communication

PRINCIPAL Message

 Dear parents and carers, The term has started well and everyone is fully engaged in learning, enrichment activities and their school roles. Although the Spring Term is relatively short, it is a very busy and important period in the academic year. During this time, key preparation takes place for the statutory assessments that will occur in the first half of the Summer Term. Holidays during term time are not permitted, as this window in the academic year is particularly important for learning and progress. Our overall attendance fell last term and dropped below previous rates. In response, we have contacted families where attendance has fallen into the persistent absence category (below 90%). We are also closely monitoring pupils who are at risk of reaching this level or where patterns of absence have been identified. Please refer to the school’s absence policy for further information, or speak with our Attendance Officer if you would like guidance or support. Let’s work together to improve attendance and return to above-average levels.  

Within KS2, uniform discrepancies remain despite reminders. This is particularly evident in relation to footwear, with trainers being worn instead of the correct school shoes, as well as pupils wearing PE items as part of their daily uniform. In addition, some sportswear and logo items are not in line with our agreed PE kit expectations.

In the spotlight

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY LIves

We continue to focus on our collaborative project – Healthy living Health Lives with the Children's Health team. This has included a review of our Healthy snack policy, assemblies hosted by the Children's Health team and our active citizen groups taking part in their areas.   Eco – Committee: The Eco club undertook a litter pick this week and found some unexpected results:

 

1)    101 Sweet wrappers 2)    Paper 3)    Crisp wrappers Eco Club this week were busy making information booklets about air pollution and how it can affect our health.  They thought hard about promoting exercise – walking, scooting and using bikes to help us keep our air clean and our hearts healthy! Eco Committee met to discuss their ideas for the Great British Spring Clean which takes place 13th-29th March including involving all year groups in litter picking. The Eco-Committee still have the boxes for recycling biscuit and cake wrappers under the Terracycle scheme.

A reminder: sweets and crisps are not part of our healthy snack policy and crisp wrappers can be recycled in our collection box in the hall.

The Senior Prefects have been gathering information and planning updates for the Healthy Lives – Healthy Learning initiative. They will be sharing their aims with the academy during Celebration Assembly this week. Next week, they will be rolling out a survey to all pupils to gather information about their lunchtime choices, whether they walk to school, and the activities they take part in outside of school. As part of this work, they have also been reviewing the Healthy Snacks policy for both pupils and parents. The Senior Prefects have designed an excellent poster to share with the academy and raise awareness among pupils. In addition, the Junior Governors have been involved in creating posters to support the new policies. The pupils will share the outcomes of their work and their findings during an assembly at the end of term.

This is how we do it here

tea & talk

If you would like to attend any of our Tea & Talk's please email mrsalexander@darlinghurstacademy.org.uk

proud to be me