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
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