Dear Parents and Carers,
It’s been another wonderfully busy (albeit short) week in school, and I’m delighted to share just how much has been happening across our community. The harmonious sounds drifting from the hall have been truly glorious as our Year 3 children rehearse for their upcoming show. Out on the field, the school grounds have come alive, with children making the most of the our field at breaktimes and lunchtimes. A small group of children have also been enjoying the opportunity to explore music technology at the local library, supported by The Music Works. Meanwhile, both staff and children are continuing to work incredibly hard, something that shines through so clearly in our end-of-week celebration assembly - always such a gorgeous way to finish the week.
Mrs. Fitzsimmons, Mr. Jukes and myself started off the week, having the pleasure of welcoming Clover Lake, the Lead for Gloucestershire Young Carers into our school on Tuesday. The NHS have defined a Young Carer as: a person who is under 18 and helps to look after a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or substance misuse.
With approximately 1,400 young carers currently registered across the county - while the true figure is estimated to be closer to 7,000 - the importance of recognising and supporting this group is increasingly evident.
Young carers have recently been brought into the spotlight, particularly in relation to Ofsted’s expectations of schools and their statutory duty to identify and support vulnerable pupils. During the meeting, we were able to reflect critically on how we, as a school, raise the awareness of young carers, proactively recognise these children, as well as putting in appropriate support.
As part of this ongoing work, Clover also led a 'Carer Aware' assembly for our children. The assembly focused on key messages around empathy, helping pupils to better understand the experiences of young carers, and encouraging self-identification so that those who may have caring responsibilities feel more confident in coming forward and seeking support.
There is still time to contribute to our 'What Does Inclusion Mean at CKJS?' Padlet.
I will be taking all responses to the first governors' meeting after May Half Term to collate everyone's ideas.
We have created a display in school of the children’s contributions, which is brightening up our main corridor. Every time I pass and catch a glimpse of what our children have written or drawn, it fills me with a real sense of pride and admiration for their creativity, thoughtfulness, and individuality.
The School Council have been working incredibly hard behind the scenes, developing and demonstrating their leadership skills through their latest initiative. They have been exploring our school environment and thinking carefully about how we can all take greater pride in the spaces we learn in each day.
As part of this, they are keen to inspire everyone across the school to share this responsibility. This week, they launched a cloakroom award for each year group, introducing it to the children in assembly and setting clear expectations for how we can all contribute.
The key message: Let’s all belong, and work together to make our environment the place where we all want to be.
Pupil achievements outside of school keep happening and, as I write this, I know that many of our children are currently performing at the Cheltenham Performing Arts Festival at the Town Hall. This festival is held extremely dear to me because, as a child, I too took part, competing with my dance school across many different dance disciplines. It brings me such joy to know that our children are now creating their own memories there too. Good luck to everyone performing throughout the festival.
We were also delighted to hear that Sheryl competed in her very first green ball tennis tournament in Taunton and delivered an outstanding performance, bringing home both a gold and a silver medal in the singles events. I have since learnt that a ‘green ball’ tournament is a competitive tournament which is the final bridge towards a full-size yellow ball. What an extraordinary achievement and a wonderful example of dedication, resilience and talent. We are all incredibly proud of you.
Another small request: if you wish to contact any of our teachers, or indeed myself, please email our reception team at reception@ckjs.org.uk. Rest assured that your message will be passed on promptly. By doing this, emails are received during the school day rather than in the evening, helping us to protect the wellbeing of our teaching team while still ensuring clear and timely communication.
As we look ahead to the coming week, we hope Year 6 are able to enjoy a restful and positive weekend, giving themselves time to recharge. By Monday, we want them to feel confident and ready to sit their National Curriculum Tests - thinking 'bring it on!' - so they can showcase just how incredible they are and all they have achieved.
That just leaves me to say, have the most wonderful weekend.
Warmest wishes,
Mrs. Beccy Andrews