parents and Carers,
We welcomed back our year 4s from their PGL trip – it sounds like the children had an action-packed week of activities, including climbing, rifle shooting, orienteering, survival activities (building shelters and fires). I also hear that the children were happy with the food.
It’s also been a busy week for the children in Year 4 who didn’t travel to Surrey. Highlights include a bowling trip with a few fabulous strikes and making ‘Viking’ soda bread for a historical picnic in the Wild Garden. The children worked well together all week, and it’s been a really enjoyable few days for the adults who were with them too. See photos below.
The Senior Leader assembly this week was led by Maria who introduced National Storytelling Week which takes place from 30th January to the 6th February this year. We discussed What is National Storytelling Week?
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National Storytelling Week is all about celebrating stories.
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It is a week-long celebration of the oral tradition of storytelling.
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Many stories have been passed down through generations and across cultures for centuries.
The theme for 2023 is ‘Stories belong to everyone ... what's your story?’
We then discussed ‘What is storytelling?’ We watched a short clip of the famous storyteller, Phil McDermott, telling a story. After watching the clip, the children were asked how oral storytelling is different or similar to reading a story. We also explored the purpose of storytelling and that throughout time, stories have had a purpose; a lesson to learn.
This week’s class assembly was from Sarah C’s class who took us through their journey of answering the big question this term: ‘Why do people travel to Antarctica?’ which also led us to the sad situation of how the ice poles are getting smaller and the importance of looking after our world. It was lovely to see how much fun they had sharing it with parents and carers, and I was blown away by the amount of information shared and with such confidence – well done Sarah C’s class for a great assembly.
Enrichment clubs: We have two new clubs starting after half term. Our new dance teacher will be leading a new Jazz and Commercial Dance class for Yr 3-6 on Wednesdays 3:30-4:30pm, and we have a new karate class for Yr 1-6 on Fridays 7.55-8.55am.
Places will be offered on a first come, first served basis. A proportion of places for the Dance class will be released onto ParentPay on Tuesday 7th Feb, for those in receipt of Pupil Premium and the remaining places on Wednesday 8th February for the rest of the school. For karate, please book direct with the Karate teacher. Full details are available here.
Parent evening booking forms will be shared with you next week. On Wednesday 1st March, governors will be around to share with you some of the work they do. Appointments on Wednesday's parents evening will be up to 6:50pm, alternative slots will be dependent on the teacher’s commitments and all other days will be no later than 5pm. Please also be mindful that there will be no slots on the Thursday (2nd March) as this is the second NEU industrial action day.
Early years build work: For those of you who do not venture to the Early Years part of the playground, it is nearly ready! Whilst the children are not able to use it yet, we are all getting very excited for when they can; which we are hoping will be next week. The project was largely funded by NCIL, which we won back in March 2022. Friends of Kilmorie also donated a large chunk, with some extra coming directly from last year’s Early Years Garden Party. Without these contributions, this Outstanding Early Years project would not have been possible. Thank you everyone, it looks amazing.
Before Christmas, we mentioned in the newsletter that we would like to hold a Pre-Loved Children’s coats and clothes event. The event will be held during the week beginning the 27th February and more details will be available nearer the time. Please donate clothes the week beginning 20th February, please make sure they are in good condition, are clean, and the bag is labelled with the age to make it easier on the day for the volunteers to organise. Please bring donations to the school office.
Next week is Children's Mental Health Week. We have some lovely activities planned for the children and want to say a huge thanks to the parents who have volunteered to come in and do some wellbeing activities with the children. We really appreciate your support in making this a special week for them. This year's theme of 'Let's Connect' is about making meaningful connections. We will be encouraging the children to connect with others in healthy, rewarding and meaningful ways. This document contains some ideas for a few simple ways you can connect with your child at home and help them to make meaningful connections. Also more information is available online.
Tomorrow and Sunday is Kilmorie’s Big Dig Weekend. Eva and Olly will be preparing our school gardens for some all important upgrades. The weather is going to be giving us our first glimpse of spring, the children love it and it is a great dopamine release – do please come along, the more hands the better.
Wishing all our families a lovely weekend and I look forward to welcoming you back for the final week of this half term.
Kind regards
Julie
