Be the Change!
Headteacher Newsletter - Autumn 2 2020
Contents
1. 'Be the change you want to see in the world.'
2. The Term's Successes
3. On the Horizon...
4. Reminders
5. School Improvement Activity
6. Safeguarding
1. 'Be the change you want to see in the world.'
It seems light years since the last time I wrote to you all (in the termly HT newsletter). Back then, we were all (I know I was) probably filled with trepidation about how to navigate 'Back to Schooling' in light of the many challenges. There have certainly been a lot of barriers to overcome and many hurdles to bridge. That said, upon looking back, I am immensely proud of how the school community has faced such adversity and I am duly grateful for all the understanding and messages of support.
I can only sympathise with so many on the recent lockdown measures and subsequent implications these are having. It appears we are not at the other end, however, this week has proved that, as a community, we have resilience in abundance. We've received messages of support from governors, the Tilian Partnership, parents and members of the community. This is amazing because one of our 6 Crawford's Cogs is being 'Resilient.'
A few changes have had to take shape, recently, and I am saddened to reiterate that we are currently adapting without the usual services of Miss Mitchell and Mrs Singleton. Despite these changes, I am confident that the wonderful staff and community of Haughley will adapt and continue to support us to ensure that our children get the first-class education we all work so hard to achieve. I am also pleased to share that teaching and learning has taken an innovative leap forwards in the form of 'live' video teaching. Now, technology is most certainly neutral in that it can do as much harm as it can good. However, I am extremely impressed with how we are working creatively to ensure we are indeed on the right side of this divide.
This term has already seen so many highlights and as each day comes and goes we all find new ways to adapt, be creative, and continue to keep the children safe, happy and thriving in their school environment. A huge amount of this is down to the staff (who have been absolutely incredible), yourselves (for supporting your child(ren)) and, of course, the children (who continue to adopt and own the Crawford's Cog lifelong learning skills).
And, on that note, I am so proud and inspired to share this newsletter with you in order to showcase the successes of the past term. Significant highlights for me would have to be: the Year 6 Alton Water trip; developments with Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL); our wrap-around care of FREE breakfast and after-school clubs; a wonderfully bright and happy new Reception Class; excellent outcomes with a new writing approach and, in general, a firm focus on outdoor learning in order to support children's health, wellbeing and happiness.
Mahatma Gandhi once said: 'Be the change you want to see in the world.' My message to the Crawford's children is: 'What an unbelievable change you have made!
Have a lovely week!
Mr Francksen
Executive Headteacher
2. The Term's Successes...
New Learning Environments
Outdoor Play And Learning (OPAL)
Our New Reception Learners
FREE Breakfast Clubs
FREE After-school Clubs
Hockey Coaching from the girls at Ipswich Independent School
Our Proud New Sports Captains
Outdoor Learning takes Precedent
Year 4, 5 & 6 Alton Water Trip
Parent Feedback...
Thank you very much for organising this amazing experience for the children. She love it!
Such an amazing experience to give the children, he absolutely loved it.
Thanks to all involved in making it happen. She had an amazing time, evidenced by her sore throat and aching arms. Thank you so much for taking them.
A New Writing Approach Reaps Rewards
'Virtual' Collective Worship as a School
3. On the Horizon...
Remembrance Day
Outdoor Classroom Day
Christmas Lunch
4. Reminders
Covid-19 Symptoms Reminder
We’d like to remind you of this section within our Risk Assessment.
Ensure all staff and parents understand the NHS Test and Trace process and know that they need to:
- Book a test if they are displaying symptoms;
Provide details of anyone they have been in close contact with if they were to test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or if asked by NHS Test & Trace;
- Self-isolate if they have been in close contact with someone who develops coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or someone who tests positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Layers/uniform
Visitors
Due to the most recent lockdown measures, no visitors (e.g. prospective families) will be allowed to visit the school grounds.
Water bottles
No Resources Needed!
School Packed Lunches - save some money!
We are pleased that more than half of our pupils regularly opt for school lunch at Crawford's and we’d like to remind you that a school packed lunch is an option, instead of our hot food menu. This is particularly beneficial for those who are making home packed lunches for children on Universal Infant Free School Meals (those in YR, Y1 and Y2). If your child would like a School Packed Lunch they just need to let their teacher know at registration.
The school packed lunch consists of a filled roll, a savoury snack, fruit, dessert and an apple drink.
We can also offer pupils sausages on Fridays instead of the fish option - please contact the office staff if your child would like this.
5. School Improvement Activity
- To implement high-quality numeracy across the school - I am delighted to announce that we are beginning the first year of a 4-year journey with the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) to develop the vital skills and practices to build a sustainable, mastery approach to mathematics teaching and learning;
- To implement high-quality literacy across the school - As previously mentioned, we are embarking on a whole-school approach called 'The Write Stuff.' As a Trust, we have decided that implementing one strategy well (linked to teaching as opposed to intervention) will be more effective and The Write Stuff approach supports much of the evidence base from research by the Education Endowment Fund (EEF). Please see The Writing Rainbow below. Ask the children - hopefully they'll be able to explain what this is.
- To implement an ambitious, precise curriculum - please check out our Golden Circle Curriculum (link below).
6. Safeguarding
About Us
Email: admin@crawfordsprimary.suffolk.sch.uk
Website: crawfordsprimaryschool.com
Location: Haughley, Stowmarket IP14 3QZ, UK
Phone: 01449 673253
Twitter: @CrawfordsPSchl