Happy New Year - getting ready for Term 3

Happy New Year to all parents and children from Oakfield and Temple Hill.  I hope everyone has had a great holiday so far, and that Santa brought everything you hoped for.

My nine year old was spoilt, as was our two year old - especially because this year we have spent Christmas and New Year with nanny and grandad - my parents, who live near Malaga in Spain.  The weather has been great, we have had a great holiday - and now it is nearly time to return home!

I'm really looking forward to Term 3 at Oakfield and Temple Hill.  We have lots to look forward to - including a visit from a lady with cerebral palsy.  She will be talking with the children about what it is like living with a disability.  We also have Alex Danson, part of the Olympic Team GB women's hockey team, visiting both schools in January.  She will be talking about what motivated her to become a sportswoman.  I can't wait for her visit.

Also in Term 3 we have our Parent Consultation Days.  For Oakfield, this is happening on Tuesday 15th January and for Temple Hill, this is happening on Wednesday 16th January.  Oakfield parents will be aware of the day, but for Temple Hill, this is the first time this has happened at the school.

School will be closed for normal lessons for the whole day.  This will give parents and teachers, as well as support staff to discuss their child's progress fully.  To confirm, Oakfield will be closed for lessons on Tuesday 15th January and Temple Hill will be closed for normal lessons on Wednesday 16th January.

On the first day back of school, Monday 7th January, each parent will receive a letter home, asking them to express a preference for a time slot for an interview with the class teacher.  It is expected that every parent will attend an appointment, and their child will attend with them.

This is an excellent opportunity for parents to discuss with the teacher exactly where your child's strengths are, and in which areas they need further support.

Please make the effort to ensure that you are able to attend on the day.  This is really important in order to support your child's learning.

Also in Term 3, we will be launching our 1:1 private tuition programme.  This will enable children who need extra support to be given it either before or after school, or at lunch times.  Some of the tuition will be given by the schools' teachers, and some tuition will be given by teachers from outside of the school.  If you are offered the opportunity for your child to receive 1:1 tuition, please take up the offer as this is a great opportunity to support your child in gaining pace with their learning.

I look forward to welcoming you all back to school on Monday 7th January.

GR