It was a special day for the children and parents in Foundation Stage today as many of them took part in a curriculum session which saw the adults join the pupils in the classroom! The morning began with the parents joining Mrs C, spaced out, in the ventilated downstairs hall, where she presented how the curriculum is delivered across our youngest classes. Afterwards the parents then joined the children in class and the Early Years garden where they were given the opportunity to take part in examples of activities for themselves. At the end of the session some of the parents stayed for a long overdue tour of the school, the first opportunity many of them had had to see inside the school in detail due to Covid. It was a great morning, thanks to everyone who came along.

Meanwhile, there was an animal rescue taking place outside in the back Forest Friends wood as Mrs Timpson and Mrs Baker, our Farming Teaching Assistants, rescued a Mallard with some damaged wings. Due to its injuries the duck was unable to fly away and, fearful that he would become a foxes dinner, they took him into the farm enclosure to safety until we are able to get advice as to how to help him recover from the experts. The duck ended the day warm and comfortable munching away at his food. We will keep you posted on his progress!

As Mr B was delighted by readers from Badgers in his office,  a team of children from Year six represented the school at the second Tag Rugby inter-schools tournament which was held at Southend Rugby Club. Playing against a series of teams from other schools from across Southend, the children gave each and every match their best and Mr Knight, Mr Dorn and Mrs Gorbutt returned to school feeling proud of their efforts. Well done children, we are proud of you.

There was a real sense of pride on show in the afternoon as Mr B had the honour of delivering special news to a group of children from across Year Six. Every year one boy and one girl from each house are awarded the positions of house captains, a role which sees them act as role models to the rest of the children from all year groups in their house. Recipients of the role have had to consistently display the qualities which we wish all children to promote. The children were called in turn to Mr B’s office where he delivered the news to them before they used his phone to pass on their special news to their parents. Well done to all of the children who were given the responsibility of being a house captain. Along with the house captains, Mr B also delivered the news to one boy and one girl that they had been given the role of the most prestigious responsibility in school that a child can be given, that of Head boy and Head Girl. This year these roles went to Nehal and Rosie who also used Mr B’s phone to ring their parents to let them know that they had reasons to celebrate! Nehal and Rosie will represent the school throughout the year, meeting with governors and visitors to the school and representing the school at various events. Well done to both children, we are so proud of you!