Children in Need 2012 was amazing! Thanks so much to all parents and children who supported this fantastic cause.
Children and staff all turned up at Oakfield and Temple Hill in their pyjamas to raise much needed funds for Children in Need. At Temple Hill, parents also turned up in their nightwear, as Sara White (Temple Hill Head of School) had pledged, on behalf of the Leadership Team, to donate a further £1 for every parent coming in their pj's!
Working between the two schools is a real privilege, and seeing all staff and children having fun, wearing all sorts of stripes, spots, dressing gowns, onesies, etc etc etc, raising money for a brilliant cause was inspiring!
We are always asking parents for money - sometimes for their children's trips, sometimes for charity. I would like to thank you all for always digging deep and finding the money - well done!
GR
Saturday, 17 November 2012
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
End of Term 1
I can not believe that term 1 is over!!!
We have achieved so much as a school this term, it's fantastic!
Well done to all children that achieved 100% attendance this term. We will look at the data during the first week back, and ensure all children who received 100% attendance receive their award.
Well done too, to all the children that attended the Turkey trip. Mrs Funge, Mrs Harrison (and Mr Funge!) did a brilliant job looking after all the children, and I understand that their behaviour was exemplary. I really believe that being able to send our children on such an exciting trip is very worthwhile - something that those children will remember for many years to come!
Congratulations to the ELEVEN children who were able to pass their 11+ tests, and therefore are eligible to apply for a grammar school place. We are very proud of all the children who took the test - whether they passed or not.
I hope all the children enjoyed the Black History Day activities today - I know the mask painting and drumming went down very well.
Thanks too to the parents who have supported the school this term. Events, trips and activities would not be possible without your support.
Have a wonderful half term holiday and I look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on TUESDAY 6th NOVEMBER.
GR
We have achieved so much as a school this term, it's fantastic!
Well done to all children that achieved 100% attendance this term. We will look at the data during the first week back, and ensure all children who received 100% attendance receive their award.
Well done too, to all the children that attended the Turkey trip. Mrs Funge, Mrs Harrison (and Mr Funge!) did a brilliant job looking after all the children, and I understand that their behaviour was exemplary. I really believe that being able to send our children on such an exciting trip is very worthwhile - something that those children will remember for many years to come!
Congratulations to the ELEVEN children who were able to pass their 11+ tests, and therefore are eligible to apply for a grammar school place. We are very proud of all the children who took the test - whether they passed or not.
I hope all the children enjoyed the Black History Day activities today - I know the mask painting and drumming went down very well.
Thanks too to the parents who have supported the school this term. Events, trips and activities would not be possible without your support.
Have a wonderful half term holiday and I look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on TUESDAY 6th NOVEMBER.
GR
Sunday, 14 October 2012
Safe journey!
During the early hours of Monday morning, Mrs Funge will be leading our first trip to Turkey!
Late last academic year, we hosted a group of children from Bilfen School in Istanbul. Bilfen is a private school and the children who attend the school are very privileged. I was fortunate enough to visit the school a few weeks ago, so that I could assess the risks of our children visiting Turkey.
The children who will be embarking on the trip are going to have a ball! Once they step off of the plane in Istanbul, they'll be treated like royalty - visiting the Bilfen schools, going on a boat trip, visiting the sights, smells and sounds of old Istanbul.
Let's all wish them a safe journey, and I hope they have just a BRILLIANT time!
GR
Friday, 12 October 2012
Outstanding!
I have been watching our teachers... They have been observed teaching Literacy, Numeracy, Science - all sorts of things!
The reason I observe, is to make sure that all the staff that we employ are working at an acceptable standard, and that if there are issues for development, they are tackled straight away.
When observing, I look at the quality of plans, the learning environment, the quality of questions, the quality of feedback and marking, the quality of differentiation. the most important aspect of the lesson observation though is whether each and every child has made progress within the lesson. Do they know something now, that they didn't know before....? Can they understand something that they had trouble with previously? Have they developed a skill which they hadn't acquired in other lessons?
In the last week, we have been incredibly lucky to witness THREE outstanding lessons!
Lesson one was a maths lesson. the way the teacher challenged the children, and ensured that each and every child was extending their learning was amazing. During the second lesson, the teacher was guiding children to look at the best language to use for different audiences. The complexity of the work, coupled with the determination of each child to achieve their very best, was inspirational. The final lesson was outstanding, because after over half the lesson, it became infectious... As a child I would have never wanted to leave. The children learnt so much through fun, inspiration, creativity and variety.
I want to ensure that every teacher at Oakfield and Temple Hill are working at a GOOD or OUTSTANDING level. "Just good enough" isn't good enough for our children.
GR
The reason I observe, is to make sure that all the staff that we employ are working at an acceptable standard, and that if there are issues for development, they are tackled straight away.
When observing, I look at the quality of plans, the learning environment, the quality of questions, the quality of feedback and marking, the quality of differentiation. the most important aspect of the lesson observation though is whether each and every child has made progress within the lesson. Do they know something now, that they didn't know before....? Can they understand something that they had trouble with previously? Have they developed a skill which they hadn't acquired in other lessons?
In the last week, we have been incredibly lucky to witness THREE outstanding lessons!
Lesson one was a maths lesson. the way the teacher challenged the children, and ensured that each and every child was extending their learning was amazing. During the second lesson, the teacher was guiding children to look at the best language to use for different audiences. The complexity of the work, coupled with the determination of each child to achieve their very best, was inspirational. The final lesson was outstanding, because after over half the lesson, it became infectious... As a child I would have never wanted to leave. The children learnt so much through fun, inspiration, creativity and variety.
I want to ensure that every teacher at Oakfield and Temple Hill are working at a GOOD or OUTSTANDING level. "Just good enough" isn't good enough for our children.
GR
Monday, 17 September 2012
BBQs and Parent-Teacher meetings
I have just been reminded by one of my Oakfield teachers, and a member of my Oakfield admin team that I haven't written a BLOG entry for a while, so here it is!
To be honest, I haven't had a moment to sit down and write in the last couple of weeks. It has been absolutely manic - both at home and at school.
On Friday, we had the Temple Hill after school BBQ, and I was delighted that so many parents, children and ex-pupils made the effort to join in. Mirroring the BBQ at Oakfield, staff did a fantastic job of cooking the food, mingling with parents and helping to tidy up. It was great to welcome back so many parents to our FIFTH whole school BBQ at Oakfield, and to meet so many parents at Temple Hill - their first of many annual BBQs!
This evening, I will also be holding my final HT Presentation of this term, with a 6 o'clock meeting at Temple Hill. It is always really useful for me to meet parents at these meetings, and for me to be able to share ideas and plans for the coming terms and year.
Communication is improving in both schools, but I want to make it very clear that ALL parents are very welcome to e-mail myself or Heads of School directly, or to make contact with their class teacher via e-mail. All of our e-mail addresses can be found in the home-school planners. Please use the planners to pass on messages too, as these are being checked in school daily.
Parents may, or may not notice that I will not be around either school towards the end of the week, as I am travelling to Istanbul, Turkey to meet the Headteacher and staff of the school where 14 Oakfield children are travelling to next month. The school in Turkey have generously paid for me to visit them, to assess the hotel where children will be staying, and to look at the facilities etc. I really think it is great that our children are experiencing a totally different culture. Let's hope they have a brilliant time! Next year we are hoping to take a mixed group of Temple Hill and Oakfield children to the British School in Berlin.
Right, off for my final HT meeting now.
GR
To be honest, I haven't had a moment to sit down and write in the last couple of weeks. It has been absolutely manic - both at home and at school.
On Friday, we had the Temple Hill after school BBQ, and I was delighted that so many parents, children and ex-pupils made the effort to join in. Mirroring the BBQ at Oakfield, staff did a fantastic job of cooking the food, mingling with parents and helping to tidy up. It was great to welcome back so many parents to our FIFTH whole school BBQ at Oakfield, and to meet so many parents at Temple Hill - their first of many annual BBQs!
This evening, I will also be holding my final HT Presentation of this term, with a 6 o'clock meeting at Temple Hill. It is always really useful for me to meet parents at these meetings, and for me to be able to share ideas and plans for the coming terms and year.
Communication is improving in both schools, but I want to make it very clear that ALL parents are very welcome to e-mail myself or Heads of School directly, or to make contact with their class teacher via e-mail. All of our e-mail addresses can be found in the home-school planners. Please use the planners to pass on messages too, as these are being checked in school daily.
Parents may, or may not notice that I will not be around either school towards the end of the week, as I am travelling to Istanbul, Turkey to meet the Headteacher and staff of the school where 14 Oakfield children are travelling to next month. The school in Turkey have generously paid for me to visit them, to assess the hotel where children will be staying, and to look at the facilities etc. I really think it is great that our children are experiencing a totally different culture. Let's hope they have a brilliant time! Next year we are hoping to take a mixed group of Temple Hill and Oakfield children to the British School in Berlin.
Right, off for my final HT meeting now.
GR
Thursday, 6 September 2012
Is it really Autumn...?
I really can not believe that the summer is over... Where has the time gone..?
A fantastic summer of Olympics and now Paralympics has really fueled the enthusiasm of all staff at both schools, and we look forward to continuing our Olympic Legacy over the coming terms and years.
Temple Hill and Oakfield Year 6 children are all working together today and tomorrow with our old friend, Chris Cook, who swam for team GB in the last Olympics. Chris works so well with the children - I wish I could bottle his enthusiasm and positivity.
I hope to see as many parents as possible at the events coming up in the next few days and weeks. Please check your wall planners for the dates of the whole school BBQs, parent meetings and my Headteacher presentations.
I look forward to welcoming you all in to school over the coming weeks.
GR
A fantastic summer of Olympics and now Paralympics has really fueled the enthusiasm of all staff at both schools, and we look forward to continuing our Olympic Legacy over the coming terms and years.
Temple Hill and Oakfield Year 6 children are all working together today and tomorrow with our old friend, Chris Cook, who swam for team GB in the last Olympics. Chris works so well with the children - I wish I could bottle his enthusiasm and positivity.
I hope to see as many parents as possible at the events coming up in the next few days and weeks. Please check your wall planners for the dates of the whole school BBQs, parent meetings and my Headteacher presentations.
I look forward to welcoming you all in to school over the coming weeks.
GR
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Sports Day
Well, the time is here... Mr Laws has been busy preparing for today, and thank goodness that it looks like we have bright weather so the event can go ahead!
Planning sports day is a logistical nightmare. Years 1 to 6 - 14 classes, all taking part in a range of activities. Water stations, check. Non-competitive and competitive activities, check. Leaders for each activitiy, check. PTA doing refreshments, check! All classes know where they are going, what time they are starting, and what time they need to be back in to school for. Well done Mr Laws for organising the morning so efficiently.
See you all there, I hope!
GR
Planning sports day is a logistical nightmare. Years 1 to 6 - 14 classes, all taking part in a range of activities. Water stations, check. Non-competitive and competitive activities, check. Leaders for each activitiy, check. PTA doing refreshments, check! All classes know where they are going, what time they are starting, and what time they need to be back in to school for. Well done Mr Laws for organising the morning so efficiently.
See you all there, I hope!
GR
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Pray for sun!
Tomorrow is sports day and Friday is the PTA Summer Fair. Let's hope the weather stays fine...
I am just compiling the finalised versions of class lists for next year. Soon, all children will know which classes they are going in to. It is a busy, yet exciting time of the year!
I just wanted to say something about parent support of the school. We have a range of supporters in the school, all of which are incredibly valuable. We have a number of parent governors who attend regular governor meetings and help to form the strategic direction of the school. We have a brilliant and dedicated selection of parents who support and run the PTA. Without these parents, we would not have such fantastic events, and raise much needed funds for the school.
Probably most importantly though are the HUNDREDS of parents that support the school by supporting their children. Each and every day, there are parents sitting at home hearing their children read, helping with homework or just asking how their day was. This is what helps our children the most - and this is why our children have made more progress this year than ever - thank you!
GR
I am just compiling the finalised versions of class lists for next year. Soon, all children will know which classes they are going in to. It is a busy, yet exciting time of the year!
I just wanted to say something about parent support of the school. We have a range of supporters in the school, all of which are incredibly valuable. We have a number of parent governors who attend regular governor meetings and help to form the strategic direction of the school. We have a brilliant and dedicated selection of parents who support and run the PTA. Without these parents, we would not have such fantastic events, and raise much needed funds for the school.
Probably most importantly though are the HUNDREDS of parents that support the school by supporting their children. Each and every day, there are parents sitting at home hearing their children read, helping with homework or just asking how their day was. This is what helps our children the most - and this is why our children have made more progress this year than ever - thank you!
GR
Saturday, 23 June 2012
I'm really going to miss the Year 6.
We had a trip yesterday. It wasn't of huge educational value - but it did value the huge efforts that our current year six have made in the development of the school.
It is likely that our children in Y6 will be the highest achieving drop since the school opened in 2008. We will have to wait until the SATs results are published in July, to know for sure - however, I know that they have been given the best chances to succeed.
We left school on Friday morning and travelled to Chessington World of Adventures, and despite some teachers' best efforts to get the children interested in the small zoo, and the sea life centre - it ended up being a day of thrill-seeking - seeing who could go on the highest, fastest ride.
Miss Kaur, Mr David (one of our new teachers for September) and a few children began with a ride where it there them upside down, round and round before thoroughly drenching them. No one minded - it was going to rain anyway.
I even went on a few rides myself. I wasn't keen, but when I eventually got on the Cobra - and persuaded a few cautious children t join me, we had a great time!
Some days, when I am getting complaints about certain decisions, or take-up for a certain meeting isn't high, it takes its toll on morale. But days like Friday really restore my belief that the work I am trying to do is worth it. We have wonderful children at Oakfield. These children are achieving the best they have ever achieved - and this year we are certainly going to exceed national averages in Maths - and probably in English too.
Next year and the year after, we plan on building on our success and ensuring that each and every child leaves the school ready to begin the next stage of their career. With only four weeks to go until the end of term, I'd like to thank ALL parents that support the school - and thank too those parents that don't always agree with what I do, but always support and encourage - and always come up with perhaps better ways of doing things.
But most of all, I would like to thank the staff and children of Oakfield, who make it such a great place to learn and work.
GR
It is likely that our children in Y6 will be the highest achieving drop since the school opened in 2008. We will have to wait until the SATs results are published in July, to know for sure - however, I know that they have been given the best chances to succeed.
We left school on Friday morning and travelled to Chessington World of Adventures, and despite some teachers' best efforts to get the children interested in the small zoo, and the sea life centre - it ended up being a day of thrill-seeking - seeing who could go on the highest, fastest ride.
Miss Kaur, Mr David (one of our new teachers for September) and a few children began with a ride where it there them upside down, round and round before thoroughly drenching them. No one minded - it was going to rain anyway.
I even went on a few rides myself. I wasn't keen, but when I eventually got on the Cobra - and persuaded a few cautious children t join me, we had a great time!
Some days, when I am getting complaints about certain decisions, or take-up for a certain meeting isn't high, it takes its toll on morale. But days like Friday really restore my belief that the work I am trying to do is worth it. We have wonderful children at Oakfield. These children are achieving the best they have ever achieved - and this year we are certainly going to exceed national averages in Maths - and probably in English too.
Next year and the year after, we plan on building on our success and ensuring that each and every child leaves the school ready to begin the next stage of their career. With only four weeks to go until the end of term, I'd like to thank ALL parents that support the school - and thank too those parents that don't always agree with what I do, but always support and encourage - and always come up with perhaps better ways of doing things.
But most of all, I would like to thank the staff and children of Oakfield, who make it such a great place to learn and work.
GR
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
New logo, old issues...
Yesterday, a letter was sent to parents informing them of changes to the uniform from September. The change was that a new logo was going to be used on the uniform, instead of the old one.
The new logo is bright, modern and really portrays a sense of moving forward at the school. This logo will eventually replace the old logo in all our school branding.
The letter sent home about the uniform was badly worded and therefore badly handled, and it just goes to show that even with the best intentions, sometimes things go wrong...
Out of the (two) complaints that I have received - and I am sure there are more parents out there who are not happy with the change, but who just haven't written to me - has come a really positive message. Our parents and carers now really like and EXPECT to be consulted. When the new school opened in 2008, and I took over as headteacher, one of the messages from parents was that communication was poor and that they wanted to be consulted.
Over the last four years, I have consulted with parents on a range of topics. Sometimes, when something had gone wrong, I would consult with parents in a focus group. I have also held Parent Advisory Groups (which have stopped for a while, since the last one only had one parent attend!) which have looked at operational issues and how they affect the school.
Sadly, with the logo, there has been no consultation with parents - although some consultation has been carried out with the children - mostly by our Young Evaluator Group. Responses to the new logo have been mixed - but most of the comments made relate to positive aspects of the intention of the new logo. Children asked to comment have said "the logo represents the school better," "it's more modern," and "it's more grown up."
Just to be clear - the old logo on uniform is still perfectly acceptable, and there is no pressure on any parent to buy new uniform until the old uniform is worn out. The last thing I would want is for parents to be put under financial pressure that was unneccesary.
Perhaps in this case, more consultation with parents would have been helpful. I don't believe the logo is bad - I just think the way the situation has been dealt with is bad. But we all learn from our mistakes, hopefully...
GR
The new logo is bright, modern and really portrays a sense of moving forward at the school. This logo will eventually replace the old logo in all our school branding.
The letter sent home about the uniform was badly worded and therefore badly handled, and it just goes to show that even with the best intentions, sometimes things go wrong...
Out of the (two) complaints that I have received - and I am sure there are more parents out there who are not happy with the change, but who just haven't written to me - has come a really positive message. Our parents and carers now really like and EXPECT to be consulted. When the new school opened in 2008, and I took over as headteacher, one of the messages from parents was that communication was poor and that they wanted to be consulted.
Over the last four years, I have consulted with parents on a range of topics. Sometimes, when something had gone wrong, I would consult with parents in a focus group. I have also held Parent Advisory Groups (which have stopped for a while, since the last one only had one parent attend!) which have looked at operational issues and how they affect the school.
Sadly, with the logo, there has been no consultation with parents - although some consultation has been carried out with the children - mostly by our Young Evaluator Group. Responses to the new logo have been mixed - but most of the comments made relate to positive aspects of the intention of the new logo. Children asked to comment have said "the logo represents the school better," "it's more modern," and "it's more grown up."
Just to be clear - the old logo on uniform is still perfectly acceptable, and there is no pressure on any parent to buy new uniform until the old uniform is worn out. The last thing I would want is for parents to be put under financial pressure that was unneccesary.
Perhaps in this case, more consultation with parents would have been helpful. I don't believe the logo is bad - I just think the way the situation has been dealt with is bad. But we all learn from our mistakes, hopefully...
Sunday, 17 June 2012
Father's Day Fun
It was a pleasure to see so many dads, granddads and uncles at school on Friday evening, for what was an evening of Father's Day Fun!
Some poor dads though, thought they were turning up to make a card, or a photo frame. Sadly they were wrong...
Instead, the night consisted of four activities - sports out on the field, speed stacking in a classroom, magnet-making in a classroom and ZUMBA in the hall! The evening was concluded with hot dogs and drinks.
It's fair to say, I think that most families had a really good time. It was wonderful to see so many dads having fun with their children.
Thanks so much to Clare Kent for organising the event, and to the staff members who stayed behind on a Friday night to help. Thanks to our volunteers from the PTA too, who ran refreshments.
So, Father's Day Fun was a success... Has anyone got any good ideas of what we should do for Mother's Day next year...?
GR
Some poor dads though, thought they were turning up to make a card, or a photo frame. Sadly they were wrong...
Instead, the night consisted of four activities - sports out on the field, speed stacking in a classroom, magnet-making in a classroom and ZUMBA in the hall! The evening was concluded with hot dogs and drinks.
It's fair to say, I think that most families had a really good time. It was wonderful to see so many dads having fun with their children.
Thanks so much to Clare Kent for organising the event, and to the staff members who stayed behind on a Friday night to help. Thanks to our volunteers from the PTA too, who ran refreshments.
So, Father's Day Fun was a success... Has anyone got any good ideas of what we should do for Mother's Day next year...?
GR
Thursday, 14 June 2012
Who is out there...?
According to the stats page, 21 people have read the "26 sleeps" post, so far... Who are you? Please leave a message so that I know which parents are reading this BLOG. Your name and the year group your children are in would be very helpful.
Thanks!
GR
Thanks!
GR
26 more sleeps!
Morning all,
I have been reliably informed that there are only 26 more sleeps (school nights only!) until the end of this term, and therefore the end of the academic year. There are also so many things happening this term, that time is likely to fly by.
We have become paperless (or as paperless as possible!) from this term... Can you spread the word between friends and other parents that they all need to be registered with Parent Mail in order to receive newsletters and other letters which directly affect their child. It is quite amazing really... We have sent out original letters, reminders, personal reminder letters and follow up reminders. My office team have also phoned each parent who has not registered, and there are still far too many who have NOT registered. I am registered as a parent with my little boy's school, and I find the service invaluable, so, as I say, please spread the word.
The Olympics is obviously going to dominate much of the work we do this term. Last night, I had dinner with Chris Cook, our Team GB friend, who swam for Team GB in the last Olympics. He was told yesterday that he was going to be a torch bearer in a couple of weeks, so hopefully, by the time he visits school, he will have the torch with him, so our children will get to have a look.
Finally, watch out for a letter going out about a possible residential trip to Turkey in October. We will be inviting children from next year's Year 6 and Year 5 to participate in what is sure to be an amazing experience.
Please come along to my HT Presentation this Friday at 6pm. I will be repeating the presentation I did a couple of weeks ago, which talks about Ofsted and our future federation with Temple Hill Primary School.
That's it for now. Time to go and grab a coffee before the business of the day begins!
GR
I have been reliably informed that there are only 26 more sleeps (school nights only!) until the end of this term, and therefore the end of the academic year. There are also so many things happening this term, that time is likely to fly by.
We have become paperless (or as paperless as possible!) from this term... Can you spread the word between friends and other parents that they all need to be registered with Parent Mail in order to receive newsletters and other letters which directly affect their child. It is quite amazing really... We have sent out original letters, reminders, personal reminder letters and follow up reminders. My office team have also phoned each parent who has not registered, and there are still far too many who have NOT registered. I am registered as a parent with my little boy's school, and I find the service invaluable, so, as I say, please spread the word.
The Olympics is obviously going to dominate much of the work we do this term. Last night, I had dinner with Chris Cook, our Team GB friend, who swam for Team GB in the last Olympics. He was told yesterday that he was going to be a torch bearer in a couple of weeks, so hopefully, by the time he visits school, he will have the torch with him, so our children will get to have a look.
Finally, watch out for a letter going out about a possible residential trip to Turkey in October. We will be inviting children from next year's Year 6 and Year 5 to participate in what is sure to be an amazing experience.
Please come along to my HT Presentation this Friday at 6pm. I will be repeating the presentation I did a couple of weeks ago, which talks about Ofsted and our future federation with Temple Hill Primary School.
That's it for now. Time to go and grab a coffee before the business of the day begins!
GR
Monday, 28 May 2012
Welcome to our Turkish visitors!
A beautiful Monday morning! I hope everyone had a good weekend. Please remember that your child should wear sun screen to school, as it can get very warm outside during the day. I am making sure that all children also have access to sun screen in school, but if your child has allergies, you should ensure they have their own. There will be a letter about this coming out very soon. Watch this space!
Today we welcome 12 children from Bilfen School, Istanbul, and their teachers to our school. The children are very exclited, and we look forward to learning lots about their school. The children are with us for the whole of Heritage Week.
GR
Today we welcome 12 children from Bilfen School, Istanbul, and their teachers to our school. The children are very exclited, and we look forward to learning lots about their school. The children are with us for the whole of Heritage Week.
GR
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Technology can be a curse...
For those of you who know me, you will realise that I love a good bit of technology! I sit there in front of Corrie with my i-pad, my i-phone is rarely out of sight, and I get very excited when a new computer is released for me to try out in the Apple shop at Bluewater.
I also believe that it is essential that I give this passion to our children. Technology is going to play a major part in their lives - even greater than it does in ours today.
I promote the use of technology, which is why we have a school website, which is why I write this blog, and which is why I am trying very hard to get all parents to sign up to ParentMail. Convincing some parents can be an uphill struggle, but we are getting there...
But then, there are days when I wish the Internet had never been born. Particularly on days when I learn that parents have been posting videos and photographs on Facebook. As a school, we make it very clear that we are happy for parents to take photos and videos of their children in school performances. We trust our parents to be sensible about their usage. I would never have dreamt that parents would think it acceptable to put images of school children - not even their own children on line.
We can't allow this to happen in our school.
Unless this stops, we will have to stop parents taking photos. The actions of the minority could have a significant effect on the majority.
Please pass the word. - facebooking school photos is not on.
GR
I also believe that it is essential that I give this passion to our children. Technology is going to play a major part in their lives - even greater than it does in ours today.
I promote the use of technology, which is why we have a school website, which is why I write this blog, and which is why I am trying very hard to get all parents to sign up to ParentMail. Convincing some parents can be an uphill struggle, but we are getting there...
But then, there are days when I wish the Internet had never been born. Particularly on days when I learn that parents have been posting videos and photographs on Facebook. As a school, we make it very clear that we are happy for parents to take photos and videos of their children in school performances. We trust our parents to be sensible about their usage. I would never have dreamt that parents would think it acceptable to put images of school children - not even their own children on line.
We can't allow this to happen in our school.
Unless this stops, we will have to stop parents taking photos. The actions of the minority could have a significant effect on the majority.
Please pass the word. - facebooking school photos is not on.
GR
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Heritage week and plans for next year.
I have been incredibly busy today, planning some of the activities for Heritage Week. At the end of next week, we will be having a massive balloon release. This is a way of raising funds for the school, as well as celebrating the diamond jubilee. Parents should have received a balloon ticket home with their children, and extra tickets can be requested from the school office. There is a prize of £100 for the family whose balloon travels the furthest. Members of the public are asked to send back the tickets attached to the balloon once they are found. I have done this before, and balloons travel for miles! It's great to see how far they go.
We are having a lovely activity of plate painting next week. Again, to commemorate the jubilee, each child will be given a ceramic plate, with the special jubilee logo - and children will have a chance to decorate their own plate. This activity is run by the same people who did the Christmas baubles last year. I can't wait to see how creative our children can be!
The first benefit of our collaboration with Temple Hill was felt today. I have been able to book our workshops for next year, including African drumming, African mask painting, dance and drama workshops and a science forensic workshop too. As I booked workshops for both Oakfield and Temple Hill, I was able to gain a sizeable discount - therefore the money belonging to Oakfield children has gone a little further this year - with us being able to book extra workshops for the same price as last year. This won't be the only benefit of working with Temple Hill - there will certainly be more benefits to come!
Remember to add your comments to this blog so that I can get some feedback from parents! Thanks.
GR
We are having a lovely activity of plate painting next week. Again, to commemorate the jubilee, each child will be given a ceramic plate, with the special jubilee logo - and children will have a chance to decorate their own plate. This activity is run by the same people who did the Christmas baubles last year. I can't wait to see how creative our children can be!
The first benefit of our collaboration with Temple Hill was felt today. I have been able to book our workshops for next year, including African drumming, African mask painting, dance and drama workshops and a science forensic workshop too. As I booked workshops for both Oakfield and Temple Hill, I was able to gain a sizeable discount - therefore the money belonging to Oakfield children has gone a little further this year - with us being able to book extra workshops for the same price as last year. This won't be the only benefit of working with Temple Hill - there will certainly be more benefits to come!
Remember to add your comments to this blog so that I can get some feedback from parents! Thanks.
GR
Friday, 18 May 2012
Oakfield and Temple Hill
Friday is here again. I'm really not sure where the week has gone.
Today all parents are receiving a letter from our Chair or Governors to say that from September, I will be Executive Head of Oakfield and Temple Hill.
Some parents may find this a difficult decision, as their view will be that headteachers should be for one school. In an ideal situation, I may agree - but times are changing within education - and certainly within the UK, there are just not enough headteachers to go around. Did you know that in the last two years, there have been schools in Dartford that have advertised for a headteacher 5, 6 or 7 times....? On top of that, I would love to be leading two schools - it is a fantastic opportunity for me personally, a great career move, and a decision that could see me staying in Dartford for a good few more years.
Working with Temple Hill will be a very positive move for us at Oakfield. We can learn lots from them, and they can learn lots from us too.
My excellent Leadership Team will continue to lead the school well, and I will still be overall in charge. Nothing will really change, apart from perhaps that I will have less input in to day to day decisions. My first priority though will still be your children, and how we can improve their outcomes in learning.
There will be a meeting for parents advertised next week. I look forward to seeing you there!
GR
Today all parents are receiving a letter from our Chair or Governors to say that from September, I will be Executive Head of Oakfield and Temple Hill.
Some parents may find this a difficult decision, as their view will be that headteachers should be for one school. In an ideal situation, I may agree - but times are changing within education - and certainly within the UK, there are just not enough headteachers to go around. Did you know that in the last two years, there have been schools in Dartford that have advertised for a headteacher 5, 6 or 7 times....? On top of that, I would love to be leading two schools - it is a fantastic opportunity for me personally, a great career move, and a decision that could see me staying in Dartford for a good few more years.
Working with Temple Hill will be a very positive move for us at Oakfield. We can learn lots from them, and they can learn lots from us too.
My excellent Leadership Team will continue to lead the school well, and I will still be overall in charge. Nothing will really change, apart from perhaps that I will have less input in to day to day decisions. My first priority though will still be your children, and how we can improve their outcomes in learning.
There will be a meeting for parents advertised next week. I look forward to seeing you there!
GR
Sunday, 13 May 2012
Heritage Week is coming...!
Going through my emails and diary this evening, I got quite a shock at how soon the end of term is! Before the end of term though, we have Heritage Week...
Heritage Week is our fifth special themed week of the year - the last one before our Olympics Fortnight next term.
During Heritage week, Y1-Y6 have some music activities for two days, and then children from Reception to Y6 will have a jubilee plate painting activity as well. Mrs Key, our Assistant Head who "retired" last year has been planning some brilliant activities for all year groups.
We also have twelve students from a school in Turkey visiting for the whole of Heritage Week. I can't wait for our children to meet them, and to learn something about their heritage. There is a plan for us to take some Oakfield children over to see their school in Turkey, and to do some sight-seeing next year. Any child currently in Y5 is eligible to come to Turkey. The trip will be funded - all that parents will need to pay is the cost of the flight, and spending money.
Tomorrow (Monday) we begin SATs testing for Y6. Our lovely Y2 children are coming to their end of their tests and tasks, and they have all done incredibly well. Our Y6 children will have tests in reading and maths this week, and writing tests next week. I am confident that our children will set record levels this year - they are a very bright lot!
GR
Heritage Week is our fifth special themed week of the year - the last one before our Olympics Fortnight next term.
During Heritage week, Y1-Y6 have some music activities for two days, and then children from Reception to Y6 will have a jubilee plate painting activity as well. Mrs Key, our Assistant Head who "retired" last year has been planning some brilliant activities for all year groups.
We also have twelve students from a school in Turkey visiting for the whole of Heritage Week. I can't wait for our children to meet them, and to learn something about their heritage. There is a plan for us to take some Oakfield children over to see their school in Turkey, and to do some sight-seeing next year. Any child currently in Y5 is eligible to come to Turkey. The trip will be funded - all that parents will need to pay is the cost of the flight, and spending money.
Tomorrow (Monday) we begin SATs testing for Y6. Our lovely Y2 children are coming to their end of their tests and tasks, and they have all done incredibly well. Our Y6 children will have tests in reading and maths this week, and writing tests next week. I am confident that our children will set record levels this year - they are a very bright lot!
GR
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Need a holiday?
I hope everyone had a good long weekend. We did the normal family stuff including a big family meal on Sunday, where we cooked for 14 of us. Our eldest boy really enjoyed playing with the children in our family - but was a bit fed up when he realised that he didn't have school on Monday!
What was our 8 year old missing...? Being with his friends, PE on Mondays and doing lots of maths. It's great to hear how much he loves school, and I also love hearing from Oakfield parents how some children get upset if they are ill, as they don't want to ruin their 100% attendance record by not attending school, even just for one day.
The government agenda is really hotting up on attendance and we will be continuing with our policy of referring families who take holidays during school term time. Our attendance as of today stands at 93.5%, and it should be, according to government guidelines, over 95%.
My request is clear - unless absolutely necessary, please take family holidays in holiday time. If this is not possible, please be prepared to pay the fine - currently £50 per child, per parent (which goes to the local authority - NOT to the school!). It is never my intention to penalise parents for wanting a holiday with their family, but I must ensure all parents are aware that children learn best when they are in school.
The school day is nearly over - but after school we have a staff meeting, where all teachers will be getting together to discuss further ways of improving behaviour in class. Then I have another governor meeting this evening at 6pm. Who said teachers finish a 3:30...?
GR
What was our 8 year old missing...? Being with his friends, PE on Mondays and doing lots of maths. It's great to hear how much he loves school, and I also love hearing from Oakfield parents how some children get upset if they are ill, as they don't want to ruin their 100% attendance record by not attending school, even just for one day.
The government agenda is really hotting up on attendance and we will be continuing with our policy of referring families who take holidays during school term time. Our attendance as of today stands at 93.5%, and it should be, according to government guidelines, over 95%.
My request is clear - unless absolutely necessary, please take family holidays in holiday time. If this is not possible, please be prepared to pay the fine - currently £50 per child, per parent (which goes to the local authority - NOT to the school!). It is never my intention to penalise parents for wanting a holiday with their family, but I must ensure all parents are aware that children learn best when they are in school.
The school day is nearly over - but after school we have a staff meeting, where all teachers will be getting together to discuss further ways of improving behaviour in class. Then I have another governor meeting this evening at 6pm. Who said teachers finish a 3:30...?
GR
Friday, 4 May 2012
Governors and Visitors - and now a long weekend!
Over 240 people have viewed the first blog entry, and thanks to Mr Cresswell for leaving the blog's first comment!
Last night was our termly full governing body meeting. The meetings begin at 7:00p.m. and last night, we were walking out the door at around 9:25p.m. The meetings are always long - but often very productive. Last night's meeting was certainly no different. We talked about developing our sex and relationships policy within school, and we also looked at plans for our new building which will be going to planning very shortly.
We also looked at the predictions for our children's results from the SATS tests, which are due to take place for our Y6 children, week beginning May 14th. Things are looking increibly positive, with us making year on year progress. Well done to all of our Y6 children for working so hard!!!!!
This morning, Dawn Funge, my Deputy Head has just left to go and collect Tim Prendergast from the train station. Tim, as I have said previously, is a Paralympian, and we are incredibly lucky for him to be visiting the school.
Remember, it is the long weekend, so I'll see everyone back at school on Tuesday.
GR
Last night was our termly full governing body meeting. The meetings begin at 7:00p.m. and last night, we were walking out the door at around 9:25p.m. The meetings are always long - but often very productive. Last night's meeting was certainly no different. We talked about developing our sex and relationships policy within school, and we also looked at plans for our new building which will be going to planning very shortly.
We also looked at the predictions for our children's results from the SATS tests, which are due to take place for our Y6 children, week beginning May 14th. Things are looking increibly positive, with us making year on year progress. Well done to all of our Y6 children for working so hard!!!!!
This morning, Dawn Funge, my Deputy Head has just left to go and collect Tim Prendergast from the train station. Tim, as I have said previously, is a Paralympian, and we are incredibly lucky for him to be visiting the school.
Remember, it is the long weekend, so I'll see everyone back at school on Tuesday.
GR
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Let's give this a try...
Happy Wednesday to everyone.
I wanted to find a way to easily communicate with parents, carers and children on a more regular basis. Writing a newsletter takes quite a bit of time, writing a blog entry can be done any time, any where - and doesn't have to be photocopied for all to see!
I consulted with some headteacher colleagues, and one or two suggested that a blog may be the way foward. So, let's give this a try!
Today, Wednesday 2nd May, I have just finished e-mailing Tim Prendergast who will be visiting the school on Friday of this week. Tim is a Paralympian, and will be representing New Zealand in the London 2012 Paralypmics. I am incredibly excited that Tim will be visiting the school. As a middle-distance runner, I am hoping to hear how he deals with the challenges that a disability may bring.
Click this link to read more about Tim Prendergast
Have a good day.
GR
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