Principal Update
Message from Vicky Ross, Principal (but not for too much longer!)
This week, on Wednesday 30th April, I will, with great sadness, be leaving the Richmond Primary Academy.
It has been just under three years that I have had the privilege and honour of working with the wonderful community that shapes 'The Richmond' - not really long at all. However, the journey that we have been on together has made it feel pretty epic! From my first day, to my last, the school is unrecognisable: new name, new uniform, new curriculum. Despite that, underneath, the heart of the school remains the same. I am leaving behind a community that genuinely cares for each other: the parents and carers for the school, the school for the children and their families, and children that care for each other and the school. Everyone who steps into the school sees and feels it. As the motto says - We are a family. I will be very sad not to be a part of this anymore.
Before I go, I must thank all who have supported me. Of course - the staff who give their all. I need to thank the staff - who come to work and give their best. Many give so much more...
I need to thank the parents and carers for the support and love they give their children... and those who go the extra mile too - such as walking children to swimming in the pouring rain, being governors, and running/supporting the PFA in raising money.
On the subject of money - then there is the local community, businesses and parents who need to be thanked for their ongoing financial support, and very generous donations: such as industrial toasters, trees and plants, bread and butter. Without them, we wouldn't have such a lovely provision .
However...no suprises...I must end by thanking the children of our academy. These wonderful, kind 'small humans' make my day - all day - everyday! No day has ever been the same and I wish them the best futures ever.
I will truly miss you all and wish you all the best....I leave you in good hands, with significant improvements embedded. I have absolutely no doubts that the children will thrive moving forward.
With love... Mrs Ross
Term Dates
Term 3: Monday 6th January 2025 - Friday 14th February 2025
Term 4: Monday 24th February 2025 - Friday 4th April 2025
Term 5: Tuesday 22nd April 2025 - Friday 23rd May 2025 (Bank Holiday: Monday 5th May)
Term 6: Monday 2nd June 2025 - Friday 18th July 2025
Communications
A reminder that we are communicating via:
Email - enquiries@richmondprimary.co.uk
Academy News
Trust and Academy News
As we have only been back four days, there isn't too much to share. However, there will be lots of upcoming Trust and Academy events this term. Look out for more news...
New in September 2025? - Welcome to The Richmond
We have now had confirmation of our new Reception children starting in September. If you have applied, you should have had a place confirmed - you can check online. We will be contacting our new starters very soon with details of transition days. We do have a very small number of places, so if your child is due to start school in September, and you haven't applied for a place yet, then please contact the school for advice.
Year 6 SATS
Please remember that the week beginning 12th May is our Year 6 SATS week. The children have worked so, so hard for these. Please can you ensure that children do not have any commitments or appointments booked in this week and prioritise good attendance.
Check out tonnes of other trust news here…David Ross Education Trust
Staff Spotlight
Mrs Danielle Harris
Many of you will already know our new Principal - Mrs Harris.
Mrs Harris joined the academy a year ago and has been pivotal in driving up the academic standards. We are very excited to have Mrs Harris as our new Principal and look forward to her continued drive for excellence.
This term, we are also welcoming Mrs Harmer and Mrs Johnson to the academy.
Mrs Sarah Harmer
Mrs Harmer is currently working Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays as our brand new SENDCO. She has tonnes of experience working in Skegness Grammar School so, to some parents, might already be a well-known face.
Mrs Jazia Johnson
Mrs Jadzia Johnson (not to be confused with our existing Mrs Johnson) has had a wonderful start in Year 1. We welcome her to the school with open arms!
Community News
Summer Safety
We know with the arrival of the sun and longer days, children will be playing outdoors more. As well as parental supervision, the poster below has some really good tips to keep older children safe while out. - encourage children to follow the safety tips!
Mental Health or Wellbeing Support?
What if I need urgent help now?
If your mental health deteriorates and you feel unsafe, distressed or worried, call 111 and select the mental health option. A mental health professional will answer your call. If you are unable to call, someone can call on your behalf.
Emotional support can be found by calling the mental health helpline 0800 001 4331.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing support for children and young people can be accessed by ringing Lincolnshire Here4You on 0800 234 6342.
If you cannot call, text SHOUT on 85258 to start a conversation
Community News
Contextual Safeguarding is combatting the risks to children that are presented by their location - part of which is the community they live in. At the Richmond Primary Academy, we have identified that our Primary Contextual Safeguarding Concerns fall into the following three categories:
Risk/Harm caused by inappropriate supervision of children
The proximity of water (sea and waterways), the railway, busy roads and dangers caused by the influence of drugs, alcohol and gangs, means that children who are alone - or poorly supervised in the home and community are at risk - we aim to support parents with increased knowledge and access to local/national agencies. In this way we will minimise these risks and educate our children in navigating these dangers.
Risk/Harm caused by anti-social and/or criminal behaviour in the community
Domestic and sexual violence, gang crime, shop-lifting, arson and anti-social behaviour are prevalent in the area of Skegness. We are making links with the community services to support our families. Children, through PSHE and values education, will have the right character to resist these dangers.
Risk/Harm caused by exposure to inappropriate content
TV, media - including social media, streaming, and online gaming are conduits for children to access the dangers of grooming, self-harm images, explicit images and extremist views. Our PSHE and parental engagement programme will be developed to support parents in reducing the risks of exposure to these and to build digital resilience in children.